Flight Controller best?

[fixrupr]

Just purchased (for a friend who lives way in the boonies):
Saitek X45 digital joystick & throttle .

Was told by sales guy yhat it’s the best flight controller.
Will be used with MS Flight Simulator 2002 on new PC.
Price @ $80 is same as MS top of the line

Want to do right thing here, and I don’t have a clue re gaming.

Question:
Is this the best joystick for flight simulation, or is the salesman full of s***.

[kenja]

I'm not a gamer either, so all I know is what Maximum PC magazine tells me http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif . "Gear of the Year" joystick was the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. "With a great button layout, an integrated power brick, and force feedback effects that aren't too weak or too strong, but rather juuust right, the Sidewinder Force 2 returns to Gear of the Year in 2001. If it ain't broke, don't fix it." (Kick Ass Award in February).

In the most recent issue, they liked the Logitech Wingman Strike Force 3D; it earned a "verdict 9", the same as the MS FF2. "Whether we're playing a space sim... or a flight sim... the Strike Force 3D is the force-feedback stick we reach for first." "This stick would have been Kick Ass if it came with a heavier base and was offered in southpaw trim."

[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 12-27-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Hey Fix,

Check it out:
http://www.joystickreview.com/saitek/x45digitaljoystickandthrottle.shtml

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


------------------
Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.
- Pamela Vault Starr

[fixrupr]

Kenja,
Thanks for the reply.
I too am wary of non-MS input devices.
Advantages of X45:
Specifically designed for flight simulator use (his only use)
Reviews on line had no negatives, and gave it 5 stars (same as MS with feedback that you mentioned)


Thanks blue,
saw that one, but safe route is to not decide at all.

Bottom line:
I’ll p/u the MS joystick too. That way he’ll have 3 joysticks to f*** with.

[fixrupr]

final analysis:

He is in heaven with the Saitek. He is only wondering now if his application to the "mile high club" will be honored. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

thanks,
fixrupr

[This message has been edited by fixrupr (edited 01-02-2002).]