Microsoft Sidewinder FF2 is it worth it?

[nicka117]

Hey guys, I'm just kind of starting out with flight sims here. Been doing a lot of racing sims.

 

In racing sims, you basically have to have FFB to get feedback from the tires, but I've noticed there aren't really any FFB flight sticks around anymore. But everyone seems to still rave about the Sidewinder.

 

I'm thinking about dropping the $80 or so to get one off ebay but what exactly does FFB in a flight sim do? I know the handle vibrates when you fire the guns and maybe flutters around when you start to stall, but what else? Does it give more resistense when you'r in a high speed dive and can't get the control surfaces to move?

 

Basically, waht makes FFB cool or needed in a flight sim? I'm all for it if it gives better immersion.

 

 

[SYN_Bandy]

Get it, you won't regret it.  Unless it doesn't work...

[jarg1]

I'm also curious about owners opinions on the value.  Specifically, I wonder if they feel that it improves their flying, or just the experience?

[39bn_pavig]

Many years ago I flew with a Logitech ffb stick. One of the advantages is you can feel control surface slip and stall points, allowing you to train your muscle memory to fly the craft just within it's aeronautical window of control. So like cars where you are trying to maximize grip on the ground and thus your thrust vector, in flight sims you're trying to use rather than lose most of your energy, to both remain in control of the craft and beat your opponent in energy management. Flying well with ffb gave me the same sense of zen control as racing well in Grand Prix Legends, with the extra fun of watching your enemy bail out.

[Dakpilot]

It is hard to describe benefits of MSFFB2, the feeling of controls is very good, while it does not and cannot replicate real life stick forces the stiffening up while in a dive, buffet while on the edge of a stall and then going light transitioning into a stall are very well simulated.
I was not sure either, but after a 3 year search (not easy to come by in my area) I finally got one and am very happy I did, in fact looking out for another as a spare, however the build quality seems superb

 

Wish there was a modern alternative...there must be a reason why just about every flight sim Dev's desk is graced by a (often modified) MSFFB2

Cheers Dakpilot

Edited September 16, 2014 by Dakpilot

[J2_Trupobaw]

I'm also curious about owners opinions on the value.  Specifically, I wonder if they feel that it improves their flying, or just the experience?

My FFB2 broke down two weeks ago and while I'm waiting for it to be fixed / looking for second FFB2 I refuse to fly BoS. There is no point, I've tried RoF with same physics and much more forgiving planes and even that was exercise in masochism - I perform right hand moves and see how my plane flies, but don't feel what's happening to me, like trying to place an object on a shelf without feeling it's mass. Extra caution is needed, I fly planes to less than their full ability since I can't predict / prevent the stalls that easily. FFB lets you fly by muscle memory, plane telling your hand "I'm straining on this axis" and hand reacting by easing a little. I've switched to CloD / DCS which seem to be less FFB-dependent and am hoping to get working FFB2 before BoS single player campaign i released.

 

 

Edited September 16, 2014 by Trupobaw

[=LD=Penshoon]

I'm also curious about owners opinions on the value.  Specifically, I wonder if they feel that it improves their flying, or just the experience?

For me it's mostly about the enhanced experience but I also think it makes you get to know the plane much faster. Overall the difference a few motors make is huge. I can't play without it anymore.

[nicka117]

Thank you gents, you've all been very helpful. Hope to see you in one of the servers when I get better.

[AA_Engadin]

Currently, best bang for the buck ever for a FFB joy.

 

Got one since it was released, on EAW times.

 

By the way, interesting project here to get a Sidewinder FFB Pro to work under Windows7. Worth a read:

 

http://www.descentbb.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19061

 

AA_Engadin

[Vaxxtx]

I love the MSFF2 for WWII flight games. I have 2 spares wioth one never been opened that I got for $20 bucks from a lady whos husband bought it new, but never used it.

 

There is a bug/glitch in BoS that I noticed though when using it. Using elevator trim sometimes kills the pitch FFB. The roll FFB is still there though. Its odd and I have only been able to correct it by restarting the game. Its annoying but happens often enough to be noticed.

[sallee]

I have one and a spare. I love it. Being able to feel an incipient stall is useful as well as immersive.

[nicka117]

Currently, best bang for the buck ever for a FFB joy.

 

Got one since it was released, on EAW times.

 

By the way, interesting project here to get a Sidewinder FFB Pro to work under Windows7. Worth a read:

 

http://www.descentbb.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19061

 

AA_Engadin

It works in windows 7, but you just can't go in and adjust the settings right?

[=LD=Penshoon]

It works in windows 7, but you just can't go in and adjust the settings right?

The link is about the Force feedback pro (FFP). It's older and uses a gameport plug. Windows stopped supporting gameport devices back in windows vista. 

 

The FFB2 works great in W7 as long as it's one with the USB plug, just plug it in and let windows apply the default driver (don't use the CD). You only lose a few force settings but most are configurable ingame instead. 

[nicka117]

Gotcha thanks!

[jarg1]

Is anyone using it with Windows 8.1?

[=LD=Penshoon]

Is anyone using it with Windows 8.1?

Tried plugging mine into my laptop that runs 8.1 and the drivers installed right away and recognized it as "Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick". Don't have BOS installed but all axis & buttons worked on the calibration page so it should work ingame as well. 

[6high]

Is anyone using it with Windows 8.1?

No problems here running it under 8.1

[BlackDevil]

one main reason for FFB in RoF and BoS: the in trim position (neutral position) is always correct. No way to model that for a non FFB stick. And there is no other flightsim modelling this as real as them.

Edited September 19, 2014 by BlackDevil

[nicka117]

Well, I got one and the trigger is broken but it is an absolute joy to fly with in COD. The stick pressures really connect me to the trim of the plane and let me feel when I'm approaching a stall, etc. Just a joy to fly around.

 

It just doesn't work the same with BOS. Forces are very faint and I can hardly feel them.