For those of you with an Saitek AV8R joystick family.

[Harfang]

Well I like the stick but I found myself raging over the tendency of the spring cup to stick thus losing precision when targeting and firing. One solution I found is to cut the spring a little. A half to one whole turn or loops NOT MORE. Try to cut small parts till you get the result you want. A good pair of side cutters is recommended . WARNING : If you cut too much the stick will lose resistance thus preventing the joystick to center again. Since cutting that spring a little the joystick is more precise and not sticking anymore and now I can shoot planes down. I don't know if Saitek changed the spring on the latest models but on the AV8R-01 the compression spring is just a little too strong.

 

 

Hope it helps ! 

 

Raven77

[vonPilsner]

I used zip ties to shorten the spring on my X52 (in case you are afraid of cutting spring).

 

[Harfang]

Another good idea ! I missed that X52 joystick but mine decided to died after 2 years on il-2 1946. But if I remind correctly the X52 joystick spring is smaller and weaker than a AV8R. In fact tthe spring on the AV8R is the only quality part on that joystick lol. I missed my x52 joystick it was a good stick but mine came with quality problems that show themselves after the warrenty. The wiring was way too short in the stick and I experienced a lot of wiring problems ( broken wires ) due to this then it died after much repairs. Anyway I might get the X55 in a near future just to give Saitek time to get rid of some quality and assembly problems some people has been experienced so far.