A couple more questions

[Hellcatz]

I posted last week about if a joystick was required to play this game and the general answer that I got was no, but it isn't worth it to play the game without one. So, here are some more questions...

 

> Can someone recommend a good joystick for me? I am thinking between $50-$80, I don't need pedals or all sorts of switches. 

 

> Secondly, the last time i used a joystick when playing a flight-sim was 5 or 6 years ago and I wasn't very good. Is it fairly easy to get the hang of using a joystick or does it take a lot of practice? 

 

> Lastly, on the website I can get a pack that is $94.99. Below that it says that there is a premium and a standard edition to this game. Which one costs $94.99? 

 

Thanks for the help,

 

Hellcatz

Edited February 3, 2014 by Hellcatz

[Trident_109]

The premium edition (gold bar members) is $94.00. The standard edition (silver bar members) is $59.00 which won't be available again until final retail in the spring. When official retail starts the premium edition will be $99.00.

 

Using a joystick is easier and more enjoyable than a keyboard, but it will still take practice. Things like torque are modeled in the game and most new comers (and even old pros) have a period of time adjusting. Flight maneuvers and gunnery skill have to be 'mastered' and they have their own set of difficulties. On a whole using a joystick is as difficult as any discipline is but it is rewardingly difficult.

 

As a beginning stick I'd recommend the Saitek Aviator. I've had decent luck with my Saitek gear (though I now use CH Products) and the Aviator is ~ $40.00. Once you determine if Combat Flight Simming is for you, then you can invest in more expensive peripherals. Others may recommend a Logitec stick but my first stick was a Logitec and 3 months into owning it it wouldn't center it's rudder or aileron functions. My friend's had the same issue.

[Fifi]

 

 

 Is it fairly easy to get the hang of using a joystick or does it take a lot of practice? 

 

 

A lot easier than keyboard!

No practice with joystick to go up/down and left/right 

[[JG2]VonK]

I also recommend T-16000M. Great joystick for a fair price.

[Allons]

I posted last week about if a joystick was required to play this game and the general answer that I got was no, but it isn't worth it to play the game without one. So, here are some more questions...

 

> Can someone recommend a good joystick for me? I am thinking between $50-$80, I don't need pedals or all sorts of switches. 

 

Hi Hellcatz, last time you thought u did´nt need a joystick, now u think u don´t need pedals & switches? You will

 

I recommend u buy a used HOTAS wich will give u better control and feeling. Start with a used Saitek HOTAS, it will cost not more than u would pay for a new average flightstick but the Saiteks come with some rudder switch underside the throttle. See here:

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l2632.R2.TR2.TRC1.A0.XSaitek+X45&_nkw=saitek+x45&_sacat=54968&_from=R40

 

Best, Allons!

Edited February 3, 2014 by Stab/ZG26-Allons

[BlackSix]

> Lastly, on the website I can get a pack that is $94.99. Below that it says that there is a premium and a standard edition to this game. Which one costs $94.99?

$94.99 it's the price for the premium edition. Standard edition will be available after the release for the price of $59,99

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/168-developer-diary/?do=findComment&comment=39062

[SYN_Mike77]

I own a thrustmaster T16000 and highly recommendit.  But which ever you get make sure it is a twist stick so you can control the rudder that way if you don't get pedals.  The T16000 is a twist stick.

[Georgio]

I posted last week about if a joystick was required to play this game and the general answer that I got was no, but it isn't worth it to play the game without one. So, here are some more questions...

 

> Can someone recommend a good joystick for me? I am thinking between $50-$80, I don't need pedals or all sorts of switches. 

 

> Secondly, the last time i used a joystick when playing a flight-sim was 5 or 6 years ago and I wasn't very good. Is it fairly easy to get the hang of using a joystick or does it take a lot of practice? 

 

> Lastly, on the website I can get a pack that is $94.99. Below that it says that there is a premium and a standard edition to this game. Which one costs $94.99? 

 

Thanks for the help,

 

Hellcatz

 

+1 on the Thrustmaster stick, though do bear one thing in mind with this sim.

The tendancy of the plane to veer to the side on take off means that some form of rudder control is essential otherwise you are going to have a miserable time even getting off the ground.

You don't need pedals (at this stage) but whichever joystick you choose will need preferrably a left/right switch that you can reach with your thumb so that you can keep reasonably straight on take off. At a pinch you could use the keyboard for rudder control but it's better if you train yourself to use the controls on the joystick as much as possible.

 

This effect is perfectly normal for a powerful prop aircraft albeit a bit harsh in the current build; I've been flying sims for decades and it took me (and probably most other experienced simmers) a while to get used to this, so a complete newcomer could find almost impossible.

But then that's what you get for a hi-fidelity flight sim, at the end of the day we want this to be as accurate and realistic as possible otherwise it's not pushing the genre forward.

[Bearcat]

I posted last week about if a joystick was required to play this game and the general answer that I got was no, but it isn't worth it to play the game without one. So, here are some more questions...

 

> Can someone recommend a good joystick for me? I am thinking between $50-$80, I don't need pedals or all sorts of switches. 

 

> Secondly, the last time i used a joystick when playing a flight-sim was 5 or 6 years ago and I wasn't very good. Is it fairly easy to get the hang of using a joystick or does it take a lot of practice? 

 

> Lastly, on the website I can get a pack that is $94.99. Below that it says that there is a premium and a standard edition to this game. Which one costs $94.99? 

 

Thanks for the help,

 

Hellcatz

 

The Thrustmaster is a good place to start as others have said... A joystick will also be a lot easier than a keyboard.. but I really suggest that you consider getting pedals as well ... It will cost a bit more but the immersion/enjoyment factor will be increased commensurately ..

[76SQN-FatherTed]

The Thrustmaster is a good place to start as others have said... A joystick will also be a lot easier than a keyboard.. but I really suggest that you consider getting pedals as well ... It will cost a bit more but the immersion/enjoyment factor will be increased commensurately ..

 

The T16000 is a twisty stick, so there is some rudder control - better than rocker switches or keyboard at least.  That being the case I would spend any "pedal money" I had on TIR.

[barndoor]

Hellcatz,

 

For your $50-$80 price range I would really recommend a Saitek X52. There are usually a few on ebay used for around this price.  Look-

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=saitek+x52&_frs=1

 

What your getting with this system is a twist rudder and stick + throttle but also plenty of sliders/wheels.

These sliders are really gonna help you once your flying - particularly with trim. I have a Logitech G940 with wheels (sliders) on and have them set for il-2 right now but once BoS is fully working I imagine I'll have similar settings. I have prop pitch, fuel mixture, radiator cowl opening, rudder trim, aileron trim and elevator trim all on sliders. I'd be lost without these settings. Particularly the elevator trim which I need to keep my aircraft in level flight.

Lots of buttons - great. A few sliders - much better  

 

Also, if your budget goes up - a trackIR is great fun , adds immersion and advantage in cockpit only/ no padlock flight.

 

Good luck in your search!

 

Jay

Edited February 3, 2014 by barndoor

[Bladderburst]

I have a Saitek X52 which I like and hate sometimes. When you have your hands off your keyboard 100% it's great.

If you like playing sims like me, Rudder pedals, track IR and Hotas are a kind of a must. However it means around 400$ of hardware...l so get the hotas first, then a year later track IR and then complete with the pedals... Then you'll look like a freak when playing but at least you'll be a happy freak.

[smink1701]

I like the Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X. Very affordable and it has a nice big base that provides a lot of stability when resting on your lap. I like the stick in the same position it would be in the plane ... Not off to the side like an F16.