controllers

[panzerdawn]

hi im new to this sim.. what controller or joystick do you recommend?

i have a ps4 controller i use  for other games on my pc .

any ideas pls 

[Odin78]

I dont hawe joystick now .Using XBos X and PS4 controllers.PS4 with DS4Windows program IMHO is better for additional controll.

[Eisenfaustus]

I use the Thrustmaster T16000 which in my opinion gives very good precision for the price. And if you get invested more in this hobby, you can upgrade easily with an additional throttle and pedals. 

[DD_Crash]

How much do you want to spend?

[co199]

If you want to be competitive in multiplayer, your only real option is a full HOTAS setup and TrackIR or VR. There's no two ways about it.

 

Personally, I don't play MP so I'm content with using an XBOX controller and the keyboard. I can share keybindings if you want.

[CountZero]

I play with logitech gamepad and have no problems in MP, i know few more who play with gamepads online its not a big handicap. If you wont to roll play as pilot then you should get more stuff, but if your just about playing game your good with gamepads if you already have them from playing other games.

[sevenless]

As a first start I´d recommend the Thrustmaster 16.000M FCS Hotas (Stick and Throttle). They set you back about 130 EUR together. I´d consider those to be the best in the low price segment. Later you can complement that with rudder pedals. From there on the sky is the limit. You could easily spend 1.500 EUR on high end gear by Virpil, VKB, Thrustmaster Warthog Hotas, MFG pedals etc.

 

Thrustmaster T16000 FCS Hotas - Hands On Throttle And Stick - HOTAS Joystick: Präzision und alle Kontrollen an Ihren Fingerspitzen fur PC : Amazon.de: Games

 

Oh and don´t forget Track IR. The best value IMHO you get from Delianclip combined with the free Opentrack software. I prefer wireless, but they also  have a wired solution.

 

DELANCLiP Fusion - Complete Kit (Wireless) (delanengineering.com)

Edited October 27, 2021 by sevenless

[zan64]

first time flying a p-47 and i made the best landing I HAVE EVER DONE in a sim and in real life... like butter smooth unreal, with an 8bitdo snes controller using one thumb as flight stick and another as camera - i was shocked lol

 

i actually sold my track ir and instead now use a playstation nav controller (the one that looks like a wii numchuck) in left as camera and normal CH stick in right

 

when i fly heavies (110, 47 and bombers) i use my 8bitdo

 

edit: the one i use , has enuogh buttons to map everything, use the triggers as rudder, bumpers as guns and throttle, d pad for rpm/coolant

https://www.8bitdo.com/pro2/

Edited October 28, 2021 by zan64

[Mollotin]

On 10/27/2021 at 3:36 PM, co199 said:

If you want to be competitive in multiplayer, your only real option is a full HOTAS setup and TrackIR or VR. There's no two ways about it.

 

Personally, I don't play MP so I'm content with using an XBOX controller and the keyboard. I can share keybindings if you want.

 

I disagree.

 

u can do well with jus a joystic and effective way to look around.

 

I have t160000 joystick, mouse  for view and mouse wheel for throttle. Works well.

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

I don't recommend T16000 (it have  precise sensors but is to stiff to make good use of it), better is cheap Ravcore Javelin .

[Eclipse4349]

On 10/26/2021 at 4:53 PM, panzerdawn said:

hi im new to this sim.. what controller or joystick do you recommend?

i have a ps4 controller i use  for other games on my pc .

any ideas pls 

You're really only limited by how much you want to spend. There are options from about $30 to over $300. And +1 for the TrackIR recommendation. You will wonder how you went without it.  Head tracking makes a huge difference! 

 

Welcome to IL-2 

Edited October 29, 2021 by Eclipse4349

[Jaws2002]

Most decent joysticks this days are above $100.  If you are going to pay that much get yourself a VKB Gladioator NXT. Very high quality for a basic joystick and you can later get pedals. 

 If you want to go nuts, Virpil and VKB make very high quality controllers.

Edited October 30, 2021 by Jaws2002

[sevenless]

16 hours ago, 1PL-Husar-1Esk said:

 better is cheap Ravcore Javelin .

 

Yep that is a good one, VKB Gladiator Mk.II produced in license, about 80 bucks. If you as a starter want only to use the stick (it has twist for rudder and a throttle) and a whole bunch of buttons. I thought it is like the original VKB Gladiator II out of production? You still can buy it?

[taffy2jeffmorgan]

17 hours ago, 1PL-Husar-1Esk said:

I don't recommend T16000 (it have  precise sensors but is to stiff to make good use of it), better is cheap Ravcore Javelin .

You must have an odd stick, because I have had the T16000 for a few years and still find it very responsive and smooth and with many of its buttons assigned too functions it has to be one of the best sticks for the price, I intend to buy the Hotas version sometime soon.

[oc2209]

On 10/26/2021 at 1:53 PM, panzerdawn said:

hi im new to this sim.. what controller or joystick do you recommend?

i have a ps4 controller i use  for other games on my pc .

any ideas pls 

 

A 22-year-old Microsoft Sidewinder joystick.

 

What? I'm serious.

 

I wept like a wee lass when my main trigger broke recently. Now I shoot with my thumb. Doesn't quite feel right. But I'll use the stick until it falls to pieces.

 

I don't have any real suggestions because I seriously haven't used another stick in 22 years. But I would imagine that any stick is better than any controller. I can't imagine flying with a controller to be honest. My brain just isn't wired that way.

 

Point being, my advice would be to get a reasonably cheap (i.e, not stupidly cheap) stick, compare how it feels to your controller, then if you prefer it, buy a better one and maybe return or sell the cheap stick. Or keep the cheap stick for nigh on a quarter century like I did, and don't bother upgrading.

[9./JG27golani79]

1 hour ago, oc2209 said:

A 22-year-old Microsoft Sidewinder joystick

 

Yeah, the Sidewinder 2 is a great stick and sufficient for WW2 planes - I have 2 myself. 

Just wish there was a modern FFB stick ..

 

 

Edited October 30, 2021 by 9./JG27golani79

[ITAF_Rani]

Sidewinder 2...great piece of hardware..

Edited October 30, 2021 by ITAF_Rani

[Yakdriver]

Currently this overkill monster - queue jokes about Big toys and small (censored)

But the most Fun and Stick time i have had, i admit was with this


because the round knobs on the thruster are Axis' i used for  proppitch, trim and stuff - and it was much more ergonomic in my hands.
Less Massive, does not weigh 500kilograms or cost 500 Bucks to buy.

[BMA_FlyingShark]

I use the Gladiator NXT from VKB Sim for now.

They also had the Gladiator II which is modeled to a real WWII stick (the German one) but it's out of stock and we're eagerly waiting for the follow up.

I broke my Gladiator II but that was my own fault and has nothing to do with the quality of the product which is fine.

If you can affort, buy a NXT now and later on you can buy the Gladiator II (or will it be III?).

 

Have a nice day.

 

[Zeev]

On 10/26/2021 at 11:53 PM, panzerdawn said:

hi im new to this sim.. what controller or joystick do you recommend?

i have a ps4 controller i use  for other games on my pc .

any ideas pls 

Hi,

I play with PS4 Dualshock all the time.
Its great for the head movement. 
Download "DS4Windows" and make the touchpad as a mouse.
If you want I can share my profile.

Its like using TrackIr but not hurting your neck on dogfights, you move the head camera with one of your fingers while keeping controlling the aircraft with the gamepad with the rest of the hands.
I have TrackIr and 2 VR Headsets and found that on dogfights I prefer playing more with a controller. 

[Iceni_Queen]

I have been using and LOVE my CH Fighterstick. It west bad after many many many years and I turned to the T16000m. While it works, i'm not a fan of it for Combat. I got it for Star Citizen where the Fighterstick did not work as well (Programing not as easy in Star Citizen and the T16000 has files for it)

[Beebop]

I use the X-52. (2nd HOTAS in Yakdrivers post).

Used it for over 15 years with no problems.

It's very ergonomic (and I'm left handed!).

Joystick handle is adjustable so is comfortable whether you have large or small hands.

Throttle has variable resistance and dents at 1/3 and 2/3 arc, prefect for cruising.

Joystick has twist feature for rudder control until you can get a set of pedals. (HIGHLY recommended).

It has a ton of buttons hat switches and rotaries, even a slider.  I seldom need to use the keyboard.

Some say it's "cheap" because it's not all metal.  But I don't slam it around and if you don't it can provide years of use.

Joystick and throttle bases are weighted.  They don't move on your desk.

Only needs one USB port.  Joystick plugs into the throttle, throttle plugs into the PC.

Some say it looks too futuristic.  True I've seen them used as controllers in sci-fi movies but if you are looking at your stick when you fly you're looking in the wrong place.

With nearly all PC items, (hardware/peripherals) being so expensive this is only $150 USD brand new on Amazon.  Excellent Bang-for-Buck.

Later you may wish to upgrade but whatever you do never toss this one.  It makes a good backup if your HOTAS fails in any way.

 

2 kopecks from me.

 

 

Edited November 6, 2021 by Beebop