Which Controller?

[the2nicks]

Hi All,
Never flown before.
Can anybody recommend one (or more) controller that works well with Flight Sim X and isn't horribly expensive.
Does anybody have a view on the FS Global 2008 addon?
Any other essential addons?
Thanks for your help.
Nick

[davidc2]

I use a Saitek Av8R-01 joystick, I got it from Best Buy. Works (for me) great, easy to use and program.

With a flick of my thumb, I can change my view, go from spot plane, cycle through that, can change my view with the various cockpit changes. I have one of the switches configured (easy to do as well, via the keyboard assignment) to switch to the Virtual cockpit, I flip that switch down, goes into 2D mode. The throttle is nice as well (and theirs 2 of them).


The "hat" is nice for looking around, it can be a bit touchy, but is very smooth in VC.

[the2nicks]

David,
Thanks for the quick reply.
A read a few reviews on the Saitek AV8R-01 and they said that it's fine for the average user (i.e. me!) but they mentioned that on removing it the PC rebooted! Have you had that issue? As I would probably leave the joystick permanently plugged in it shouldn't be an issue anyway.
What's a "hat"? Are you referring to some kind of Virtual Reality device?
Thanks again,
Nick

[the2nicks]

David,
Another joystick which seems to get very good ratings (and some prefer to the Saitek) is the Black Widow Flightstick Joystick which is slightly more expensive. Anybody have any thoughts on this or other joysticks.
Thanks,
Nick

[davidc2]

The "hat" allows you to look in (trying to remember, plus I am still drinking the morning coffee, lol), in the 8 different directions in 2D mode, while in the Virtual cockpit, you can turn the entire view and leave it there.

I have not tried the other joystick you mentioned, as for the rebooting, I leave mine plugged in, but the wife while cleaning has unplugged it many times, with no detrimental effects on the computer (rebooting etc).


Dave