contoler for flight simulation games

[chick56]

Can any one suggest a high quality joystick - controler for flight simulation on PC. I'm looking for something which will give the most realistic comparison to a real control coloumn. For example I don't want to press a button to control elevators and so on.
While we're at, it I'd welcome some advice on some realistic games with true dynamics, excluding the arcade type.
Thanks.
chick56

[Cakeboy]

Hey chick

It really depends on how much you want to spend. If money is no object, then you can buy proper plane controls that plug in via USB. I'm talking separate throttle panels, separate rudder pedals and control yokes. That is an expensive way of doing it though.

If you're on a bit more of a budget, google for the Saitek X52. This is what I use and it's pretty good. It's still about �85 though

Going further down in price, look for a joystick that has a throttle control, handle twist (for rudder) and a fair few buttons. I used to have a Logitech Wingman which cost me about �25.

As for true dynamics, I'm guessing you mean flight sims. If so, then the only one worth bothering with is Microsoft Flight Sim. Depending on how new and powerful your computer is you can either run Flight Sim 2004 or Flight Simulator X. X is the newest one, but to run it properly requires a meaty PC. Both FS9 and FSX have the same flight models though so there is no difference in terms of flight dynamics, just different and nicer planes to look at.

Hope that helps a bit

[chick56]

Thanks Cakeboy,

This is just the reply I was hoping for.

You obviously know your flight sim games. The first alternative sounds right up my street even if expensive, but I've never seen one around, and you don't mention the possible brand. I'll also take a look at the Saitek you're using.........and then if I still have some cash left, maybe I'll even buy Microsoft's flight sim.

Once again many thanks for taking the time to write,
Regards, chick56

[Cakeboy]

http://www.chproducts.com/retail/index.html

That's one of the companies that make proper flight controls. If you're on a budget, ebay has a lot of copies of FS9 available at any time and it won't set you back too much. If you're worried about missing out on newer planes, then there are so many websites you can download freeware planes from.

www.avsim.com
www.flyawaysimulation.com

are two of the best

[chick56]

Thanks again Cakeboy, I looked up all the material you sugested......the thought of having rudder foot controls is fantastic, but as you said it's a lot of money. I'm undecided weather to put my pennies away for the next year or or so, or go straight for the Saitec which seems quite good too.
regards,
chick56

[cainplant]

here's a blog i found about my favorite simulator, everything it say's is accurate http://hubpages.com/hub/flight-simulations