I want to get my first set of joystick/throttle/pedals, please help!

[BobbyBlue 10]

So i've always wanted to get a joystick for flying helicopters in any game I play just because i've always been fascinated by helicopters and wanted a better experience than just mouse/keyboard.

I recently found out that I should get (or at least from what I read) Joystick/Throttle/Pedals for a decent experience. I recently tried the advanced flight model with mouse/keyboard and found that it was just really awkward, and i'd like to be able to get a set that will make it more possible for me.

I don't have a crazy budget. I'd like to keep it under $300.

I was looking at these

Pedals $117.94

CH Products Pro Pedals USB Flight Simulator Pedals ( 300-111 )

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000512IE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000512IE&linkCode=as2&tag=helistart-20&linkId=L7CJNXE6KUAPRNQ4

and this for the joystick/throttle

Joystick/Throttle $149.19

Saitek X52 Flight Control System

http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-X52-Flight-Control-System/dp/B00030GSJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425599858&sr=8-1&keywords=saitek+x52

I feel pretty comfortable with the pedals from what i've read, but i'm just really not sure about the joystick/throttle. I want something primarily for functionality and i'm afraid that i'll get it and it'll end up being too focused on cosmetics rather than how well it performs.

If anyone has any recommendations for either pedals or joystick/throttle combos I would love to see your input.

Thanks for reading.

Also, I would like to eventually try out flight simulators which is a big reason I want these.

[esfumato 75]

I am in the same situation but i have seen close of my home for 40€ the ThrustMaster X-Hotas.

http://imagenes.pccomponentes.com/thrustmaster_t_flight_hotas_x_pc_ps3_2.jpg

it have no rudder pedals but it have in the throttle two buttons for that pourpose"

http://www.thrustmaster.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/media_large/product/PageHotasX_IL-2-UK.jpg

[BobbyBlue 10]

After doing some more research, CH products seem to have good reviews.

Has anyone tried out either this throttle or joystick or know anything about if they work well with arma 3?

CH Products Pro Throttle USB

http://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Pro-Throttle-USB/dp/B00006B84Z/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1425628711&sr=1-1&keywords=ch+throttle

CH Products USB Combatstick

http://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-200-568-USB-Combatstick/dp/B00006B84W/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1425629334&sr=1-2&keywords=ch+joystick

[ratszo 17]

I use Saitek stick & pedals.

The profile editor is very good for setting micros, advanced commands, ranges, alternate profiles on the fly.

Been using it for years and still find new ways to program it.

My advice would be to buy the stick first ..., then pedals. Take your time.

Good luck!

[grzegorz 33]

I am in the same situation but i have seen close of my home for 40€ the ThrustMaster X-Hotas.

http://imagenes.pccomponentes.com/thrustmaster_t_flight_hotas_x_pc_ps3_2.jpg

it have no rudder pedals but it have in the throttle two buttons for that pourpose"

http://www.thrustmaster.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/media_large/product/PageHotasX_IL-2-UK.jpg

It is a good joystick but not to the game Arma 3. At least now.

Possible problems with the throttle in the game Arma 3. The problem is particularly piloting helicopters. Centering the throttle. Throttle in the middle of the range of motion is physically zero point. Arma 3 interprets this point otherwise. You will have problems with the landing and maintenance of height. I can not explain it to you. I can give you a clue.

https://www.google.pl/search?biw=1680&bih=915&noj=1&q=Arma+3+Thrustmaster+T-Flight+HOTAS+X+throttle+problem&oq=Arma+3+Thrustmaster+T-Flight+HOTAS+X+throttle+problem&gs_l=serp.3...84013.84013.0.86425.1.1.0.0.0.0.239.239.2-1.1.0.msedr...0...1c.1.62.serp..1.0.0.5EtUkmBPIQY

Edit:

I have not checked if anything has changed. I prefer to warn you. Check yourself if you want.

Edited March 6, 2015 by grzegorz

[HaZZarD 2]

I have the T.Flight Hotas X myself and I feel good with it, I broke the first one and I bought another one lol.

But yeah as default you can have some issue with the throttle so what you need to do is to go in the settings and remove dead zone and change sensibility, then you need a bit of training and everything will be fine.

One item that in my opinion is very usefull and that I'am planning to buy is this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000512IE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000512IE&linkCode=as2&tag=helistart-20&linkId=L7CJNXE6KUAPRNQ4

Not just to better control Airplane/helicopters but you can use it for leaning right/left with your soldiers and to accelerate with precision with your veh.

[joostsidy 685]

I'm very happy with my Saitek X55 Rhino HOTAS and Saitek Pro Flight rudder pedals. I think it costs around 300 together. The X55 looks really cool as well.

[MadMoses 10]

I have been using the same pair of CH Products sticks for over 10 years. they are fantastic hotas and rudder pedals worth the money.

[BobbyBlue 10]

Thanks everyone for your responses. They're all very appreciated.

I ended up going with the CH Joystick/Throttle/Pedals. Throttle wont be here until between the 13th-30th so hopefully sooner than later i'll get to try them out!

[postal vending machine 10]

Thanks everyone for your responses. They're all very appreciated.

I ended up going with the CH Joystick/Throttle/Pedals. Throttle wont be here until between the 13th-30th so hopefully sooner than later i'll get to try them out!

Congrats! I've had my CH Hotas & pedals since last year, very fun to use for AFM helicopters in Arma. You wont be disappointed, and it will last for years/decades.

[dav 22]

I just ordered a warthog to replace my x52 pro which in all fairness has served me very well for the past 5 years. I wanted each engine independant on the throttle for Dcs titles but no doubt it will fly Arma very well too. I never liked thr jutter with x52 sliders either.

[BobbyBlue 10]

Nice i've only read great things about the warthog, but I will have to wait until I save up a lot more until I can afford to upgrade.

[ajsarge 10]

I rock a Saitek X52 and Pro Flight pedals. The physical goods are mostly plastic, and build quality isn't as good as it could be. But, my stick has survived a few years of abuse and the excellent software side of programming keyboard keys to the buttons, sliders, rotary switches, and whatever else makes up for the lack of physical goods quality.

If you haven't looked into yet, step 2 after stick/pedals is TrackIR or other similar head/motion-tracking gear. I caught myself trying to turn my head and look at something to the side of my character while playing CoD on PS3. I couldn't pack my desktop with me, so I'm forced to be entertained with Arma 3 videos and half-baked console shooters for the next few months.