Do joysticks wear out?

[John P]

I have (4) Logitech Wingman Extreme Digital 3D joysticks. I can't seem to calibrate a couple of them, one of them always steers one direction and the other has a continuous pull on the Z (twist) axis. I have tried calibrating with Win XP and the Logitech software. Do these things have springs in them that eventually wear out or what is the deal? The joysticks don't get a lot of use, they've been mostly sitting idle.

Oh well, what's a good midrange - budget joystick that has all the features of the Digital 3D? (3 axis, hat switch, throttle)

 

[stu1811]

Saitek X45 is fun. Seperate throttle and joystick, so its more realistic.

 

[n19htmare]

loved my micro$oft sidewinder feedback 2 joystick, I think it's discontinued now.
I have had those same joysticks you talk of john, they're pretty bad. I could never get a good calibration and the Z axis was just horrible.

I found a seitek 290Pro at Radio Shack for $5.99 and i like better than my logitech.

Since i broke my sidewinder, its never been the same

 

[cmdrdredd]

Well, I used to have a Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS system that is modeled after a real F16 throttle and stick with 100% metal construction and all that. However...they are no longer produced and are very hard to find. When I bought mine it was about $300 which is way way more expensive than any other product.

The next best bet is the CH Products Fighterstick Pro and Pro Throttle.

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: n19htmare
loved my micro$oft sidewinder feedback 2 joystick, I think it's discontinued now.
I have had those same joysticks you talk of john, they're pretty bad. I could never get a good calibration and the Z axis was just horrible.

I found a seitek 290Pro at Radio Shack for $5.99 and i like better than my logitech.

Since i broke my sidewinder, its never been the same

Yeah, Microsoft made some awesome joysticks for the money. I still have my force feedback 2.

Saitek makes very nice joysticks though, depending on the model.