Importance of joystick

[Flanker]

I've already ordered a new joystick, but I wanted to know...how important is it really to have a joystick for planes?

I know its a noob question, but I'm still not clear.

All the stuff that can be done with a joystick, can it not also be done with the mouse and keyboard?

Actually, bad question...I know it can't. But will having a joystick really improve flying skills? Or atleast make it easier to fly?

Did it make it easier for you?

[tehpwnerofnoobs]

I think the biggestadvantage of joysticks are being able to maintain in control when making rapid manuevers as well as more control over your throttle than full throttle/crashing

[[LG]Cataclysm]

My piloting skillz went up 1,000,000,000,000% when I got a joystick. I love my Saitek Cyborg Evo.

[MikeBoogie]

I use SpeenPad n52 to play BF2 and all other games and it works real well

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=2071&pcount=&Product_Id=157024

[Frinkahedron1]

The main difference you'll notice is that (with a decent joystick) you can vary your throttle level. A keyboard has either 100% foward or 0%.

I dare you to hover a F-35/Helicoper, then let go of the controls and have it still hover well with a keyboard.

[Flanker]

I use SpeenPad n52 to play BF2 and all other games and it works real well
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=157024

What the heck is that thing?

I'm getting a Logitech Joystick though.

[Wranger4400]

I don't think that it's important at all. I do just fine with the keyboard.

[Flanker]

The main difference you'll notice is that (with a decent joystick) you can vary your throttle level. A keyboard has either 100% foward or 0%.

I dare you to hover a F-35/Helicoper, then let go of the controls and have it still hover well with a keyboard.

I see your point...lol.

[imported_TheDragon]

I use joystick for jets
mouse and keyboard for helos
(mouse for pitch and roll// WASD for speed and yaw)
use joystick throttle for BOTH jets and helos
(set constant speed for each)
BOTH flying skills went UP
1000000000000000%

[Gulf_War_Syndrome]

When performing a tight turn or loop in a jet, you have to often lift your mouse from the desk to get the required amount of mouse movement. During these moments, you are not actually "pulling up" and therefore not turning as tighly as possible.

With a joystick, you will not have this problem, meaning you will always be able to out-manoeuvre a pilot flying with the mouse.

And, yes, there is a throttle control, meaning you dont always have to tap the "w" key in an attempt to adjust your airspeed.

I dare you to hover a F-35/Helicoper, then let go of the controls and have it still hover well with a keyboard.

IMO this really only applies the the jets these days, the choppers will auto-hover very well in BF2. They also seem to respond better to the "tapping w" technique for varying lift. In Desert Combat, I used to use mouse and joystick to fly the choppers. Joystick in the left hand, replacing the "WSAD" controls. In BF2, I use only mouse and keys to fly choppers.

[Flanker]

I see. Very good input guys. I was already getting a joystick, but now I know whats so good about it.

Thank you.

[Gulf_War_Syndrome]

The best bit is you can tell everyone you fly with a joystick. Insta-cred, even if you still can't fly!

I don't fly jets much at all - leave them for everyone else, so my joystick isn't connected at the moment. See, you've got one up on me already! :)

[Flanker]

The best bit is you can tell everyone you fly with a joystick. Insta-cred, even if you still can't fly!

I don't fly jets much at all - leave them for everyone else, so my joystick isn't connected at the moment. See, you've got one up on me already! :)

Haha, awesome.

[gungho]

My piloting skillz went up 1,000,000,000,000% when I got a joystick. I love my Saitek Cyborg Evo.

:nod: Got the same stick & it roxs :rock: I just love the twist rudder control, makes helos & jets a breeze to fly !

[oaKenfoLd]

Rudder twist is a must, but so is the Best Buy 2 year warranty to fix it when it inevitably breaks.

I go through about 4 joysticks a year(logitech 3d pro extreme). I tried a couple other types of sticks, and realized it was happening to the cheap little ones as much as it was to the $80 sticks.