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41 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
NOT AS GREAT AS IT SEEMS!!!, January 16, 2003
I purchased the "Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick" primarily for "Flight Simulator 2002 Profesional" and "Combat Flight Simulator 2". I went with Microsoft because I figured since they are the ones that designed the games, then their joystick is probably the most compatible with their games.Some of the nice features of this joystick are the 16 programmable functions, and the rotating handle for precise rudder control. I also liked the fact that it is quite heavy in weight, allowing it to stay firmly on the desk as I maneuver the joystick around during gameplay. Now for the bad features of this joystick. You have to fully grip the joystick in order to enjoy the force feedback feature. This can get tiring when you'd like to sit back and cruise at high altitudes. You would not need the force feedback feature when you are cruising at high altitudes anyway, but here is where the problem starts. I usually let go of the joystick and hold it lightly at the base to keep the aircraft centered. Apparently, there is a sensor in the joystick, and if it does not sense your hand fully grasping the stick, it lags over to one side (usually down, and to the left). This causes the aircraft to suddenly plummet out of the sky, drastically going off course. It is easy to recover with the smaller aircraft, however when you're using the 777 or 747, it gets really annoying! If you have the auto-pilot engaged, the stick will lag over to one side. There is a button on the joystick which allows you to change your views (such as viewing the aircraft from the outside). If you reach over to change your views, the joystick senses your hand, the force feedback suddenly kicks in, and the joystick goes crazy for a couple of seconds by jumping to the left and the right. This causes the auto-pilot to kick off, and once again the aircraft plummets out of the sky! I have learned to tap the "view" button very lightly, so the force feedback does not trigger. Another annoying thing is the fact that the throttle control is very small, and has absolutely no resistance. It is very difficult to set your throttle without accidentally giving too much or too little. These minute things can get very annoying during the gameplay. I was very eager to return this joystick and buy the "Logitech Wingman 3D", however there are mixed reviews for the Logitech as well. I guess there can never be a perfect joystick!
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