There is no better way to play a flight simulator game than with a joystick. The models evolved quite a lot in the past few years offering more precision and even more customization options. Regardless of how futuristic a joystick might look their durability should always be a priority when searching for the right one. Here are the top 10 best joysticks reviewed.
Table of Contents
10. Logitech Attack 3 Joystick
9. Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick
8. Saitek Cyborg Evo Joystick
7. Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick
6. Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X Flight Stick
5. Thrustmaster T-16000M Flight Stick
4. Logitech Freedom 2.4 GHz Cordless Joystick
3. Mad Catz F.L.Y.5 Stick
2. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick
1. Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S.
10. Logitech Attack 3 Joystick
Logitech is a leader in the gaming peripheral industry. The Attack 3 joystick is one of their basic models in terms of functionality but it managed to set new standards in terms of precision and customizability. It comes with solid built even if it is made almost entirely out of plastic and it comes with our buttons on the top and six extra on the base section. All of them can be customized using the software included.
9. Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick
Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick
The Saitek Aviator is an affordable model that comes with an interesting design and a decent built quality. Its base section includes two throttles on the front and five buttons on the edge pointing at the gamer. The handle contains a trigger button and three additional ones. The model is compatible with most operating systems and it is easy to customize.
8. Saitek Cyborg Evo Joystick
Saitek rarely disappoints with its products. The Cyborg Evo is one of their most appreciated joysticks due to its attractive design and durability. Like most other joysticks the model can be fully customized in terms of button mapping. It has 4 base buttons along with 2 shift buttons and an additional 5 thumb buttons.
7. Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick
The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is actually one of the more affordable joysticks. It was designed mostly for the ones that currently do not own such a peripheral and would like to get into games that require a joystick. It comes with 12 action buttons that can be configured individually and a profile selection that saves each configuration. The model also comes with a rapid-fire trigger and a solid spring loaded handle.
6. Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X Flight Stick
When the budget is a problem the Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick seems to be the best option. This particular model comes with a large base with 12 configurable buttones and an additional 3 on the handle. It supports 4 axis movements and it also comes with a rapid-fire function. The model is compatible with most operating system and it works without the need of having additional software installed.
5. Thrustmaster T-16000M Flight Stick
The Thrustmaster T-16000M is a mid-range joystick that comes with plenty of customization options and a decent build quality. The base comes with 12 configurable buttons while the handle has four. Like most other joysticks it supports rapid fire and it can be reconfigured to be used by left handed people. It is a Plug & Play device that works right out of the box without the need of installing the included software.
4. Logitech Freedom 2.4 GHz Cordless Joystick
Logitech’s Freedom joystick is actually a wireless device. It uses Logitech’s advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology to provide a lag free experience. The base comes with multiple configurable buttons an offers a battery life of 50 hours with 3 AAA batteries. Precision is provided by an eight-way hat switch and a comfortable stick that was built with durability in mind.
3. Mad Catz F.L.Y.5 Stick
Mad Catz F.L.Y
Mad Catz managed to set new standards in terms of design. The F.L.Y. 5 is their top of the line joystick that comes with plenty of customization options. Almost all of its parts can be customized. It has an adjustable POV hat switch, an adjustable handle height and angle and several other customizations. The model uses 12 configurable buttons that can be mapped using the software included in the package.
2. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick
The Thrustmaster HOTAS is a premium product that manages to impress with its simple yet beautiful design. It has a slim metal stand and a solid metal handle with 19 buttons in total. All of them can be configured using the included software. The firmware of the product can be upgraded and the handle is detachable.
1. Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S.
Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S.
Saitek’s Pro Flight X-55 joystick is a premium product that offers unparalleled functionality, precision and reliability. It has a twin throttle unit with plenty of configurable buttons and a separated unit for the handle. The design of the model becomes even more impressive when plugged in as it comes with LED lighting around the buttons of the throttle. As complex as it may look the joystick is easy to configure and requires minimal effort to setup.