I use a X52 hotas for several years now.
But right before this I had a Logitech Force 3D pro and even before this a Sidewinder FFB (The 1…was for FS2000 lol).
But actually…I miss the force feedback.
I know lot of people consider this as a gadget and/or not realistic but they might think it is only “rumbling”…
I remember flying on IL2 and FS2000 and this was so great, feeling the stall and the ground when landing…etc…well the force feedback basicaly.
I am now a VR user for a while and I really miss the force feedback on the stick.
So, anyone have a FFB joystick to recommend please?
Should I go back to the 3D pro since it looks like every stick manufacturers are giving up on this option?
I’m going to build a DIY force feedback stick, but I have still some issues to solve: the optimal anctuators + sensors and possibly too short a list od SimConnect variables that could be used for calculations. Not an easy task really.
Not for me It’s DIY. Actually I’m currently using my self-built joystick, controlled by STM32 microcontroller, connected to PC by USB. Funny thing is I have no single problem with it being used with MSFS since the very first day, where many people have so many problems using commercial devices.
I have also successfully compiled the first version of my SimConnect interface program, so the feedback from the simulator is well recognized too.
Yet so many tasks to do, but that’s a hobby.
Brunner CLS E joystick is good if you can afford it. Brunner have confirmed their interface software works with MSFS. You can get the base only and fit grip from TM warthog or Virpil.
I have a Saitek Evo Force Feedback Stick and so far I have been able to use it in MSFS but without the Force Feedback effect.
I have been following the news at FS-Force, where there is no news at all since the beginning of September, as well as trying out the AirForcePlayer drivers. The stick does not work no matter what I do.
Recently (I don’t know with which patch the change came) the game can’t be started with the Evo Stick connected. When I connect the stick and the game is open I get a short message that the Evo Force Feedback Stick is connected but then the game crashes within seconds.
I have been playing Cliffs of Dover with the Evo Force Feedback Stick for a long time and it is a real pleasure to feel the coming stall on the Me Bf109 E-3 in advance. This also applies to the behaviour in the curves and it is something completely different to fly a Bf109 in a dogfight with or without the FFB effect.
It’s absolutely sad that the MSFS doesn’t support any of the old FFB sticks and it doesn’t look like a new MS Force Feedback Hardware (like the Sidewinder2) is planned.Even if the Brunner FFB hardware is supposed to work in MSFS, you can’t talk about mass compatible hardware at a price of 1200 - 2000 Euro for the sticks.
Very interesting for flight schools or commercial flight simulators but a consumer price should not exceed 200 Euro (better even below) and only then this hardware would have a good chance to be sold in large quantities.
At the beginning I also believed that with the release of the new MSFS 2020 there might be a new edition of the MS Sidewinder 2 and made a movie on my Youtube Channel where I looked hopefully into the future. In the meantime I have to say that I am no longer confident that the old FFB hardware will be supported by MS / Asobo and if so, only by third party developers such as FS-Force.
I think this is a pity but unfortunately this is not to change.
It’s DIY. Actually I’m currently using my self-built joystick, controlled by STM32 microcontroller, connected to PC by USB. Funny thing is I have no single problem with it being used with MSFS since the very first day, where many people have so many problems using commercial devices.