Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick Treiber

Image from Gizmodo

Introduction

I have five Microsoft Strength Feedback 2 joysticks. Yeah, five. Why? Because it's the best stick I've ever used, and after I tried one for the offset time, I had to have…ahem, "backups." I've therefore spent a LOT of time on sites like eBay and Amazon scouring listings for this particular stick, and in that, learned how to non just notice the right sticks for me, but for friends. This is what I desire to help you with.

Why This Item Stick

This is really the finest stick I've ever used, and I've used a lot. One of the reasons is the centering/expressionless zone. This stick uses mechanical motors attached to gears for its ii primary axes, and uses optical sensors to middle the stick, so y'all have a perfect dead zone every time. At that place's a small hole at the base of operations of the stick that, when you put your hand on the stick, gets covered and engages the motors, and it's an amazing feel. Couple that with how comfy this stick is during long sessions, its compatibility with sims onetime and new, and the amazing feel when y'all use games that actually support strength feedback, and you lot accept an amazing slice of hardware.

Likewise, it's wonderful by itself or as part of a multi-device HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) solution. The stick itself has both the pitch and yaw of a traditional stick, plus a stick twist for rudder or rolling, depending on your game. The trigger buttons are clicky and responsive, and there are enough buttons to cover the nearly essential functions in whatsoever sim.

I can't mention enough true force feedback though. Playing a game like Freespace 2 with this stick, for instance, is Amazing. The game support DIRECTIONAL strength feedback, so you can feel shots from your left, and if your left engine is damaged, yous'll be fighting the stick. You tin can see this in action here:

To exist blunt: There actually isn't a meliorate stick than this, I feel. Certain other sticks might take more buttons and what not, only the feel of this item stick is still unmatched to this day, I feel.

Differences Betwixt the Ii Versions

There are two unlike versions of this stick. Mechanically they're exactly the same, but they have some slight differences. The first model is the original "green" model. This has a plastic grip on the stick, along with solid black buttons, and a green power lite on the base:

This is the first version I got, and it works keen. The But downside is after long sessions, if your hands become even a bit sweaty, your mitt might skid off the plastic, since it doesn't give much traction. This isn't a huge problem, of grade, but it is something I wanted you to exist aware of.

The second version, or the "cerise" version, has a rubberized grip, translucent buttons on the stick, and a reddish power button on the base:

This is the i I currently utilize, because I like the extra traction on the grip. The downside to THIS ane is that, afterward a lot of use, the grip can get a bit sticky, and can have dust and other particles stick to it. I've had success cleaning it with a lint-costless microfiber cloth, only it's something I take to exercise a couple of times a year. Again, not a BIG deal, but something I wanted to mention.

At present, once more, besides these aesthetic differences, there's really no difference mechanically between the two, and either will get you lot a ton of use. Just know that the cherry-red model is a chip more rare than the green model, and therefore unremarkably carries a higher price tag.

Where Should I Buy Information technology?

The large places to get it are, of class:

• Amazon
• eBay

I've establish all mine via eBay, but Amazon is of form a worthwhile seller, and you can likewise likely find them wherever else you get older computer hardware, like estate sales, garage sales and the similar. This article will focus on finding them on eBay, nevertheless.

What's Your Procedure for Finding One?

Now, at the time I write this – about 2 PM on Sunday, August 11th, 2019 — there are about a dozen listings for these sticks on eBay. That might change once you come beyond this article in the time to come, but regardless, the process for finding a practiced stick will be the same. I'm going to take you through several listings and tell you lot what's good, what to look out for, and which sticks you should get. Permit's begin:

Listing One

Link to Listing

The to a higher place is a green stick for $76. This is a tad pricey for the green version of this stick, just the shipping is actually quite reasonable, and if y'all expect at the other pictures, such every bit:

You lot can see the stick itself is in fantastic condition on the outside, which normally denotes it's in solid condition on the inside, since it's either non been used much, or has been well taken care of. Overall, if I was looking for one of these sticks, this would DEFINITELY exist a buy for me, due to the splendid condition shown in the pics. This affair volition last forever, so nearly $ninety with shipping is a very good cost.

Listing Two

Link to Listing

This stick might exist even a meliorate deal than the last 1, as it'south going for $65 with FREE Shipping, which, if yous encounter the other pics, such as:

Besides a chip of dust on the base — which is VERY mutual for these things every bit those slots are basically grit gutters — this stick looks to exist in FANTASTIC condition. If you read further in the listing, the seller said they've also tested it and it works. Couple this with the Splendid seller rating, and this 1 would be a must-buy, in my stance.

Listing Three

Link to Listing

Now this is an interesting one. It's about $200 with shipping, which is a LOT. Withal, it'due south in box and wrapped in plastic. Now, I've not really seen how these things came wrapped, so for me, it's IMPOSSIBLE to tell whether this is the original wrapping, or if the seller wrapped it upward like this to make information technology wait new. I mean it has what look to be original stickers on the wrapping, only because of the wrapping, it's hard to estimate the condition of the stick itself. I mean accept a wait:

It looks pretty solid under the plastic, but I'm still not 100% this is a new stick, worthy of the toll they're request for. In this instance, I'd write the seller and enquire how they came about the stick, and if it'south legitimately the originally plastic wrapping. If they tell yous that in writing, you likely accept a improve example if information technology turns out to exist a dud. The seller DOES have very positive ratings, so it's possible it's fine, simply I'd practise some earthworks to be sure. If it turns out to be a make new stick, then I'd say $200 is worth it, as information technology'll last you pretty much a lifetime. But it'due south up to you as to whether you'd want a new stick or a slightly used one for far less.

Listing 4

Link to Listing

This is an interesting one. It has the box and all the docs and deejay, but it'southward apparently untested. The one major problem I see right off the bat is that there are no pictures that include the power cable. This stick has motors that make the stick office, and as such needs to exist plugged into its own outlet to work. No power cord, no working stick.

If yous were interested in this listing — if it has the ability cord, it'south a likely solid buy, every bit it takes a lot to brand one of these not work — I'd recommend contacting the seller to encounter if they indeed accept the power cord. If they don't, then pass on it. Getting ane of the power cords to this on its own is pretty difficult. Unless, like me, you plan to ain multiple copies. ;)

Listing 5

Link to Listing

Here's another interesting quandary. This is the less mutual ruby-red version of the stick, and according to the pics, information technology looks to exist in very skilful condition. The base of operations looks keen:

Withal, the stick itself looks to be plagued with the stickiness issue I mentioned earlier:

Which might make this a no-become for some. Again, this can exist cleaned off, merely if it was ME? I'd likely pass on this one considering I'm a bit squicky virtually someone else's grit and what not. Also the shipping toll isn't slap-up.

Which Listing Looks the Best?

And then out of these, which one would I purchase? Likely the second one (this 1). $65 with complimentary shipping for what looks to be a stick in excellent condition is a fantastic price for this piece of hardware. I'd well-nigh call it a steal, to be perfectly honest.

Conclusion

I promise that this guide has helped you understand non but why y'all'd want to purchase one of these fine sticks, just the process it takes in finding the right ane for you. I've scoured hundreds of these listings over the years, and so I can now spot a skillful deal on these pretty well. If y'all accept any questions about the stick itself or buying ane, please don't hesitate to exit a comment beneath. Thanks and so much for reading, and happy flying!

Source: https://www.spacegamejunkie.com/guides/guide-to-buying-a-microsoft-sidewinder-force-feedback-2-joystick/

Posted by: stewartdand1947.blogspot.com

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