Can anyone recommend a good joystick for VR flight sims?

01001101

01001101

01001101

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My son wants me to get him Microsoft VR flight simulator and so I wanted to ask the VR community what joystick they would recommend for flight sims in general?
Or am I being dumb, and you don't need a joystick for VR flight sims as it's all done via the VR controller?

Thank you!
 
There are some games like VTOL VR where you can use motion controls but it's not recommended.

For best results you need a HOTAS - Hand On Throttle And Stick controller which has a throttle as well as a stick (often separate units) with lots of programmable buttons. Also stick twist for rudder control (or a separate rudder control such as pedals) are recommended.

There's a pretty cheap thrustmaster system that some people use. I use a Saitek X52 Pro, mainly for Elite Dangerous but also for sims like IL2. I'm not an expert simmer though - I just like to fly for the experience of flying so haven't got too deep into setting up the controllers perfectly.
 
01001101 said:
My son wants me to get him Microsoft VR flight simulator and so I wanted to ask the VR community what joystick they would recommend for flight sims in general?
Or am I being dumb, and you don't need a joystick for VR flight sims as it's all done via the VR controller?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
you can use an xbox controller but it's better with a joystick/throttle aka HOTAS, something like the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS. i have the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One which i've had for 12 years and it's still going strong, it's a budget joystick but i find it to be fine. if you want to spend a bit more there's the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick which is actually made for use in DCS but it will work on MSFS ok, i have 1 of these too and it's good quality. i use the T.Flight mostly though.
 
Have a look on a well known online retailer for an FR-Tech Raptor mk2.

There are a number of similar clones to this one that have been floating around for several years now under different names. I bought one for my son under the name of a Speedlink Aiirrow. My understanding is that they all pretty much clones of an older version of the VKB Gladiator. My assumption is that VKB outsourced the manufacturing within China, and whoever they outsourced it to kept making them.

Either way, it’s dirt cheap (£35), and whilst not covered in buttons, is a genuinely good unit for the price.
Assuming that I’m not wrong about it being just another clone, I wouldn’t touch another joystick on the market for under £100.
 
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tyke_ said:
you can use an xbox controller but it's better with a joystick/throttle aka HOTAS, something like the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS. i have the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One which i've had for 12 years and it's still going strong, it's a budget joystick but i find it to be fine. if you want to spend a bit more there's the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick which is actually made for use in DCS but it will work on MSFS ok, i have 1 of these too and it's good quality. i use the T.Flight mostly though.
Click to expand...
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/thrustmaster-t.flight-hotas-one-flight-stick-pc-xbox-one-4460168-gc-068-th.htm lIs this the one?
 
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01001101 said:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/thrustmaster-t.flight-hotas-one-flight-stick-pc-xbox-one-4460168-gc-068-th.htm lIs this the one?
Click to expand...

This is a great bit of kit despite being quite "basic". I've had a couple - Initially PC compatible only - and then a PS4/PC version. Robust. I recommend physically separating the throttle and stick (there is then just a short wire connecting them) and securing to a board with (iIrc) M6 bolts that have recesses in the bases to accept the bolt...

I've upgraded now to a T16000 setup and this is even better for PC games since is has a few more buttons and features.

Both of them I've used to play Elite Dangerous VR (still the showcase VR game imho) and MSFS2020 in VR.
 
RampantMark said:
This is a great bit of kit despite being quite "basic". I've had a couple - Initially PC compatible only - and then a PS4/PC version. Robust. I recommend physically separating the throttle and stick (there is then just a short wire connecting them) and securing to a board with (iIrc) M6 bolts that have recesses in the bases to accept the bolt...

I've upgraded now to a T16000 setup and this is even better for PC games since is has a few more buttons and features.

Both of them I've used to play Elite Dangerous VR (still the showcase VR game imho) and MSFS2020 in VR.
Click to expand...
Good to know. I'm sure he'll be happy with everyone's suggestion and recommendation as an entry lever VR flight sim pilot. :D

Thanks everyone!
 
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