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Are you a fan of flight simulator games? Then you can not miss our selection of the best PC flight stick available on the market!
The flight stick is a controller system that perfectly suitable only for flight simulator games. Thanks to it’s we will be able to reach a level of precision and immersion without equal. It is almost impossible to find any other device, such as a joystick or mouse, able to outclass the flight sticks in their area. In this guide, we will see how to choose a best PC flight stick and which are the best models currently available on the market.
How to choose Best Flight Stick
Buying a new PC flight stick is not something to be taken lightly. As we said earlier, these accessories are able to guarantee precision, fluidity, and immersion in flight simulator games. There are some aspects to consider when choosing the product. They will determine the quality of the model taken into consideration.
Dedicated Throttle
The latest flight stick models include a throttle separate from the main joystick base, also called HOTAS configurations. It allows us to have total control of the buttons without taking your hands off the main joystick. This feature gives even more impressive experience with the use of the simulator. There are also various buttons with which you can perform certain actions, such as checking the power of the aircraft.
Z-axis Adjustment
Another fundamental aspect to consider is the possibility to adjust the Z-axis directly from the stick. All products allow you to be inclined to the X-axis and on the Y-axis, ie forward / back and right / left respectively. However, some low-end and mid-range models do not have this feature. In fact, they allow you to change the Z-axis through separate buttons, which is very inconvenient and counterproductive.
Additional Buttons
The presence of additional switches or buttons is always welcome. They allow you to program macros to make the user experience even better.
Thrustmaster Flight Stick X
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Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X (Compatible with PC) | $44.99 $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
This is a low-end flight stick, suitable for beginners. Being a model designed purely for newbies, it is not equipped with HOTAS configuration so is devoid of a throttle. However, there is an internal memory to save all our custom configurations. It is not possible to adjust the Z-axis directly from the stick, but it is still a good product suitable for those who want to try flight simulator without leading to the professional environment.
Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X
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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X (Compatible with PC) | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
We have another flight stick from Thrustmaster, the company also known in the field of steering wheels for PCs. It adopts a HOTAS configuration, ie it is equipped with a separate throttle. You can adjust the Z-axis directly from the stick, on which two keys are placed. This model includes a total of 12 buttons, 5 of which are fully programmable. The throttle can be separated from the rest of the stick, which allows us to position it according to our needs.
Logitech G Saitek X52
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Logitech G X52 Flight Control System | $179.99 | Buy on Amazon |
This Logitech gaming control system is equipped with a HOTAS configuration and allows Z-axis adjustment directly from the stick. This is a really well-made device. The LCD display included in the separate handle allows you to implement up to 282 programmable commands in 3 modes. The quality of the precision and construction of the device is really good. It is also sold at a really affordable price.
Logitech G Saitek X56 Rhino
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logitech Pro Flight X56 Rhino HOTAS | Buy on Amazon |
It is one of the best PC flight stick currently available on the market. This is a more evolved model than the one seen previously. It is equipped with a HOTAS configuration, a stick with 4 analog buttons and a double handle. Obviously, it allows the Z-axis adjustment and also possible to program up to 231 commands that can be performed using the keys and the mechanical switches. The quality of which it is made is really excellent and the mechanism for managing the stick is impeccable. It is also equipped with retro RGB lighting to make it easier to use in the dark environment.
Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog
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Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog PC BL | $878.00 | Buy on Amazon |
This is also one of the best PC flight stick which equipped with a HOTAS configuration along with the presence of dual-cuff separate from the main stick. Obviously, there is the possibility to adjust the Z-axis directly from the main stick. This model is made entirely of metal with millimeter precision. The joystick is equipped with 19 action buttons and a switch that allows you to use the various viewing angles. The keys and the main stick are made with excellent quality and guarantee excellent precision and stability. In addition, there is also the RGB backlight for night use.
- Programmable: The 12 buttons and 5 axles are entirely programmable
- High-precision joystick with adjustable resistance
- Logitech Exreme 3D Pro Joystick, Take Control: With advanced controls and a custom twist-handle rudder, this joystick is stable and precise whether you’re dropping bombs or firing guns
- 12 Programmable Buttons: Easily configure each button of this controller to execute simple single commands or intricate macros involving multiple keystrokes, mouse events and more
- 8-way Hat Switch: The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Precision Fightstick is designed to accurately capture specialised input specific to flight sims
- Rapid-fire Trigger: Lock on and let loose. Pull the trigger as fast as you want, confident that every twitch of your finger will be captured without missing a beat
- Comfortable Hand Grip: Sculpted curves support the natural shape and position of your palm and fingers for hours of comfortable flying
- High-Precision, Non-Contact Main Axes
- Customizable, Multi-Function Throttle & Flap Levers
- Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC
- 27 Programmable Buttons, 8 Axes, POV Hat & Rapid-Fire Trigger
- Integrated, OLED Flight Management Display
- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
- The T.16000M FCS is compatible with PC via USB in Windows (32-bit and 64-bit).
- The T.16000M FCS offers you a precision level greater than current systems, which will not decrease over time, thanks to the joystick’s H.E.A.R.T technology (U.S. patent US08471815).
- Fully ambidextrous joystick: 3 removable components allow the joystick to be perfectly tailored for left-handed or right-handed use.
- The joystick includes 16 action buttons with “braille”-style physical button identification + one 8-way Point of View hat switch and 4 independent axes, including twist rudder (controlled by rotating the stick).
- The T.A.R.G.E.T software allows you to load and create specific mapping profiles for each game.
- Take full advantage of the joystick's capabilities with the 12 action buttons with 4 axes and the integrated throttle.
- The weighted joystick base provides optimum stability and the wide hand rest provides ideal playing comfort.
- The T.Flight Stick X is PC-compatible and can be used with all the best flight simulation games,
- This “Plug & Play” product has preconfigured features so you can take off right away (no need to configure it).
- For fast, intuitive and efficient handling in all circumstances, in any type of game.
- Magnetic, non-contact X and Y axis sensors provide enhanced longevity and pinpoint accuracy
- Multifunction LCD Display allows you to check all of the programmed commands on your HOTAS before activating them, as well as having a built-in clock for timing your flight plan
- 3D Twist with Rudder Lock, essential for simulation control. For those that already have rudder pedals, you can lock off the axis in order to prevent accidental activation.
- 5-position Grip System: Maintain excellent ergonomic comfort with no need to stretch to reach buttons
- 282 Programmable Commands over 3 modes: Have all of the commands in Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen under your fingertips with no need to switch back to your keyboard
- Official Xbox console buttons (Guide / View / Menu): access social features, switch between the game and the console, navigate through the console's menus, etc.
- High-precision HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) controls: enjoy the ultimate gaming experience in all types of flight simulation (space adventure, modern air combat, vintage warplanes, civil flight)
- The first rudder pedals to feature the Thrustmaster S.M.A.R.T slide rails system for smooth steering
- Ergonomically designed: lets you place your entire foot on each pedal, thanks to the handy removable heel-rests
- Large detachable throttle, 5 axes, 14 buttons, 1 rapid-fire trigger, 1 multidirectional hat switch (navigation / panoramic views)
- Magnetic non-contact X and Y axis sensors provide enhanced longevity and improved accuracy. A dual spring centering mechanism provides a progressive, smooth movement that further aids your control.
- Multifunction LCD Display affords even greater control of your navigation within Flight Simulator X, thanks to direct control of the simulation’s radio panel functionality.
- 3D Twist with Rudder Lock, essential for simulation control. For those that already have rudder pedals, you can lock off the axis in order to prevent accidental activation.
- 5-position Grip System: Maintain excellent ergonomic comfort with no need to stretch to reach buttons
- 282 Programmable Commands over 3 modes: Have all of the commands in Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen under your fingertips with no need to switch back to your keyboard
- Joystick replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft flight stick
- Stand-alone HOTAS Warthog joystick, from the creator of the original HOTAS concept and the worldwide benchmark flight sim controllers: the HOTAS Cougar and the HOTAS Warthog
- Detachable handle, crafted entirely of metal; Also compatible with the HOTAS Cougar (and vice-versa); Replica shape of the A-10C flight stick
- 19 action buttons in total plus one 8-way "point of view" hat: 1 x 8-way "point of view" hat; 2 x 8-way hats; 1 x 4-way hat with push button; 1 x metal dual trigger; 2 x push buttons; 2 x pinkie push buttons
- USB connector and upgradeable firmware; Super-stable, weighted joystick (over 6 lbs.)
