Phantom 2
Score: 80% Developer: Logic 3 Device Type: Controller
Function: When considering a joystick, I look for three things: throttle, HAT switch, and plenty of buttons. The throttle and HAT switch are a must for any combat flying simulation. The multitude of buttons is more for convenience; in the middle of a dogfight, I don?t want to have to search the keyboard for the right keystroke. Although the Phantom 2 only has four buttons, it does have an eight-way HAT switch and a throttle. Right out of the box, the joystick is suited for a game port interface. It comes with a USB adapter to make use of the universal serial bus interface. USB is great -- just plug it in and the computer knows everything about it. All you have to do is calibrate and you?re on your way. The joystick design is bittersweet. I love the large base with the suction cups on the bottom. Not having your joystick fall out from under you is an extreme asset. I also like the durable throttle design -- you can fit your whole hand on it and have no fear of it slipping off or the part breaking. What I don?t like about the Phantom 2 is the contour of the stick itself. I don?t know what kind of hand it was made to fit, but it wasn?t human. It just feels unnatural in your hand. Also, the HAT switch is too far away from the thumb button. You almost have to re-grip every time you use it. I do, however, like the placement of the four buttons. Of course, there is a trigger and a thumb button as well as two more easily accessible buttons on the top of the stick. I also like the sturdy, yet light overall design.
Performance: Just pick it up and go with it. Everything is literally right at your fingertips. The wide base and large throttle control makes this one a cinch. The hardest thing about it is getting used to the position of the HAT switch. It?s not ?programmable,? so that alleviates some stress. Also, having only four buttons, it?s hard to get confused as to what is assigned to what. Maybe it?s just me, but when I use a joystick, I want it to be tight. The Phantom 2 gave my plenty of resistance in the y-axis, but the x-axis is completely loose. This can cause a problem when absolute precession is required. It seems to work well enough on flight sims like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 and Combat Flight Simulator, but for space sims like Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance and FreeSpace 2, the x drift became a factor. Also, as I stated before, the HAT switch is too far away from the thumb button. Other than those two issues, I thought the joystick handled great. With the tight y-axis, I got pinpoint accuracy with pitch control. I also like the realism involved with the stick style throttle. The large base gives me plenty of room to work, and the suction cups keep it on the desk. The HAT switch is a true eight-way, not a four-way that can fake it. And most importantly, the buttons are sturdy and have great reaction.
Features: Four micro-switched fire buttons Eight-way HAT switch Game port or USB compatible T-bar throttle control Detachable suction cups Non-slip rubberized grip ?Plug and Play? -- no drivers
Drawbacks & Problems:: The only real problems are those I have previously mentioned: the position of the HAT switch, the freeness of the x-axis, and the lack of contour. Other than that, I could be picky on the fact that it has only four buttons (that would be a drawback, not a problem). A little better placement design and an extra spring or two, and the Phantom 2 would be a great joystick.
-Storm, GameVortex Communications AKA Jeremy Kelso
GTO Wheel SideWinder Strategic Commander