Joysticks For Flight Simulation: Using A Lever To Fly A Plane!

Thrustmaster Fox 2 Pro

Hurrah! At long last - the Fox 2 Pro Thrustmaster doesn't need a driver. Plug it into a USB port and wait a few seconds for it to be recognized - that's all there is to it. You don't even have to calibrate it. That's real plug 'n' play for you, no matter which version of Windows you are using, even XP. Like all the other joysticks that don't require a driver, you can always calibrate it yourself, though it is not necessary to do so. Combining curves and sharp angles, the shape is quite attractive, as is the anthracite color and contrasting yellow buttons. The ergonomically-shaped shaft is designed exclusively for right-handers, who will find it extremely comfortable, provided that their hands are not too large. The two buttons and the directional hat on the top of the shaft are easily manipulated with the thumb, but a second throttle, situated in front on the right to be operated by the index finger, is almost unusable in reality.

The hat is also slightly too pointed for our tastes, but the movement of the shaft is extensive enough. The rotating rudder is also satisfactory. The Fox 2 Pro does have one unique and brilliant feature: the resistance when bringing the stick back to the center can be adjusted via a wheel under the stick. This is a brilliant idea because different users prefer different levels of resistence in movement. The throttle is also well positioned. It has a wide range of movement, but the movement is quite firm. In addition to the four buttons on the shaft, there are an additional three buttons on the base. In use, the Fox2 Pro proves to be very accurate, which makes it much easier to operate the simulator. Though its performance is as powerful as that of Microsoft's Precision 2, at about $38, it is actually a bit less expensive.