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.
