GUIDE TO JOYSTICKS

Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick ( PS33 )

Manufacturer : Saitek
In Stock : 35

List Price:	$39.99
Price:	$32.96
You Save:	$7.03 (18%)

Features

Dual throttle levers enable independent control of multiple engines when flying a bomber or modern passenger jet
Rugged, military-style design
Rapid response trigger, 8-way hat switch and illuminated rocket or missile fire button with safety cover
3D twist for precise rudder control whether taxiing or in the air
Front-mounted instrument panel with base-mounted toggle buttons, up and down switching functions and mode selector

Product Description

Whether you've got a Focke Wolfe in your sights, or are landing a Bush plane on an Alaskan lake, you'll appreciate the classic rugged design of the Aviator. From its twin interlocking throttles to the comfortable stick, every detail makes you a better pilot.Features include joystick with dual throttles and rudder twist, Trigger, covered rocket launcher, two fire buttons, 8-way POV hat, four base toggles (eight commands), and two-position mode switch for up to 40 programmable commands using Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating of 4.00 out of 21 reviews

Rating :
Good joystick, but not the best... - Richard A. Tait, Mar 11, 2008

I purchased this joystick in March 2008 and when I first got it I was overjoyed. I couldn't believe how much functionality I got for the money. You can programme each button 3 different ways with that red rotary knob at the base and the hat switch can also be programmed to function as 8 different buttons!! Even the throttles can be assigned as switches or multiple switches...the list of possibilities is almost endless. Just a word of note: Those FS users looking for a controller to use on your 4-engined aircraft, this is not for you. FS will not assign 2 engines to one throttle so the default single throttle function must be utilised. Sorry.

I live in Jamaica but bought the 'stick in Florida while on vacation so I was without much support once I took it home. The first thing I noticed is that the twist function is somewhat stiff, and the self return is marginal. Small corrections to the direction of an aircraft (I am a flight simmer) are difficult at best. This could be an issue with just my 'stick, but it doesn't speak well of the build quality either. The next minor issue is that the software that came with the 'stick is not very user friendly or intuitive. I suggest those who are new to computers or are not very inclined to go to the website and download the user manual and programming software (SD6) they have there. It's a shade better written. The next issue I had, after programming it for use with FS2004 was the right throttle lever would not function. I went through days of frustration trying to calibrate/programme it, and sent emails to customer support, and even went to the manufacturer's messageboard for help. I was at the end of the rope when help came from a manager at Saitek on the messageboard. Apparently the issue was with FS2004. What seems to happen is that FS accepts the assignment of the second throttle, but there is a bug in the programme where FS sets the sensitivity of the right throttle lever to ZERO!! So I had to go into the sensitivity area of FS and reset the slider to 100%. Easy fix that new users should be aware of! Ironically however, the demo version of FSX that came with the joystick did not suffer the same glitch, so perhaps Microsoft was aware of the problem and corrected it.

That said, it's still early days and I am still evaluating it. At this point, I am not as excited about it as I was before I got it though. It's inexpensive and it works fairly well, but I would say it is probably not for the serious gamer.

Rating :
Saitek AV8R Joystick - Chris W, Feb 29, 2008

My hopes were very high for the Saitek AV8R. I am an aerobatics sim pilot mainly, and I thought that for a routine that I was developing for a vintage aircraft it would be good, I leaped at the oppurtunity. I got the joystick about a week later, only to hook it up and be very dissapointed.
For starters, the jostick is way too sensitive. I tried to do a roll, and it rolled 3 times before I could stop it. With my current joystick,
a Logitech Extreme 3d Pro, the aircraft rolls once, in a realistic manner. If I gave the vigorous input that you'd need for aerobatics OR a combat sim, the joystick will fall on its side. It weighs somewhere in the 3/4 pound bemnchmark. You cannot fly in a combat sim, like Jetfighter, with any realism.
It may be the world's only dual throttle joystick, but don't be fooled by the picture on the box. The throttles are on the back of the stick. You can't even reach them without messing up your position of the column. The buttons on the front cannot be progmammed easily, and are also too sensitive. I found that in most sims, the only thing that they do is switch views, despite if you change the setting or not.
To sum it up, it may be good for beginners, but if you are into simming at all, then don't buy. The Logitech 3d Extreme Pro joysticks are probably the ideal for any sim;. They do not have force feedback , but the AV8R doesn't either. $45 is way too much for this joystick, $20 is too much, buying this is a mistake.

Rating :
Just Great with Flight Simulator X - J. Brow, Feb 13, 2008

Okay, I didn't go with the most expensive stick on the market. I went with one that did say it was recommended for Flight Simulator. I have had no problems at all with it. The controls work smoothly with aircraft and it's comfortable for my large hand. Seems to be sturdily constructed.

Rating :
Great joystick - KMC, Jan 03, 2008

Looked all over for the best joystick for my husband's flight simulator, and this one seemed to be the best and most economical. My husband attests that it's a great joystick and works perfectly. It looks cool, too.

Rating :
Well Built - WKT, Dec 28, 2007

I really like this joystick for use with FSX. It is really well made with a great layout--I like the dual throttle option. The only reason for deducting a star is the weight is lighter than I would like and the grip is a little small--so unless you have a small hand you'll have to bulk it up with tape or wear a golf glove.

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