Extreme 3D Pro Twist-Handle Joystick
1 Do not buy if you plan to map the buttons.
This joystick feels nice in the hand, but it has serious flaws. Every time I spent about 10 minutes mapping the buttons to a game, the joystick would lose this information about 30 seconds into the game. I then went to the Logitech website, installed the latest drivers, and downloaded their pre-configured game maps. I still got the same errors. It had this mistake on over 5 games, both old and new. I even tried it on 2 different computers with no luck.
It's a shame it has this fatal flaw because otherwise it was very decent for a cheap joystick. When I asked for help from Logitech, they kept telling me to "download the latest drivers" over and over, which I had already done.
I must give it 1 star because I used it primarily for flight/space sims. It just can't give any functionality in that role.
2 Decent, but has calibration issues as listed
I only paid like $14 for this thing on eBay, so I'm not out as much $$ as if I had bought it retail. I experienced the same problems everyone else here has experienced. For me, the twist was centering at about 35% to the left, so flying a chopper in BF Vietnam was quite interesting! If I tried to circle around to the right, it would take a LONG time, but if I circled left, it would work normally.
I went to Logitech's web-site and downloaded the calibration clearing utility. When I ran it, I got a weird error message and it didn't work. The tech support there was a bit lacking.
After reading some reviews, I realized that the entries for the Logitech controllers needed to be deleted out of the registry. If you know how to uninstall an application from Add/Remove programs, and know how to run regedit from the Run command, you can take care of this issue and you'll have a working joystick that'll probably last another month or two. Make sure to delete the entries for this joystick in HKLM and HKCU. It's pretty simple, but an unnecessary PITA.
I like the joystick, just wish it wouldn't lose calibration. My next joystick will be fully digital.
3 !!!COOL!!!
This joystick is the best buy you can find if you dont need force feedback - it works perfectly, and it has throttle for flight simulators. it is VERY EASY to install and works with almost all games! To sum it up - AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 Has serious calibration issues...
After just three days the stick began to behave erratically and randomly de-calibrate. Unplugging and reconnecting the joystick, or rebooting the computer, can sometimes restore calibration -- but only temporarily. At one time the Logitech forums were littered with posts from users experiencing similar problems, and a quick Google for 'Logitech joystick problem' will unearth hundreds of such testimonies.
This defect exists in Logitech's entire range of joysticks -- they are an utter waste of money.
Do not buy!
Do not buy!!
DO NOT BUY!!!
5 A Fine Joystick
I received this joystick as a Christmas gift for use on my computer. The initial set up and installation was quick and easy, and I immediately used it on "Pacific Fighters". The stick is comfortable to hold, or it can be placed on a table or desk. The rapid fire trigger is especially helpful in combat games, and the swivel feature is an added plus. There are several programmable buttons which can be customized by the user, and the throttle control is very smooth to operate.
I highly recommend this joystick. It performed exceptionally for me on "Pacific Fighters", and I'm looking forward to trying it out on "Axis and Allies" and "MVP Baseball 2004". With this joystick, you'll be able to play your favorite computer games with ease and comfort.
6 It was good while it lasted
I bought this item 3 months ago, and it worked fine, I was having a very enjoyable time. Then it stoppped going to the left. I wouls try to turn the plane, and it would turn very slow to the left, and very fast to the right. Thats the only problem I have found in it after 3 months of use. So if you want a joystick for only a couple months, this is a great buy, other than that.. waste of money!
7 Another quality Logitech product.
I'll keep it quick. Here is a solid, quite heavy aircraft-type joystick with twist-handle rudder control and a bunch of programmable buttons. I've found it to be completely satisfactory with Il-2 Sturmovik, FS 2002, and Operation:Flashpoint. Logitech is really one of the best manufacturers of computer input devices, and having never been disappointed with them, usually opt for thier stuff over other manufacturers. Rock on, dudes.
8 Won't Calibrate, Logitech has NO TECH support
I thought the stick was a real ergonomic tour de force, that is until I started using it. Unfortunatly Logitech has yet to address the problems in this stick. It's pretty much useless because it can't be calibrated. It constantly produces distorted effects. The USB isnt the way to go when so many motherboards still have Joystick ports. Im afriad Im going to have to go back to the trusty, handy dandy oh so reliable CH flightstick Pro. It's never let me down. The Logitech mice are great, it's a shame that they won't address the SERIOUS issues which make this JOYSTICK UNUSABLE.
This is prone to malfunction. Logitech will not replace it. I got mine off Ebay but from the sound of other reveiwers I am not alone in my troubles. Please pass this Joystick up and save yourself some trouble!
9 Great Stick buy has Calibration Problems Occasionally
I have to agree with others that this stick does have occasional calibration problems. However they are easily fixed by rebooting my PC. I found unpluging it sometimes worked too. I don't find the calibration problems to be that big of a problem. Other than that the stick is very good. It's got a good feel to it, more than enough buttons, and the software works well that comes with it. It's greatly improved my flying ability in Battlefield 1942. I would have given this stick 5 stars if it didn't have the calibration problem but even with that, it's still a great stick.
10 Looks and Feels nice, other than that, not a quality device
I used to have a Logitech Wingman stick, and it worked great for many years until I wore it out. So, I decided to stay with the brand. What a disappointment this stick is! As I said in the title, looks and feels great, button placement is good.
After about 3 days, I started having problems with it holding calibration. It will reset itself by unpluging USB, but the reset may only last a few minutes. It will bank right when untouched, but then doesn't have a full range to the right, so banks are slow, making it impossible to chase opponents using right turns in games like Crimson Skies. I have to hold constant pressure slightly to the left to keep it (semi) straight and level.
I thought is was a fluke or just a defective product. The logitech site is full of posts from people with nearly identical problems who are on their 4th (or more) replacements with the same result. Bottom line, it is poorly designed and constructed. Buy it if you want a cool looking paperweight. If you want to fly, on the other hand, try a Saitek or something else.
11 Good while it works
My 5th one just started the dreaded left drift, so I'm through with Logitech. I love them while they work, but I can't keep buying a disposable $50 joystick!
12 Don't buy it!
Simple as that, look for another stick!
It's beautiful, it feels great (if you're right handed) and it's cheap.
BUT after 2-3 months of regular, not hard, use, the stick will go off center and won't be able to turn left anymore. Logitech knows this issue and suggests to run their calitration utility and recalibrate, but it doesn't fix the problem at all.
If you're going to buy it prepare yourself to a continous unplug-reboot-replug-recalibrate routine.
13 Good stick -- until..
..the X/R-axis potentiometers wear out (after 1-3 weeks). I'm done w/ Logitech until they change back to non-mechanical pickups for the X/Y/R axis (like the Interceptor.) I'd recommend the Logitech WingMan Extreme Digital 3D or (if you can get your hands on one..) the Microsoft Force Feedback 2 (red skin edition). Stay away from the Logitech Freedom 2.4 Joystick -- same problem w/ the pots !
(...)
14 so far so good
An exceptional feel for a cheap stick, very stiff very precise.Im playing IL-2 Forgotton Battles and the precise aiming is a terror.(i am replacing a MS sidewinder precision pro 2)and this stick is far superior.
15 Garbage!
It doesn't take long before it becomes uncalibrated. Uninstalling and installing it will correct it for a while, then it fails. Mine won't move but 67% to the right. It's a total waste of money!!!!
16 Terrible
I bought this joystick because it felt good in the store and 2 friends have the cordless version and like it. Lo and behold I have some problems, check forums and everyone is complaining about it. Twist starts to fail and there is no calibration to compensate as everyone here points out. Even the software on their site to add dead zones does not work, at least with XP! The main trigger is now failing also - after just 2 weeks! Don't buy this one, you'll regret it.
17 DO NOT BUY!!!!!
I have exchanged this joystick 4 times at Walmart due to the calibration loss issue. 4 JOYSTICKS in 4 MONTHS. You will be sorry you bought it I assure you. people recomend Saitek, Microsoft, or CH joysticks. Find someone who recomends this Logitech and I'll show you someone with a dusty stick.
18 Look Elsewhere.
The whole joystick worked well for a short while (2-3 months) until it started going off center. You can watch it go off center (Windows XP) in the control panel and see what your range of use is without being able to correct it in any way. The only way to recalibrate is to unplug/plug back in. Sometimes works...most times doesn't. Gets VERY jittery and forces you to use a high x/y dead zone. Throttle and twist never gave me problems.
It would be a great joystick if it didn't break so fast.
19 who took the Logic outta logitech
This stick loses its calibration every 5 mins, the rudder dosent work right and the pots are spikey, and thats after 1 month many others have had similar problems and Logitech dosent respond or says we need more info LOL. Do yourselves favors and DO NOT get this stick.
20 More calibration issues
I purchased the Extreme 3D Pro because it had the best control layout of the sub $40 twist-rudder 3d sticks. For about 5 weeks it performed as advertised, and then both the x (roll) and z (yaw) axes started to register only 20% of control input in the 'right' direction. Attempts to recalibrate using Logitechs DXtweak utility restored the input range, but left these axes extremely spiky/twitchy, and hence useless for piloting where it matters (landings, and when he's in your crosshairs).
The ergonomics are nice, but from my experience, its poorly engineered, and doesn't withstand normal use. I've since replaced it with a Saitek Cyborg Evo, which is more comfortable, responds MUCH more smoothly than the Logitech did out of the box, but has awkward throttle and joystick base button placements. Nonetheless, I wish I got it first.
21 PLEASE READ
hey everyone
i bought it more than a month ago
i had the SAME problem everyone gets with this joystick JUST yesterday
i did everything that could solve the problem, but none worked, until, i found a point about the problem in the Read Me file
there is a .exe file on the logitech CD, that solves the problem by removing all the calibration settings for all the game controllers in the REGISTRY
it works as the day it came!!! the x-axis centered, yet a bit unstable, but does not effect ur game (as 1st time)
this is a cheap-price joystick, and Made In China, don't compare it to a CH joystick, made in USA and for +200$
yet GREAT joystick, for the price...hope i helped everyone with the problem
22 Dont buy it
There is no way to calibrate it and it suffers fron axis problems. Logitech support is non existant.
23 Great joystick, if you plan to use it for 1 month.
I had previously owned a logitech digital extreme 3d. It broke down after several years of use. The twist on the stick failed. I bought a new one (Extreme 3D Pro) and the same failure happened within a month. Oh, and another thing was that I couldn't find the menu tab to calibrate it. I think the software developers forgot about it? the drivers that come with windows however do allow you to calibrate easily.
24 Not bad, but not good...
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro works great with Flight Sim 2002, but I'm finding problems with Combat Flight Sim 3 and Janes WWII Fighters. After installing the Logitech, my CFM3 is locked in chase view (can't get out). With Janes WWII Fighters, the graphics are hosed (cannon rounds leave streaks, and sometimes the bottom of the airplane disappears. Targets disappear, too). Tried uninstalling and re-installing both the joystick software and the flight sim software, but the problems remain. Although I had two Sidewinder Pro joysticks go bad after about a year each, I'm tempted to take the Logitech back and get yet another Sidewinder...
25 Mine is working - but for how long?
I love the feel of the josytick and the button layout and so far mine has been great. However, just a little research will turn up that ALOT of people have failures with this product within 1 month.
Enough to make me question my own purchase after the fact.
26 not good for flight combat games.
Well at first I want to get this joystick because it felt a lot smoothly. I purchased this stick so I could use for 3D space flight combat type games. But now then I hooked it on my computer, I noticed the X axis did not stay steady, along with the Z axis. There was no way re recalibrate it. I had a lot of trouble aiming steady with this stick in any 3d space flight combat type games.
I tried everything to recalibrate that thing out but it never seem to work. I returned it back to the vendor and thank god I got the full cost of it back.
27 Good joystick, lots of buttons
This stick is a major upgrade from by old Logitech Sidewinder Digital 3D ( the PLASTIC!! post that holds the spring for the handle gave out, we welded and glued the METAL-reinforced post back in, it worked but it still had a bit extra play in it.)
I can easily map all the main functions in Flight Simulators to it. I like the new cycle command feature. The repeat rates are WAY too fast...you can't adjust them to a real "slow". I had difficulty installing the drivers so that it actually works with windows 98 and it doesn't cut out all the sound.(My previous stick had the same problem) I can't remember exactly how I solved it ...
Other than that, installation was "normal" as far as how Logitech products install (our cordless trackball drivers have to be re-installed to install ANY other logitech product)...nice company image for Logitech...
I have yet to try it in FS2002 Pro. Improvements I'd like to see are
-A elevator trim wheel, NOT a cheap trim rocker
-more than one throttle
-2 more buttons above the throttle(s)
-A dual-stage trigger
-Minor advancements of profiler features (a repeat rate that can be set 1-100, have the ability to assign multiple shift buttons, have ability to toggle shift buttons on/off instead of holding them down,...)
Other than install, it's a fabuluous stick. I've had it for about 1 week.
28 works great for 1 month.
then, the joystick inevitably loses its center, and can not be recalibrated. That's right. It can not be recalibrated.
So, I have a logitech extreme 3d paperweight. It fits the hand nicely, has all the buttons I need and so on, but I can't play any games with it. my character spins leftward and slowly looks down.
This stick is junk.
29 Outstanding Joystick
For right handers. Joystick is very responsive,reasonably priced,easy to install,has standardized features,well balanced,
easily programmable,fits most hand sizes.
30 Great Flight Stick
This is a sweet flight stick. easy to set up and calibrate. really a no brainer to use. feels really smooth, and the throttle and programmable buttons are all really easy to reach and use. No complaints. I use this to play MS flight sim 2004, and it works great. You just load up the game and go.
31 A very good joystick: well made and comfortable to use
The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick is superior in its class. The only difficulty I had was trying to find a store that had it in-stock (Amazon had it).
Specifically, here's what I rated it by:
* Quality of components and assembly: The action of the stick is smooth. No flimsy play in the controls. The hat switch, trigger pull...all of it has a positive feel, with close tolerances.
* Comfortable handgrip: like the overall product, the design and machining of the grip is off high-quality, without any annoying seems or sharp ridges.
* Smooth throttle control: this is a small detail, but compared with some of the other models out there, it's notable.
* Stable base that allows you to either rest it firmly on a table or in your lap.
* Subtle movements are reflected in the game.
* Overall appearance - it looks as good as it performs.
Things to NOTE:
* This is definitely a right-handed joystick.
* It plugs into a USB port
* I used it with Microsoft Flight Sim 2002 running on an XP Pro system: Installing the software that came with the joystick was effortless and when I opened Flight Sim, all of the buttons were already mapped to the appropriate functions.
