Logic 3 Star Fighter USB - joystick

== Basic Introduction ==
After purchasing the much sought-after latest version of Flight Simulator, I quickly decided that to get the most out of my new game I would need to purchase a joystick. At that time, I simply thought that all joysticks were the same and went for the cheapest option I could find; which turned out to be this Logic3 StarFighter.

This, like most other joysticks, was simply connected up to the PC using a ...
...up and down to determine the lowest and highest it could go from on a normal scale - to be honest it didn't go very far at all and this was why, as I describe later on, the throttle doesn't have as much functionality as it could have. You also have to move the joystick around a few times to determine ITS limits - although they seemed OK in comparison with the scale, I still thought it could be improved), was up and running. The most immediate thing ... more

Basic Introduction

After purchasing the much sought-after latest version of Flight Simulator, I quickly decided that to get the most out of my new game I would need to purchase a joystick. At that time, I simply thought that all joysticks were the same and went for the cheapest option I could find; which turned out to be this Logic3 StarFighter.

This, like most other joysticks, was simply connected up to the PC using a USB port and, after some configuration (i.e. moving the throttle up and down to determine the lowest and highest it could go from on a normal scale - to be honest it didn't go very far at all and this was why, as I describe later on, the throttle doesn't have as much functionality as it could have. You also have to move the joystick around a few times to determine ITS limits - although they seemed OK in comparison with the scale, I still thought it could be improved), was up and running. The most immediate thing that I noticed was that it is ergonomically designed – there is a little platform coming out of the side of the joystick for you to rest your hand upon. In addition, if you are right-handed, there is a place to put your thumb whilst not pressing any of the buttons. This will, however, pose a problem for a left-handed person (like myself) and so for anybody who is left handed I would not recommend this particular model at all.

Looks

The joystick itself looks pretty basic but, at the same time, stylish. Although the black colour of the joystick isn’t as tasteful as, say, silver would be, the overall design of it makes it quite attractive. If only the branding wasn’t there – the logo “Logic3” with “STAR FIGHTER” underneath it positioned on the base of the joystick makes it look somewhat like a child’s toy. Despite this, it bears a good look on the whole.

Responsiveness

I found that this particular joystick was quite unresponsive to my actions in more than one game. Although 8-way hat switch is particularly effective to toggle viewing options, the throttle is pretty basic in comparison to some and, due to the limited variability of it, even the slightest accidental touch could severely increase / decrease the output. In addition, the joystick itself is pretty limited as to how well it works – I have found myself constantly tugging and jerking the joystick just to get it to respond well which surely cannot be a desirable thing. The trigger is very effective and is positioned at the back of the joystick for easy use - a mere push with your first finger is suffice and adds to the ergonomic design of the joystick.

Robustness & Durability

As mentioned, I often find myself jerking the joystick from side to side but it has withstood many a fatal fall over the last few months. The only thing that could pose a problem would be the throttle – to me, it seems exceptionally flimsy due to the simple fact that it is so easy to move and so hard to get ‘just right’.

Ease of Use

In comparison with many of the major joysticks out today, this has to be one of the simplest to use. Saying that, its features are extremely limited and, at times, unreliable (sometimes you have to press the joystick buttons a few times before it acknowledges what is being pressed).

Manufacturer Support & Instruction Manual

As for an instruction manual, it doesn’t really need one. Also, I am happy to say, I have never contacted customer services about this joystick – it works and, for the price, what more can you expect?

Where to Buy

Lots of high street stores sell this particular joystick - I bought it from "The Computer Store" for around £15. You can, however, get it cheaper on the internet - the price comparison on ciao returns some useful results.

Overall

A good joystick with limited, sometimes-untrustworthy functions but does its job well. This is simply an ‘it does what it says on the box’ scenario – no extras, nothing really to get excited about, just a good, straightforward, joystick.

Contacts

Logic3 can be accessed over the internet on http://www.spectravideo.com/ and their technical support / product information line is support@logic3.com. At the time of writing, however, the joystick is "Out of Stock" on this website. 

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