JOYSTICKS

Whether you’re making loop-de-loops in a Pitts biplane, or going long-haul in a Boeing 747, it’s imperative that your flight sim sessions are piloted with precision. Sure, there are no real passengers around to persecute your flight control peripheral choice, but imagine the distaste if another pilot were to enter your cockpit and find only a mouse and keyboard.

For the full flight simulation experience, you’re going to want to snatch yourself a well-engineered Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS). Or for a more realistic approach (pun intended), a full-on yoke system might be the thing to get your propellers going. Whatever your flying style, there’s a joystick for you. Andto make the choice easier, we tested the following for their feel, functionality, build-quality, and all-important action.

THE DEDICATED EJECT BUTTON HAS TO BE THE TRUE SELLING POINT

Mach 1 HOTAS Combo

RAPTOR $170

All the buttons