Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick (963290-0403) Reviews

• A very good joystick: well made and comfortable to use

  
  By AAE02V05OYORD on 2003-10-16
  The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick is a good all-around stick. For those wanting to use, say, Flight Simulator for educational purposes, the Extreme 3D is a good choice.
  
  In fact, this type of stick is much more realistic than models with "Force Feedback": the stick movement on a genuine modern helicopter in flight feels smooth and fluid, like power steering on your car. Force Feedback may be fun, but I don't think it's very realistic for many of the scenarios it's currently used in.
  
  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 and trigger pull have 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.
  
  

• A Fine Joystick

  
  By A3KY68OTSNHM3G on 2004-12-31
  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.
  
  

• Great joystick at a decent price.

  
  By A3VYDLL7WN5ZCM on 2005-09-09
  I bought this joystick for gaming on my Mac and was a bit disappointed when the box arrived and it said PC only... However, I plugged it in to my iBook and it worked just great on Battlefield 1942 even without installing any drivers (I'm using OSX). I also can use it on my PC without any problem. It comes with a drivers CD for Windows.
  
  It improved my game 100% when flying planes in Battlefield, I would definitely recommend this to anybody who plays games in which flying is involved. It's pretty sturdy and quite large, and very comfortable to hold, though it's definitely for right-handed gamers only.
  
  It has a separate throttle control (a lever that you push forward or backward) that's quite sensitive, and the handle twists left and right to control the rudder (as well as moving 360 degrees like any other joystick). There are 13 buttons so plenty of choice when mapping your controls.
  
  Personally I much prefer this joystick over one that comes with force feedback - the vibration works against what you're trying to do and makes playing harder. You can't beat this joystick for the price.
  
  After this I could never go back to just using a mouse and keyboard. Takes the gaming experience to the next level.
  
  

• No way to calibrate....

  
  By A3SP7T2PZ3HSDE on 2006-06-18
  I've used this joystick for about a year now. Originally, the joystick worked perfectly with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. But after about 9 months of moderate use (4-6 hours/wk), the joystick began to lose its calibration, especially in the twist portion. Having owned 3 joysticks previously, I was expecting this to occur because of typical fatigue on the spring. What I did not expect was that Logitech does not provide any software to calibrate the joystick, which is necessary to compensate for the inaccuracies caused by the fatigued spring. I tried to search online for any calibration utility, but to no luck. I don't know; maybe Logitech does have calibration software associated with the stick and I just missed it. But at this point, the stick has becoming annoyingly unaccurate that I'm almost ready to purchase a new stick...and I'll make sure ahead of time that it can be calibrated.
  
  

• Has serious calibration issues...

  
  By A1BSK8LQ98KFH1 on 2005-01-11
  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!!!
  
  
• Great Flight Stick
  By A2DNGSY7MXWLWJ on 2003-12-19
  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.
  
  
• ¡Enhorabuena por Logitech!
  By AG0IIOR7WX3GO on 2007-01-25
  I got this joystick for my Flight Simulator and it is just what I needed! The special feature of twisting stick is a must to easily control the rudder pedals (and therefor to move the rudder) and also for turning properly during aircraft taxing.
  
  It got 11 buttons + trigger (that counts twelve), hat switch for easily move your view and the throttle control for smoothly manage your engines power.
  
  Overall, it behaves perfect, doesn't tip over, smooth sensation. I recommend this control device if you like flight simulators, I don't use it on anything else but will see if it got good use.
  
  Oh btw, as soon I plugged the device into my front usb port, WinXP did the rest, I didn't have to use the installation CD, and my flight simulator software detected it too when I first run the game after installing the joystick.
  
  What can I say... I am a happy customer, x'D
  
  
• Decent, but has calibration issues as listed
  By AD56PARIQ5VF3 on 2005-02-10
  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.
  
  
• Mac user's perspective
  By A3VVKAIS45TOWF on 2005-05-29
  I've only used this joystick on a Mac, so I can't comment on the quality of the drivers and software for Windows. Here are my impressions from using it:
  
  * Installation was cake. I plugged it in to the USB hub on my keyboard, and that's it. No drivers to install, no need to even bother with the included CD.
  * Throttle control is very smooth and precise.
  * Pitch, roll, and yaw (rudder) are also very smooth with great feel. This is not a sloppy flight stick in any way.
  * All the buttons are well-positioned, assuming you are right-handed. The buttons on the base are extremely handy in a flight sim, for setting things like rudder trim, or for toggling various features on your aircraft.
  
  I got this stick primarily for use with the X-Plane flight simulator, and it works extremely well. The base is very stable when used on a desk or lap, and the joystick as a whole has a solid, smooth feel. If you don't need or want force feedback, this is an outstanding joystick at a good price.
  
  
• Piece of junk
  By A5IY81MNKK61N on 2006-12-02
  Read the other reviews also. Enough of them say that this product will have problems with calibration that you should probably believe them. It's fine for a while, but I have only used mine lightly and I take care of my equipment -- no drops -- but it still will not fly a plane straight and level. It used to. Save your money for something that works for more than a few months. I'll admit that I have never been a fan of Logitech stuff; this is why.
  
  
• Garbage!
  By on 2004-04-06
  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!!!!
  
  
• Don't buy it!
  By ATDBL0SQBLVJA on 2004-06-22
  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.
  
  
• I am returning mine to Amazon Today!
  By AX8HJ93S7KOGO on 2005-06-16
  I read reviews about this joystick both good and bad and still went ahead, took a chance and ended up wasting my money on it. On the first day use, it had lost it's calibration to the right as others have already mentioned before. I found a quick fix to get back calibration was in mid-game, to quickly remove and reinsert the USB plug and it would be good for about 10 more minutes before the right lean would go again. What a hassle. I am returning mine today to Amazon, then I am going to purhcase a Saitek Cyborg EVO Jpoystick. They have to be better....but I guess I will see. Too bad Microsoft isn't making Sidewinders anymore, this controller replaced a great Sidewinder Precision 2 that the hat switch went bad on after many years of use. Such a shame for an otherwise great controller. The stable, heavier base is nice not having to worry about the thing moving around on my desk. The button layout on stick for a right hander felt good.
  
  
• A great Joystick
  By A20KU7FXVORD44 on 2005-09-30
  I upgraded to this one from the Logitech Wingman Extreme, which was also a fine product (if it ain't broke don't fix it). I use it with the MS Flight Simulator and it's great. Overall, I'm very satisfied.
  
  
• DO NOT BUY!!!!!
  By A1K36I8BNLKJTH on 2004-03-19
  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.
  
  
• Good stick -- until..
  By A2SUQLGAF1HZNF on 2004-05-31
  ..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 !

  (...)
  
  

• Looks and Feels nice, other than that, not a quality device
  By on 2004-07-13
  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.
  
  

• Very please
  By A155B5VYXVC3EO on 2006-01-15
  Very easy to install just plug it in and all games that use a joystick found it with no problem. When my kids used it, it stayed on the desk not like our other joy sticks that where real light never stayed in one place. Had plenty of bottons so when you were in a game you could set up the botons in the postions that where most comfortable for you. This is my 3rd joystick and the best one yet. I think i finally found the right one this time. I hope this helps.
  
  
• Excellent Joystick
  By AQGQ9PXUEHZWA on 2006-03-09
  The joystick worked flawlessly right out of the box. Works smoothly with Microsoft Flight Simulator. Would highly recommend to others.
  
  
• Price Can't Be Beat
  By A1C0RNYSVOOH8U on 2006-11-09
  This is a great joystick for the price. I use it for Flight Simulator and it works great. Works better than almost all force feedback joysticks, especially for Flight Sim. Only complaint is that the twist doesn't have a lot of range so you can't give a half twist. About as effect as using two buttons to control rudder. Highly reccomend otherwise.
  
  
• Great joystick
  By A1T1BB4YTPJCJ7 on 2007-01-27
  I've been using this joystick with rudder control for Flight Simulator X and have no complaints. It has fully programmable buttons for whatever function you'd like. I replaced an old Gravis stick and this one is much better. Can't beat the value. It's a great joystick at a great price.
  
  
• not good for flight combat games.
  By A1314P2N1B8F39 on 2004-01-29
  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.
  
  

• More calibration issues
  By A3RGB3V18O4OCA on 2004-03-07
  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.
  
  

• Look Elsewhere.
  By A2G3ZK99XAV9FP on 2004-03-12
  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.
  
  

• Great Stick buy has Calibration Problems Occasionally
  By AE8D9O8H4H7X6 on 2004-07-16
  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.
  
  
• Pretty good joystick but there are a couple problems
  By A30AH2BU5AJHGM on 2005-05-31
  This joystick is pretty good overall. It has a large base so it stays stable on your desk. It's well constructed. I haven't had any calibration issues like other people have. But you can't program mouse functions to button commands. It also has a very strong spring which wears my arm out very quickly. Overall I recommend this joystick. If you want a basic joystick. Personally I'm going to get on that has a seperate throttle and more buttons.
  
  
• Not too bad, but...
  By A31500PLTLDUUF on 2006-10-21
  I bought this joystick looking for something that could tolerate my hours of flight simming. It worked for the first few months, but then started to lose its calibration. It also became INSANELY sensitive to movement input. Fortunately, I had an extended warranty for it.
  
  The second one that I got now has the same problem, and the movement in the Y-Axis is no longer smooth- I feel a small "click" about half way through pulling it back.
  
  All in all, not a bad stick. Comfortable grip, and the controls are very easy to set up. However, I will not be buying another one. It simply isn't very durable if you do a lot of gaming with it.
  
  
• did not last long
  By AZ847ZN7MZAPR on 2006-12-08
  Lasted about 6 months. Constant calibration problems, even from the start. Now it is completely unusable. When it worked well (first 2 weeks) it was really good. Looks good, feels good, but buy a few if you want to use it for a long time.
  
  
• works great for 1 month.
  By AA7JXEM8V4JEQ on 2004-01-19
  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.
  
  

• PLEASE READ
  By AK4RFH12E0T6D on 2004-03-04
  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
  
  

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