I want to replace my Logitech Attack 3. I thought I'd be able to live without rudder twist, but it didn't quite work.

I know there have been other threads about joysticks in the past, but in my country, my options are really limited and expensive, so I was hoping I could reach someone who has used these joysticks specifically. I will use it to play games like Red Baron 3D, Freespace 1 and 2, I-War 1 and 2, Enemy Engaged, the X series, maybe some Battlefied, etc. They are:

Saitek ST290 - Looks good, and I've been speaking with a fellow gogger who has one and really likes it. However, there are no buttons at the base, making it harder to use the throttle. Also, though said gogger has been using it for years, I've heard the trigger may be a little fragile.

Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X - This has more buttons than the first, and though I don't really like the kind of throttle it uses, the buttons would make it more usable, though, if I end up having to move the left hand to the keyboard anyway, there are too few buttons on the top. I've also seen complaints about it's precision, which is worrying. If it's at least as precise as the Attack 3, it should be enough.

Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X - It's a HOTAS, which is great, but is more expensive than the others, maybe a little too big, and I've read from many sources that it has a bad deadzone problem, which might be a killer. I'm probably going for the other options, but would still like some thoughts about this.

So, did anyone experience these problems with these joysticks? Thanks!

I think the Competition Pro is still the best!

I also liked the Atari one. Sadly, I need more buttons!

I've never used any of these joysticks, but I'd say the Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X looks the most comfortable.

If you liked your Logitech Attack 3
I'd recommend the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro

I've had it for quite a while now, use it mostly on Descent.
Never had a problem with it, and it feels good in your hand.
Also it has the twist handle

I've been looking for a good joystick for quite a while. My last joystick was a Microsoft Sidewinder 3D pro (unfortunately, it doesn't work very well anymore and it uses a sound card game port which modern sound cards don't have anymore).

That Logitech Extreme 3D pro looks fine, but does it work with Windows 7 and/or DOSBOX (for Wing Commander)? They state it works on Vista, but not 7.

I saw other recommendations for that one, and I do like the feel of the Attack 3. However, I could only find it for about twice the price of the ST290 Pro. Also, it's durability seems to be completely random. Some people use it for a few months, others for years.

I can confirm it works with both DOSBox and Win 7 (32-bit) and I'm pretty sure I've seen people with Win 7 (64-bit). It's a good stick.

I've seen it for $35 USD. Where do you live and what was the price?

In the States and I think the UK it is fairly inexpensive (<= $30 in the States), but I have heard its price goes dramatically in some countries - in fact the price of joysticks in general go up and some more than others.

I've actually not heard of anybody complaining of durability for the stick (although it's possible my memory is faulty :P) - in fact most describe it as solid (especially for an inexpensive stick). That said, it is an inexpensive stick as compared to some so it is missing bells and whistles (and more fundamentally is right-handed only if you're a lefty) and its construction may not be as good - either in durability or accuracy - as some of the higher tier (and higher priced) sticks.

The country I live in, you can see there to the left. Now, let me fill you in on the prices:

Saitek ST290 Pro: ~57 USD
Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X: ~ 82 USD
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro ~115 USD
Thrustmaster HOTAS X ~125 USD

Yep, we don't have a lot of money, and these things are pretty expensive. Perhaps I should consider importing?

Sadly that doesn't surprise me as Brazil is not the only country where this is a problem with joysticks. Those are all much, much more expensive than they are in the States. Unfortunately shipping would probably kill you, but some GOGers seem adept at shipping (Lowlyhong I think mentioned he does a lot of importing for his games/goods and said he found a reasonably priced service). So they might be able to suggest something that could get you those for a better price even including the shipping cost. Seriously those prices are 2.5-4x what they cost in the US. Ridiculous.

Saitek ST290 Pro: limited availability new here, I'm seeing mostly used prices
Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X: $29.99
Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X: $49.93
Logitech Exterme 3D Pro: $24.62 (on sale right now at a couple places, normally $29.99)

Best of luck!

Yayk, I thought Poland was expensive for that kind of stuff but prices in Brazil are twice as high ...
I personally own Thrustmaster T-16000M. It doesn't use ‘classic’ potentiometers, so theoretically you could buy used one and it should serve you well..

GOGs should be played as they were played.

Actually in the case of joysticks, using the joystick is how these were played back when joysticks and flight/space sims ruled the roost of gaming. :)

Sadly (for some of us anyway) those days are long over ... maybe they'll come back! :D

Yeah, Hall sensors. I looked for those: 200 USD -_-
It's much harder to find them used, too.

Another problem with importing would be the warranty. It looks pretty useful, as I hear about a lot of people having problems with joysticks before the first year.

Well, still hoping for someone who might have advice about the two more affordable joysticks in question.