Logitech WingMan Force Joystick
by Logitech
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: LogitechPlatform: Windows 95, Windows 98
Model: 963155-0403
Product features:
- I-Force feedback cable-drive system
- 8-way hat switch
- 9 programmable buttons
- USB and serial interfaces
- Thumb-controlled throttle
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech WingMan Force Joystick
Customer Review: Teeth Rattler
Summary: 5 Stars
Having tried a few force feedback sticks, there is absolutely no doubt doubt in my mind that this as the pick of the crop. The steel cable design means every little movement is transmitted to your hand with precision, and the effect strength can be set fron subtle to wrist jarring. The lack of a twist action may upset flight-sim fans wanting easy rudder control, and there is no doubt that while incredibly stable, this stick is huge and needs some serious desk space, but if you've got the room it's worth it. The motors are almost silent, and with no cooling fan internally the stick is very refined and quiet until the action starts. The one weakness in my view in the omission of an on/off switch. Connecting via either USB or a free com port (the cable has bothe connectors on the end) it is easily set up ready for action. A real tooth rattling Goliath.
Description of Logitech WingMan Force Joystick
Logitech's Wingman Force will rock your world unlike any other force feedback joystick: gently! While other force feedback sticks produce violent, jerky feedback motion, the Wingman Force can give you smooth precision to simulate the nuances of a virtual world such as traveling over sandy terrain, or the hum of a vibrating engine. The Wingman Force accomplishes this subtlety using cable-drive technology used to train surgeons' hands, whereas most force feedback joysticks use a jerky belt-drive system. This isn't to say that the Wingman Force can't deliver a kick, either: you'll get the whole range of force feedback, from the quiet 200 vibrations/sec to a tooth-rattling explosion simulation. The Wingman Force offers no fewer than nine programmable buttons, and an eight-way hatswitch and throttle wheel. You'll rarely have to let go of the joystick to use a keyboard command. The Wingman Force can use either a standard serial connection or a USB connection, for compatibility with the system you have this year and the ones you'll have in the future as well. One final feature: as Logitech claims, this joystick is 'built to take abuse.' Logitech's fifteen-plus years of experience in designing top-notch input devices assures you that your Wingman Force will stay with you even when your virtual fighter gets blown out from under you for the one hundredth time. Logitech covers the Wingman Force with a one-year warranty.A behemoth of a joystick, the Logitech WingMan Force is a killer. Packed away in its nearly 5-pound mass is a network of power that gives it exceptional muscle and stability.
The WingMan Force features nine programmable buttons, an eight-way hat switch, a thumb-controlled throttle, and WingMan Software, which makes programming buttons and setting preferences simple. Installing the joystick consisted of plugging in the power, connecting the USB cable, and booting up the software.
The weight of the joystick certainly helped with stability. Even when games got rowdy, the WingMan stayed firmly on the desk. The grip was solid and comfortable, and we didn't experience some of the jerking and stiffness that many force-feedback sticks produce. This can be chalked up to Logitech's cable-drive system, which is smoother than many gear-based joysticks. We also appreciated that most buttons on the stick were easy to reach in the midst of a game that demanded serious concentration.
We set multiple profiles within the WingMan Software for each game, and the software remembered them for future use. The force feedback on some games seemed less powerful than we expected, even with controls set to high. At one point, the force feedback gave out all together in the middle of a game, but resumed once we restarted. However, at other times, the force feedback was tremendous, making for an intense experience. We found the joystick to be best for games with machine guns or rapid-fire weapons, where the force feedback was at its best.
Despite some inconsistencies, the WingMan Force is a nice joystick with a lot of power. Its sturdy construction and considerable weight will help it survive the thrashings it's sure to take.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Easy-to-use software
- Simple to install
- Programmable buttons
Cons:
- Inconsistent feedback
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