evaluating joy sticks

[filmuser]

how do you actually cut through all the crap on rating lists for joy sticks?

 

[CParsons]

Just like anything else really, read the 'blog' reviews and then read the reviews from users and see where you end up.

 

[DXCHASE]

Are you referring to actual joysticks on controller pads/steamdeck or like actual xbox/ps controllers? (which im assuming, just clarifying)

 

[Crowe]

What are you wanting to use the stick(s) for? Flight sims? Elite? Star Citizen? IT's probably a good idea to look at reviews of sticks in your budget that are available by people playing the same game(s) in order to to see how well it works for it. Ideally, find somewhere you can try it for comfort before purchasing too....

 

[Brian Boru]

read the 'blog' reviews

For example:

https://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-pc-joysticks/

read the reviews from users

Amazon reviews are useful if you use them properly. Click on the ‘verified purchase’ filter. Some of the Vine and other solicited reviews can be excellent of course, but ‘normal’ users give a better overall sense imo. The 4-star and 2-star reviews are often the most informative–too many possible fanboys and shills/trolls in the 5 and 1 brackets.

You should also sort by 'Most Recent' to see if a product has improved or deteriorated since its release. Check the 'shape' of the ratings chart—ideally it'll taper down from 5-star [most] to 1-star [least]. Watch out for 1-star being more than usual, that may mean a product which is good when works but too often is DOA.

If there's some aspect which interests you, look for the nearest match in the keywords in the 'Read reviews that mention' section.
Look for 'Top Contributor: …' beside reviewer's name.

Dishonest review campaigns—ie paid-for 5-star "reviews"—usually last only a short while, so keep an eye on review dates. Such reviews are also almost always easily identifiable as scripts from a marketing person—there must be a special module in marketing school for 'How to write unlike a real person'

 

[Zimbaly]

Watch vids on youtube and see what folks are using. Usually you'll see their setup and you'll notice what seems to be the standard at certain levels. I'm just a basic kind of guy so I use the logitech extreme 3d pro.