Radio: Stick vs Wheel

odanota · #1 06-05-2010

Hello,

I have noticed that some of you guys run stick style radios. In the US I hardly ever see people using anything but the wheel type radios, is there an advantage to running the stick style?

Chris Larner · #2 06-05-2010

Ive always put this down to what you started using when you started driving/racing. As a child in the uk most rc cars came with stick transmitters, its only in the last few years that ready to run kits over here have started to come with a wheel.

I personally use a stick but dont see much advantage for one or the other. Feel steering is better on a wheel but throttle and break better on a stick.

Just my thought though

Big G · #3 06-05-2010

had sticks on day 1 and can't get on with a wheel. simple as that really.

JonMack · #4 06-05-2010

I started with sticks but I had small hands as I was only about 10 years old, so I then moved over to a wheel as it fit me better and so that's what I use.

It really is what you're used to. If you're using sticks now and getting on okay then stick with them (excuse the pun). If you're using a wheel then stay with that.

odanota · #5 06-05-2010

Thanks guys,

I think I will stick with the wheel since that is what I have always used. Just wanted to make sure I was not missing out on a secret weapon!

Cheers

V-Rossi · #6 06-05-2010

I started with a wheel, then tried a stick type and liked it better. For me throttle control is better with stick.

Benh · #7 21-10-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Larner

Ive always put this down to what you started using when you started driving/racing. As a child in the uk most rc cars came with stick transmitters, its only in the last few years that ready to run kits over here have started to come with a wheel.

I personally use a stick but dont see much advantage for one or the other. Feel steering is better on a wheel but throttle and break better on a stick.

Just my thought though

I heard someone once say, "Wheel for real; Sticks for dicks". Chris, being a stick user, is there any truth to this? Also, can you add any weight to the old adage "wheel users will make up anything to goad a stick user into a win-less fight".

Seriously and all silliness aside; apart from the recent study showing a direct relationship between wheel users and Mensa scholarships, the choice between the two is all about what wheel feels right and which sticks feel wrong.

BazzerH · #8 22-10-2013

I got into the hobby a few years back and just couldn't get on with sticks, so tried a rh wheel and couldn't get on with that either. So I flipped it over and drove cack handed and it felt natural. So I bought a lefty wheel and all is well now. maybe some people who can't use a wheel are holding it in the wrong hand. I'm very right handed usually too but a right handed wheel just felt wrong

rocketrob · #9 06-05-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by odanota

Hello,

I have noticed that some of you guys run stick style radios. In the US I hardly ever see people using anything but the wheel type radios, is there an advantage to running the stick style?

I remember when we got the first wheel radios, Futaba BrownBox, and from that day on everyone in the US has used a wheel radio - actually have never seen anyone use a stick radio unless it was a international/world type event. First fast guy I ever saw use one was Masami, but then he could drive with his feet too.

I guess it depends on what you grew up using and what you're more comfortable with.

I remember one old guy put it best, "It's all like it's done in 1:1/fullsize vehicles. Sticks are for ailerons and rudders, so planes - while cars have steering wheels and so should rc cars."

Dave Dodd · #10 07-05-2010

Im currently using wheel cos it was a cheaper way of getting 2.4ghz, was using sticks before. but i can use both.
it helps when setting up customers cars being stick/wheel

Jleath2834 · #11 20-10-2013

Well I've gone from a DEX210 RTR with a wheel to a DEX210 it build with sticks.
And it's not working lol. May take the receiver out of he RTR and try again.

U1timate PigDog · #12 20-10-2013

I use sticks and think they are great but I agree it really does just depend on what you get used to or find more comfortable to use.

If I were starting racing now I would personally choose the wheel as I think sticks are slowly going to die out and be completely replaced by the wheel, Ko stopping making sticks isnt exactly a positive sign.

A major plus for the wheel is that you have a huge range from cheap all the way to the most expensive sets, sticks it either its cheap and sucks or expensive but great.

Just my opinion though.

Jleath2834 · #13 20-10-2013

Thanks for the reply. To be honest the I was using the wheel on the RTR just fine. Gradually getting faster. But everyone at the club I race at seem to use sticks and I just thought I'd try the Extronix Pulse 2.4g stick set when I built my DEX210.
I've had a look at the £100+ wheel transmitter sets out there just out of general interest. Is there a good or bad wheel transmitter of preference? I guess some must be better than others like most RC items?

Would be interested to know your opinions.