Joystick vs. Controller?

[Walter Deitzler]

Our programmer does both Joystick and Xbox control. We then let the drivers at driver-tryouts take their pick. We keep the other code in case a backup driver needs joystick/xbox. Basically, we use whatever makes our driver comfortable.

[RobbyD]

We used the logitech joysticks this year under Arcade control scheme where the left stick handles forward/reverse and the right stick handles turning. I love it much more than tank because it doesn't have the confusion in orientation (forward backward directions) of the robot that I've had with driving tank controls before. I think we are going to stick with arcade scheme, but I'm looking into different controllers/joysticks for next season because our deathgrips always destroy the logitech's buttons by championships

[cH4WKins14]

I used the dual joystick skid-steer set-up during my time driving for team 68, I found that they offer more finite control and are more durable than the very drop-able handheld controllers. Although they pretty much eliminate the ability to move around the alliance station and require more space on the driver station, to me, the joysticks will always be better for my type of driving. Overall, experimenting between the two types of controllers is the best advise I can give. Find what works for your drive team and stick with it.

[Oblarg]

This year with 4464 is the first experience I've had with gamepads, and the driver feedback (and my own observations as drive coach) have been very much that it's a superior control system to joysticks. Quicker and more precise.