I opened a thread in Wing Commander forum but I was hoping I would get more responses here. Basically, what I'm looking for is a joystick ideal for playing Space Combat Sims and mostly the old ones (Wing Commander series, X-wing, Tie Fighter series, Freespace 2 etc). I will not be playing Flight Simulators with it. Price is not the main issue, just trying to find the joystick ideal for my needs.

Thank you for your recommendations

Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro (the USB compatible version).

It's pretty much perfect for right-handed guys, its ergonomics and handling just feel great. Been playing X-Wing Alliance, StarLancer, Freespace 2 for countless hours with this beauty. Hey, I even played Grand Prix 3 with this thing! Here's a bit from Wikipedia: Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_SideWinder#Precision_Pro

Thanks. How about

http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-X52-Flight-Control-System/dp/B00030GSJY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1361548943&sr=8-4&keywords=joystick

or

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top ?

not that I know much about joysticks, but they've got high scores on amazon.

I would consider this one, it is the closest one to a MS Precision, but with even greater precision thanks to HAL sensors and you can get these new.

The Saitek has fancy lights, but it is expensive and Saiteks buildquality is questionable, the Thrustmaster Hotas can be hit or miss, can't tell really but I've heard people praise it.

interesting that the prices of t16000m and t flight hotas are about the same, yet the latter has a throttle control. but seems like thrustmaster is overall a good brand for joysticks

CH Products still makes the best imo, but it's more for simulation, you have seperate rudder and throttle.
The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro might also be a good choice, I have this one though I don't really like the feel of the buttons, but it's an ok joystick for the type of games you suggested.
The thing I would want is a separate joystick and a keyboard with integrated throttle, mixture and prop control and trim wheels, all made like mousewheels, cause in practice you always have one hand on the keyboard and one on the stick.

Thanks for all the info so far