Note: All things change!  With the new fast computers the old 3D Pro does not work on a lot of them now, I have that problem now and just went to the Sidewinder Precision Pro 2.

Descent3 requires even more Pilot skill than D2, so learn and be great.

 Now I know I am going to get under a few skins with my love of the M S Sidewinder Pro, however I believe after going through a large number of joysticks that not only is the Sidewinder the ideal joystick for Descent 2, but its the only one. That is if you really want to be good at this game. There some who have mastered other sticks and do quite well with them, well  I went through two Thurshmasters in 2 weeks. Good sticks, but they just don't hold up.  The Hat switch is the major weakness with all joysticks because of the quick and fast maneuvering in Descent 2. The stress placed on the hat switch is awesome, more so if your like me and use your hat switch to slide.  Don't get me wrong the hat on the Sidewinder will ware out, but I've never had one just flat break.  The hat is only one reason I and many others use the Sidewinder, but not the only one. Not by far!

The Sidewinder 3D Pro is a quick nimble stick with one very unique feature. Built into the handle is a twist feature that can be set in several ways, I set it on X2 axes (bank) now with the autolevel turned OFF your in a position to move in ways and directions not possible with any other gaming device.  Move in 4 directions at the same time? Yepers!!  In the hands of a Descent 2 professional like  Glock21  the flying moves are simple amazing.  Glock21 turned me on to the correct configuration settings for the Sidewinder a year ago and my kill percentage went up 15 to 25% with in 3 weeks of using it.

Another feature is the back thumb button on the handle, with this button set to launch missiles you can now slide with the hat and fire guns and missiles at the same time with ease.  Now everyone is different, so set it to your own confront zone.  I've made small adjustments to mine now and again.  Now Im not the best Descent Pilot around, not by a long shot, but the M S Sidewinder Pro did Improve my game tremendously.  So go buy one! There available almost everywhere and the going price now is $38.95.  I always have a new one still in the box just in case. :)
 
Now you must put all your moves together and be ready to devised new ones for different tactual & defensive situations.  Most encounters in the mine are similar to ones you have had before, so you must learn what works and what does not work, then don't ever do the wrong one again.  So pay attention and remember what does work.  Remember if a move works for you, then sooner or later another pilot will have a move to counter that particular move. You must then devise a counter to his move. In a multi player game you have to pay close attention  to who your engaged with, because each pilot will react differently and knowing that pilot will determine how you approach the kill.  I pay very close attention to each pilot in a game and in a short period of time I know how he will react in a given situation.  I will then have either an attack move or a defense move ready for that particular Pilot.  When your cruising around the map always be ready, he who reacts first will usually win, now that is not only who gets off the first shot, but who is making the right defensive move.  Many times I will not even fire, but make the escape move and then take out the other pilot.  Escape moves involve dodging or using cover to avoid the other pilots attack, but you never, never stand still, not even for an instance.  I have found that quick fast short moves using the afterburner will more than often work to avoid getting your arss blasted.  Remember the old saying "the best defense is offense" well it still holds true here.   Also when you get caught in a tunnel where you know survivability is very slim then take the other guy with you, a suicide and a kill cancel each other out and rattles the other pilot.  I wish I could give you the magic words that would make you the ultimate flying Pilot, I can't.   You now know what can be done with good flying skills, and you have seen other pilots making flying moves that looked cool as hell.  All it takes is work and a lot of hours in the mine.   I like to think that Im fairly good, so pay attention the next time your in a game with Bama-2 or another one of my many Pilot nicks.  Watch what I do and when and how I do it.  You want change over night, but you will change and become better at the game.   Again, when your getting your arss pounded don't whine, remember its school time and learn from the lesson.   One day you will graduate maybe with honors!  If you do and you can beat this old Gig 2er then praise be to you.
"Share The Knowledge and Compete On Execution" anonymous