I've been using a wireless POS inland mouse for a while now and to be honest its not half bad for $12.99. But the batteries run out every month and it gets a bit jumpy every once in a while.
 
So I've been looking at some gaming mice. Most of my friends tell me to get a Logitech G5, but its a bit pricey. While the microsoft sidewinder X5 is about half the price on amazon. The reviews seem fine for that one, but is spending the extra $20-40 on a G5 or Razer or other high end mouse worth it. Hopefully someone has owned a few mice and can comment.

I have owned both the MX518, G5 and now the G500.  If the G5 is too expensive for you go for the MX518 or one of the Razer equivalents. It's definitely worth it. 
 
Remember that all of these are wired and don't require batteries.

I have the Logitech G9x and can never look back. 

yeah, I want a wired one since I have been annoyed with having to change the battery.
 
After reading some reviews I will probably get the sidewinder or the MX 518. The MX 518 is about $10 more than the X5 so not a huge leap. But that is my limit I think on a mouse.

" yeah, I want a wired one since I have been annoyed with having to change the battery.  After reading some reviews I will probably get the sidewinder or the MX 518. The MX 518 is about $10 more than the X5 so not a huge leap. But that is my limit I think on a mouse. "

I dont know. I'd say more claw than palm if that makes sense...

I've had a MX518 for years, and I love it. The programmable side-buttons and the buttons that quickly change sensitivity have been extremely useful.

" I dont know. I'd say more claw than palm if that makes sense... "

I've used the Razer Deathadder for a few years now, and it's been great. When it comes to the higher end mice, it's not too expensive either at $50-$60. That's basically my limit for mice. I don't really see the need to spend much more than that on a mouse.

I have a coolermaster Sentinel advance. Now even though it's not one of the major mice brands (they mostly make cases), I've found it a brilliant little mouse. Lot's, and I mean lot's of options for different mapping, speeds, it can change colour and has different weights so you can make it just how you want it. I have actually found that the differing speeds has been important, I use a higher speed when playing MoH and BF:BC2

I've never noticed a difference in responsiveness, just durability. Seems like the only difference is the number of extra buttons it has.

All I worry about is having a comfortable mouse with high DPI, and a button to quickly change the DPI.

What brands etc would people recommend? I just use a bog standard Microsoft wired one and while I don't really care for hyper responsiveness, customisable weighting etc that some of the gaming mice offer I find this one pretty uncomfortable at times. I have a wireless logitech MX revolution which is really comfy and my everday computing mouse but the lag is TERRIBLE so gaming with it is out of the question.

Did someone mention the claw?

 http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/microsoft-sidewinder-x8-wireless-gaming-mouse/
 
I've got this badboy, and let me tell you, it is worth every penny! No need to change batteries, easy 2-step recharging, batteries hold a lifetime, and it is fast as fcuk.
Approved!
 

i think a a $40 mice would suffice 
have a couple extra buttons on it and a button for on the fly dpi change

Cheap mice are all terrible. I have an MX510 that i used for several years that was a great mouse. I moved on to a microsoft wireless one but its not as good.

Dude, just stick with a regular wired laser mouse. I'm still using this Dell mouse from centuries ago and I poon all the noobs on TF2.

Been running the Logitech G9 for quite a bit and am very happy with it.

I currently own a Razer Imperator that I got a couple of days ago. My KDR in BFBC2 has doubled from a Logitech MX Revolution, so I would say yes. A good mousepad is important as well. 

" I've used the Razer Deathadder for a few years now, and it's been great. When it comes to the higher end mice, it's not too expensive either at $50-$60. That's basically my limit for mice. I don't really see the need to spend much more than that on a mouse. "

And by the way, having a wired mouse does not mean it isn't a gaming mouse.  I prefer wired mice just because A) It's what I've always used and what I'm used to, and B)  I don't like having to change batteries.  Just find that one mouse that fits you like a glove.  Brands don't really matter at that point; it's just what feels comfortable to you.

Logitech G5 is all I'll ever need.

i use a g5, best mouse I've ever used.    honestly the high DPI is nice but i end up using a lower number like 1000 dpi because it feels better.  Most of the new mice just have higher dpi sensitivity and if your like me you probably won't even use the max dpi setting.

I use a Logitech G500, I love it and it's great for everything not just gaming. I always find that gaming mice fit my hand the best and have the smoothest movement, no matter what I'm doing. Can't recommend it enough.

I've always been a regular mouser, myself. Any consumer-grade mouse works just fine for me.
 
I own a Cooler Master gaming mouse that I got for free with a case I bought recently. Haven't opened the box, and I plan on selling it on ebay. Not that I don't think it looks like a good mouse or anything, but I'm happy with the mouse I've been using.

Well I still cant decide. I have to agree though the gaming mice are more comfortable than a normal mouse. My friend has a microsfot sidewinder x5 and it instantly felt way better than the crappy logitech one I have, just a standard optical mouse. Makes me wonder if the more expensive ones are more comfortable since that ones seems to be the cheapest one online, which is honestly my main concern.

I still use the mouse that came with my pc, it has a ball. I'm such a cheapskate. I don't play anything competitively so i'm not too bothered by it.

YES THEY ARE  I didn;t think they would but the higher end ones make a major difference

well I dont play multiplayer games, its mostly that the basic mice are made for left handed as well as right handed people and are uncomfortable, mine is symmetrical. I want to get a more ergonomic mouse and the gaming ones seem to be the best choice for that. My hand is a bit sore after playing audio surf and torchlight a bunch tonight.

I'm part of the Razer Deathadder camp. Excellent mouse, and extremely comfortable.

" I'm part of the Razer Deathadder camp. Excellent mouse, and extremely comfortable. "

You just need a quality mouse that won't break down in your hand. I still have MX500 and can own just about anyone in just about anything.
 
:)

well I am leaning towards the sidewinder x5 its pretty cheap and frankly I dont want to throw down much more for a mouse until I am ready.
 
But the g500 does look nice and I'll probably upgrade later on to something of that quality.

I have a Steelseries Ikari mouse and it is quite possibly the best mouse I've had, though the Logitech G5 is a pretty close second. 

So the only benefit to the higher tier mice are more buttons and fancy grip?

my first 'gaming' mouse, I think it was a gaming mouse, was the logitech dual optical mouse. It had two sensors.

I use a Razer Mamba and it's sweet. Has a high DPI ( I think that's what it is ) and you can change it on the fly. Good for first person shooters when you're swapping between say a sniper and a regular soldier, you never realise how handy it is to have different sensitivities for seperate classes to change on the fly. 
 
The mouse can be wired or wireless so you've got options. It's pretty pricey, I paid $145AUD (and that was cheap, I think the RRP was like $225AUD). But if you want a good quality gaming mouse... look no further.

Oh, fuck yes.
 
I bought a Razer Lachesis at the end of 2008 and its an absolute beauty. Quick speed transitions (if you suddenly need lots of precision, you can set the dpi to 4000 etc), lots of mappable buttons, micros. All in all a fantastic piece of kit.
 
I would say though, that Razer's quality control leaves a little to be desired. There were initially some problems with the scroll wheel, but the sorted themselves out quickly.
 
Don't do what I did though and drop your bed on it. My left click is now the forward side button :(

" i use a g5, best mouse I've ever used.    honestly the high DPI is nice but i end up using a lower number like 1000 dpi because it feels better.  Most of the new mice just have higher dpi sensitivity and if your like me you probably won't even use the max dpi setting. "

" Well I still cant decide. I have to agree though the gaming mice are more comfortable than a normal mouse. My friend has a microsfot sidewinder x5 and it instantly felt way better than the crappy logitech one I have, just a standard optical mouse. Makes me wonder if the more expensive ones are more comfortable since that ones seems to be the cheapest one online, which is honestly my main concern. "

I use the G9. It's pretty good but not worth the price tag (at least at the time I bought it, maybe it's cheaper now). You don't really need a DPI higher than 1600 to be competitive online, hell, a lot of professional counter strike/quake players use older mice with 800 DPI. It still all comes down to practice and skill, having a nice mouse won't make you any better.

I use a Logitech Trackball.
 
FUCK MICE!

Advance notice: I'm not trolling. 
 
This is my gaming mouse. 

http://www.itcsales.co.uk/acatalog/Dell-Mouse-0C8639-big-220.jpg     
(Sorry for no direct image, can't be bothered to upload it just for this post) 
 
It cost me all of $0 when it came with my old Dell Dimension 4500. It'd have probably cost $10 when I bought it, in the tail end of '04. 100% generic USB optical mouse, not even the "premium" Logitech version. I've had no problems, and I can hold my own in basically every game, so it works for me. 
 
Keyboard, on the other hand... I have a Razer Arctosa. It cemented my belief in Razer making ridiculously good products. When it dies, I'm surely going back to them. I'd presume their mouses are decent as well.

Yes they are worth it, pretty sure there is a reason why every "pro" PC gamer uses them. And used them prior to going pro or before pro was even a thing.
 
Good mousepad is also vital. 
 
I use a G5 with a QCK+ Thick. Forgot what its called but its a very large mousepad and thick so it negates an uneven surface.