There's been a gazillion opinions about CH being either the best money can buy or the opposite. My experience about their products is that they don't fit my hand out of the box. For what I've heard and read, each of the high end Hotas systems have had more or less serious issues with some users while others have been totally satisfied for years.
Speaking of cheap sticks, Logitech Extreme 3d pro fits most hands. Heavy users say they don't last too long, but I've been using them for several years without problems. I must admit my flying hours aren't causing marital problems, but on the other hand I also use the stick gently without crushing the stick beyond its limits and back. Read on, good alternatives follow!
If you like the Logitech touch but would like a Hotas, the Thrustmaster T-flight Hotas X is very nice for the price, about $50. The parts are detachable with a 3 ft cable in between. The stick is twisty and the stiffness is adjustable. Alternatively you can choose to use a rocker on the throttle for rudder.
If you want the most accurate inexpensive stick available, the Thrustmaster t-16000m is your choice. Again, fits most hands well. Heck, it comes with adjustment parts for lefties, too! It's equipped with HAL sensors and the resolution of the stick is incredible (hence the type 16000). The movements are large and smooth, the centering is noticeable but has only a small threshold. Oh, and the price: below $50. No wonder it has been praised on this forum, just check the posts for the last half a year or so.
