Author Topic: thinking of making switch to Cougar (Read 474 times)

Exile · « **on:** May 23, 2002, 08:27:24 AM »

I've used MS Precision sticks from day one of my flight simming life. I tried a CH rig a couple of times but could never get used to it. The 2 big detractors have always been rudder pedals and views. Rudder pedals are just plain difficult to get used to after "twisting" for so long and as for views ... I have my views mapped to the "arrow keys". I fly with my left hand always on those keys. The only thing I have mapped to my stick for views is the "up" modifier to each of my arrow key views.

I guess what I'm wondering is ... Is it really worth the money? I know I can setup the views on the throttle as well as many other things, I know I can force myself to get used to actual rudder pedals, but ... is it worth $270(+-) + the cost of rudder pedals? I have no problem spending the money if I'm going to see "some" return.

Can someone who's gone from a "twisty" stick to Cougar give me a little insight into their own experience?

thanks in advance,
Ex ........................

mason22 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2002, 09:25:40 AM »

ditto.

(hey ex, there is a little rocker switch on the throttle that can be used as a rudder....i've thought about trying it out on someones rig at con.)

my problem is, finding enough deskspace to put both stick and throt

Mathman · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2002, 11:51:31 AM »

I just got a Cougar, and after so long with a twisty stick, its taking a little getting used to. The biggest thing is getting used to the pedals. It just takes some time.

That being said, the Cougar is very very very nice. Very programmable (haven't even figured it all out yet). I only touch the keyboard to chat. For me, it was well worth the $$$ (I can't imagine having to buy another HOTAS for a very long time - if ever), but your mileage may very. It is a very nice setup, very durable, very precise.

Some people will tell you to get one now, but it is a lot of $$$. It is worth the money if you are going to use it. I would do some research (try Cougar World). There has been a lot of talk about play in the center of the stick and busted buttons, but I haven't seen any problems with mine (a little play, but it is small and doesn't move the axes).

HFMudd · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2002, 12:13:54 PM »

First, let be honest and say I am 100% CH-Products, $300+ bucks worth of rudder pedal, throttle and joystick probably colors my opinions a bit.

The Courage is, by all accounts, an awesome piece of equipment. But I have a word of warning on the Cougar Throttle that I learned from my old Saitek X-36 throttle. I have never heard anyone bring this up, so here goes...

I like to map my views to the thumb hat on the throttle. This means that I am always working the tendon for my left thumb. The throttle on the Saitek, like the throttle on the Cougar, rotate around a fixed point. This meant that, depending on where my X-36 throttle was set, the angle of my wrist would change. The bad thing about this is that if you wrist is flexed, the tendon for your thumb (and fingures of course) can become inflamed.

The CH-Products Throttle does not rotate, it slides forward a back. For me this mean that I can set things up so that wrist remains straight regardless of the position of the throttle. This has been better for my occasional bouts with tendonitus.

YMMV.

LePaul · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2002, 01:56:22 PM »

Are you *sure* this injury is Non-Internet-Porn related?

JK!

I've recently went from the MS twisty to the X45. I cant seem to hold level flight, im always a wee bit left or right. Maybe its still breaking in. Further, I need to anchor the controls because they slide around a lot. Perhaps a C Clamp? Suggestions?

Kutt · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2002, 02:14:53 PM »

I used velcro to anchor mine. You can buy velcro strips with adhesive on them just about anywhere.

HFMudd · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2002, 02:19:58 PM »

Didn't the X-45 come with suction cups like the X-36 did? I'd avoid clamping it down since it would be too easy to twist a little hard and deflect the case to the point of breaking something. How about the sticky-back velcro strips they sell at craft stores?

I'll have to post a picture of my setup sometime. I have a pullout tray the size of my JS base mounted under the top of my computer desk. Mounted low on the left side is another semi adjustable tray that the throttle sits on.

I find a pretty comfortable setup, but that does not not help my flying much.

Eagler · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2002, 02:42:04 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by LePaul
Are you *sure* this injury is Non-Internet-Porn related?

JK!

I've recently went from the MS twisty to the X45. I cant seem to hold level flight, im always a wee bit left or right. Maybe its still breaking in. Further, I need to anchor the controls because they slide around a lot. Perhaps a C Clamp? Suggestions?

make sure it's calibrated in AH

using alerion trim (rudder rocker on throttle), elevator trim (rotor next to thumb on throttle) and rudder trim (front rotor next to 1st finger on throttle), I can trim and fly hands free as long as speed is not changed.

Mine are not secured to next. The suction cups give me more trouble than they are worth plus set the HOTAS up another 1/2 inch. I think if they are moving around on ya, your herkin and jerkin too much

airspro · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2002, 08:37:52 AM »

Exile , it took me about two years to get as good at shooting as I was in about 5 months with a twist stick . Is easy with a twist , just comes more naturl I think but with pedals I first had to bring the elev to were I wanted it , THEN move the pedals to "adjust" for lead etc . Now comes easy , even get the snap shots like I used to but at the first , it was just damn damn hard to get used too .

That said , I would never go back because flying is so much better with feet rudder control .

sid was like u , and used the keyboard alot , I made him get a throttle and he just loved it .

I orderd these springs for the cougar as I just know I won't like to pull all that hard .

http://us.thrustmaster.com/support/repairkit/instructions/joyspring.php3

IMO a CH Pro USB throttle with a FFB2 stick would be pretty good . Lots of hats and buttons for you and it has a real nice feel in AH but not that good in some of the "other" games I have tried . Right now only use the 4 buttons on the stick . Will like having more on the cougar stick .

I really don't know if I will be giving up the ffb yet or not , but this Saitek throlle is going bye bye very soon

U want to buy your throttle back ? Hated the hats on the ch joysticks so didn't use it much . It won't work with my new mb , damn it

spro