The biggest compaint I have is the outgrageous 18lb spring force on each axis that doubles when the joystick is moved to the corners. It requires you to move your entire arm for anything beyond minute movements. The force is especially excessive when pulling back and to the right. It is not as bad when gripped from the top, but with your hand down on the grip, setting on the hand rest, the force goes up considerably. TM F-22 stick users may be used to this, but it is far in excess of any force I've felt in other joysticks or even real aircraft (T-34B pilot here).
Moving the stick also moves the computer table, which is top heavy anyway due to the computer and monitor weight, to an extent that I cannot use the new setup. Word of caution to potential buyers: You should abolutely consider a solid table on solid flooring to keep everything from swaying during stick use.
Yep, you either like the tension or you don't. As soon as I get settled in my new place (moving at the end of the month), I'll be contacting a local spring manufacturer to see if I can get some springs to
increase the tension. The F22 had far more tension, and a longer throw.
Who the heck thought that cold cast metal would give the feeling of flight? Well, it doesn't. I understand that many like the solid feeling of gripping cold metal. They take several minutes to "warm up" while draining the warmth from your hands. Got bad joints or arthritis? (which I don't) Better think of investing in a nice pair of gloves. I would have preferred a design with a metal core covered with plastic. That way you still get the solid feel with the insulating properties of the plastic.
This was my original feeling too, but I'm starting to like the metal handle. My opinion might change when the season changes to winter. You're right tho', I can't imagine my arthritic grandpa even touching the thing. The F22 Pro handle was made with glass-injected nylon, had a great feel to it and was plenty solid. I guess part of the sell on this stick was the "all metal" tho, so that was probably not even an option.
The slotted switch guides for the sliding switches on the throttle were so sharp that I was cutting my fingers during switch operation. It took nearly an hour to deburr every slot.
I didn't have this problem, but they are sharp if you jam your finger up against them (i don't during normal operation). Did yours have extra flashing (that's what it's called on plastic, don't know if it's the same from metal molds) on them?
The throttle friction is completely uneven throughout the full range of travel. Even at the lowest friction setting, the idle range is tight enough to prevent free motion. The throttle moves in stops and starts until it reaches mid travel. As soon as the throttle is moved past the AB detents, it falls forward under its own weight requiring a few turns of the friction wheel. This, of course, makes the idle range even more difficult to move smoothly.
Same here. I took out the detents tho', I don't like them in WWII sims. Going to try some more lubricant to see if I can even out the tension. The TQS felt much better in this respect for me.
Most of the switches and hats all exhibit a solid feel and an even travel.
Definitely...the Hats are just perfect. I've always liked CH Products hat switches more than ThrustMaster's. They had a much better feel to 'em and a positive hit on the positions. The Cougar hats are a different story tho' - fantastic design.
The speedbrake switch is horrible. It requires far too much force to move in and out of the fwd detent position. It actually gets stuck in the aft momentary position. I am hoping that usage will cure this over time.
Yep...it works itself out. The original TQS had the same issues.
I cannot believe that this Cougar setup forces me to disable my USB rudders for several sims. This is a huge oversight in system design and implementation, IMO. As it is, the computer sees the Cougar and the USB Pedals as two independant controllers.
LOL...call HT and send him booze to thank him for the awsome joystick utilities in AH, then call Microsoft and curse at them for the retarded joystick setup in Windoze. Maybe you can be mad at TM for not including the ability to plug your USB rudders into the Cougar chain, but you can't blame them for Microsoft's inadequacies.
I effectively cannot use this $260 system until I find a replacement for the springs and/or an upgrade for my computer table with a non-carpeted floor placement.
I think it was already time for you to buy a new computer desk if things are that unstable. Yikes!
SOB
