Author Topic: I am trying to decide how to control my planes in the future. (Read 568 times)

lasse · « **on:** October 01, 2002, 06:44:47 AM »

Curently I use a MS FFeedback stick, with rudder in the handle(twist), and after all these years I still like it.

But the Hotas Cougar together with a set of ThrustMaster Elite Pedals is really tempting.
They do have a price (That`s for shure), and before I blow that kind of money I like to be shure if this is worth the cash.

So tell me you Cougar users out there, was the Cougar set worth the investment ?

Anyone knows anything about the TM Elite Pedals ?

Or should I simply keep my old MSFF ?`

The Wild Vikings
Commanding Officer

Lasse

SC-Sp00k · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2002, 06:49:13 AM »

Ill tell you in 3 days when mine ARRIVES ! WOOHOOOOooo(cough splutter...ooo)

Vermillion · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2002, 06:52:24 AM »

Its a great stick Lasse, but most likely after all those years of MS sticks (known for their light spring throw) you will find the spring tension way too hard for your liking.

An alternative to the Cougar would be the CH gear, which has the same quality but much more of a "middle of the road" spring setting.

The Cougar is nice, but you better have forearms of steel!

lasse · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2002, 07:09:57 AM »

You have to tell me spook what your first impression is when you get it.

Vermillion, thx for the advice, but I dont think the spring tension will be a problem( I am a Nice guy on 140KG, or in pounds about 280 ;-))
I seriously doubt that the spring tension is harder than the clutch on my 1969 Harley, THAT is spring tension ;-)

Anyone else that uses the Cougar ?

Lasse

moose · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2002, 07:22:14 AM »

I own a MSPP2 but got to try the cougar at the convention in August

although yes, the spring tension was high, the stick itself felt like the real deal. even though i'm not an eagle driver just yet i've had the chance to sit in an f-15a and holding the cougar reminded me of that time. once i pay off those pesky texas cc bills i'm defintely going to get one.

Modas · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2002, 07:42:18 AM »

I've got the cougar and its a good stick I guess, but wasn't blown away.

The way it programs is fantastic, however, the form, fit of the stick was not stellar for a $300 dollar stick. I've already had to take the POTS out and clean them due to extreme spiking. I've had the stick since June.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably go back to the Saitek X45 USB

Dowding (Work) · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2002, 08:20:17 AM »

Why did they go for pots?

If X-45 is as good as X-36, then it's a decent bit of kit. Had mine for 18 months and have no complaints.

Eagler · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2002, 08:48:07 AM »

Circuit City

X45 $69.95

add $10 for replacement plan

you get 2 - X45 for $40 each

you can't beat that price

I suggest you drop another $100 at buy.com and pick up the USB CH Pro Peds

lasse · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2002, 09:45:21 AM »

Oookaayyy, now I am in doubt, A stick to that price should be a lot more than just okay.

Still searching for an answer. ( the truth is out there

)

Lasse

Kirin · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2002, 10:10:40 AM »

Flown on the X36 for about 1.5 years - both hats were worn out after 6 months... it has a mushy feel for me but a good HOTAS for a very good price...

For a couple of months I am a proud Cougar owner! I just love this stick - I love the weight - the feel of it in general. True you have to adjust to the hard springs but after a month or so you don't wanna miss it. IMO it's well worth the money. The programming software needs a bit getting into it but it surpasses Saiteks one in every category, the possibilities are endless!

AKIron · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2002, 10:15:08 AM »

I've enjoyed my Cougar but I've found that the "play" in the joystick x axis is increasing, not happy about that. May be looking for a fix soon.

Mathman · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2002, 10:35:05 AM »

I really like my Cougar. I am happy with the investment because I feel like I won't be buying another stick for quite some time.

With regards to the spring tension, yeah, it will take some getting used to. Thats for sure. After a little bit, two things will happen. First, you will get used to the tension. Second, the springs do lossen up a bit. As far as the play in the middle goes, mine has some, but I never notice it while using it.

What took me the most time to get used to switching from an MS twisty stick were the pedals. I love them now, but 6 months ago, I absolutely hated them.

Anyways, I am completely happy with my Cougar and don't see myself going back to any hoopty twisty stick anytime soon.

lord dolf vader · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2002, 10:35:32 AM »

used the x 36 for two years till view hat contacts went. now have x45 , except fot the software probs with xp. no complaints. Couger just plain felt wrong to me.

People on these boards like to buy very expensive questionably better equipment. ( check any thread about rifles).

muckmaw · « **Reply #13 on:** October 01, 2002, 10:40:53 AM »

This ought to start a war, but that's not my intention.

I owned an X-45 Stick and Throttle combo for years. It was a cute little toy, and had light springs. The buttons were functional enough to get the job done, but over time, I found myself looking for more.

I found it in the Cougar. Lasse, I have the exact set-up your taling about. The cougar is a monster. It's steel construction can be hard on your hands, especially when your palms start to sweat, so be ready to buy a cheap pair of fingerless gloves.

All these cougar users and testers talking about the springs have got to be out of their minds!

Sure, the springs are tighter than the other little toy joysticks on the market, but the cougar in not bad. And the springs loosen enough after about 20-30 hours iof use.

Now, I'm 5'9", 150 lbs, I don't work out, and I have NO TROUBLE WHATSOEVER banging that stick around.

The programming of the cougar can be daunting. But you have 2 choices. Read the manual, or "Borrow" someone elses template, download it, launch it, and off you go. I got mine from Revvin, and he did a great job. I've yet to program that stick!

Now for the rudders, I have those about a month, and they are already a bit spikey. I'm not happy with them, so you may want to look elsewhere for a better set of rudders.

But as for the money, the cougar was the best $300 I ever spent. Chips and Bits had the best price, and I think they offer free shipping.

Fear not the cougar!

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 01, 2002, 01:42:41 PM »

Go with the cougar, it rocks, I do not regret the money I spent on it. You can program it in many ways and it is DX compliant so you do not have to use the TM programing stuff if you dont want too... just do it in the game!

The springs are stiff, but for me that was the number one reason for buying it, with joysticks with light ones, I can't fly! lol I over controll way to much.