Author Topic: Buying the right setup (Read 697 times)

Preon1 · « **on:** January 03, 2003, 12:26:13 PM »

I'm thinking about moving from the twisty stick to a full setup including throttle and rudder pedals. The problem is that I'm not certain what I should get. Any suggestions? (price is no object at this point)

eskimo2 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2003, 12:40:34 PM »

I use and love CH Pro pedals, throttle and F-16 fighterstick.

I've had TM and Saitek back when they were both crap and had a lot of problems. I think both are much better now, however.

One thing is for sure, there are not many rudder choices out there. But among the few, CH Pro rudders are the best. I've had mine for about 5 years and have replaced the pots once or twice. (Get the USB ones)

Lots of good and bad can be said about most joysticks and throttles.

eskimo

Revvin · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2003, 12:46:20 PM »

I'd recommend the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar It's one of the best sticks on the market, has an all metal construction and programmabilty that other sticks cannot match. It costs around £250 which is not much more than you'd pay for the top line CH stick and throttle. You can plug TM Elite rudder pedals into the HOTAS Cougar ad the whole thing is seen as one device which is important if you play older sims such as EAW, Falcon 4.0, Flanker 2 etc etc. If you only play newer sims such as Aces High, IL-2, Warbirds III, CFS III etc then they allow input from more than one device and I'd recommend the Cougar with a set of USB CH Pro Pedals as they also have toe brake capability which is handy for taxiing. There is a great community around the Cougar at Cougar World which is visited by TM staff and many enthusiast to help out with any problems hardware/software or programming etc. I've owned many sticks down the years, CH, TM, Saitek, Microsoft and not one of them compare to the HOTAS Cougar.

Mathman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2003, 12:48:26 PM »

I am using a Cougar setup right now with CH Pro Pedals and am very happy with it. I think the Cougar is about $260 (give or take). Some people have mentioned problems with it, but I haven't had any, nor have those in my squad who use it (I think there are 3 others). I can't see myself needing another setup for quite some time.

There are many people who use CH stuff and are very happy with it as well. I can't comment on the stick or throttle, but the pedals are good.

As far as Saitek stuff goes, my only experience was with the X36. I had nothing but problems with it, and eventually chucked it into the trash. The X45 is the current set. I haven't tried one aside from a bit on a friends computer, so I can't give too much of a review on it. It is much less expensive than the others and has a "rocker" switch thing on the throttle that can be used as rudders. I didn't get one because of my problems with the X36 and I didn't like how loose the stick felt. That is just personal taste though.

Anyways, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the setups, though some offer a few more options than others, while some are much more expensive than others. Good luck and I hope you are happy with your choice!

Dnil · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:15:12 PM »

used ch stuff for years, all gameport, then got hosed when xp came out. Needed new stuff, got the x-45, i was low on funds. I have had nothing but headaches with this stick. The throttle is fine, just the stick sucks, wore it in a month of use. Will never buy another one.

Saving up now for either the usb ch stuff or the cougar, but cougar is impossible to find anywhere. all sold out.

AKIron · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:20:40 PM »

I like my Cougar. Though I did make some modifications including the pot replcement with hall effect sensors ($125 ouch). Hard for me to recommend though since it does have short comings and many have become disatisfied.

SlapShot · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:23:58 PM »

Iron,

Did the POTs go bad, or are they special POTs ? What are hall effects sensors ?

Wlfgng · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:33:58 PM »

just ordered CH Pro pedals and the Cougar Hotas.
FYI Amazon has the Cougar (with Il2) for 139.00

AKIron · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:48:43 PM »

Slapshot, yes, the pots became erratic. I cleaned them with some expensive contact cleaner and lubricant but it didn't help much.

Here's a link to Cub Pilot's site, where I got the sensors.

http://cubpilot.home.att.net/

AKIron · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2003, 04:50:08 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Wlfgng
just ordered CH Pro pedals and the Cougar Hotas.
FYI Amazon has the Cougar (with Il2) for 139.00

Sure made me look, it's $239.

Reschke · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2003, 09:10:21 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Wlfgng
just ordered CH Pro pedals and the Cougar Hotas.
FYI Amazon has the Cougar (with Il2) for 139.00

Dammit man I just about had a heart attack. Made me jump up and scream; YES I can have a second one! I was punching in amazon.com so fast and searching for the wallet my wife thought I was looking a a porn site.

San · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2003, 09:50:32 PM »

If you go with the Cougar I think amazon.com is the cheapest. If you go with Ch Products look for them at http://www.provantage.com/ I just got a Ch pro throttle and some pedals, their price was the best.

sprint · « **Reply #12 on:** January 06, 2003, 09:12:03 AM »

Could you please give me the address again of "cub pilot" .. seems that I can't get to load for me.

sprint

NEVERMIND ... found the site info at > http://www.mpgnetz.de/images/cougar/tips3.html

Wlfgng · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2003, 01:46:31 PM »

doh.. my bad. I just rechecked and saw my typo.

I owe you guys a drink methinks ! lol

fwiw I ordered the TWO hundred 39dollar one..

(baaad wolfgang)

Quote

searching for the wallet my wife thought I was looking a a porn site.

lmao

Wlfgng · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2003, 01:52:34 PM »

AKIron.. how long did you use your cougar before you had to replace the pots.. I'm awaiting delivery of mine this week...