joystick selection

[GENRLX]

I'm currently using the MS sidewinder precision 2, but was thinking about upgrading to a stick with more programmability.

Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm considering the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar or CH Fighterstick. The thrustmaster also has a HOTAS setup available with a twist function on the stick, so rudder peddles aren't neccessary. Is there anyone using this setup or one similar and what would you reccommend?

Thanks.

GenX

[Furious]

I love my Cougar, but I cannot in good conscience recommend you buy one.

[GENRLX]

Thanks for the quick reply, is it the price as to the reason why or just a matter of personal preference, better left up to the user?

GenX

[blackfalcon4]

Had been using a MSFFB Pro + CH pedals till about 3-4 mo's ago.

Then I got the CH Fighterstick and CH Throttle to go along with the pedals and I love the setup. Recommend them to anyone.

Thing is, no matter what you do, you need the pedals IMHO, makes for much better control than  a twisty rudder.

[Furious]

The pots are pretty crappy and they can develop a significant amount of slop around the center.  

The programming and ergonomics are fantastic though.

[qts]

I've had my Cougar (#01335) since they first came out and cannot agree with Furious. Yes, the pots went, but they were replaced by TM FOC. I use my Cougar almost every day and it's still just fine.

But I'm making it even better: I'm getting IJ's Uber2 mod.

The best thing you can do is to go to Cougarworld and read up and decide for yourself.

[beet1e]

Hi GEN,

I've got that same MSWPP2 stick, and face the same dilemma as you. I want one with lots of programmable buttons.

Building a new PC soon, on which I shall maximise the USB capability, and will get the Fox 2 Pro USB stick. It's a twisty, and has the programmable buttons we're used to, although probably not as many.

Fox 2 Pro USB link: http://us.thrustmaster.com/products/lookproduct.php3?productid=122&skin=Joysticks

[GENRLX]

Hiya Beetle,

Looking at the specs on the Fox 2, it doesn't look as though it has as many programmable buttons as the MS Sidewinder .

Thanks for the reply, gonna check one out in the store this weekend.

[beet1e]

Let me know what you decide on - I'd like to check it out for myself.

[LoneStarBuckeye]

I've used CH, Thrustmaster (Cougar), and the Saitek HOTAS's (x36/45).  For my money, the best outfit for this game is a CH Pro Throttle, Fighterstick, and Pro Pedals.  This setup is more programmable than any other, and I like the control it affords.  Now, I'll grant you, it's not made of metal like the Cougar, but aside from that, it's no contest in my opinion.

- JNOV

[CrzHrs]

I have used the CH Combat Stick for over 3years with next to zero problems, they have a great garuntee program if any problems do occure, they are a tad expensive but well worth it !

[SOB]

Originally posted by LoneStarBuckeye
This (CH) setup is more programmable than any other, and I like the control it affords.

That's not true, though it is nice and solid.  Joysticks don't need to be made out of metal to be solid, though.  The Cougar is a great stick if you're willing to spend the extra dough on the upgrades, effectively making it a $400-$500 stick.  If you don't wanna spend that, go with the CH...will do everything you need programming-wise and will last a long time.

[mrblack]

for the money you cant beat the siatek X-45

[Wanker]

As a current Cougar HOTAS user, and former CH Products USB user (Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals, CombatStick), I think you would be happy with either of those two choices. They are both superb.

I also used the Saitek X45 for 6 months and found it to be a reasonable setup if money is a little tight.

[LoneStarBuckeye]

Originally posted by SOB
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by LoneStarBuckeye
This (CH) setup is more programmable than any other, and I like the control it affords.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's not true, though it is nice and solid. Joysticks don't need to be made out of metal to be solid, though. The Cougar is a great stick if you're willing to spend the extra dough on the upgrades, effectively making it a $400-$500 stick. If you don't wanna spend that, go with the CH...will do everything you need programming-wise and will last a long time.

That didn't used to be true, but things have changed since the relatively recent advent of CH's excellent Control Manger 2.  In my opinion (after using both CM2 and Foxy extensively), CH's programmability outstrips TM's, although Cougar's Foxy package is definitely very capable.  With the CM2's scripting capability, you can do your programming with elements of a structured programming language.  With Foxy, many simple things are unduly complicated or impossible to implement (e.g., creating a simple state machine).  My current control map for Aces High has many features that I do not believe could be implemented with Foxy.  

Further, it seems to me that CH's GUI is easier for the uninitiated to navitage and use than Foxy's *.tmm and *.tmj text-file interface.  The complexity is there if you want it, but you never need to use it if the need does not arise.

Just my $0.02,

JNOV