Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Gary26 on August 01, 2010, 08:58:11 AM
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I have been playing AH since the good old days of the Combat Theater in AH1. I have been a loyal Saitek user. First was the ST290 then Cyborg EVO then the X52. I will not argue Saitek's reputation for poor quality as I have been through 4 X-52's. I have been looking at a number of new HOTAS systems. Obviously the first being the X65. I cant really find any good quality reviews of 65 yet.(been looking on simHQ) The X-65 is new Tech for big price with a company that has poor rep for quality. The 65 is cast instead of plastic, which is nice, but uses force sensing technology. I could see how that would be nice for other sims flying fly by wire type planes, but not sure how that would transition into WW2 planes where the stick actually moved.
Next HOTAS is the Logitech G940. This stick looks great. Nice price tag considering the throttle options and the fact that it comes with rudder pedals.(already have saitek pedals). It moves on traditional axis with no stick input for rudder. Its also the first commercially available Force Feedback HOTAS stick. The throttle has some buttons that light up and change color as the flight systems they are mapped to become damaged. Between the buttons and the force feedback I wonder if AH supports this sticks features yet.
Last is the TH Cougar HOTAS. I will admit i dont know much about this system. I looked at it once in a computer store and was impressed with the fact that it was cast and not plastic. It also has traditional stick axis with no rudder input on the stick. I like the button set-up on the stick and the throttle. Price is good when compared to the others.
I understand that this is Ford vs Chevy type topic as it will bring out people that are loyal to one stick or another. All the sticks have some really great features and are priced around the same. Im trying to avoid getting caught up in all the bells and whistles that the X65 has. I have almost bought that stick just for being new and shiny with cool things. I would like to add that ive never really been a fan of CH stuff. I know allot of people say they are the best. Ive just never been a fan of the button set-up on it. I know there is always the X52 Pro, but the only thing that has changed with that is the name. Its still the same turd as the X52 just in a different package. Is there anyone out there using the 65 or G940? What are your opinions of the HOTAS that I am looking at.
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CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals :aok Everything else is just a waste of money IMO.
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I'm happy with my CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals
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CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals :aok Everything else is just a waste of money IMO.
+1
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CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals :aok Everything else is just a waste of money IMO.
If you can afford $300 for the setup, CH is the best hands down.
One day I'll own one... :D
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Combat Stick > Fighter Stick. Don't want that extrea 4 way hat getting in the way of your 8 way.
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Combat Stick > Fighter Stick. Don't want that extrea 4 way hat getting in the way of your 8 way.
I enjoy the extra 4 mapping spots for having it.
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ch stick and pedals..and use the x52 throttle..
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I enjoy the extra 4 mapping spots for having it.
Each to their own, I like having the two big buttons for zoom toggle and vent.
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U already have pedals throttle so just get the fighterstick. If u going ch but u better have big hands and patience as setting up UT stick is as easy as plugging it it like everybody will say. The dang wheels on a base must be taped together or they will move and throw ur calibration off. All u gotta do is tap them. Also it looks cheaply made as compared to the x 52 but I am begining to like it. Had to use velcro to hold it down on my desk it doesn't have suction cups like x 52.
Semp
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ch stick and pedals..and use the x52 throttle..
I didnt know you could combine the two, but now that i think about it its the throttle that plugs into the computer and the stick into the throttle.
To the CH fans: as I stated im not really a fan of what ive seen so far(never used one) Tell me what it is you like so much about them. Im sure alot of people get them becasue of the price tag thinking any thing expensive must be good. Is it the buttons? Is it axis response? Does your plane handle better with CH stuff?
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I just ordered the fighter stick and pro pedals. I am gonna go out on a limb and say the reason a lot of people go CH is quality. As you have stated you have gone through 4 X52's well after my 2nd one went kaput I checked out the CH. All I can say is I can't wait to get it.
Many people have said the stick is easy to work on and very reliable. I get tired of dropping money on a piece of poo (being nice so I don't get the ban hammer)
All I can say is go with your gut feelings and do what you want, I hope I made the correct choice.
LawnDart :bolt:
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A few things that cause CH gear to stand above the rest.
1) Unlike other sticks including the Saitek's Xxx's, they are designed to be easily maintained - and while they rarely need it, if you need to replace a pot, it's wicked simple. Saitek's are meant to be thrown away rather than opened, and they fail with distressing frequency. At least the 2 I had did. And the herd of cheap sticks are all meant to be thrown out if they become troublesome, too.
2) The mechanical construction is a cut above too, and you get greater control and precision. And when compared to the Saitek's I've had, the stick is tensioned correctly - it takes the least force to move it from center, with increasing tension as you increase the throw. The Saitek sliding disk is the reverse. Compared to the herd of sub $50 sticks I've seen, they are simply better built, with much less slop, allowing for greater control.
3) Because of the quality of the construction, they last a long long long time before they start giving you trouble. (In most instances).
Now, having said all that, is the CH gear I have perfect? No. My Logitech Wingman Force (not to be confused with the Force 3D piece of dog doo) was a better stick, especially because of the way they implemented FF. My Microsoft FF sticks were more precise, and fit my hand better, and I'd still be using them if they hadn't had a design flaw that caused the hat switch to inevitably die (and because of the design, by the time the switches fail the plastic was worn to where it was a problem, too.)
And while $150 for a stick is a lot, given that a folks with CH gear tend to have used them for time periods of up to a decade (or more) you end up paying less in the long run than the yearly to bi-yearly cheap stick replacement.
What I'm hoping for is that the Warthog is going to be what I expected the Cougar to be, but that it wasn't.
<S>
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ch stick and pedals..and use the x52 throttle..
Actually I really like that setup the best as the X52 throttle has a timer for knowing when those hangers or town buildings will pop.
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To the CH fans: as I stated im not really a fan of what ive seen so far(never used one) Tell me what it is you like so much about them. Im sure alot of people get them becasue of the price tag thinking any thing expensive must be good. Is it the buttons? Is it axis response? Does your plane handle better with CH stuff?
The reason I like CH is simple: you buy it ONCE. (You've had how many X52's again?)
The input responses are silk smooth. Something goes wrong (worn pots on rare occasion) it's an easy and inexpensive fix.
I bought the Couger 6 months after it was released. Total POS. It wouldn't hold calibration due to poorly designed pots and gimbal. Some bright lad made a small fortune selling MOD kits for $125, which is outrageous since the stick sold for $265. You couldn't give me another Thrustmaster product.
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:bolt:
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Actually I really like that setup the best as the X52 throttle has a timer for knowing when those hangers or town buildings will pop.
You can also set the timer for how long until you need to replace your stick. :D
CH products :aok
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You can also set the timer for how long until you need to replace your stick. :D
:rofl :lol :cheers:
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You can also set the timer for how long until you need to replace your stick. :D
CH products :aok
:rock
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1: last long time unlike me
2: never looses calibration
3: the things you can make it do with CH Control Manager.
4: can get replacement parts but will never have too.
5: smoothness and great control
6: :aok
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#2 should be amended to unless you bump the wheels on side of stick.
Semp
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Mine don't move that easy you have to push them to move them. That is not loosing calibration you are fine tuning the pot. Not the same thing.
It is a very easy fix.You have found one little thing that you don't like so you make it look like it is a big deal to steer others away from CH? If you don't want to fix it yourself you can always RMA it CH stands behind their equipment unlike other manufactures.
The only way I can see them getting loose is that you didn't understand what they were and used them for trim and wore them out by using them all the time. If they came that way then you should have addressed it from the start with CH.
I had my analog set for 10 years and gave it to a squadie that used the fix for it to work in XP. I've had the USB set for 6 years with no problems at all.
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cryptic is not that i dont like it, I do. But the stick is not as wonderful as you guys make it sound. I've had mine for 2 months now and it took me a while to get work right. and by that I mean, work the way i want it. Down from it slides too easy on the desk, all u gotta do is tap/brush against the wheels and it moves just a little different, to I cant reach the damn two top buttons with my midget hands :rofl.
and I do understand what the 3 wheels are for, and that i knew from before i bought the stick, also knew about you needing big hands and about how easy it slides on the desk. I noticed this because i waited a year before i bought it learned about the little problems before i got it. In other words I made an informed buy. and all this little problems came up by reading here in the bb, by guys who said, yeah its a good stick, but, this little thing bothers me...
semp
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My CH setup(Combat, Pro throttle, pedals) prior to this one lasted 10 years, with exception of the stick. It lasted till I had extra money burning a hole in my pocket a upgraded to a Fighterstick. Then when they came out with USB I went cheap and got a Saitek. Not bad. Just not as good. 2 years later dumped the saitek in the trash. Went back to CH.
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All my CH products (still) sit in the boxes,
3d extreme pro works fine, i buy um two at a time for 30 bucks a piece and they usually last around 6 to 8 months.
the computer in my skull can only do a few things at a time so all the CH stuff is just to much to do all at once.
I do use the throttle but for the buttons only.
froger
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I been useing the X-52 for about 18 month now, only problem was it was getting stiff to manuver but a clean up and lube with PAM it has been fine ever since, and I use there pedals too so far no problems except sliding on the floor
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Don't forget people! CH-product's makes joysticks for industrial use! like cranes, Ive had mine for just a couple months now, there's no comparison to anything else i've evr used! SO PRECISE!
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I've laid my hands on CH products at every con I've visited. I like the way they move, but I can't reach the buttons. I wear gloves size #10, but my fingers are relatively short. The older Logitech 3D extreme (game port with USB addon cord) fit my hand perfectly, and I got familiar with the new one, too. For the last couple of years I've been using the Thrustmaster TopGun Afterburner II. The grip is similar to the latter Logitech, although I'd like to add some buttons here and there. Anyway, it's got a throttle, which is much better than a slider on the stick itself. With all these I've been using pedals from a steering wheel, hoping someday feel rich enough to buy a real set.
Summa summarum, I'd buy CH if they made it for general desktop gaming purpose rather than a replica of some modern fighter jet, meant to operate with gloves on from the side of your seat.
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I've laid my hands on CH products at every con I've visited. I like the way they move, but I can't reach the buttons. I wear gloves size #10, but my fingers are relatively short. The older Logitech 3D extreme (game port with USB addon cord) fit my hand perfectly, and I got familiar with the new one, too. For the last couple of years I've been using the Thrustmaster TopGun Afterburner II. The grip is similar to the latter Logitech, although I'd like to add some buttons here and there. Anyway, it's got a throttle, which is much better than a slider on the stick itself. With all these I've been using pedals from a steering wheel, hoping someday feel rich enough to buy a real set.
Summa summarum, I'd buy CH if they made it for general desktop gaming purpose rather than a replica of some modern fighter jet, meant to operate with gloves on from the side of your seat.
CH Fighter stick for small hands (photos) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,294819.0.html)
<S>
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I have had my X-52 like 4 years, never had one problem with it >.>
-BigBOBCH
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All my CH products (still) sit in the boxes,
3d extreme pro works fine, i buy um two at a time for 30 bucks a piece and they usually last around 6 to 8 months.
the computer in my skull can only do a few things at a time so all the CH stuff is just to much to do all at once.
I do use the throttle but for the buttons only.
froger
Like froger four years ago I went and bought 2 logitech extreme 3d pros expecting to have to replace one of em pretty quickly and Im still using the first stick, I gave the second one to my boy.Ive never tried ch stuff and for the money they charge am never likely to.I play various flight sims nearly every day so the stick gets a lot of use.
Ive had saitek sticks in the past which I can only describe as over priced and over rated however like most people I like the x52 throttle and pro pedals which I still use.
Logitech stuff gets slated by most people but I can honestly say the 3d pro is the most comfortable and reliable stick I have ever owned and for the money the build quality is very good also has a nice wide stable base. :cheers:
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CH Fighter stick for small hands (photos) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,294819.0.html)
<S>
Thx, already seen that, but for those who haven't, good link.
My main point, though, was to say there's already a bunch of sticks that fit like glove to most hands. So to me modding a stick to fit is equivalent to the legendary Cougar case: buy what's claimed to be the best and mod it to really work as it should for the price. A CH with a Logitech grip would be perfect...
In my use even the "El Cheapo's" last long enough. Even the first one would still work after 8 years of AH, but the centering spring slipped off position right after I had cleaned and lubricated everything inside, so I decided to spend some €30 for the newer USB model, since I had also moved from Win98 to XP.
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As someone said already in other tread in a plane they are mounted low most people have them up on desk. This is why the top hats seem far to reach. If you were to mount it lower the stick would fit right the way it is in real life.
A small piece of foam that I put on mine and posted is a easy fix. I have big hands but due to accident have some limitation to hand and fingers. I have made this fix to fit my needs. I thought I would share it for those that say they can't reach the top hats.
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CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals :aok Everything else is just a waste of money IMO.
Ya what he said. I threw away my old CH setup when I got USB. Only changed because of USB. Old setup worked good, lasted years.
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Have had ChPro stick and pedals for 10 years - still going strong. looks like they are out of the box.