Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Fariz on June 27, 2002, 01:35:40 PM
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My joystick is dead to the point, when it is almost unflyable. Problem is, that I can't get anything worthy in a local computer shop (normally $10 joysticks only). Internet shops are problem for me, because I need to pay x2 price for DHL delivery... But I came to the point where I have no choise, so I decided to buy it with internet.
So, I want to get joystick, rudder, and pedals. Need you advices.
1) Need URLs of reliable internet stores, which working with DHL (UPS do not work with Azerbaijan).
2) Need to know if Couger worth its money. If not, what stick/throttle is best? Need it to be really reliable.
3) Need to know what rudder pedals are good.
Will greatly apreciate the answers. Thanks.
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Being from the UK the stores I use probably won't be much help but I have imported stuff from this (http://www.fscentral.com) US store and found them very reliable and very helpful. I use a Cougar and found it to be the best stick I've ever had (I've owned CH, TM, Saitek and MS sticks) if you're used to loose sticks then this may not be what you want as the springs are stiff but do give precise movement and you won't really notice the spring tension after a week. Other than that look at a CH setup. As for rudder pedals...well if you by a Cougar get a set of TM Elites so you can plug them into the base of the Cougar, that way older sims that don't recognise more than one controlelr will see the rudders as well. If its only AH and more modern sims you play then buy a set of CH Pro Pedals USB as they have toe brakes as well. I have a set of CH Pro Pedals and TM Elites and very happy with both (bought the TM Elites from the link above).
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Fariz-
Here's a deal for you. I bought my Cougar from Amazon.com. Now, I don't know if they ship to your location, but if they do, they offer free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
So you get the Cougar at $269.99. And it's worth every cent. You won't be able to tell from my stats, but my skills have been greeatly enhanced by the Cougar, especially in the department of SA. The stick is durable, and as for those who claim the springs are too tight, they loosen up to a respectable level after about 20 hours of use. I have the stick for about a month, and have nothing but GREAT things to say about it.
I don't miss my Saitek for a moment. Too bad you just posted this. I would have given you the Saitek for free.
Get the cougar. You won't regret it.
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Yes, Flight Sim Central (http://www.fscentral.com) is a good company that specializes in flight sim software and hardware. You might also try Chips N Bits (http://www.cdmag.com/cgi-bin/order.cbi_home?source=84008).
I don't use the Cougar. To me, the cost couldn't justify the benefits so I'm still using my trust-worthy 6-year old CH F-16 Combatstick with regular CH Products rudder pedals. The CH Pro Pedals are better, more aviation life-like, but I also do racing sims and the regular CH rudder pedals make a better gas/brake action. Then I went out and bought a steering wheel that came with its own set of gas/brake pedals. If I were buying from scratch, I would consider the Cougar, but if it costs too much for you then I would suggest the CH Products F-16 Fighterstick (programmable) and Pro Pedals, then later get a Pro Throttle at your convenience if you want more buttons and knobs. The F-16 Fighterstick joystick and Pro Pedals provide all the function you'll need.
The throttle for flight sims is controlled by a wheel in the base of the joystick, so the seperate throttle isn't mandatory. If you want to get the Pro Throttle anyway, then get the Combatstick instead of the Fighterstick. The CH Products Pro Throttle will make the Combatstick programmable.
Hope this helps.
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Thanks for replies all ;)
Problem with Cougar is its weight. It will cost me around $550 including delivery -- it is a lot, almost a price of a new computer.
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Fariz:
I have a Cougar/CH Pro Pedals setup. The Cougar is a fantastic platform, and surely worth the price. The problem (for me) is that I have been unable to adjust to the extremely high tension of the springs. If you have been using any joystick but a Thrustmaster stick, you will surely notice a severe difference. I think that it is fine for jet sims, but for WWII dogfighting, it just doesn't work for me. I think that a CH setup (Fighterstick, Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals) is worth considering. There has been a lot of talk about people replacing or modifying the Cougar's springs in order to reduce the tension. I have not tried to do so, because I am reticent to crack open a brand new stick.
Good luck!
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Fariz
in the name of fairness to the rest of us, I suggest you use your keyboard and mouse :)
best bang for your buck is USB CH Pro Peds $100 at http://www.buy.com
saitek X45 $80 compusa or bestbuy - both have internet stores
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After useing my Couger for about a month now my right bicep has increased by 6 inches...and it's still cheaper than a Bowflex.
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Fariz for longevity and price it's been my experience that ch products far outlast any other. In an above post a link to flight sim central was provided. May I suggest F-16 Combat stick, Pro throttle and rudder pedals.
Hajo
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Thanks for help all! I am considering all the options now, and trying to make a best choice.
One question, if I get Cougar which of CH ruder pedals will be better, USB or gameport one, or it does not matters?
Thanks,
Fariz
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Hi Fariz
The game port CH Pro pedals will plug directly into the Cougar and will work with many other simulations. The Toe Brakes will not work though.
The USB CH Pro pedals plug directly into your USB port and are detected seperately to your Cougar. The Toe Brakes will work and come in quite handy when taxiing around etc. However some sims will not recognise a second USB game device and the rudder pedals may not work in some current/older flight sims. This will no doubt change in the future. Good news is that it's fine in AH :)
FYI, I use Cougar with CH Pro pedals USB.
Not sure about the standard CH Pedals, do they have toe brakes?