Before I get started.
this will be a running review lasting 1 month..
it will be updated periodically as i get more familiar with the stick (and its issues/problems if any)
Im writing this review in response to the number of questions regarding it in-game, plus because another board member suggest it.
THIS IS NOT an X52 vs Cougar comparison, the X52 is mentioned purely for reference purposes
so, ok here we go.
lets start with some pics and a brief description, the cougar is shown side bside the Saitek X52 for scale comparison.
FIRST, the stick.
when you first pick up the stick the first thing that goes though your head is "is it nailed down?" it is THAT heavy.. just the stick by itself weighs approximately 7 times what the entire X52 setup weights. and no im not joking and no im not exaggerating.. it is extraordinarily heavy..
I expected it to be heavier than usual due to its all metal construction, but I was still shocked.. you need not worry about suction cups our mounting it to your desk, as few things short of an act of god will move it. 4 beefy textured rubber pads, one on each corner adorn the bottom.
secondly, its metal.. and by its metal i mean.. EVEYTHING.. with the exception of the rubber boot around the base of the handle.. everything..is steel.. every button, every hat.
the amount tension is.. enormous the amount of force needed to reach full deflection such that your right arm will be as tired as it was the first week you hit puberty and.. discovered yourself
Buttons: there are 17 of them + and 8-way hat that can be depressed as a button aswell. all are detected by Windows/AH with no additional software.
now, onto the THROTTLE
again next to the X52 throttle for comparison.
while the sticks were similar in size, the throttle is notably larger both in length and throw (sweep of the throttle)
as with the stick it weighs about 11 metric tons and is all metal.
the throttle has 2 gates one for just out of ifle, and one just before full throttle.. which you may or may not like.. im finding it a little wierd and the clacking through them is a little annoying.. but we will see how this pans out a little further down the road as I use it more.
Buttons: 11 + 2 wheels
all are detected by Windows/AH without any additional software.
Inital use.. thoughts
Dont misinterpret this.. but it is VERY VERY different than the X52 as far as feel goes.. now im not saying it feels better or worse, that is a matter of personal preference and is subject to endless debate which I will not start.
but make no mistake, if you are used to the X52, the cougar will be UNCOMFORTABLE AND STRANGE at first..
for a few reasons.
Resistance:
the X52 had fairly light resistance that was fairly constant from center to full deflection, with the cougar:
1: there is ALOT more
2: it increases as you move further off center
secondly the smoothness it is smooth to a degree that it feels almost strange.
I upped fighter and started toying around.. and to be sure, there is a learning curve.. just like going from a twisty stick to rudder pedals.. at first you will be set back slightly and will have to re-learn the controls a bit.. this is by no means a negative, but be prepared for a but of practice time and tweaking to get acquainted to what is going to be a VERY different feeling that what you are used to.
Other thoughts:
SOFTWARE:
I installed all the accompanying software, including Foxy, but havent messed with it much as of yet.. none of it is required to use the controller. but Im sure it can be very useful once you get past what appears to be a rather steep learning curve.
Manual:
jesus christ, 183 pages, are you serious.. ive only flipped through it briefly but things such as "BUTTON STATMENTS AND TM KEY SYNTAX", and "STATEMENT MODIFIERS" jumped out at me.
so, yea I will DEFIANTLY have to get back to you on that.
More to come.
