Feedback for a new Joystick

[Gary26]

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.

[uptown]

CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals   Everything else is just a waste of money IMO.

[Revvin]

I'm happy with my CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals

[Joker]

CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals   Everything else is just a waste of money IMO.

+1

[gyrene81]

CH fighter stick, pro throttle and pedals   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...  

[Kazaa]

Combat Stick > Fighter Stick. Don't want that extrea 4 way hat getting in the way of your 8 way.

[Masherbrum]

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.

[falcon23]

ch stick and pedals..and use the x52 throttle..

[Kazaa]

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.

[guncrasher]

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

[Gary26]

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?

[ebfd11]

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

[Ghastly]

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>

[uptown]

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.

[Max]

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.