Well If you want a super duper programmable hotas, that lasts forever get the CH. If you want a real heavy super programmable hotas that feels like the real thing (this is where it stops), and needs 500$ worth of mods to make it super duper, get a Cougar. If you are looking for a inexpensive hotas, and dont mind the starwars look, get the Saitek. I have owned just about ever hotas made... CH for life!
My Cougar looks real good up on the shelf.