OT: HOTAS help

[Derp]

Hello, I am interested in purchasing a new HOTAS system and I was wondering what you guys would suggest. ATM I am using a microsoft FF2 and I would like to know if adding a CH pro throttle will be enough to make the set up a true HOTAS.

 

I am also considering starting new and I am thinking of going either with a CH fighterstick/pro throttle/pedals set or

 

Saitek x-52 pro flight/and pedals set up.

 

I used to have one of the older saitek HOTAS (x-45?) a couple years back, but disliked it very much and found it to be a chore to program. I am wondering what the pros and cons of the two different set ups are so that I can make a better decision.

 

I plan to use these devices for FSX, LOMAC:FC, and BlackShark.

[Flanker15]

I don't have much personal experience but most people here seem to go with a Saitek X52 hotas and the CH rudder peddals.

[grandsurf]

Yes, i use the CH Pro Pedals and the X-52 Pro with reverse throttle axis as collective and a extra axis for the Throttle levers. Works fine.

[urze]

CH Fighterstick is the best choice!

You have to take into consideration (please don't misunderstand it as a commercial for my upcoming product) that the CH Throttle has no Turn axis, -it use a slider.

Saiteks HOTAS has now the USB on the Throttle. So you can use it without the stick.

If you have the money -get both.

[grandsurf]

This I will consider sometimes ;).

[Amuro]

I had a X-52 non-pro before, but it stopped working so I replaced it with a complete set of CH fighterstick, pro throttle/pedals, and love it. You can mix and match with Saitek stuff, but you will not be able to use the control manager software to combine non-CH input devices, which could be a problem if the game you play only sees one controller device.

[Weta43]

I'm using an X-52 throttle with an MSFFB2 stick.

I leave the throttle nearby so I can switch modes, and that leaves a reasonable amount of programmable functions, and I still get to use the FFB stick (which if you read the thread with the commentarty on force trimming for the Ka-50 has a comment from ED saying that it only works correctly with a FFB stick - so if you want to experience the Super AFM in all its glory, presumably means you'll want to hang onto that MSFFB2 )

FC recognises the various controllers OK, guess it depends what other games you intend to play. (Maybe get an X-52, try using it all, try using just the throttle with the MSFFB2 - one option or the other should make you happy )

[531-Ghost]

What are you looking for in a HOTAS?

 

Durability? Programability? Product Support? I've been using the FighterStick, ProThrottle and ProPedals going on 6 years now. As you can see, I've added a Throttle Quadrant, and a Multi Function Panel. I've also got a DT225 TrackBall. Each device can function as a single device mapped as one, or up to sixteen seperate devices. Depends on what your sim/game supports, a single device or multiple devices. Black Shark supports multiple input devices. Or one :smilewink:. I've had several stick/throttle configurations. If I had to do it all over again, I'd go with nothing but CH Products, the first time. Would've saved me a lot of money. Whatever you choose, have fun with it!

 

 

And then there's that Franken-Potato thing :smilewink:

[bogusheadbox]

x -52 here and its a great stick.

 

 

But more importantly. Siatek Pro rudders are brilliant. My personal preferance from what i have researched is that i would take siatek rudders over CH

 

And i am glad i did

[159th_Viper]

Oh my, only $100 for the Fighterstick?!? Over here we have to pay 150-170 EURO, and about the same for the throttle and pedals :(.

 

One of the reasons I purchased a Cougar as opposed to CH.......£120 got me the Cougar and Throttle while the same amount will only get me the CH Flightstick and another £120 needed for the CH Throttle - where's the Justice :music_whistling:

[VMFA-Blaze]

And also you can set the antenna axis on the Cougar Throttle to use as a rudder.

 

~S~

 

Blaze

[531-Ghost]

And also you can set the antenna axis on the Cougar Throttle to use as a rudder.

 

~S~

 

Blaze

 

You can do the same with the minijoystick :thumbup:

[brewber19]

CH all the way for me...and believe me, I've had them all! Cost me a frickin fortune (UK prices) and if/when my current CH gear dies...it'll get replaced with CH gear again ;)

[Derp]

Hmm, I am still torn between the x52 set up and the CH.

 

On the one hand the saitek will be about $30 cheaper, and if I want to stick with my FF2 (theres just something about the force feedback that I love) I can use the throttle with it. Plus, if I decide to skip out on the rudder pedals, both the FF2 and X52 have twist rudders.

 

On the other hand the CH products, although a little higher in price, seems to be of a much higher quality, a lot more durable, and has far more recommendations. Would the CH pro throttle and FF2 combo play well together incase I decide to delay the purchase of the rudder and stick?

 

Hmm, decisions, decisions.

[Amuro]

CH Pro throttle works great with the MSFF2. I have a MSFF2 too and use it with the throttle sometimes. It is a really good stick, only problem is that MS no longer support it so no software to adjust the force settings and program the buttons. The X-52, especially the Pro version, looks really nice, but it is not as precise as the CH sticks, and after a few months pots may start to spike, happened to me and that's why I replaced them. CH Products are the opposite, may look ugly compared to Saitek, but function flawlessly.