Black Shark Users: What controller do you use, and please give details...

[Sunjah]

I used to own a CH-product Flight Stick Pro (or something like that, about $90-100), and I enjoyed it a lot. I am using the Logitech Extreme3DPro right now, and it is serviceable, but I am thinking of taking the plunge for a HOTAS set-up.

 

If you own any CH-product, Saitek or Cougar HOTAS, can you let me know what your experience has been and what you have specifically?

 

From the sounds of it, either X-52 or X-52Pro sounds like what I might want. I had the CH-Pro Stick (or whatever it was called) and enjoyed that, but never had their HOTAS set-up. Sentimentally, I could see myself going with them (though I remember their joysticks breaking a lot {what, me get mad and throw it? whoever heard of such a thing}).

 

I really don't know anything about Cougar except I've heard of it and some people on here have talked about it.

 

So, please, let me know what you would recommend and why; what you have and how it has worked; is any one of them REALLY (really, really!) head-and-shoulders above the rest? I would like to stay around $100-125, but if it is (really) worth it, I could go up to the $150. I think that is about how much the X-52Pro costs.

 

Thanks a bunch for your help, I am psyched about getting a HOTAS control system for the first time! I just want to get the best I can for a MAX of about $150.

 

Sunjah

Edited January 9, 2009 by Sunjah

[opformaster]

CH-Products for their robustness, They will last a lifetime. A CH setup will probably run you a touch more than a saitek. Some dislike that the throttle is a slider but their are some easy (non destructive) mods to make it more like a real collective. I use a modified CH products HOTAS.

[Esac_mirmidon]

What about X-45?

[Frederf]

I have an X-45. I think I like it more than if I would have an X-52. The buttons are better placed when you're trying to replicate a F-16 HOTAS or something.

[Glowing_Amraam]

What about the Microsoft Force Feedback series? Imo, some of the best joysticks ever created...

Still using the first version (big base) but i REALLY want the second, but where to buy one? No clue... :(

[d0ppler]

I use MSFB2 as cyclic, Saitek X-52 throttle as collective and finaly MS Forcefeedback Racing Wheel Pedals as rudder.

 

EDIT : And TrackIR4

Edited January 9, 2009 by d0ppler

[Sunjah]

Excellent, keep the comments coming. Especially if you think the one you have is "head & shoulders above-the-rest," express what you think makes it that!

 

So far the Saitek seems to be the most favorite, with 50% using that so far.

 

I am leaning towards one. If anyone knows/has opinions on the Pro versus the regular X-52, I'd love to hear them.

 

Thanks!

[Vapour]

Bang for buck the Saitek hotas is the way to go, it's a good stick with a great throttle, when the joystick packs in then get a CH Fighter stick, you will then have a marriage made in heaven.

 

Edit. If you've no rudder pedals then the Saitek is the way you will have to go as the others (msffb2 excluded) don't have the twist function you might need for rudder control.

Edited January 9, 2009 by Vapour

[Sunjah]

Okay, I think I am going Saitek.

 

Is the difference between the X-52Pro and the X-52 really worth the $70 extra dollars? Reading their descriptions ,from the official web pages, they are virtually identical except for some differences in the controllers for the MFD. What makes the Pro so much better, does anyone know?

 

Paying $90 or $160, well, that is a no-brainer...unless the Pro really offers what the X-52 does but vastly improved.

 

X-52 for $90

X-52Pro for $160

 

Which is the better deal? Does the Pro really have $70 more functionality than the X-52?

 

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

[Sunjah]

Dang! If I had realized Saitek was going to steal the show, I would've made seperate categories for X-52 and X-52Pro.

 

Okay, Saitek it is.

 

^^^As in the above post, anyone have any comments on the difference between the 2, and is the Pro really worth the extra $70?

 

I'm leaning towards Pro, but I think I'll wait until a few owners of them give some feedback. Thanks, again!

[4c Hajduk Veljko]

I just got Saitek Evo Force, but I can not make the FF to lock the stick when trimming.\

 

But I am using X-52 pro and Siatek pedals.

Edited January 9, 2009 by =4c= Hajduk Veljko

[Mxyzpylk]

Okay, I think I am going Saitek.

 

Is the difference between the X-52Pro and the X-52 really worth the $70 extra dollars? Reading their descriptions ,from the official web pages, they are virtually identical except for some differences in the controllers for the MFD. What makes the Pro so much better, does anyone know?

 

Paying $90 or $160, well, that is a no-brainer...unless the Pro really offers what the X-52 does but vastly improved.

 

X-52 for $90

X-52Pro for $160

 

Which is the better deal? Does the Pro really have $70 more functionality than the X-52?

 

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

Here you go,

 

http://www.saitekusa.com/prod/x52.htm

 

 

http://www.saitekusa.com/prod/x52pro.htm

 

You decide.

[thereminqblank]

From what I heard, the main differences of the X-52 Pro compared to the original version :

 

- Slightly better accuracy

- Removal of a 'deadzone' found on the original X-52.

- Better spring resistance

- Looks more realistic, as it's black, compared to the Star Trek look of the original

 

But yeah, the X-52 pro can be considerably more expensive

[A.S]

Saitek X-52 or X-52Pro HOTAS and Simped F-16Plus Peddals ( both re-contructed in my own way - long story )

[Sunjah]

 

Originally Posted by Sunjah

...Reading their descriptions from the official web pages...

 

 

 

Here you go,

 

http://www.saitekusa.com/prod/x52.htm

 

 

http://www.saitekusa.com/prod/x52pro.htm

 

You decide.

 

Um, I kind of already visited these pages, therefore the statement in my post about "reading from the official site." I know what I would choose, I was hoping to get some good feedback on which one was the best in others' opinions!

 

Thanks

[Shrubbo]

CH for me, I spent quite a while researching for what I think was right for me. I wanted a HOTAS with very high quality, very high accuracy and longevity. Everything else was not considered. Eventually I also decided I wanted long and light action as well.

 

1 and 2 have been most suitably demonstrated however I only have been running 2 months or so but from what I have read then 3 should be quite reasonable. The long and light action is very nice as well imo.

 

Anyway more of what I think of CH...

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=36297

[slowhand]

i use a cougar hotas with ch rudders...and i like it...lol

[CiniKo]

Ciao,

 

I've Saitek X52 and Simped VarioPro for rudder and works like a charm. Saitek it's ok but the SST works not well!

 

-LuKariello-

[MatGreGor]

Mix of Saitek X52pro/Sidewinder FFB2/Thrustamster F16 FLCS, and simped on rudder.

 

http://img515.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clip0001zr6.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clip0002ld1.jpg

http://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clip0003my2.jpg

 

Greets.

[Boberro]

In Lock on I use Keyboard (common US) mixed with optical mouse. When all is well configured - binded - you can fly well.

 

In DCS I use old Saitek Cyborg Evo due of helicopter is hard to fly in heyboard, so I am accustomed to joy in DCS.

 

All mixed with Freetrack :D

Edited January 9, 2009 by Boberro

[OldCrow]

Mix of Saitek X52pro/Sidewinder FFB2/Thrustamster F16 FLCS, and simped on rudder.

 

http://img515.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clip0001zr6.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clip0002ld1.jpg

http://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clip0003my2.jpg

 

Greets.

 

WOW!:shocking:

 

I use Saitek X-52 myself, had it for about 3-4 years, still works, but getting alittle sloppy around center, but nothing serious. My experiance with Saitek is that they are very good, both precice, good handgrip, and enough buttons. And the Throttle is just perfect:thumbup:

 

Only bad thing I have to say about it is that its not stiff enough, could be fixed by replacing the spring, oh and the stickyness problem. You might have to like lubricate the plate thats under the spring to get 100% smooth movement. Otherwise it will stick alittle due to friction, not that relevant if u're flying combat, but very relevant when flying close formation.

[Cezar11]

Cougar ( unmodded ) hotas.. thrustmaster rudders, trackIR4

[Airway]

I'm using an X52 Hotas besides Saitek Rudder Pedals, Saitek Thrustpanel and PCDash 2 to run my Simulations.

 

Not to forget my TrackIR 3 Pro

[emenance]

I dont recommend the saitek product. Too many problems from the start and then they dont work anymore.

[Cezar11]

The saitek products must have changed drastically in last few years... a few years ago I went through 3 ( yeah.. 3 ) sets of the x52 ( or whatever the model was before the lcd panel on the throttle..) After a month or so, the stick would not be stable in the X or Y axis.. a slow and steady pull in any axis direction would result in massive spikes on random sides of that axis... totally uncontrollable. I kept returning it and getting new ones. But it kept happening.. so it went in the trash. I'm happy with the Cougar...