Riyker

At the momemt there is a known problem w/ the Cougar HOTAS. Yes, it's $400, but that didn't make a bit of difference. With only 10 hours of flight time, my throttle potentiometer (the dial gizmo that monitors the thrust handle movement) pooped out on me.

The problem was that the company wasn't responding to support requests. This is a known problem throughout the Cougar community. In fact, some of the community got together and sourced their own parts to address the problem. I ordered two from them just in case.

If you do get the stick, consider this... you will have huge community support (http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/). There are even MODs out for the stick, such as new gimble joints, base hardware, etc. Expect that you'll own the hardware for a long time.

--Riy

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leejo

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Thrustmaster F-22 TQS combo?

Goalie

The F-22 TQS is a good HOTAS but it's getting old. It's not USB so it requires a gameport and has programing issues in XP. Unless you get Bob Church's digital upgrade chip you won't be able to program it in XP, it should work at a 4 axis, 4 button controler but you won't be able to use it's complex programing features.

If you do happen to get a hold of one that's been upgraded it's a very good HOTAS. I was thinking of getting a hold of a used one myself but it sold before I called about it, and I don't have a gameport with my onboard sound.

IceMan

I have the Saitek x45. I have logged god knows how many hours on it since I payed the steal of 80 bucks for the magnificent stick... Far and away it is the best stick for the price. For a real flight sim enthusiast, a HOTAS is the only way to go. The x45 delivers with excellent performace, 3 fully digital programmable modes, aftermarket drives and community support, robust design and comfortable use. I love the thing like a child and am happy that I bought it.

I suggest it as a stick to anyone in the market for a good flight sim rig.

- the Ice Man

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"Certainly, there is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter." - Ernest Hemingway

Overlag

Agreed, my X45 is terrible now, its got about half a inch play in the "centerd" position. Not to mention its unsmooth in movement, i have to grease up the spring "cup" every now an then to stop it sticking about 50% travel.

But i dont agree on saitek being garbage. Cyborgs are GREAT joysticks, and im thinking of getting one to replace my X45. Saiteks service is great also, as someone else said, they fix things for FREE even if its more than a year old, they have for me, they fixed my R4 force wheel (had been discontinued as well) as well as sending me new triggers. for my Cyborg golds. I dont think my Cyborg Evo i got my dad will break though, thats stronger.

the X45's rudder is terrible also, why they didnt go with a twist stick i dont know. the only thing i cant fault is the throttle, its really nice....oh, yes i can one of the slide buttons is broken on it, oh well. Greatest waste of £70......its 6months old, yet my cyborgs which cost £30 last 1-2 years...sigh

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From Adam Webb

Goalie

Have you tried using candle wax on the cup? I hear it works well.

PASSUBY

Just wondering if anyone has a good profile they would like to send for the X45 for Battlefield 2 ?
I just purchased mine the other day, and I like it so far...Have worked with a few different profiles, but cant seem to get a good feeling for it yet(profile).
Thanks in advance!