Cyborg V.1 Flight Stick Review

I have several flight sticks, Thrustmaster, Logitech Attack, et al. The Cyborg is a pretty decent stick for the price. I have 3 complaints: 1) the throttle doesn't work an a lot of my flight sim games (I have to use the keyboard). It does work on MS Flight Sim X but not on Il-2 1946, for example. 2) It is a very light stick and I find myself (and the stick) falling off the edge of my desk when I'm trying to shake a Bf 109E off my six. The twist rudder works well, no dead zone to speak of, nice, firm motions of the stick itself. (3) It takes a little getting used to the buttons being on top of the stick (not sure I'm sold on that!). All and all, not a bad stick!

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Product Description:
Plug in the Cyborg V.1 Stick and get total control over your aircraft, your weapons and your enemy!

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CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB LE Review

Bottom line: this device sends spurious control imputs.It must also be recalibrated each time you boot and after perhaps 30 minutes of use...Use a mouse.

This seems to be a very popular item with the flight sim crowd.I am not a gamer and perhaps thats my problem.I am a real pilot (Private, Instrument, SEL, HP, Complex) and use MS Flight Sim to review procedures at airports I have not yet flown into. I bought this yoke to increase therealism of the simulation.

This yoke is a piece of junk.Aside from the spurious control imputs and constant recalibration, it bounces in both axes and does not feel or move anything like a real yoke.If you want realism look elseware.I currently use a mouse with MS Flight Sim; it is more realistic.

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Product Description:
With a new ergonomic design and feel the USB connected Flight Sim Yoke LE becomes the first USB Flight Yoke on the market. The new Flight Sim Yoke is the first choice of computer flight sim enthusiasts wanting the best in new USB technology peripherals.CH Products, known for quality, precision, and reliable devices, offers excellent compatibility to the installed flight sim user base. The new Flight Sim Yoke USB LE is Plug and Play compatible with the full line of new CH Products USB flight equipment including USB Pro Pedals.

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CH Products Fighterstick USB Review

Being a long time flight simmer and after using many different joysticks, throttles and pedals, I finally tried this one.
With my last stick being the TM Cougar, I learned to appreciate softer springs, precision and overall reliability. Most of these were missing with my one year old Cougar which now seems was all about looks.
Being made by dedicated flight simming accessories company, CH Fighterstick seems to be one of less known secrets of hardcore sim crowd.
At first, I was suspicious because of its plastic feel. The stick is big enough even for large hands, while people with smaller hands may find it somewhat uncofortable.
Springs are very light. This is a plus for me, as it allows higher precision, especially near the center. You don't get to wrestle the springs during your flying. It has great throw, so there is a lot of room for precision input throughout the range of motion.
Trim wheels for both axes help even in simulations without trim controls. Smart stuff.
There is a throttle wheel at the base of the stick. If you have a throttle, this wheel can be mapped to another function, but you won't be able to reach it without letting your hand off the trottle or stick.
Software is excellent and it actually rivals the software being shipped with the Cougar. As with the stick itself, at first it looks toyish. After a while you learn its huge capabilities.
Verdict: The best high end joystick out there - precision, programming abilities, reliability and simplicity being its trump cards.

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Product Description:
Awarded the #1 Joystick in Multimedia World's Readers' Choice Awards, the FlightStick looks and feels just like a real jet stick, built with potentiometers rated to 2 million cycles, sturdy base and fire buttons rated to 10 million shots; when you grab on, you'll feel the difference of CH's quality craftsmanship and durability.

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Saitek J24C X45 Flight Control System Joystick and Throttle (USB) Review

This product is quite fully featured for its intended use.The three major axes of motion (x,y and throttle) were rather stiff, but are adjustable to the users preference!
The unit is also programmable from a "button" point of view (i.e. keyboard macros) *and* from an axis point of view.This is important because it incorporates three additional axes that can be used (two thumbwheels and mini rudder "pedals" built-in to the forward side of the throttle handle).These other axes can be mapped to various features in your game software as well.In addition to that, there is a tiny "hat" switch that can be mapped to operate the mouse cursor in game...this truly means you never have to remove your hands from the controls...
Now, for the "not-so-good" stuff.IF you are running WinXP and IF you install the drivers right out of the box, you are in for some trouble and inconvience.At the end of the install from the CD, it mentions downloading a newer version of the drivers and to be sure to "un-install" the current ones before loading the new ones.Unfortunately, complying with these instructions also unloads your regular mouse driver as well.This is where you learn how to shut down your system using strictly the keyboard.Fortunately, once you reboot, XP re-installs your mouse driver and all is well.
One last thing:If you are using a USB hub that derives its power from the computer, your new Saitek joystick WILL NOT FUNCTION when plugged into that hub.I have a good Linksys USB hub that says it derives power from the computer, but also comes with an external supply.The Saitek would NOT work unless the external power was plugged in.Just a word to the wise.
Overall, I am quite pleased with my Saitek X45.

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Product Description:
The X45 Throttle and Stick combination promises to give you the most realistic flying experience ever. The Throttle and Stick come in two separate units - giving you the ideal flying position - and they are laden with features to keep your hands off the keyboard during complicated maneuvers. The X45 combines stunning looks, an advanced feature set and virtually unlimited programmability thanks to Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE), the advanced software interface from Saitek. The sculptured design and fingertip control allow hours of fatigue-free game play - and as the X45 is one of the most solidly built controllers on the market today, it won't let you down. So the next time you take to the skies, be sure to come fully equipped with the X45, the world's most advanced Flight Control System.

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Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar PC Flight Stick Review

I have been using the Cougar for over a year now and have concluded that it is a combination of the best and the worst in consumer products. In the end analysis it is ok for someone who doesn't mind tinkering, modifying and repairing. If it wasn't for the online community I would have thrown my Cougar away a long time ago. These guys are the BEST thing going for the Cougar. Support from the manufacturer is far from acceptable. Now for the good and the bad.
This product has a great feel about it. Largely because it's all metal, heavy and seems durable. The metal, however, is very soft and, consequently, easy to strip threads. The switches and pots are low quality. Replacement pots are only available through the manufacturer as they were specially made. (I think by CTS) The Throttle Quadrant has a speed brake switch which is on in the forward position, off in the middle position and momentary on in the back position. The switch itself is the toggle variety. It is guided by a plastic guide that works well when properly aligned but there is nothing designed into the product to insure alignment. You'll have to fix this yourself or the guide is likely to break. Fortunately the procedure is detailed in Frugals World Cougar forum.
Programmability is a big plus with the Cougar. Again, if you are not up to tinkering and just want to plug and play, look for something else. If you don't mind spending some time with your face in the manual and working through a profile or two you will have incredible flexibility.
The throttle itself is rather sticky through its range of motion and there are two detents for idle and afterburner. All in all it is clunky and I opted to remove the detents. As far as the sticky motion is concerned I have yet to find a way to fix it.
The Cougar is not really a desktop item. Sure it's heavy and you would think it would stay put but it doesn't. It is a lot more enjoyable when anchored to a platform. If you are contemplating this purchase I suggest that you go to and get familiar with http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/. They will be your primary support group and you can get some insight to the problems and soulutions that the rest of us are working through.
Pay special attention to the instructions when loading the software. There seems to be a problem with version 2.04 that damages the throttle pot.

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Product Description:
The most realistic flight simulation controller is here: the HOTAS Cougar, lifelike in design, lifelike in performance. This is truly "Hands on Throttle and Stick" gameplay. Based on the actual controller found in F-16 fighter aircraft, the HOTAS transports you to the furthest reaches of flight-simulation technology.From the second you grab hold of both the stick and the throttle, you notice the difference. All metal, black, and ready for business--that is the HOTAS. This controller offers up to 28 programmable buttons, multiple programmable hat switches, and adjustable resistance for the throttle, afterburner, and idle detent. These are just a few of the many features of this revolutionary stick and throttle combo. Without question, the HOTAS Cougar is the controller for true flight enthusiasts.

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Saitek X52 Flight Control System Review

As a previous owner of the X45 flight control system and avid flight sim junkie, I was compelled to upgrade my HOTAS system to something newer.I was originally looking at the Thrustmaster HOTAS system, but could not conjur up enough money to purchase one.After playing with the X52 at a LAN party, I was sold and went out and purchased one that night.

The X52 has loads of improvements over the X45 - not even mentioning the LCD MFD.One addition which I would have loved to see in the X45 are the eight removable suction cups on the bottom of the stick and throttle bases.The cups first out of the box will do some sliding around, but nothing so drastic that it'll mess your flights up.They do a great enough job to keep the stick down during normal use - provided that you don't slam the stick around, but for a flight system that costs this much, I don't think that'll be too much of a problem for most people.

Just like all other Saitek sticks, the X52 is fully customizable in both hardware and software.Not only can you move the lower shelf on the joystick up and down to fit your hand, but you can also adjust the force on the throttle stick.Like all other Saitek sticks, however, you cannot adjust the centering force on the stick itself.But I did not find this to be too much of a problem as it is much looser than all other HOTAS systems that I have owned.The X52 also comes with the Saitek SST programming software, which (again, like all other Saitek sticks) allows you to program every button on the joystick to either an axis, mouse axis, single keyboard stroke, or a complex macro.

I also fell in love with the three modes and color coded mode identification LED to let you know what mode you are in.As a result I can have a mode for A-A, one for A-G, and one mode for general tasks when playing Falcon 4.0: Allied Force, making it easier to keep my hands on the flight system at all times.

The MFD is also a cool addition to the X52.It has a time display to let you know what time it is in up to three time zones, as well as a built-in stopwatch to time your flights and coordinate your turns right on time.And if you can't remember what you programmed a button to - just simply hold down the info button and click the button you want to know about and voila!Your button's function is displayed on the screen.

All in all - a great HOTAS system for those of us that cannot afford the Thrustmaster HOTAS systems.This flight stick runs perfectly with games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Falcon 4.0 - my two choices and recommendations to pair up with this stick.

And for those of you who want to know about Windows XP Professional x64 support - the stick works perfectly using drivers available on the Saitek website.

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Product Description:
The World's most advanced flight controller The X52 Flightstick and Throttle combination give the most realistic flying experience ever. With the feature-laden Throttle and Stick split into two separate units, the X52 delivers ideal flying position. Programmability and illuminated Multi-Function Display expand the possibilities for Sim Pilots everywhere!

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CH Products Pro Pedals USB Flight Simulator Pedals ( 300-111 ) Review

Under controller assignments 'assign axis' both Microsoft FS2002 and CFS2 menues allow assigning the up and down movement of the pedals to the toebrakes, right and left. Pushing (forwards and backwards) on pedals moves the rudder. It all works perfectly giving a variable analogue brake, the harder you push the more brake you apply. Taxiing the plane using rudder and brakes together works smooth and is easy to control. I velcroed the pedals to a large plywood sheet and attached the sheet to the desk legs with small angle brackets and machine screws. A large sheet so I could later move the pedals around to different positions on the board.
I use this setup: Fighterstick USB, ThrottlePro USB, Pro Rudder Pedals USB, all CH branded. All 3 of these combine with CH's software to make one huge virtual device. So if you then go to Windows control panel's game control applet you see 1 device not 3. That one device has six axis and 32 buttons! Never calibrate it there (doing that will screw it all up). Instead ONLY calibrate it in the CH software.
I assigned those six axes to: 1 HorizStickX 2 VertStickY 3 Wheel on the stick (Fuel mixture lean/rich),4 Throttle, 5 Right brake, 6 Left brake. FS2002 would let me assign them to other controls if I had prefered).
So far no problems with these fine CH products.

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Product Description:
Pro Pedals feature a realistic forward and back pedal motion for flying, as well as a pivot movement for driving games. They're a great companion to CH Product's line of joysticks and flight yokes.For flying, Pro Pedals work as rudders and toe brakes, while for driving they give you extra support and power to accelerate or brake. They're made to withstand the toughest competitor. Designed with rugged, durable components, Pro Pedals will last longer and endure more wear-and-tear than ordinary pedals on the market.Hook Pro Pedals up with your favorite CH Products joystick and take off!

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CH Products Throttle Quadrant USB (300-133) Review

I bought these in preparation for my multi-engine pilots license. Of course, I have been flying planes on Microsoft ( and Sublogic) well before I could get into a real cockpit. This is probably one of the best items from CH Products, especially if you like flying multi-engine aircraft or will be upgrading to flying a REAL multi-engine aircraft soon.

Microsoft and CH products have helped keep me sharper in the cockpit by allowing me to practice on the days when I can't go up for real. This product cannot be beat for customizability. I can go from a Beech Baron set-up to a Boeing 747 set-up just by playing with some settings. And if you have the CH Yoke and Rudder pedals, you have a relatively real flying experience without leaving your home.

If you are into military sims, this probably isn't for you. If you have Microsoft flight sim, X-plane, Fly or any other civilian sim and you value realism, you must get these.

$150 isn't cheap, but thats the cost of one hour of flight time in the Multi-engine plane I will be learning in. One hour of flight time versus hours of honing my skills at home? A worthy investment indeed!

The only downside, as there is on all CH products, are the clamps to hold it to the desk. They are really designed to fit desks that are thick and flat. If your PC desk has a curve to the front or is relatively thin, you have to find a better way to secure them to your desk. Wedging books or papers usually helps.

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Product Description:
A true veteran of the PC gaming industry, CH Products has manufactured joysticks and game control devices -- with a particular emphasis on state-of-the-art flight control gear -- for a quarter decade. One of the latest products to emerge from the CH lab is the CH Throttle Quadrant USB, a highly specialized unit designed to appeal to serious flight simulation buffs who demand authentic, fingertip control of all of their airborne activities.
Bearing a striking physical resemblance to the control panel found in a real life aircraft and perfectly complementing navigational devices such as joysticks or flight yokes (for example, the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB), the CH Throttle Quadrant USB effectively banishes the counterintuitive computer keyboard from the flying environment and allows hardcore pilots to quickly make in-flight adjustments via its straightforward 6-axis, 12-button setup. Completely user customizable with the enclosed CH Control Manager software and offering no less than a whopping 350 button positions if so configured, the system is ideal for precise control of multiple engines, flaps, fuel mixture, lights, and much, much more.
The CH Throttle Quadrant USB is built in the USA to the same durable specifications as other CH Products control devices and is compatible with all Windows-based games and most recent operating systems (including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and MacOS 8.6 to 10.02). The unit carries a limited two-year warranty.

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Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals Review

As someone new to flight simulators, these were the first rudder pedals I have ever used. My general impression is that they work well but their flimsy construction is disconcerting. As I haven't ever used CH pedals, it is difficult to assess what would be considered sturdy for a consumer product like this. However, the Saitek pedals feel as if they would be damaged by putting any amount of weight on the pedal surface. Not only is the plastic rather thin but the whole apparatus is extremely light.Saitek should have used some inexpensive ballast to rectify the latter problem.

Unfortunately, the light weight means they are not stable when used straight out of the box. With several through holes, the designers are probably suggesting the user mount the base to a heavier object. To use them on carpet, I took a different approach. In each of the eight holes, I mounted a set screw with a flat machined end. These were adjusted with a nut and large washer (for weight distribution) to allow a 3/8" elevation. The screws will penetrate the pile and resist any forward movement. To increase the effect, I attached eight, one pound lead ingots with double-sided tape to the base. This arrangement provides a very stable platform.

In my ten hours of Flight Simulator X, I haven't found any problems with pedals. However, I did observe some minor flutter on occasion when using the Saitek diagnostic software. It generally goes away after some movement.

Despite concerns over the construction, the pedals have some nice features. There is an adjustable tension knob in the center of the pedals. In addition, the pedal surface is adjustable for different shoe sizes.

In general, the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder pedals work well and look nice. It would just be more comforting if Saitek used a few more millimeters of plastic on the pedals and base.Pros
Accuracy
Easy to setup
Features (tension knob and adjustable pedal surface)Cons
Flimsy
Some flutter
Too light


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Product Description:
Complete your virtual pilot's controller setup and take flight simulation reality to the next level with the Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. Control the rudder and toe brakes of your aircraft with your feet - just like real pilots. Adjustable, smooth action gives you optimum control and realism, and brings you even closer to the experience of flying a real aircraft.

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Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) Review

Things just went entirely too smooth and totally glitch free which should have signaled that this in itself was not a good omen! Basically I went from the CH Products yoke, throttle quad and CH rudder pedals to the SAITEK system and even bought an extra SAITEK throttle quad to then have '6' programmable axis levers and additional buttons to program. So too, and one of the biggies, at least for me and my sim flying, the SAITEK yoke uses a METAL pitch tube for the yoke pitch control and as opposed to the CH yoke which uses a plastic shaft and hence subtle yoke movement 'sticking' no matter what lubricant I placed on the plastic shaft so I switched to SAITEK and the METAL pitch shaft on bearings. Excellent!

And then ... coming into O'Hare and I hear the jet panel voice begin the "500 above" ... "400 above" ... suddenly from nowhere comes from the aircraft I was flying, "LANDING GEAR UP PLEASE!" ... say WHAT? You guessed it, the "random phantom key press" issue! SAITEK admitted on their own forum that this was a SAITEK yoke factory defect issue [see that forum AND Amazon user comments right here!] . You'll be flying along but when the yoke is turned [or straight ahead for that matter!], things begin to happen on their own! Hence the name "phantom key press" ! The landing gear can go up and down BY ITSELF or normally hat switch activated aircraft views begin to cycle by themselves without any input whatsoever by the user! A decided defect! Worse, SAITEK says some yokes are affected, others perhaps not! That really helps, yes? Sure!

Anyway, I now have to wait until December, 2007, for a replacement yoke and I have 30 days to return the defect item via an Amazon printed-out postage free return label. I was also given the option to wait for the replacement item or cancel the order. I'll wait because the yoke and its separately included 3 lever throttle quadrant is very nice! Problem is, the phantom key press issue is a major consideration because virtually anything can be activated or deactivated by itelf! It's like an unseen hand randomly pressing keys on your keyboard and the simulation acts accordingly!

But I'll still wait because I like the metal tube on bearings making the pitch smooth, the looks of the thing, the on-board three USB slots although the accompanying 3 lever throttle uses a sub-mini pin connector to the yoke, dunno why, because a separately purchased and hence 'by itself' identical 3 lever throttle SAITEK quadrant uses the USB connector. Had it not been for the phantom key press issue I would have rated the whole system [I have the yoke and separate throttle quadrant, a second throttle quadrant and the SAITEK rudder pedals] as "10" stars even though 5 stars is the max allowed. Hopefully, this phantom key press issue defect will be SAITEK factory corrected in a new series. I hope so anyway! Doc Tony UPDATE! A LOST CAUSE! A 'replacement' unit arrived and had the identical 'phantom key press' problem! Identical! Wheels going up and down by themselves, views cycling, knee board popping up, all happening at random and making the Saitek yoke/throttle worthless! This is a MAJOR DEFECT in this item and every single Amazon user without exception has commented on it! Every single one! Read it for yourself!

This is not the fault of Amazon but a failure of the Saitek folks to recall and correct a major defect in this product! This time, I returned the replacement for a refund and I'll stick to my CH Products yoke/throttle combination until Saitek can get their act and yoke together! Amazon has been great in this matter, can't ask for better, but they are being given a defective product to sell with known serious issues and issues that Saitek or their distributors have NOT corrected!

Quick clue! You'll know almost immediately if you have a defective Saitek yoke -- when the flight sim loads up and you're on the runway ready for take-off, press the pre-set BRAKE button on the yoke and if you get a sudden change of view from the cockpit where you then have to cycle back to the cockpit view, you have a defective "phantom key press" yoke. It then goes further downhill from there with random commands on its own eqaully random unassisted initiative! ZERO stars now! A defective product by engineering! Read right here at Amazon what the users themselves say! And consistently so for the same consistent problem!Doc Tony

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Product Description:
Precision. Realism. Control. The Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System is highly engineered to meet the exacting needs of the true flight simulation enthusiast. Stainless steel shaft, ergonomic controls, integrated chronograph, and separate throttle quadrant ensure a smooth, accurate and totally realistic flying experience. Features: Durable stainless steel shaft with precision bearings gives smooth and predictable elevator and aileron control; Used with the supplied SST Programming software, integrated mode switch trebles the number of controls you have at your fingertips; Accurately time each leg of your flight plan with the integrated chronograph; Separate throttle quadrant with additional switches to configure any combination of throttle, flaps, mixture or prop pitch. Mount on top, in front of your desk, pilot or co-pilot side so that the controls are exactly where you want them; Unique, 2-position desk clamp keeps your yoke and quadrant securely fixed no matter how extreme the flying conditions; Use the integrated USB Hub to easily connect other parts of the Saitek Pro Flight range of products, such as additional Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant or Pro Flight Instrument Panel (both sold separately); Saitek's powerful Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming software allows gamers to configure their controls to suit their preferred gaming style, and to save the configurations as personal profiles. Specifications: 14 buttons; POV Hat Switch; 3-position Mode Switch; 3 axis levers on Quadrant; Elevator and Aileron Axes on Yoke. System Requirements: Connectivity: USB 2.0 Works with: Windows XP, XP64 and Vista (all versions) and Windows 7

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