CH HOTAS
-
Yeah, the CH’s durability is why every time I’ve contemplated a Thrustmaster, I’ve decided I don’t need it. I know that neither Cougar nor Warthog are particularly durable in comparison, and given their price, I can’t justify the investment. I don’t know how the ultra-high end options like Virpil or VKB gear measure up, but somehow, I doubt it’d last quite as long.
You can improve and extend the CH gear by installing new magnetoresistive sensors (stays compatible with CH Manager) or go a step further by installing new 12-bit mainboards (have to kill CH manager) in the Pro-Throttle and Fighterstick too!
-
I’ll consider that once the regular pots wear out. Haven’t needed those so far. Right now, I’m going past things like Virpil and into the world of completely custom-made (by myself, no less) controllers.
-
Yeah, the CH’s durability is why every time I’ve contemplated a Thrustmaster, I’ve decided I don’t need it. I know that neither Cougar nor Warthog are particularly durable in comparison, and given their price, I can’t justify the investment. I don’t know how the ultra-high end options like Virpil or VKB gear measure up, but somehow, I doubt it’d last quite as long.
Have you ever seen inside CH gear and VKB gear?
-
The former, yeah (the throttle at least, haven’t had a reason to open up the stick), but I’ve only seen VKB in pictures, and they weren’t of the guts. CH is straightforward enough mechanically, but robust enough. I’ve had them since before either VKB or Virpil even existed on the market, so it’s difficult to compare longevity directly.
-
The former, yeah (the throttle at least, haven’t had a reason to open up the stick), but I’ve only seen VKB in pictures, and they weren’t of the guts. CH is straightforward enough mechanically, but robust enough. I’ve had them since before either VKB or Virpil even existed on the market, so it’s difficult to compare longevity directly.
The CH throttle is a constrained mouse basically. It’s horrible inside.
VKB stuff is mechanical porn.
-
Yes, it’s a constrained mouse. It’s also a shining example of the KISS principle. In my experience, “mechanical porn” tends to break down sooner than crude, but functional designs. CH gear is a perfect example of just that, and its famous durability is a testament to validity of this principle. I admit, this set is not perfect, and I’m in process of investigating DIY options that might provide a better experience, but I don’t really need that, I just like to tinker. I certainly wouldn’t pay for the stuff I’m making (not a VKB-level price, anyway), not to mention durability is less of an issue when I can just print replacements.
-
The CH throttle is a constrained mouse basically. It’s horrible inside.
VKB stuff is mechanical porn.
Come back in 20 years and show me how well the others held up… My CH gear is pre year 2000 IIRC…
-
Come back in 20 years and show me how well the others held up… My CH gear is pre year 2000 IIRC…
Contactless sensors with replaceable cams, springs and ball bearings.
Get a gunfighter, you’ll soon forget your CH stick.
-
Contactless sensors with replaceable cams, springs and ball bearings.
Get a gunfighter, you’ll soon forget your CH stick.I’m sure its wonderful but i’ve become used to the feel of my CH gear. I like flying helos only using two fingers on the stick to move it, and the perfect accuracy of the new magnetoresistive sensors…
-
I have debated getting a cougar or warthog, but reading this thread has convinced me to keep what I have. I really like the durability and the button layout.
-
I have debated getting a cougar or warthog, but reading this thread has convinced me to keep what I have. I really like the durability and the button layout.
My CH gear is 15 years old and has had some hard use. Al of it works trouble free and I have yet to replace any parts. It is hard to get that kind of reliability from other entertainment products. CH’s gear is not flashy nor is it as polished as the newer Thrustmaster Gear, but it just works. Now if they could get some better programming software…
-
I had a Warthog. Now I’m using a CH fighterstick and pro throttle. I have more accurate radar cursor with the throttle and better smothness and precisions with the CH fighterstick. I prefer the CH fighterstick only trigger for dogfighting than the first and second trigger of the Warthog. The only con is that for laser i have to map Pinky+first trigger…
Warthog has a very good metallic feel and 5 button HATS. But I had problems with the TRIM hat responsiveness.
So if you live on USA the CH gear is very cheap and ano brainer. It’s sad that VKB or Virpil does not have a F16 replica… -
I’ve managed to break most of my CH gear - pedals first, then the throttle. And I find the stick to be WAY too light. I use a Cougar throttle and a Warthog stick now…and I’m much happier.
I have Saitek Combat Pro pedals…really love those. Wish they still made them.
-
I had a Warthog. Now I’m using a CH fighterstick and pro throttle. I have more accurate radar cursor with the throttle and better smothness and precisions with the CH fighterstick. I prefer the CH fighterstick only trigger for dogfighting than the first and second trigger of the Warthog. The only con is that for laser i have to map Pinky+first trigger…
Warthog has a very good metallic feel and 5 button HATS. But I had problems with the TRIM hat responsiveness.
So if you live on USA the CH gear is very cheap and ano brainer. It’s sad that VKB or Virpil does not have a F16 replica…I “overcome” the CH Fighterstick trigger to function as both guns and laser firing, with lots of help from ewildcat.
Refer to this post:
https://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?38611-Map-trigger-(Figtherstick-button-1)-to-shoot-guns-amp-laser -
I’ve had my CH gear at least 17 years. During that Time, I have listened to everybody that I fly with about having this part or that go out on their cougar, and have to be grounded until the parts got there. I have never had a single part replaced. CH is reliable as the day is long. I will never give it up.