FCS HOTAS with Flight Controller and Throttle (Windows)

I just wanted to leave a review for this as there currently aren't very many. This is part review for this stick, and part comparison of it between other sticks. For reference, I've extensively used the following sticks: Saitek X52 and X52 pro, Logitech 3D Extreme Pro, old FCS, Warthog, and now this. Also, I play pretty much every type of flight game, including DCS, IL-2 back in the day, SWG back in the day, E:D, and SC. So with that out of the way, this is my favorite stick. It feels weird to say that when I own a warthog, and the build quality and general feel is definitely better on the warthog. The button layout is also much better on the hog. However, once you factor in the price difference and the twist axis, this stick is my daily driver. Another big advantage this stick has over the hog, to me, is the lighter springs. The hog is great for flying an old warplane or something that's really slow, but not so great when dogfighting in a space sim, or when needing to do really precise movements. I just overall find this stick to be easier to use for space sims in general. The new model doesn't seem like a massive upgrade from the old one. I'm not sure what's up with the orange coloring, but I digress. The main difference is that the buttons on the base now have textured markings (which is a life saver in VR or if you just don't want to be looking down), most of the buttons now are textured and more ergonomical, and it seems that the spring makes a lot less noise and is of slightly higher quality. Although that could just be because it's new and my old FCS is old. One thing to note, expanding on textured buttons, is that if you are playing in VR, the warthog throttle is actually a pretty terrible experience. The switches are all over the place and you won't have any way to see them. I hope that all sticks in the future follow the trend of having unique textures on the buttons, so you can feel your way around what you're doing. Definitely a major plus if you're playing in VR. If you're new to Thrustmaster in general, another thing to note is that the T.A.R.G.E.T. scripting software is second to none as far as allowing you to get really in depth with customizing how you want your stick to act, as well as how it's programmed. It's not exactly user-friendly, but you can do pretty much anything you want with it. This stick's biggest weakness is the lack of buttons on the handle. There are plenty on the base, but I really find myself just wanting more on the handle. I picked up two of the cougar MFD's, and find those easier to use than the buttons on the base. Still, next time around, get some more buttons on this thing's handle Thrustmaster. I really wish that this stick and the warthog could make a baby. I'd love to have the metal sticks with the great button layouts, while also having the ability to use it ambidextrously, having a twist axis, and having the lightweight handling that this one does. Unfortunately, that's not really an option. So given that, this stick is my recommendation. The warthog is technically superior, but this stick offers more than enough bang for the buck, and I'm actually probably going to sell my hog soon since it doesn't have a twist axis. The extra handle buttons on the hog are really nice, but the lack of a twist axis just makes it almost useless in a space sim. And you can make up for a lack of buttons with VoiceAttack. The bottom line is that whether you're a new pilot or a seasoned veteran, this stick can do it all pretty well. I've been flying in PC games since I was a kid, and I've used a lot of sticks. This one is my favorite. I think you'd be hard pressed to prove that a warthog is going to give any real-world combat advantage, so the only reason I see to fork over the extra cash is if you really want that metal handle (which does feel nice...). My current setup is using two of these, two MFD's, and a throttle on my left side. I have rudder pedals, but I have no need for them with this setup. The two sticks provide full 6DOF freedom in space sims, and the throttle still allows me to fly regular planes (or long haul flights in space sims) without awkwardly trying to use two sticks. Then the MFD's fill the need for a near infinite amount of buttons. You can slap all of that on a board with some velcro, sit in an office chair, and rival the setups of the biggest and baddest simpits out there for less than what you'd pay for just a warthog stick in some places. Just buy two of these and you won't regret it, seriously. That's my .02, hopefully it helps someone. Happy flying, o7