Thrustmaster

This is the Cadillac of the industry to CH Products Lincoln. TM has impressed the market with a solid range of controllers that have provided both excellent service and support to gamers over the past years. To concentrate on only one TM HOTAS setup would be inadequate so we should consider at least two of their setups. First, the F22 Pro and F16 TQS.

The F-22 Pro(and former F-16 FLCS) coupled to the TQS throttle (and the earlier WCS Mk2.) is a deadly combination preferred by many flight sim fans. These controllers are legendary to say the very least. Multi-function in use, the F-22 sports a 2 stage trigger, 4 buttons and four 4 way HAT switches. This is a mean controller with both analog and digital programming.

The companion TQS throttle has two 3 way switches, one 4 way switch and 2 programmable dial controls. A lot of stuff you can program! With a suggested retail price of $219.95 for the F-22 and $199.95 for the TQS, you better be serious, though the street price is more likely below $250.00 for the pair.

If there is any roadblock here, it must be programming. The software for the TM gear has always been difficult to master and use for the newbie. Numerous outside programs exist such as CS Commander and James Hallows recent FOX2 make the process much easier, but be prepared (Click HERE for a 160K FOX2 screen grab). There have been some problems with F-22 potentiometers, but these seem to have been solved with good customer support so don't be afraid of this excellent combination.

TM has also entered the market for the beginner with the new controller bundle it offers. Unfortunately the bundle is still an exclusive deal, however. You get the new Attack throttle with the Top Gun joystick (a reincarnation of the FCS Mk.1) along with the brand new Elite rudder pedals.

The Top Gun is a tried and true veteran controller. The Elite Pedals are a new heavy plastic design with good feel. The key here is the all new digital Attack Throttle. This is a design with 3 buttons and a 3 way switch which looks like a scaled down version of Suncom's Strike Fighter throttle. The Attack throttle can boast a full arc motion with proper detentes and an entirely new Thrustmapper software. This is an excellent program that allows ease of use and flexibility previously unseen in prior TM offerings. They have done their homework on this one.

Although programming of the throttle is only digital, you can also program the Top Gun joystick. In package with the Elite pedals, this has to be an excellent value for the beginning to mid-range flight sim enthusiast. The programming alone is well worth it! This is a highly recommended package.

PLUS: design, programmability ease of use (Flight System only) MINUS: complex programming (F-22/TQS only) COST: high (F-22/TQS) , low to moderate (Flight System)

QuickShot

QuickShot is a very niche orientated manufacturer. They always seem to have a product for a specific need that others left unfilled.

The new Sky Commander series is no exception. This is a basic throttle and stick unit with unique characteristics. In concept it mirrors the TM Flight System. You have a 3 button with 3 way switch digital throttle coupled to a 4 button joystick with 4 way HAT. Add to this a very simple to use Windows 95 software program and you have a nice basic system.

The throttle rotates through an arc with detentes fore and aft. In addition there is an adjustable baseplate that holds both throttle and stick and spreads to a width of 18 inches, similar to the length of your keyboard. In all, a well designed and efficient package. If there is any flaw to all this it may be in construction. The unit does not feel as solid as the other controllers we have tested.

The other side of the coin is the price. At $79.95 retail this setup is by far the least costly of them all. It is the perfect second setup or beginners unit.

PLUS: Cost, adjustable base, ease of use MINUS: lightweight construction COST: Low

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Extra, Extra ,Extra!!

Read all about it! No system above would be truly complete unless it had rudder pedals. If you invest in a HOTAS, go the distance and get them. The Saitek system has a built in rudder bar under your left hand. The TM Flight System includes the Elite pedals, soon to be sold separately. Suncom offers a fore and aft movement of the SFS split throttle to accomplish a rudder function: get pedals!

CH products has two versions of pedals, the basic and Pro Pedals. At $49.95 the basic pedals are close together and pivot on the mid-portion of the pedal itself. Low cost, but no fore and aft movement. The Pro Pedals allow for both pivot (great for gas and brake on race simulations) and fore and aft movement with wider spacing. This unit is about $79.95 retail and is a better performer.

TM had offered the RCS system with has a wide fore and aft movement more similar to actual aircraft rudder systems. Solid in construction, it was also far costlier at about $119.95. The new Elite Pedals are not as wide and not as costly at $89.95 retail and are a very good choice.

Other...

Other accessories you may want are keyboard emulators such as Saitek's PC Dash and QuickShot's MasterPilot. These allow you to supply either pre-programmed commands or your own programming to a separate console instead of your keyboard. The PC Dash at $69.95 offers a 4 way switch and a programming interface to add to your combination.

The MasterPilot now offers a programmable cartridge that increases flexibility all around. In addition there is a built in throttle control for those of you without a separate throttle controller. You can even daisy chain these units! At $79.95 with the new programming unit, this is a good option to consider if you want even more control. (Ed.Note: See also our earlier article, "The Complete HOTAS").

EAW. Click for 640x480.

The Bottom Line

There are many good choices to consider here. We have briefly touched on a few of these controllers. There are others out there for you to consider, including a range of Force Feedback devices such as CH Products Force FX, Microsoft's Forcefeedback Pro, and now Logitech's new Wingman Pro. Although no one makes a separate force feedback throttle and stick combo yet, it can't be far away! (The nearest thing is the SUNCOM SFS and CH Force FX combo).

The best test of any controller is how it feels in your hands. Check out the stores. Use your friend's units. This is an individual choice. Choose what you feel is right for you. Above all, have fun. This is what they were meant for!