Been gone for several years now and just decided to dust off my copies of both MP Falcon 4.0 and Allied Forces. Many years ago, I had both the Saitek X36 which I ditched because of the pot problems and upgraded to a Cougar HOTAS. Sold the Cougar some years ago and am now looking for a replacement HOTAS. Would like a Cougar but they are hard to come by and the Saitek X52 Pro, while resonably priced, may not fill my bucket.

I used to do multiplayer over at Multivipers (MVS Hawk) and while reviewing my files (some as far back as eFalcon, RP series, BMS, FF, and Silvains beta patches) I noticed that I had a AF campaign that I was working on that had the DPRK, CIS, PRC, US, Japan, ROK, and some elements from the Iranians involved. This was a TAC file that I converted to a CAM file and had to redo the TRI file. I am testing it again right now but flying from the keyboard is like flying blind. So I need a HOTAS.

So where can I find a resonably priced Cougar or will the Saitek PRO have to do?

Recommendations?

MVS-Hawk,
Register at the BMS Forums,they sometimes have Cougars up for sale www.BenchmarkSims.org you have to register to view the Boards.Or buy the Thrustmaster Warthog, great HOTAS, complete with Hall Sensors,you can probably find one for around $399 new.
BTW, was it you who put together those Dynamic Campaign Docs at MVS ?

Yes it is.

I will have to check out the latest BMS install as its been a couple of years since I even read up on current happenings. But I am currently working a testing a campaign (converted TAC) right now that pits 7 major parties with the assistance of the Canadians, British and French. It is based on known forces at the time of the TAC build in 2006, and has multiple carrier groups (2US and 1 CIS), Japan as a participant, multiple international squadrons, overlaping AD nets, new objectives, along with other initiatives.

Here is a view of the map....

Another one:




Also, there are some DPRK special ops units operating in the south. Of course, I have no access to the camgaign code but I did build a new objectives file.

As you've already used a Saitek and a Cougar, you know how "convenient" having the proper buttons/hats/switches are and how it simply makes flying and fighting easier.

Best recommendation is to get a Warthog --- less headaches than a Cougar though you don't get the F-16-styled throttle, but it will do. Or stay alert for a Cougar-for-sale. I just bought one (again) with hall sensors and tons of mods, but even then, I am reminded each time I use it why I sold my last one. But with the longevity of Falcon, I am keeping this one for "that day" when I eventually find time to open it up, fix everything, and then incorporate it all on a custom Falcon pit.

Welcome back!

Thanks.

I thought that it would be a Cougar. I can't afford to dish out the $400 for a Warthog when I can get a Cougar for half the price. I just thought that Saitek might have solved their problems with drift and functionality, but from what I have read, it feels "cheap".

Nope. Even the X65F force sensing stick has its problems. Then again, the Cougar does too!