Well this will just be my impressions from a few hours use (been too busy trying to find an apprenticeship), I never owned a Cougar, but I did have one of the ancient gameport sticks from thrustmaster from way back when (never really used that to much since it broke after just three weeks, got a new one, same stuff happened, then bought gameport CH stuff, way back).
My last
HOTAS config was a CH Fighterstick, Prothrottle and the pro pedals, compared to the CH stuff the
HOTAS feels sturdier, the stick is slimmer, less of a bear paw is needed, however more musclepower is required (some might be a bit put off by that). I like the cool feel of the grip and the tension in the spring on the stick, the precision is remarkable in the stick, (Have only had time to fool around in the DCS: A-10C beta) it is easy to just trim the Hog and then with a centered stick theres no spikes or any kind of drift. The buttons on the stick is a chapter in itself, the tension needed for the trigger for example sets this stick apart, also the travel needed from the first stage trigger (PAC) to the second stage (Gun).
The throttle is a dream to operate, smooth as silk and very lean, also the weight on the base is enough to keep the base grounded when you lidt the throttles over the detents when starting the Hog. switches are sturdy and not to light on the touch (except for the pimky swith that is apparantly adjusted for the little finger. the microstick (Slew control) can be a bit touchy and will take some getting used to, but no worries, also the speedbrake control where the extension of the brakes is springloaded and the retraction isn't.
My only gripe is with T.A.R.G.E.T. that simply crashes in the GUI mode. but again I hope this is a WIP so that a new version will evolve soon.
Just my impressions and thoughts.
Staffan
Can't wait for mine to arrive!
