CH products still worth it?

[M249 SAW]

Looking at the joystick and throttle, are they still worth it in 2023?

[XIII]

Depends on the price. Ive seen the stick in europe for ~150€, at which point its a no-brainer to take a VKB instead. World of difference in quality and features.

If you get the CH F-16 stick for ~100 Dollar instead, thats maybe worth a thought? If its feel is meaningfully better than sticks like the T-16 (~45 but much less buttons), that is. Definitely a plus if its more durable than the fragile T-16.

The throttle seems more expensive and limited in features than a TWCS, though? In that case 100% take the TWCS.

[bingbean]

I agree. Using 8 bit potentiometers in joystick what cost over 100 Euro is unacceptable today.

[Delta Dagger]

I use a full CH set up. They do the job, but I'm honestly looking to upgrade. I haven't had issue with my potentiometers in the 7 years I've had time. And, they were used at the time, even. They're durable as hell.

That said, could you do better? Probably. Definitely in the case of the pedals. I really don't care for the lips at the bottom where you can rest your feet. The only time I have my feet completely on the rudders in an actual airplane is when I'm using toe brakes. Otherwise, my heels are on the floor.

You're looking at about $400+ for a CH HOTAS set up. For that cash, you might as well consider something else. Unless CH comes out with a redesign, it's probably a good idea to move on and consider other options.

Originally posted by Insônia:

Among plastic toy they are ok..

Metal or plastic, a toy is still a toy and that's what these are, my dude.

[XIII]

I guess its just weird to call them "plastic toy"? All of it is toy, and "plastic" doesnt always mean bad or fragile.

I certainly hope my VKB sticks will hold for a long time. They are mostly plastic, and use metal only on the most strained parts.

[startrekmike]

Originally posted by png:

Looking at the joystick and throttle, are they still worth it in 2023?

To be blunt. Not really. CH's HOTAS setup is extremely outdated at this point and while they are still a pretty durable option, the reliance on potentiometers as opposed to the now industry standard sensors really holds them back when it comes to overall precision. At the price, you could start looking at MUCH more versatile, much more precise setups.

The only exception is the CH pedals. I don't exactly love them but as far as entry level pedals go, they are (still) the best. They are not the most precise and they do require occasional maintenance (specifically due to the open design that allows dirt and dust to get inside) but they are the most durable, most reliable entry level pedals on the market.

[TonyStovepipe]

I am in the same boat, looking at full CH setup for £230 new in a sale or go with VKB and pay exta for dual setup for £400 and then later decent rudder pedals.

CH setup £230 and upgrade later.
Dual VKB and rudder pedals £600-£800 depending on pedals.

[XIII]

Originally posted by TonyStovepipe:

I am in the same boat, looking at full CH setup for £230 new in a sale or go with VKB and pay exta for dual setup for £400 and then later decent rudder pedals.

CH setup £230 and upgrade later.
Dual VKB and rudder pedals £600-£800 depending on pedals.

Upgrading later just creates extra cost. Id say get a VKB stick and a TWCS throttle? Should be ~300 at most.

Omnithrottle is mostly good if you want a left handed HOTAS, or use it for other stuff like Space-Sims (KSP, Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, etc).
For pure flight sims, TWCS is cheap at ~80, or Orion 2 throttle or so for ~200 I think.

But if you really want a cheap start, Id rather get a TM-16000 + TWCS. Thats ~130 bucks maybe. Theres just no point in CH inbetween cheaper and VKB options.