|
Ok, I admit it. I have been dragging my feet when it comes
to adding a joystick to my high end gaming rig. It just seemed so; console.
One look at the Saitek Evo was enough to get me to take notice. This joystick is
all business. Billed as “The Worlds Most Adjustable Controller!” Can this
modern Flight stick teach an old dog new tricks?
Right out of the box you can’t help but notice the quality
construction Saitek has put into both the look and feel of the Evo. From the
polished Aluminum base to the sturdy adjustable flight stick, the feel is solid
and dependable.
The fit of nearly every part of the actual stick can be
adjusted to custom fit your hand for comfort. The three thumb screw looking
adjusters give you the ability to change the wrist rest, high hat height and
angle. After a couple very quick and easy tweaks, I was ready for the install.
The Evo uses USB 2.0 and installation was fast and easy. I
installed the software and followed three simple steps to calibrate the
joystick. Saitek suggests the calibration is probably not necessary and I
agree, the Evo was spot on right out of the box.
The Cyborg Evo is fully programmable; Saitek has chosen to
make the software an optional download from their website:
www.saitekusa.com. As an added incentive,
nearly a dozen game profiles are also available for download. These profiles
can be used immediately or used as templates for creating your own custom
profiles. Most of the newer flights Sims are listed and a couple of surprises
like Doom 3 and Medal of Honor.
The profile editor is simple and intuitive to use offering
the ability to assign values to every function possible on the Evo.
Features:
- The
fully adjustable stick for increased precision, improved performance and
enhanced gameplay
- Customizable
head and stick enables left- and right-handers to find their optimum
gaming position.
- Advanced
programming provided by Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software.
- Rapid-fire
trigger
- 5
fire buttons
- 8-way
‘point-of-view’ hat switch
- 3D
twist for rudder control
- Lever
throttle
- 2
shift buttons
- 4
base buttons
- Single
spring gimbal mechanism
- 3
position handle adjustment to suit all hand sizes
I tested the Evo along side my Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless
Joystick. The most immediate difference between the two is the size of the
Saitek. Standing over an inch taller it dwarfs the Logitech. Functionally the
Saitek feels sturdy and functional. Despite the wireless advantage, the
Logitech fells more like a toy. I found myself drawn to the no nonsense
approach of the Evo immediately. Saitek puts five buttons, the high hat and
trigger at your fingertips and the adjustable feature makes the Logitech a distant
second for usability and comfort.
Conclusion:
I put the Evo to the test in Battlefield 1942
- Desert
Combat. After a quick setup in game I was off and running. I took to the air
in everything possible from the A-10 to the Little Bird the controls felt firm
and responsive. I soon found myself ignoring the combat in favor of
barnstorming and aerial acrobatics. The Evo performed beyond my expectations.
Saitek has created a joystick that will satisfy even the most hardcore flight
simulator geek.
Saitek offers the Cyborg Evo in several flavors including
the Evo Wireless and the Evo Force. With a MSRP of $39.95 there is no excuse
not to add a high performance, adjustable flight stick to your gaming arsenal.
The Saitek Cyborg Evo is
available at CrazyPC!
|
Club
Overclocker Rating |
|
Innovation: |
9.0
out of 10 |
|
Performance: |
9.0
out of 10 |
|
Quality: |
9.0 out of 10 |
|
Stability: |
N/A |
|
Overclocking: |
N/A |
|
Software Pack: |
8.0 out of 10 |
|
Value: |
9.0 out of 10 |
|
Overall Rating 8.5 |
|
|
|
|
Skill Level |
|
Project Skill Level
(10 being hardest) |
2
out of 10 |
|
