Name:  - Top Gun Fox 2 Pro Joystick
Thrustmaster Description:
With masked Fox 2 button, 7 programmable buttons, 8-way hat-switch, and a rubber-textured grip that will give you complete freedom to take on even the most challenging Ace, the Top Gun Fox 2 Pro Joystick has all the gear you need to soar high and come out victorious.
This stick even comes with the easy-to-use signature Thrustmapper 3 mapping software that let’s you set-up as much as 56 functions to make each mission that much more interesting. Don’t forget about the sliding thumb throttle with maximum precision for exact flight path changes needed in the worst of dogfights.
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Twisting handle providing wider movement control
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Sliding thumb throttle with ergonomic shape for maximum precision
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7 programmable buttons
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Trigger
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Realistic masked Fox 2 button
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5 action buttons
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8-way hat-switch
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Adjustable resistance for customized ergonomics
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Ergonomic rubber-textured grip
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Comfortable enlarged hand rest
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Stable weighted base with removable suction cups
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UP TO 56 PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS thanks to ThrustMapper 3 programming software, the new reference in mapping software for both beginners and expert gamers (Windows 98 minimum)
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Digital Integration technology for unprecedented accuracy in games in high resolution mode
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1/16/2001 - The name Thrustmaster has earned it's reputation for not only supplying high quality, durable products but also providing excellent technical support. Upon my first knowledge of their company, a buddy of mine had one of their joysticks which was in need of repair. He called the technical support line for repair advice, but instead of receiving information on how to repair it, Thrustmaster arranged to have a new one sent out - free of charge - as a replacement. Oh, and did I mention that the joystick was purchased over a year prior? Now if that's not enough to grab your attention…
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KOGGS Review Breakdown
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92.5
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| First Impression |
I must admit, as LAZ handed me this flightstick to review, I smiled as I took it from his stingy little hands and anxiously drove home...still smiling all the way. : ) Upon arriving at my humble home, I pulled it from the box, set it on top of my computer desk, wiped the drool off my chin, and proceeded to bow giving it three 'I'm not worthy's!' - Okay, so I am exaggerating a bit here but, not only do the pictures of it on the box look good but as I pulled it from it's cardboard housing I was pleasantly surprised to find such an impressive flightstick. Very impressive indeed. - A big 'Thank You' to Thrustmaster for sending us such a quality flightstick to review. |
10.0
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| Software Installation |
Thrustmaster provides a 'Thrustmapper' joystick installation CD which sports all of the necessary software to get you up and configured in just minutes. I just plugged the stick into one of the USB ports, followed the on screen prompts, went to the Game Controllers dialog box to check whether or not it was configured correctly - which it was - and launched a game to try it out. |
10.0
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| Software Controller Interface |
The Thrustmapper - t-mapper - icon sits on your taskbar and automatically detects when the stick is plugged in and configures it accordingly. Upon opening up the t-mapper utility you have the ability to assign different commands to each button as well as a host of other things to choose from.
Everything is there to either accept or to change depending upon your specific gaming style.
There's even a profile for Powerslide using the Nascar Pro Digital 2 Racing Wheel! - Powerslide still ROCKS!
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10.0
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| Game Included |
None. Hmmm, look for LAZ to omit this category soon! The score of 5 is average, and 'none' seems to be the average so… |
5.0
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| Help Instructions |
A small but informative user manual with additional help via telephone to Thrustmaster Tech Support - no toll free numbers though - Or visit their website for FAQ's and e-mail support. |
9.0
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| Comfort |
I found the Fox 2 Pro to be very comfortable allowing for several hours of gaming fun. A large weighted base with removable suction cups provided good stability while the flared, cupped hand rest provided the comfort. There is also an adjustment for joystick resistance underneath the base which works well but I found it more adjustable on the lower resistance end rather than the more resistance end. The hand rest played a major role in hand comfort and the easy-to-get-to buttons provided the 'Max Damage' for my opponents! The masked Fox 2 button - flip up cover for top center button - provides little functionality but cosmetically scores a perfect 10!
While my right hand was focused on using the joystick and it's buttons, my left hand was positioned on the base using the three available buttons and throttle control. I used my thumb to operate the sliding throttle, and my index, middle, and ring fingers to use the 3 additional buttons, as if this stick was made specifically just for me! - Hey LAZ, do I have to bring this one back? : )
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9.5
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| Construction (Quality) |
At first glance, Thrustmaster quality was written all over it. Upon further inspection, um, Thrustmaster quality was still written all over it!
Heavy duty construction is a must if you have kids around. Kids seem to be drawn to this thing, so if it accidentally gets dropped, stepped on, or both, there's a good chance it will hurt their big toes before they hurt it!
Functionality after hours upon hours of use remains to be seen, however, Thrustmaster has always stood behind their products. Therefore I see no reason to believe why that would change. |
10.0
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| Looks |
Functionality is what keeps you coming back to your favorite stick but what gets it there on your PC desk?
Cosmetics play a large role in getting the buyer's attention. It's apparent that the designers took some time to dress this flightstick up. From it's aerodynamic design, to the flip up button cover, down to the rubber boot at the base of the stick. The Fox 2 Pro does not disappoint. - it just looks stealthy! Also, it just wouldn't be right if I didn't mention the chromed screws surrounding the rubber boot! They give it that solid, heavy duty, touch of 'realness' look to it! |
10.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
I saw this stick for $39.99 US at Thrustmaster's web site. If that seems a bit much for you, there's a good chance you may find it cheaper else where.
Call me a cheeze-eater or whatever you'd like, but the Kap'n usually doesn't like spending more than 20-25 hard earned Simolians for a stick! However, at the above said price - or the 'finding it cheaper' one - it would be well worth your time and money to get one today! You'll be glad you did.
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9.0
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| Recommend to Others |
Appearance speaks volumes for me and could possibly net you a higher score - IMHO. Add functionality, quality, and comfort, and you've got my attention!
It would be unwise of me to not recommend this joystick to others! In it's class of flightsticks, the Thrustmaster 'Top Gun' Fox 2 Pro stands above the competition.
The appearance attracts you, the name convinces you, and the functionality keeps you coming back for more. - Go get one!
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10.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
KOGGS
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Provide a wider range of resistance for the joystick.
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