Saitek Cyborg Evo Force Score: 97% Developer: Saitek Device Type: Controller

Function: Saitek Cyborg Evo Force is the next model in the Saitek Cyborg flight stick line. The Evo Force takes the advantages and feel of the past sticks and adds force feedback and adjustability to make this model the best in the line so far. The 12 button flight stick has an adjustable hand rest that not only allows you find a comfortable position for your hand, but is also reversable to allow both left- and right-handers to find just the right set up. The Cyborg Evo Force uses the Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software to give you complete control over what each button does. The SST lets you assign commands to each of the buttons and then save the profile you just created. This means that if you are playing IL-2 Sturmovik, you can create a set up that fits that game, and when you switch to Microsoft Flight Sim, you just need to load up that game's profile. The Evo Force has a wide assortment of easy-to-reach buttons. There are three paddle-style buttons placed just under your thumb, and two more that can easily be pushed by your thumb-tip. These two buttons flank an eight-position directional pad. On the base, you will find the throttle lever on the back of the stick (the side closest to you) and three buttons on each side. The stick also allows you to adjust the tilt and angle of the head by loosening large easy-to-grip thumbscrews. In past models, you had to use a hex-tool.

Performance: Saitek Cyborg Evo Force does what it is designed to do pretty damn well. Not only are the basic stick functions responsive and smooth, but the buttons have nice, audible clicks with each press. The wide base gives it a sturdy platform that keeps the stick still while you throw your aircraft in rolls. The most noticeable new feature (the force-feedback) is a good and effective addition. Feeling the joystick shake or become more resistant when you get shot at makes the feel of the game that much more real. And if you just want to test out the feel of various forces through the Cyborg Evo Force, you can open up the properties window. Here you can press various buttons on the stick to simulate everything from car explosions to gunshots to chainsaws.

Features: Customize Your Weapon for Ultimate Control of the Game 3-Position Handle Adjustment to Suit All Hand Sizes Adjustable Palm Rest and Central Lever Throttle for Left- or Right-Handed Gaming 4-Direction Adjustment Screws - Move Stick Head to Find your Optimum Gaming Position Program Your Controller for Each Game Using the Powerful Smart Technology Software Force-feedback capabilities

Drawbacks & Problems:: There aren't that many drawbacks that I can put into the review of the Cyborg Evo Force. While using the stick, I found it easy to grip, responsive and adjustable enough that I never found myself reaching awkwardly at any of the buttons. I guess the only drawback I could think of dealt with the buttons found on the base of the stick. Since you will be using your preferred hand to hold onto the stick, I found it nearly impossible to get to the buttons on that side. In order to get around this, I typically used those buttons for rarely used tasks like canopy operation. The Cyborg Evo Force is the best joystick I've seen on the market today. This series of sticks has proven to be top of the line with each new addition, and this model is no different.

-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer

Minimum System Requirements: Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP   Test System: Windows XP Professional Ed., AMD Athlon XP 2400+ 2GHz, 2 GB RAM, DVD-RW, Radeon 9800 Pro, DirectX 9.0b.