Manufactured By:  Saitek

Retail Price:      $39.95-49.95 (US)

Review Date:  12/5/00

Like its little brother the 2000, the Gold has unique adjustable features for comfort and function.  The stick can be converted for use by right or left handed users.  Big hands?  Small hands?  No problem, you can adjust for that too.  If you prefer the head of the stick at a shallow or steep angle you're also in luck because you can adjust that too!

The only problem you may have is getting your hands on one of these sticks. 

• 8 buttons
• 2 base shift buttons
• Throttle Lever
• 8 way hat switch
• 3-D Twist handle (rudder)
• 4 adjustable features (tool included)
  - Throttle on left/right
  - Hand rest for left/right and height
  - Head pivot
  - Head angle

• Flight Sims (MS FlightSim 2000, CombatSim 2, Fly, etc.)
• Racing Games (Need For Speed series, Powerslide, Midtown Madness series, etc.)
• Space Sims (Descent Freespace, Forsaken, Mechwarrior III, Incoming, etc.)

The stick was used with a variety of games.  The joystick is still the most versatile controller and can be used with driving, flying, space and other games.  I used the Cyborg Gold with a couple space sims first (something about Cyborg inspired me).  The large selection of buttons was this sticks icing.  The 2 shift functions, if fully implemented, gives you 48 options to program.  The throttle offers superb, accurate control.  It has a long throw and a large lever allowing you to be very precise with its control.  

The stick was used with many flight sims also.  Microsoft FlightSim 2000, Flight Unlimited III, CombatSim 2, Airwarrior III and WWII Fighters all played well with the stick.  The 3-D twist stick rudder function was a welcomed addition that was put to use with each of the sims.  The only performance issue with the rudder is when used to control a helicopter.  The range of the twist is short (relative to pedals) and it is difficult to make fine movement with any accuracy.  For aircraft the control mechanism is fine.

Overall performance of the Cyborg Gold is above average.  This is due to its adjustable comfort settings, the powerful SGE software and Saitek's inclusion of virtually every feature you can think of.

Setup -
Setup is a two part task; being more involved that with most controllers.  However, this is a good thing and well worth the investment.  The first and standard setup procedure involves plugging in the joystick, starting the system and setting it up in Windows.  The SGE (Saitek Gaming Extensions) installation should be carried out before plugging in the stick.  If you have the most current version of DirectX you will need to download and use the beta patched SGE software from the Saitek site.  Otherwise you will receive an error message telling you DirectX 7.0 is not installed.  The software walks you through the setup process telling you when to insert the Windows CD (if necessary), when to restart and when to insert the plug into the USB port.  Its quite simple thanks to the user friendly setup procedure.  Once you complete the install and check calibration your ready to play...

That is unless you want to customize the stick itself for your comfort.  Using a hex tool that conveniently stores on the back side of the base you can make quite a few adjustments to the joystick layout.  The first adjustment you should make is to the hand rest.  A single hex bolt secures the hand rest on the stick.  Remove the bolt flip the base to accommodate either your left or right hand and return the rest to the stick at the most comfortable height.

The second adjustment to make is the position of the throttle lever.  The lever can either be placed on the left (default) or right hand side of the joystick base.  Again, hex bolts hold the throttle in place and can be removed with the tool.  The last adjustments made are to the head of the joystick where the buttons and hat switch reside.  The hex bolt on the front of the stick can be loosened and the head pivoted from side to side, adjusting the angle of the head.  The head can also be pivoted from front to back.  Overall, it took me just under 5 minutes to get it just right.

Of course you can download additional profiles from the internet and add them to your collection.  The SGE has an option to check the Saitek site for updated profiles.  You can also create, save and share your custom profiles.  Here's where the fun begins!  The buttons can be assigned 3 actions using the button alone or one of the two shift buttons.  Single key presses, combination presses and strings of key presses can all be assigned to the buttons (or their shift action).  This also works for the hat switch.  

It is strongly recommended that you did into the help files of the SGE in order to understand how to use it properly.  Its not difficult to use but it will give you a better idea of what you can do.

The Saitek website hosts a large array of information, downloads and helpful documents.  Each product line has its own section and the help section is fairly comprehensive.  Cyborg specific information includes product details, Faq's, downloads, etc.  One of the most helpful files available from Saitek is a utility that removes unneeded joysticks from the selection list in the game controller applet. 

Everything comes to you for about the same price as a new game.  The Control Center highly recommends the Cyborg Gold.  Its one of the best non-force-feedback sticks available and the price just can't be beat.

• Great features at an affordable price
• Highly adjustable
• SGE!
• Cool gold color
  

• Rudder control is a bit imprecise for some sim control. 

1 Stick  - Not Recommended
2 Sticks - Functional            
3 Sticks - Recommended with some issues 
4 Sticks - Recommended
5 Sticks - Highly Recommended!

Buy the Saitek Cyborg Gold