XTR 5.0 vs Phoenix 1.04f my experience...

[dogg5306]

Hi guys,

Did buy Phoenix 2 days ago and I was expecting a lot from it...
After having tried it for 2 days... my experience could be summarize as "so-so"

1st a few words about the hardware: dual core, 2gb of memory, fast HD, screen resolution:1680*1050

With that config I can run Phoenix and Reflex having everything set to high in terms of quality... full screen of course.

Scenery quality: superb BUT most of the models don't have a very high contrast, therefore if the model is far away (less 100m) the only thing you can see is a black thing comming to you... and once you're 3Ding your heli against dark trees... sooner or later you're getting lost...

Sound quality: crap... (blades sound doesn't change a thing on that one!)

Autorotation: much much better than XTR... might be considered as too easy...

My appreciation of simulated models physics: on that one I have to confess that I consider XTR doing a better job, there's something wierd while operating Phoenix... things are too easy, the gap with reality seems to be bigger with Phoenix

I know... I know I still have to play with Phoenix and models settings... but hey... am I supposed to play with my models until they are more or less close to their real behaviour...

Verdict: Now... I do prefer to use XTR... (might change in a few days... might not may!)

[Fixxxer]

Haven't tried the latest XTR but phoenix was definately the better of the two before the latest XTR update. I'm affraid XTR lost my confidence a while back, 5 updates in nearly 10 years just doesn't cut it in todays world.

The guys at runtime are always trying to better the product and are happy to take critisism, I don't think the same can be said for the XTR camp as I have heard of many stories of them getting shirty with unhappy customers. Now I'm not trying to knock XTR, it was for a good while the best sim out there, it still may have better graphics but thats not what makes a simulation, it's the interpretation of the stick inputs and I believe that phoenix is the front runner already and considering it has only been available for less than 18 months thats a pretty good start.

[Ashley Davis]

1.04F is a beta release and a lot has changed in the physics and isn't quite right yet. In particular many of the flight models haven't been recoded to make best use of the new physics capabilities.

[Maverick]

To be honest, I've never owned reflex, but have used it for a while. It worked fine. My flying probably isn't good enough to spot small differences.

I decided I would buy into Phoenix for two main reasons.

First - it was a 'proper' sim and significantly cheaper than reflex

Second - as mentioned, the development team seemed only too ready to help anyone with problems. I have already experienced this when I had cable problems and it was above and beyond what I expected. Well done, guys!

I know for a fact that this would not and does not happen with reflex. Wolfgang's attitude seems to be that once he has your money, then your on your own.

By the way, I do consider that it is a case of 'buying into' Phoenix, rather than buying a product, like reflex. The assistance available, communication from the developers and everything else makes you almost a member of a club, rather than just spending your hard-earned on their stuff and being left to it.

[HiroboFreak]

I agree totally with Maverick.

I had Reflex, not a bad sim, but the support side of it is appalling.
I think I sent Reflex a few emails regarding a problem that I was having about 2 years ago & I'm still waiting for a response.
I've since solved the problem.
Hardly any updates either.

Phoenix on the the other hand have constant updates & second-to-none customer service & support.

If I'm having a problem, or find a bug, I get a "personal" response to my email (not an automated response) within 24hrs, & issues are solved quickly.

The Phoenix guys are really on the ball & this is what makes Phoenix (in my opinion) the best sim on the market.

[Fixxxer]

By the way, I do consider that it is a case of 'buying into' Phoenix, rather than buying a product, like reflex. The assistance available, communication from the developers and everything else makes you almost a member of a club, rather than just spending your hard-earned on their stuff and being left to it.

Bang on the button with that statement.