Okay, for a bit of fun following a phone conversation I had today with one of my friends about which FSX 737 is 'the one to have', and to create a thread where no developer is going to want to limit discussion to their own offering alone. Here's a question: Now that the payware FSX 737 drought is over, how does everyone rate the various offerings? I know you can't directly compare a 737-100 to a 737-900ER, but we can at least have a stab at saying which has what merits and where they lie. So here's my go at it, which I've placed in more or less real world historical chronological order, as opposed to when these simulated version were released. Feel free to disagree with my appraisals ..Captain Sim 737-100 and 200 (recent base pack upgrade version): This is the one which has got a few people's knickers in a twist, owing to the confusion over which upgrade is which and the staged release of it in a semi-completed state. In spite of all this, it is now a perfectly flyable aircraft, with a decent and mostly functional VC that is up to the normal high standard of CS modeling both inside and out. Development upgrades appear to be coming fast, no doubt spurred on by the arrival of a MILVIZ offering on the horizon, which is good news for simmers. Ironically enough, in the face of the Just flight offering, the Captain Sim 200 appears to match the JF one on frame rates in spite of JF's developers making an obvious texturing and modeling decision to keep system overheads as a focus in order to keep FPS up, so I guess CS is curently winning that particular battle and I suspect there may be a bit of development practices which adhere to the recommended FSX procedures practices at play which explains it, although that is just a guess, and with the product being unfinished at the moment, whether it stays ahead in the FPS battle remains to be seen. Nevertheless, unfinished as it is, you'd be hard pressed to notice its incomplete condition where many things are concerned, so if you think you could not actually use it in its present state, you would be wrong. Certainly one to watch, and even buy.Just Flight Boeing 737-200ADV: First past the post with an Original series 737 for FSX, Just Flight's offering is a mixed bag. There is no denying that it is a comprehensive simulation of the real thing as far as systems go, although some have complained that it has glitches because of that. Nevertheless, it is at present early days for it, and knowing Just Flight, we can expect a patch to sort out any issues which may plague some users in fairly short order, so that shouldn't really put people off. Looks-wise it is a good model both inside and out, although it has been made with FPS in mind, so there are prettier VCs out there and more complex models too. This makes it a good performer on the FPS front, but screenshot fans may be less in love with that approach to things, and some have said it looks dated because of this (can't say completely disagree with that, but I'm nevertheless happy enough with its looks). More importantly, it flies well, and at a good frame rate (as one might expect), so certainly does the job of simulating what it is intended to simulate. Thus if one can live with the lack of stunning eye candy and wow features, then it's a worthy contender, and will be even more of one if their plan to add a Sperry 177 option comes to pass.The Wilco PIC Classic 737 (original non-native FSX version): This was the first serious stab at an FSX 737, even though it is a ported over FS9 model. I think it still has merit even today, although it looks ropey compared to the more recent Evolution version. Nevertheless, looks aside, the flight and systems modeling is good, although the external model is appallingly inaccurate in my opinion. If you already have it, then it is a contender, but if not, pass it by and get the Evolution version.The Wilco PIC Evolution Classic 737 (current native FSX version): This is what some may regard as the long awaited patch to the preceding PIC version, although it is a bit more than a patch, and consequently payware. This is actually pretty good in my opinion and probably worthy of more attention than it seems to get, although that is in some part down to the fact that (being a Classic 737) it is of course neither an NG nor an Original variant, so it's not going to be a favourite among either those who want to fly the new variant, or those who want to fly the steam gauge version, but on the other hand, it does offer a bit of both, which can be fun.The VC is nice and the external models have changed from the frankly rather dire ones in the ported FS9 version, and they are better for that change where FPS are concerned too, since it does in fact run very well indeed. Interestingly, I think this one is probably a bit harder to fly than most other FSX 737s (the Wilco's flight, and indeed ground handling was in fact always a strong point), being a bit less forgiving than most, and I like that. It might not be an entirely accurate interpretation of the 737's handling (which to be fair is somewhat subjective anyway on a PC sim), but it is close to the numbers in most respects and rewards a well planned and flown manual approach, so it is satisfying to drive around the sky, and the ground for that matter. I'm not sure I'd pay the extra for the deluxe version of this, and in fact I did not buy that version (that version includes more paint jobs), but in the standard form version which I bought, I think it represents good value for money in the number of variants you get.Definitely not to be confused with the Evolution upgrade to the Wilco Airbus, which comes nowhere near how comprehensive a change this 737 Evolution upgrade is.The Ariane FSX 737 NG (various NG models): In spite of the price, and the somewhat secretive nature of Ariane, I do actually quite like these (I only have the 700 and the 900ER, but that's a decent representative pair). The FMC lacks some details of other FSX aircraft, and it is a bit of a pain in the arse to get the product activated, but once up and running it's a very decent simulation of an NG with some cool features (EGPWS and VSD being two which it pioneered ahead of the competition). Perhaps more importantly, it enjoys impressive frame rates, and it does have an excellent flight model.Unfortunately, just as all is looking prominsing, the downsides rear their heads again when it comes to repaint offerings, which are payware (unless you do a bit of fancy footwork with layers and the clone stamp tool in Photoshop to make your own paint kit, since there is no official paintkit). The fact that you have to pay for a number of updgrades and extras for the basic product makes it all the more ironic and amusing that Ariane have a tie-in with Ryannair (with a Ryannair themed operations add-on), Ryannair being a company that also comes in for some stick for charging extra for all sorts of stuff, although to be fair, on the two occasions when I flew with them, I honestly had no cause for complaint, and personally, I've no real complaints where Ariane's business is concerned either, they've always been very helpful to me, in spite of what many say about them.Some novel (for FS) and indeed unique features can make the Ariane NGs fun, such as a few of the galley systems actually working (the in flight sound entertainment system for example). When it was the only NG you could get for FSX, its price tag and awkward activation process were less of a barrier to a purchasing decision, but these days, those aspects make it hard to recommend in the face of the availability of two other NGs from less pricey and security-obsessed developers, which in some ways makes Ariane their own worst enemy. An even more confusing product range than Captain Sim at the height of their 'Block phase' doesn't help where Ariane is concerned either. However, if you can see past all these points, ultimately, the product is a good one, especially for those with FPS issues, so those very good frame rates are still one reason to consider it if you can swallow the activation trauma and the price. I still think Ariane's FS9 NG is the best one you can get, it's just a shame the FSX one isn't the same price, or it would be a definite contender.iFly 737 NGs: This is a great value package for FSX, made all the more palatable by the Flight 1 money back guarantee, which means you can try it without risk. Apart from the fact that there isn't an ER variant of the 900 included, it's about as comprehensive a set of NGs and BBJs as you could ask for, especially for the price. The models are good, the VC is good, the systems simulation is comprehensive and the support is friendly and helpful too. It flies beautifully and gets pretty damn good frame rates as well. Difficult to find fault with it when you look at it that way, and if it wasn't for the fact that PMDG's NG is a simulation that is accurate to the point of obsessive compulsive disorder by comparison, then it would be a complete no brainer for anyone who wanted an NG to choose this, and you'd still be happy even if you did. It deserves every one of the many recommendations it gets.PMDG 737 NGX (various models): Well, what can you say that has not already been said about PMDG? To call them obsessed with accuracy is an understatement of epic proportions, and it shows in the finished product that is their NG. Whilst you don't get the kind of numerically-comprehensive multi aircraft packages that the Wilco PIC and the iFly 737s offer, what you do get is unquestionably the best FSX jet airliner available. It looks great, flies great, sounds great, runs great (providing you have a reasonably decent PC, otherwise, consider the iFly) and it is affordable too. Above and beyond all that, innovations abound in the package, most visibly in the collimated HGS system, but under the hood there is also a good deal of innovation and realistic simulation. This is the one for those obsessed with realism to the Nth degree, but having said that, there is nothing so scary as to put off those who haven't spent ten years in flight school, since much of that realism is scalable via its FMC.So there you go, a quick look at the present state of affairs for FSX 737s. Of course there is that MILVIZ one on the way too, so those without itchy credit card finger disorder may choose to wait and see.Anyway, feel free to chip in with opinions, slag me off and call me an idiot or whatever; there are now so many 737s for FSX that I think a thread such as this will be of help to quite a few people, so all opinions will be welcome.Al

It's a flood! :( I don't know which is best, but I promise to buy the one the most people say it is (as I am sure many others will too).Kind regards,

Thanks for the summary.I'm a bit too obsessed with the NGX at the moment, but tempted by the CS 737. I loved their 727.CheersPeter

To put most of these in any order is hard. Obviously the NGX will come out on top in quality, followed by the iFly.As for the rest, I'm so torn I can't say yet. The Wilco Evo is just too ugly for me to get around (and I'm a shallow fellow), followed by the Just Flight (it's ugly too). Both are fun to fly, but I'm partial to the -200 model so JF might win as far as enjoyment goes.The Captain Sim I know is going to be a good purchase, given it's current state. The VC is gorgeous. The sounds are coming along very nicely, and there's a chance they'll get the systems right.Lastly, the Ariane model was a good FS9 offering, but I can't get around the dated low polygon VC and that incomplete FMC. For the price, this add-on is by far the bottom of the pile. $90 :( NINETY

Thanks for the summary.I'm a bit too obsessed with the NGX at the moment, but tempted by the CS 737. I loved their 727.CheersPeter

Their 727 is honestly one of their weaker offerings, but it's an airplane that's hard not to love.

Very nice overview Al! ThanxAs Stephen said its definitely a flood!!!Hopefully FS Labs will come good with a HiFi Airbus simulation,something that is surely missing in FSX.Cheers.

Can't say Al as I do not have anything but the NGX (I had the IFly for FS9).NGX converted me to FSX, that speaks volumes, no?(BTW, Al, where the heck were you for all that time? Was wondering if you converted to angry birds or something?)

(BTW, Al, where the heck were you for all that time? Was wondering if you converted to angry birds or something?)

Had some problems with life in general type stuff. I won't bore anyone with the details, since it is all sorted now.Al

Er... ours isn't out yet but you did forget to put it in there....

Nope, I didn't forget to put it in there, as you say, it isn't out yet, so I know nothing about it (feel free to tell us, he hints cheekily), which means there was not much I could write about it. But... I did actually mention it in the text, twice in fact, once in the CS bit and once in the closing paragraphs, so you apparently did not read the thing LOL Never mind, you may find ignoring what I'm banging on about is not always a bad thing. :LMAO:Al

Had some problems with life in general type stuff. I won't bore anyone with the details, since it is all sorted now.Al

Glad to see you're back Al

Very nice overview Al! ThanxAs Stephen said its definitely a flood!!!Hopefully FS Labs will come good with a HiFi Airbus simulation,something that is surely missing in FSX.Cheers.

You will be pleased to know that the developer of the Simcheck A300 has joined FSLabs, and will be hands on in the development of the A320.Al, thanks for the summary.

Well that's encouraging. As you probably know from the review I did of the Simcheck A300 for Avsim, I think Simcheck's A300 is a fantastic FSX add on. Coupled with all the other talented people at FSL, this means my faith in their ability to bring us a really good FBW Airbus to park alongside the really good old school Airbus that is the Simcheck bird is looking even more well placed now. Don't want to derail my own thread too much, but I will say that if anyone is searching for a good old-school airliner, the Simcheck Airbus is something you should check out, since it is by far the best Airbus you can get for FSX, in addition to being the only Airbus with the steering wheel in the right place LOL.Al

Well that's encouraging. As you probably know from the review I did of the Simcheck A300 for Avsim, I think it is a fantastic FSX add on. Coupled with all the other talented people at FSL, this means my faith in their ability to bring us a really good FBW Airbus to park alongside the really good old school Airbus that is the Simcheck bird is looking even more well placed now.Al

It is great news Al, and certainly not a rumour. (in case someone asks) I read his announcment on the Simcheck forum. Bjorn is always great to deal with, his support is top shelf.

Thanks for the summary.I'm a bit too obsessed with the NGX at the moment, but tempted by the CS 737. I loved their 727.CheersPeter

Me too! I have hardly flown anything else since Christmas (when I got the -800/900) and it´s everytime a pleasure to fly that.I loved the 727 made by Dreamfleet back fir 2004. Despite of it´s age it was/is an perfect plane. The Vc might be a bit aged as of now but their systems are spot on. I did fly that the most in FS9 and that´s why I bought the CS727 in their 9,99€ sale. But as Zach allready said it´s a weak one. The outside is perfect as you can expect that from Cs but the VC and the systems aren´t that great. (Maybe I´m just spoiled by the NGX?!)

Missed that... sorry!!! thanks.