I just finished cleaning out my FSX software drive in preparation for my P3D migration.  To that end, I thought it would be fun to rate my past purchases. I have chosen to place them in three categories:

 

Worth Every dime = I still use them despite their age or would purchase again; in short, I have NO regrets about buying these product

Good value = I don’t regret the purchase; yet, I don’t consider them “must haves”

Wasted money = I wish I never bought the product….

 

I'm omitting scenery purchases, as that list is far too extensive.  I’d be interested to hear what some of your best and worst purchases

 

Aircraft

Worth Every dime

Level-D 767 -  I continue to fly this aircraft 7+ years after my initial purchase; it just works and still feels "right."  If I was forced to fly one aircraft, I would probably choose the Level D…MY gold standard for Aircraft. 

 

 

PMDG 737 - My only regret, I didn't buy it sooner…. 

 

QW 757 – I almost didn't buy this aircraft as a result of the “complaints” regarding it’s “lite” systems; however, I quickly discovered it had all the major functions to complete an ordinary flight.  Again, it’s an aircraft that I have flown for 5+ years. 

 

Majestic Dash 8 – What’s not to like, great flight dynamics, FPS and systems modeling. 

 

Good value

Aerosoft Airbus X - represented a great value for the money; however, I simply prefer to fly the PMDG 737 more.  Yet, I do not regret buying this product

 

Aerosoft bn-2 islander - Fun plane to fly…

 

Wilco/Feelthere Airbus V1 – Despite the exterior model and vertical navigation deficiencies, I flew these models extensively for 4+ years.   The systems were well modeled and flight dynamics were well done. This aircraft was superseded by the Aerosoft rendition

 

Feelthere E-JETS & ERJ V2 – Very underrated products.  I purchased them for $20 each and have flown them for 3+ years. I still fly them today... 

 

Wasted Money

Captain Sim 757 – I purchased via the “holiday $10 sale” and still believe I wasted my money.  It wasn't a “bad” plane, it just failed to surpass the QW 757 rendition. 

 

CLS 767/MD 80 – I picked these up via Just Flight 2 for $15 sale; yet, I only completed a single flight with each frame.  The lite systems didn't bother me; I coupled the aircraft

with ISG1 avionic suite.  However, the flight dynamics were simply awful.  The MD80 was especially bad. 

 

VirtuCol ATR/SAAB series – I purchased each for $7; yet, I never flew them.  The flight dynamics and visuals were too atrocious, even for $7.  Nevertheless, VirtuCol has shown some improvement concerning systems modeling and design.  Their DASH series is actually a decent rendition of the model.   

 

Utilities

 

Worth Every dime

Multi Crew Experience – $50 for a voice interactive programs that cover every aircraft in your fleet and interacts with 4 ATC programs was a steal.  In my opinion, it’s one of, if not the most, under appreciate program in FSX/P3D/FS2004.  If I had one utility to choose, it would be this one, without question.  MY gold standard for utlities. 

 

AivlaSoft EFB – A little pricey at $80, but it’s quality design and intutiness is unmatched.  It’s an indispensable flight planning tool    

 

FSCaptain – Another addon I use on every flight.  I especially appreciate the hazard packs, which reduces braking during inclement weather and simulates ice management.    

 

PFPX – Simply the most comprehensive flight planning tool available. The only detraction is the limited aircraft templates; however, most of the major airframes are included. 

 

HiFi AS2012/ASN – ASN revolutionized flying for me.  It’s simply the best weather engine available.

 

Radar Contact 4 – Purchased 7+ years ago and still use it on every of line flight!   

 

Sim Physics X – Purchased for $10, for that price, I got A LOT of capabilities.  I use it every flight.   

 

FTX Global – Pricey, but really transforms your FSX landscape

 

FS Global 2010 – Pricey, but if you fly outside the US and want accurate landscape elevations, this is a must have. 

 

Good value

 

Ernie Alston ISG1 – Allows you to upgrade any aircraft avionics package.  I purchased it 6+ years ago and still use it today. 

 

Ernie Alston FSBuild – This was my preferred flight planning software until superseded by PFPX. 

 

Just Flight Traffic 360 – I picked this up for $8 and have been pleased with its function, despite the poor aircraft modeling.   I continue to use it today….

 

Air Hauler – Outstanding finical model made flying interesting. It's a little tedious but still fun.  

 

TOPCAT – Adds immersion to every flight; however, it has limited air frames available.   

 

FTX Vector – I’m glad a purchased; yet, the FPS his is noticeable. There’s a SP on the horizon that could propel this product to the “worth every dime” category. 

 

ZINERTEK - HD AIRPORT GRAPHICS FSX P3D – It really does “spruce-up” the otherwise mundane default airports.  For $15, it was WELL worth the money. 

 

Wasted Money

 

PrecipitFX  - In my opinion, the FPS hit wasn't worth the improved rain/snow effects.  To that end, I removed it from my FSX drive

 

REX  Latitude – Another sale purchase that never became part of my routine flying.  In my opinion, the added immersion wasn't worth the additional setup time. 

 

RX WX 500 – I purchased for $30 and it never seemed to work correctly.  Plus, support disappeared…

 

Ideal Flight 10 – I bought this for $50 and could never incorporate it with my flying routine. It’s NOT a bad program and is VERY well supported.  However, the primary functions are accomplished more efficiently/realistically by other programs (e.g. ASN, PFPX and AivlaSoft).  I also found the GUI outdated and the HTML flight reports incredibly unrealistic, especially when compared to PFPX.  With that said, if you’re looking for a program to handle multiple tasks, this could represent a great value for you.  Again, most people speak highly of this product, so don’t be quick to dismiss it; it simply didn't fit into my flying routine. 

 

FSPassenger X – In my opinion, one of the most overrated products procured for FSX.  I remember the hype surrounding the release and felt compelled to purchase it; yet, the ridiculous pilot/flight attendant interaction and monotony of its core functions (e.g. severing drinks/food) didn't failed to add immersion.  Plus, the finical model was ridiculously unrealistic, especially when comparing to Air Hauler.  

Great post.  Always good to read others' ratings of products.  I agree with many of your viewpoints.

 

Here's mine:-

 

Worth every penny

 

PMDG NGX

Airbus A319-A321

Majestic Q400 (finally got rid of the sound bugs in v1.014!)

RealAir B60 2.0

Aerosoft HK-36 Dimona (greatly underrated).

OpusFSX

TrackIR

FTX Global, Vector & OpenEU

 

 

Good value

 

RealAir T-Duke 2.0 (just prefer the piston)

A2A C182

A2A Cherokee

A2A C172

QualityWings 146/Avros

Flight 1/Coolsky DC-9

Flight 1/Coolsky Super 80

PMDG J41

PMDG 777

Flight 1 Cessna Mustang

Razbam Metroliner

Just Flight DC-6 (at reduced price)

Ant's Airplanes P92 Eaglet

REX Texture Direct

 

Wasted Money

 

iFly 747 (purely on account of awful performance)

Carenado Seneca IV HD

QualityWings 757

Captain Sim 757

Captain Sim 767

CLS - every product released (sorry, but the truth for me)

PrecipitFX