Best cloud package for P3D

[Ray Proudfoot 8,932]

I'm looking to change the default clouds in P3D. When I used FSX I bought Real Environment Xtreme (REX) Essential Plus w/ OverDrive but it included many things I didn't use like a weather engine. I appreciate it also has replacement runway and water textures as well as numerous sky and cloud textures.

But it was a massive package and I don't really need something as extensive as that now. There's mention on the REX forum of a small subscription to make it work with P3D. It's a possibility depending on the subscription.

There appears to be two current offerings - Rex Soft Clouds and ASCA from Hi-Fi Technology. As both sites have a sale on ending in a couple of days I'd like to take advantage of one of these packages. I already have AS16 but would appreciate your views especially if you've tried both.

[vgbaron 3,508]

To get the best bang for the buck go with ASCA. The combination of AS16 and ASCA will give you dynamic cloud changes on the fly rather than the old method of using the same theme. As far as visual preference, you'll get as many for REX as for ASCA. I prefer ASCA plus I get the dynamic clouds. 

 

Vic

[Ray Proudfoot 8,932]

Thanks Vic. That makes sense especially for AS16 owners. I'm watching a video by FroogleSim on AS16/ASCA at the moment and he's always liked their products. I've had AS v5, ASN and now AS16.

Just $18 at pcaviator.

[scottb613 1,188]

Hi Ray,

It sounds like you may a bit of a minimalist - so this may not be what you're after...

I had the massive REX package too...

Since then - I've moved to AS16, ASCA, ENVTEX (integrates with ASCA) and PTA which provides me with the best looking skies I've ever seen... Personally - never been a fan of Hi Res cloud textures - so I'm running minimum resolutions on cloud textures - 256 or 512 ? The AS16 really was a major step up from ASN and makes IMC flights far more realistic...

Best of luck...

Regards,

Scott  

[Flic1 976]

I second the AS16/ASCA suggestion!  Using Full Dynamics mode in ASCA allows different cloud texture sets to be loaded during a flight.  I had always used REX soft clouds which are great but like Vic, the AS16/ASCA combo with dynamic changes wins IMO!

[Ray Proudfoot 8,932]

Hi Scott / Eric,

Thanks for the recommends. Not so much a minimalist. More someone who doesn't constantly tweak. Once I have textures I like I tend to stick with them. I hadn't changed the runway,sky or water textures in ages.

But having seen the video of AS16/ASCA by FroogleSim I was quite impressed and for a paltry 13 quid I can hardly go wrong. I like the feature where it changes the textures on the fly with no user intervention. I have enough to do already flying Concorde and handling fuel management.

I may look at ENVTEX in slower time once everything has bedded in. I still have a fair amount of software to install but now seems a good time to buy some products with the sales on.

[vgbaron 3,508]

Don't forget to take time to fly too Ray! 

 

Vic

[Nyxx 6,993]

ASCA + Rex soft clouds for me, love the combo, soft clouds look so good. I've just started to use PTA and that's a game changer, also now use ENVTEX for everything apart from clouds

[Ray Proudfoot 8,932]

7 minutes ago, vgbaron said:

Don't forget to take time to fly too Ray! 

 

Vic

Switching sims is a huge undertaking Vic. I've been on it for 4 days now and still not done. Another week and it will all be done.

[Ray Proudfoot 8,932]

4 minutes ago, Nyxx said:

ASCA + Rex soft clouds for me, love the combo, soft clouds look so good. I've just started to use PTA and that's a game changer, also now use ENVTEX for everything apart from clouds

Thanks David but it was 3-1 for ASCA. ENVTEX has 2 recommends now so I will look at that in slow time.

[Nyxx 6,993]

When I used ASCA alone imo the clouds look to harsh, hence soft clouds. Try and see what you like if there too harsh you know what to do :) 

[Bobsk8 12,586]

I like soft clouds too. 

 

[Novation 534]

As a long time (and that is day one on most of their range) REX supporter, I now have to say I much prefer ASCA, with their revised structures and textures that match the stuff from REX and go several steps forward IMHO. You can use the ASCA structures with any other textures of course, but the ones supplied are as good as anything out there, with an amazing weather engine to boot. REX have dragged their feet too long in giving us their new, long promised, product (I would say FUD) so they have now lost me to Hi-Fi and others who seems to work hard to make great products without the BS. Skyforce, or whatever it was called will not be bought by me now.

There are some great freeware clouds (and sky's far exceeding REX) and other decent payware (ENVTEX for one) package to choose from as well.

[GSalden 4,656]

25 minutes ago, Bobsk8 said:

I like soft clouds too. 

 

If you blur a cloud you will get a soft cloud.

Or : take a cloud and use the lowest resolution. Better for framerates with clouds too..

Myself , I use ASCA clouds icw AS16

[JLuis 409]

For me AS16/ASCA + ENVTEX + PTA the best combination.