 TAC Freedom V Guitar Controller
Most of us regulars know about the legal issues surrounding Red Octane and the 3rd party controller manufacturer The Ant Commandos (TAC), but all copyright issues aside, is the ‘Flying V’ even a better buy than the original controller? I took TAC’s wireless version, the Freedom V, on a head to head test with RO’s original SG controller.
The first thing to note about the Freedom V is the major selling point, its wireless capabilities. Powered by four AA batteries, this feature is a MAJOR plus if you intend to be rocking around your living room. There was absolutely no lag between the buttons and the game register, so you don’t have to worry about the functionality. The switch for the controller was placed very near the bottom strap peg, hidden under the end of the strap to prevent it from switching off in the middle of a game. Speaking of the shoulder strap, I really like how it’s sturdier and heavier than the SG controller’s, but the leatherette ends were too stretchy to stay on the pegs at all, so it continually fell off. This meant that standing up while playing was near impossible, defeating the purpose of the wireless almost altogether… We got around the problem by forcing on a strap from a real guitar. As a positive, though, there are connectors for the strap on both sides of the controller, so our left-handed friends can have the same advantages as everyone else.
The five neck buttons on the controller have a very sturdy backing to them, so pressing down all the way leaves no fears of bending and cracking a circuit board. Also raised a hair more than the SG’s, the buttons are easier to hit, feel and reach. The neck buttons for the Flying V are also slightly closer together than on the original controller, but not so much as to make a major difference. The strum bar has a lighter spring, a shorter throw to register, and is overall more quiet than that of the SG, but I miss the click of the switches at the pick point. The whammy bar spring has been changed out to a stiffer one, making it feel stronger than the original controller’s. The select and start buttons are not in the best position, directly underneath the side of your hand for you righties. While the start button is recessed to prevent pausing, the select button is not. This led to some unintentional star power activation. Wailing is also improved in the Flying V, as TAC introduced a system that detects guitar movement, not guitar angle. This means that one would simply need to move their guitar towards vertical to activate star power, not place it fully vertical.
Aesthetically, the guitar looks great. Metallic paint over the body and a white face under the blue illuminated strum bar complete the ensemble in the classic Gibson Flying V case. It is overall heavier and a little longer than Red Octane’s SG, which adds to its sturdy feel from the neck buttons down to the whammy bar. If I were to recommend a guitar to buy, and I would, I would say to try out TAC’s Freedom V. Overlooking only the poor strap, the wireless features and very durable buttons lend to its appeal. Pretty darn sweet/10
~ch604 | 
