KontrolFreek FPS Freek Elite – Finding An Edge In Simplicity (Review)

Every multiplayer gamer looks for that extra bit that will help put them over the top.  Whether it’s a higher-performance controller, special glasses designed to reduce fatigue, or an ergonomic chair designed to maximize your seated position while gaming, it seems like there is something out there for everybody.  Many of these devices or add-ons can cost a significant amount of money, but sometimes it’s the simple (and cost effective) things in life that give you everything you need.

Enter KontrolFreek’s latest addition to their FPS Freek arsenal: the Elite.  Designed with FPS gamers in mind, the Freek lineup has different designs and heights to cater to even the most particular gamer.  Simply clip on the FPS Elites to your analog sticks and you’ll instantly feel a difference.  The first thing you will notice is these attachments raise the height of your pads almost a half an inch from where the analog sticks normally lie.  While this may feel strange at first, you will quickly realize this affords you a faster response time by letting your thumbs move through a natural free range which is wider than what the standard analog stick permits.  For those of you who are heavy-handed (like myself), this means that your movements are more precise than before, letting  you keep your target centered in the crosshairs easier during high-tension moments, as your thumbs have to move a greater distance before your shot goes wild.

Adding to the mix is the increased tactile contact of the pads.  The stylish design, featuring the Delta Force emblem surrounded by a blocked circle on the perimeter, not only looks cool but also ensures that you have the best grip possible for those intense online matches.

However, the FPS Elite package isn’t without fault.  As we found previously with the CQC, the Elites seem to have the same issue with the PlayStation 3’s analog sticks.  While the soft rubber on the controller isn’t a fault of KontrolFreek, it does impair the use of the FPS Elite on these sticks.  We found that the Elites weren’t able to grip as tightly to the stick, and while those with a precision touch may not have problems, heavy-handed individuals will promptly find their Elites flying off of their controller mid-play.

For the Xbox 360 controller, the FPS Elite is definitely something that any Call of Duty or Battlefield player will want to investigate.  While initially awkward, you will quickly get the feel for this addition and notice a significant improvement in gameplay.  Even users of the Razer Onza Tournament Edition controller can benefit from the advantages that the additional height and contact provide.  For the PlayStation 3 user, this mod works well if you’re not overzealous in your thumb movements.  However, those with less-than-gentle meat hooks may want to look elsewhere.

The KontrolFreek FPS Elite receives a 4.75/5.