MeinMMO editor Maik Schneider treated himself to the SCUF Reflex FPS for 280 euros right after the release. Was it worth? Yes. Would he recommend it to you too? Certainly not.
280 euros for a single controller.
Some may think I’m crazy, maybe you’re right. Gaming is an expensive hobby, I like to overdo it a bit. My professional mic, which I only use for Teams and Discord, could probably record a song from it.
This also applies to my super-expensive favorite controller: the SCUF Reflex FPS. I’ve had the thing for a year, and spent most of the time either in Call of Duty or Battlefield on the PS5.
And although I am completely convinced of the black beauty, I cannot recommend the controller to you. The price is just too high for that. Nevertheless, I have no regrets and if I had to make the purchase decision again, I would buy it again.
Sony now has a pro competitor on the market, the DualSense Edge. Check out the unboxing by colleague Benedikt in the video:
DualSense Edge for the PS5 in the unboxing – our first impressions of the Pro Controller in the video
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Haptics, advantages, luxury – I love the part
What’s so strong about this thing? It boils down to three factors why the controller is worth full price to me:
The SCUF Reflex FPS comes with rubberized surfaces for a firm grip. Industry standard for pro controllers. What makes the Reflex FPS special is what it lacks. The vibration motors have been left out, as have the adaptive triggers. This makes the controller very light.
I weighed it straight away:
50 grams less compared to the DualSense doesn’t sound like much at first. In fact, the Reflex FPS is as light as a feather in your hand. A noticeable difference when playing. The Edge feels like a ton when you pick it up after the SCUF controller.
Then there are the small but fine gameplay advantages. I don’t need any crazy “Ultra Performance Thumbsticks”. The FPS Reflex has that, but I don’t care.
The triggers are really cool, i.e. R1/L1 and R2/L2. These are basically buttons like you know them from the mouse, so-called instant triggers. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that no one else in a match can shoot faster than me.
This may sound strange for PC gamers, but for me as a trained controller soldier it is an everyday problem.
The difference is in the millisecond range. With a time-to-kill of 200 milliseconds, such as in CoD: Modern Warfare 2, this does have advantages. Especially against players who use R2/L2 to fire and a regular PS5 controller.
Finally, there is the luxury factor. I worked for the part, paid dearly, waited a long time for it. And of course the right case ended up in the shopping cart for 45 euros.
The feeling while playing, but also the small flight of fancy when I put the Reflex FPS in the hands of a fascinated visitor, simply priceless. There are rarely products that fascinate me in this way. But somehow the thing made it.
The purchase price and guarantee just don’t match
Why no recommendation for a purchase? The price and the guarantee modalities.
280 euros for a single controller is just too much. That’s four regular DualSense controllers. I had my eye on the controller for a long time and weighed forever whether I should get the Reflex FPS. I don’t regret the decision, would make it again.
But phew, that part is expensive.
In addition, the warranty period is terrible. It is a wear and tear product, sooner or later there will be something wrong with the controller. But manufacturer SCUF only gives a ridiculous 180-day guarantee on the Reflex series.
Another clear counter-argument.
In addition, the controller is not suitable for every game. Due to the instant trigger L2/R2, games with simulated accelerator pedals are not easy to play – you always go full throttle. For GTA Online or Rocket League you have to switch.
No recommendation, but the thing is really good
The general conditions of the SCUF Reflex FPS actually clearly speak against a purchase. The price is way too high, the guarantee way too short.
I would not seriously recommend anyone to buy such a controller.
But, phew, as soon as I hold the controller in my hands, it’s all forgotten. The Reflex FPS plays excellently, provides small advantages, is super light and due to the lack of motors, the battery lasts longer than with the DualSense.
If the almost 300 euros don’t hurt you and you’ve had your eye on the Reflex series for a while, then grab it. You probably won’t regret it. But before that, take a look at the “Aim Controllers” brand. Here you can put together a similar product, but get a lifetime guarantee.
Would I make that decision again? Absolutely! Would I buy the controller again if something breaks? No, then I learned my lesson.
If you still have questions about the SCUF Reflex FPS or want to share your experiences and opinions with pro controllers, then we’ll see you in the comments.
If you’re looking for proper PlayStation controller buying advice, check out these are the best PS4 and PS5 controllers