MeinMMO editor Maik Schneider treated himself to the SCUF Reflex FPS for 280,- Euro right at release. Was it worth it? Yes. Would he recommend it to you? Certainly not.
280,- Euro for a single controller.
Some may think I’m crazy, perhaps you’re right. Gaming is an expensive hobby, I tend to exaggerate a bit. My professional microphone, which I only use for Teams and Discord, could probably sing a song about it.
This also applies to my super-expensive favorite controller: the SCUF Reflex FPS. I’ve had this thing for a year, mostly playing Call of Duty or Battlefield on the PS5.
And even though I’m completely convinced of the gray-black beauty, I cannot recommend the controller to you. The price is simply too high. Still, I regret nothing and if I had to make the purchase decision again, I would buy it again.
Sony has meanwhile launched a Pro competitor on the market, the DualSense Edge. Check out the unboxing video by colleague Benedikt:
Haptics, advantages, luxury – I love this thing
What is so great about it? The greatness can be broken down into 3 factors:
- The grip feeling
- The small advantages
- The luxury product
The SCUF Reflex FPS comes with rubberized surfaces for a firm grip. Standard for pro controllers. What makes the Reflex FPS so special is what it lacks. The vibration motors have been omitted, the adaptive triggers as well. As a result, the controller is very light.
I even weighed it:
- SCUF Reflex FPS: 236 g
- DualSense Edge: 334 g
- DualSense: 282 g
50 grams less compared to the DualSense sounds a bit insignificant at first. In reality, the Reflex FPS feels feather-light in the 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.” Although the FPS Reflex has them, they don’t really matter to me.
What’s really cool are the triggers, that is R1/L1 and R2/L2. They are basically buttons like those known from mice, so-called instant triggers. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that no one else in the match can shoot faster than I can.
For PC players, this may sound odd, but for me as a trained controller soldier, it’s an everyday problem.
The difference is in the milliseconds. With a time-to-kill of 200 milliseconds, such as in CoD: Modern Warfare 2, this brings advantages. Especially against players using R2/L2 to shoot and a regular PS5 controller.
Ultimately, the luxury factor also comes into play. I worked hard for this thing, paid a lot, waited a long time for it. And of course, for 45,- Euro I also added the matching case to the shopping cart.
The feeling while playing, but also the little high when I hand a fascinated visitor the Reflex FPS is simply priceless. There are rarely products that excite me in this way. But this thing somehow managed it.
Purchase price and warranty simply do not match
Why no recommendation for a purchase? The price and the warranty terms.
280,- Euro for a single controller is simply too much. That’s four regular DualSense controllers. I had my eye on the controller for a long time and weighed forever whether to get the Reflex FPS. I do not regret the decision and would make it again.
But wow, is this thing expensive.
Additionally, the warranty period is terrible. It is a wear product; sooner or later, something will be wrong with the controller. But manufacturer SCUF only gives a ridiculous 180 days warranty on the Reflex series.
Another clear counterargument.
Moreover, the controller is not suitable for every game. Due to the instant triggers L2/R2, for example, games with simulated gas pedals are not playable – you always give full throttle. For GTA Online or even Rocket League, I have to switch.
No recommendation, but this thing is really good
The conditions of the SCUF Reflex FPS actually clearly speak against a purchase. The price is way too high, the warranty is 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, all of that is forgotten. The Reflex FPS plays excellently, offers small advantages, is super light, and without the motors, the battery lasts longer than with the DualSense.
If the almost 300,- Euro don’t hurt you and you have been eyeing the Reflex series for a while, then go for it. You probably won’t regret it. But make sure to check out the brand “Aim Controllers” as well. Here you can customize a similar product, but with a lifetime warranty.
Would I make the same decision again? Absolutely! Would I buy the controller again if something breaks? No, then I have learned my lesson.
If you have any questions about the SCUF Reflex FPS or want to share your experiences and opinions with pro controllers, then I will see you in the comments.
If you’re looking for a proper buying guide for PlayStation controllers, check here: These are the best PS4 and PS5 controllers
