I know there are many variations of control sticks in a vent fugure.
Which do you prefer? One operated by string or rod?
Do you prefer the piston grip or the classic and why?
I've only handled a classic before with strings so I don't know the other type of control stick.
Thumb or first finger to operate the mouth control? I am so used to the finger as all my marionettes are using finger to trigger the mouth movement.

There's no correct answers for your questions, Frankie. I love control sticks that use strings because I love classic figures. Some would prefer metal rods inside versus strings because they won't break. Different people, different tastes.

Same with controlling mouth lever with either the thumb or forefinger. I have figures with both controls, so sometimes I use my thumb, sometimes my forefinger. It really depends on one's preference.

IMO the more important thing to learn is how to manipulate the vent figure properly, and how to create your own material.

Ony's right. Some of mine are string, some rods. And I'm glad to see somebody else say that he uses either his index finger or his thumb to control the mouth! I figured I was just doing it wrong. I'm left-handed, and when I buy a figure it's almost always right-handed. I learn to deal with it, but I'm also ready to control the figure on the other side if I need to.

Make the figure live. That's the important thing.

-Philip

I built Henry with very simple mechanics. I used a double string in case of breakage, and the trigger is set up for my right thumb but can also be used with my left forefinger. I had an Insull figure when I was younger. It had brass rods and strings, but the arrangement made it easy to fix a broken string and the mechanics were very smooth and certain. Either way works fine.

I have figures with strings and rods... believe me, both will eventually break unless you don't plan to use your puppets

I have figures with mouth operated by the thumb as well as index finger Sooner or later you will get used to both which could actually be an advantage specially if there willl be a need to perform with two figures at the same time.

I kinda am partial to figures who have control rods vice the control strings. I just think the movements are more direct and that the rods would be much less likely to fail over time (or during a performance:o) Just my preference but I had a figure with control strings and my fingers sometimes would get tangled in them (but in their defense, I AM a noob/fledgling vent and with practice that most likely would NOT happen). ALL 4 of my figure family have animations that are controlled by rods.

Actually I much prefer rods too.I reason that rods will last longer than strings.And having direct control produces better response on the animation when you activate the trigger.

If using strings,what kinda string do you use?

I've had both and really have no preference myself, about the only preference I really developed was preferring a figure not have self-centering eyes, I want total control, but even with that said, I've had both with that too and can work with either.