Controllers are more varied than any other AT in the game. Each powerset combo has different strategy. (Compare that to melee fighters, who are mostly the same -- run in and beat on the foes.) Unlike all of the other ATs, Controllers do not have a powerset devoted to damage. Some control sets do more damage than others, while others provide more control. The secondaries offer a wide range of options -- some with heals, some with massive debuffs, some with great buffs, some with controls. You may dislike one, and then like a different powerset combo that plays completely differently.
My personal preference? I love Illusion. I have 5 level 50 Illusion controllers. (Rad, Storm, TA, Cold, Time.) While some of the strategy is similar, the different secondaries make each Illusion character substantially different.
Mind Control is one of my least favorite. However, I have a Mind/Storm controller at 50, a Mind/FF at 44, and a Mind/Energy Dom, so I have plenty of experience with the set. It has good single target damage early. It has great AoE "click" control later in the build, but falls behind other controllers on damage and distraction because of the absence of a pet. Mind Control has a huge amount of control options with Hold, Sleep, Confuse, knock-up and Fear. I suppose one thing I'm not crazy about is the lack of "persistant" controls -- all (but one skippable one) of Mind's control powers are "click once and they're gone" controls. Now, lots of people love Mind Control (and dislike Illusion), so what I like or dislike may not match your preferences.
I must admit that I haven't used Poision as a secondary. I have a Demons/Poison Mastermind, and I find I dislike the Poison Secondary on a Mastermind. I know it is a bit different for Controllers, but I don't have a desire to try it on a controller.
So . . . you have, as your first controller my least favorite control primary with a secondary that I don't want to even try.
I would suggest that before you make a judgment on controllers, you try some other combinations. My personal favorite is my Illusion/Rad, followed closely by Ill/Cold and Earth/Storm. If you like AoE damage, then Fire and Plant are best but they are limited in control. Earth, Electric and Ice are good at AoE control, but lack damage. Dark Control is a nice AoE control set with some damage, buffs and debuffs. Gravity has good single target damage and some interesting positioning powers, but is weak in AoE control. All sets other than Mind have one or more pets.
LOCAL MAN! The most famous hero of all. There are more newspaper stories about me than anyone else. "Local Man wins Medal of Honor." "Local Man opens Animal Shelter." "Local Man Charged with..." (Um, forget about that one.)
Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control
In terms of overall performance I am not fully in love with this toon regardless of grinding him to 49.
I just realized the other night that I have 5 holds and 2 good debuffs, is this enough to make up for its short comings?
I have Dominate, Paralytic Poison and Seismic Smash as my ST holds and Poison Trap and Total Domination as my AoE holds. For the debuffing good ness, I have Weaken and Envenom.
This is my first Troller and I am not sure if it is ok.
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/n...stumes%202011/