I have an older Saitek X-35T/X-36F that I'd really like to replace, so I've been doing this exact same research. If you want something capable enough to handle DCS, it pretty much comes down to either the X-52 Pro or the X-55 Rhino. Between the two of them, I'd say it's mostly personal preference. The X-52 Pro has slightly fewer buttons/switches, and looks like something from a spaceship. The X-55 is a bit larger, has more buttons/switches, and looks like something out of a modern military aircraft.
Personally, I think the X-55 looks fantastic and the X-52 kind of chintzy, so I'm leaning toward the X-55. Only problem is the $200 price tag, which I can't justify at the moment.
I have an X-55 as well.. also for Elite, but I'm always looking for new games to try. I downloaded DCS just too intimidated to try it. When FSX goes on sale again I'll probably jump in.
I strongly recommend getting a powered USB hub if you get an X55. Many have reported that plugging it directly into a PC sometimes results in ghosting of the switches on the throttle, and I can confirm it happened to me on more than one occasion.
Depends on your budget, Arclite. I was a Saitek guy until my X-52 failed 6 months into use. I've read their build quality has gotten worse over the years. I was originally gonna go full CH, like a fighterstick, pro throttle and pro pedals.
Since then I've built a hybrid system of CH Pro Pedals, a Saitek X-52 Throttle and a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 stick, which works wonderfully for me.
If I had to recommend a HOTAS system for ya, my gut would tell me to tell you to shell out for the CH gear, as their gear is just amazing. It's really up to you though, as you might prefer the Saitek gear. It's a shame there are so few places one can go actually try these things nowadays.
Oh yeah, and a powered USB hub is super important, as Carl suggested.
It's funny, I have a powered hub, and my driving wheel won't recognize the pedals when plugged into it. Plug it directly into the PC though, and it works fine.
I used to have all CH products back when joysticks connected via 15 pin connectors. I did love the action, although they are a bit odd looking. They were very precise. Eventually, too many buttons died on both of them, but not after many years of use. I didn't realize they still made them.
I was hoping to spend under $200. Other than CH, it looks like Saitek is my only option.
I've used an X52 Pro for many years now and have no problem recommending it for anyone not running Windows 10.
One of the key differences between the standard and Pro models of X52 is that the Pro uses more metal structure in high stress areas. This leads to my major concern over the X55, which while a very lovely looking piece of kit is almost entirely plastic and a quick search online will show you a large number of complaints (many with video or pictorial documentation) of poor construction and low durability. It's also possible that more recently produced X52 models may have issues as there is a lot of noise regarding a perceived decrease in quality following the Madkatz acquisition of Saitek.
The main thing you need to be wary of if you purchase an X52 or X55 is that if you're running Windows 10 the only drivers that currently exist have some major bugs and Saitek/Madkatz is irresponsibly slow with providing updates. Currently my HOTAS will function properly, but as soon as I unplug it my system becomes unusable due to a bug in the drivers and requires a hard reset before things function normally again.
I am using the T.16000M stick with a CH Products Pro Throttle. Both are excellent values in my opinion, the buttons on the T16000M can feel a bit cheap.
If I had the extra money, I'd probably buy the X55 Rhino, but CH Products is a very close 2nd choice - if they would change their flightstick over to Hall Sensors, they would definitely be first. I've had really poor luck with potentiometer based joysticks. Also, with CH Manager, you can link all CH Product peripherals to appear as one controller to your computer.
As I have started my search for a new ~$200 HOTAS system I came here to see what the GWJers think of the X52 Pro that I've been eyeing. Elycion, I just found this post on Mad catz http://madcatz.kayako.com/Knowledgeb...
May help you out.
I'm still leaning strongly towards the 52 Pro. Button placement and ergonomics of the 52 Pro seem to be better according to the reviews of people who have had both. Combined with Voice Attack and a shift button I would have everything.
I'll be using it with Star citizen, and Maybe I'll pop into ED.
So what do people think now? I'm looking at the T.Flight HOTAS One and the T.16000M set with the throttle, since the X52 is the upper end of what I want to spend, and the X52 is a bit underwhelming at its price.
Yeah intended use might help narrow it down. I have the T.Flight HOTAS X which looks like the PC version of the One. It's fine, my only complaint is that I do not like the throttle. The handgrip feels like it needs to be rotated forward about 90 degrees. Does not feel good to me at all unless it's nearly full forward, then it fits my hand ergonomics better. I use it for Mechwarrior 5 and nothing else.
I have not used the T.16000M but the throttle slides instead of pivoting, and looks like it would be much better to me.
I was thinking of Elite: Dangerous and maybe Star Citizen. Flight sims aren't that interesting to me, but who knows?
The T.Flight HOTAS X was released for the PS3, but I heard that the 4/One has a smaller dead zone to go along with more current platform-specific buttons. All of them were/are compatible with PC. There don't seem to be that many games compatible games on the Xbox One, though, which might be why it's getting a little harder to find at retail.
I have a working VR setup, so the more unique feeling hat switches on the T.16000M are part of the appeal over any of the Logitech/Saitek models, even if they way they're festooned with controls looks cooler.
My personal opinion would be against the T Flight if only because I'm not fond of the throttle and stick being one unit instead of separate. Also if you're in VR, I assume you want a lot less keyboard/mouse interaction so having all the additional buttons on the 16000 will help.
The t16000 also has the option of switching to left hand. If you're main use is space sims that may not be as big a deal, but for flight sims, there is some additional realism that comes from putting the throttle on the right which is how nearly all aircraft are configured when you're sitting on the left side. Now that I'm more into flight sims than space sims, once my throttle quadrant releases I'll likely be retiring the x56 and getting a t16000 so I can have left hand controls.
Also if you're in VR, I assume you want a lot less keyboard/mouse interaction so having all the additional buttons on the 16000 will help.
Also a solvable problem with VoiceAttack. Particularly in VR where your headset already has a mic built in. I've been very pleasantly surprised how well that works.
Also if you're in VR, I assume you want a lot less keyboard/mouse interaction so having all the additional buttons on the 16000 will help.
Also a solvable problem with VoiceAttack. Particularly in VR where your headset already has a mic built in. I've been very pleasantly surprised how well that works.
Maybe in spaceland where siri controls your ship that makes sense. Here in real life land, When i'm flying my cessna with 400 pounds of cargo there's no one sitting in the right seat to turn my landing lights on for me
Maybe in spaceland where siri controls your ship that makes sense. Here in real life land, When i'm flying my cessna with 400 pounds of cargo there's no one sitting in the right seat to turn my landing lights on for me
Unless you're talking about real real life, VoiceAttack is who's sitting in your right seat. It maps voice commands to keyboard inputs. If you're pushing F6 to turn your landing lights on, you configure VoiceAttack to push F6 for you whenever you yell "LANDING LIGHTS ON!"
And if you ARE talking about real real life, I suggest you stop wearing your VR headset while operating light aircraft.
I picked up the t16000 stick/throttle combo on a sale last fall or so. I hadn’t used a joystick since the 90’s so can’t compare it to other options, but I primarily used it for for Elite, mostly in VR. The throttle was a little sticky at first but a bit of grease fixed that up. I was really happy with it all until one day the stick ‘twist’ started happening all on its own. This is apparently a very common probe, and the long term fix is to either get lucky or to replace the potentiometer with one less likely to break (some other surgical options might work as well). I was just going to RMA mine, but they asked me for a video proving the problem which I procrastinated making so right now it’s just gathering dust.
Thrustmaster 16000m with FCS throttle. It's pretty good for $100. The Yaw on the stick malfunctioned on the first one. But Amazon replaced very quickly.
My personal opinion would be against the T Flight if only because I'm not fond of the throttle and stick being one unit instead of separate. Also if you're in VR, I assume you want a lot less keyboard/mouse interaction so having all the additional buttons on the 16000 will help.
The T.Flight HOTAS can separate the throttle and stick. There's a cable (roughly 2') between them but it's enough to get them on either side of your keyboard.
My personal opinion would be against the T Flight if only because I'm not fond of the throttle and stick being one unit instead of separate. Also if you're in VR, I assume you want a lot less keyboard/mouse interaction so having all the additional buttons on the 16000 will help.
The T.Flight HOTAS can separate the throttle and stick. There's a cable (roughly 2') between them but it's enough to get them on either side of your keyboard.
Ah.. interesting, none of the pictures I quickly googled show that.
I've got the X-55 Rhino, which I really like. I use it mostly for Elite and it has enough buttons and switches that I have everything mapped.
Though one of the rubber feet just fell off the joystick so it's wobbly. Need to replace that.
Destiny: spawn.die.repeat | Elite: Paleogamer/Anne Trovert | Secret World: tanstaafl
I have an older Saitek X-35T/X-36F that I'd really like to replace, so I've been doing this exact same research. If you want something capable enough to handle DCS, it pretty much comes down to either the X-52 Pro or the X-55 Rhino. Between the two of them, I'd say it's mostly personal preference. The X-52 Pro has slightly fewer buttons/switches, and looks like something from a spaceship. The X-55 is a bit larger, has more buttons/switches, and looks like something out of a modern military aircraft.
Personally, I think the X-55 looks fantastic and the X-52 kind of chintzy, so I'm leaning toward the X-55. Only problem is the $200 price tag, which I can't justify at the moment.
Steam:JNacht
I have an X-55 as well.. also for Elite, but I'm always looking for new games to try. I downloaded DCS just too intimidated to try it. When FSX goes on sale again I'll probably jump in.
I strongly recommend getting a powered USB hub if you get an X55. Many have reported that plugging it directly into a PC sometimes results in ghosting of the switches on the throttle, and I can confirm it happened to me on more than one occasion.
Carl
XBL/PSN: Carlbear95 | Steam: Carlbear95 | Battlenet: Carlbear95#1579
Depends on your budget, Arclite. I was a Saitek guy until my X-52 failed 6 months into use. I've read their build quality has gotten worse over the years. I was originally gonna go full CH, like a fighterstick, pro throttle and pro pedals.
Since then I've built a hybrid system of CH Pro Pedals, a Saitek X-52 Throttle and a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 stick, which works wonderfully for me.
If I had to recommend a HOTAS system for ya, my gut would tell me to tell you to shell out for the CH gear, as their gear is just amazing. It's really up to you though, as you might prefer the Saitek gear. It's a shame there are so few places one can go actually try these things nowadays.
Oh yeah, and a powered USB hub is super important, as Carl suggested.
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Thanks all.
It's funny, I have a powered hub, and my driving wheel won't recognize the pedals when plugged into it. Plug it directly into the PC though, and it works fine.
I used to have all CH products back when joysticks connected via 15 pin connectors. I did love the action, although they are a bit odd looking. They were very precise. Eventually, too many buttons died on both of them, but not after many years of use. I didn't realize they still made them.
I was hoping to spend under $200. Other than CH, it looks like Saitek is my only option.
We're all plants now...
Under $200? Yeah, get the X-55.
Space Game Junkie | Twitch | YouTube | Podcast
Warthog. Wait. You said $200:-/
XBL: Mister Static
PSN/Steam/BGA: MisterStatic
Been using an x52 for helicopter sims for over a year.
I modded the throttle detent out of it.
It's been good for:
Xplane dreamfoil Robinsion R22
Elite Dangerous
DCS Huey
Arma3.
I've used an X52 Pro for many years now and have no problem recommending it for anyone not running Windows 10.
One of the key differences between the standard and Pro models of X52 is that the Pro uses more metal structure in high stress areas. This leads to my major concern over the X55, which while a very lovely looking piece of kit is almost entirely plastic and a quick search online will show you a large number of complaints (many with video or pictorial documentation) of poor construction and low durability. It's also possible that more recently produced X52 models may have issues as there is a lot of noise regarding a perceived decrease in quality following the Madkatz acquisition of Saitek.
The main thing you need to be wary of if you purchase an X52 or X55 is that if you're running Windows 10 the only drivers that currently exist have some major bugs and Saitek/Madkatz is irresponsibly slow with providing updates. Currently my HOTAS will function properly, but as soon as I unplug it my system becomes unusable due to a bug in the drivers and requires a hard reset before things function normally again.
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@ Elycion
Thanks. Sounds like a mess. I was thinking about a X-55, but maybe I'll stick with CH products. They're expensive though. Grr.
We're all plants now...
Still using my X52 Pro. It just works.
Steam ID: http://steamcommunity.com/id/El-Prod...
Xbox Live: Producto
PSN: El_Producto75
What the hell.
Space Game Junkie | Twitch | YouTube | Podcast
See, now this is just confusing. Obviously a post was vanished by the powers that be, so now we just have a confused Veloxi. So sad.
xbl: Astyrith Steam: Asterith
I am using the T.16000M stick with a CH Products Pro Throttle. Both are excellent values in my opinion, the buttons on the T16000M can feel a bit cheap.
If I had the extra money, I'd probably buy the X55 Rhino, but CH Products is a very close 2nd choice - if they would change their flightstick over to Hall Sensors, they would definitely be first. I've had really poor luck with potentiometer based joysticks. Also, with CH Manager, you can link all CH Product peripherals to appear as one controller to your computer.
Steam, Rockstar, Origin: Naterstein
Uplay: Naterstein0
As I have started my search for a new ~$200 HOTAS system I came here to see what the GWJers think of the X52 Pro that I've been eyeing. Elycion, I just found this post on Mad catz
http://madcatz.kayako.com/Knowledgeb...
May help you out.
I'm still leaning strongly towards the 52 Pro. Button placement and ergonomics of the 52 Pro seem to be better according to the reviews of people who have had both. Combined with Voice Attack and a shift button I would have everything.
I'll be using it with Star citizen, and Maybe I'll pop into ED.
UUnngghh... | Member #666 | UEE Citizen Record #9172 | Origin: groaner | Uplay: TheGroan| BNet: groan#1508
5 YEARS LATER
So what do people think now? I'm looking at the T.Flight HOTAS One and the T.16000M set with the throttle, since the X52 is the upper end of what I want to spend, and the X52 is a bit underwhelming at its price.
(Mostly human.)
For what game? I have an X56 which is pretty good, but I've heard good things about the T16000.
Carl
XBL/PSN: Carlbear95 | Steam: Carlbear95 | Battlenet: Carlbear95#1579
I still submit a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 is all you'll ever need
Space Game Junkie | Twitch | YouTube | Podcast
I have an X52 Pro. I don't use it a bunch, but I'm not a connosieur of HOTAS, but it seems great to me.
I've used it with VoiceAttack (and VR to boot) for ED and it was super.
You've never known true joy until you've shaken a lich stick at someone.
In order to play Elite: Dangerous on PS4, I bought the Thrustmast T.Flight 4 plus a set of T.Flight Rudder Pedals.
It was great value for money... apart from the fact that the rudder pedals didn't actually work.
Apparently, there is a workaround for this now.
However, I thought the rudder implementation on the stick was fine though.
PSN: Detroit20
Yeah intended use might help narrow it down. I have the T.Flight HOTAS X which looks like the PC version of the One. It's fine, my only complaint is that I do not like the throttle. The handgrip feels like it needs to be rotated forward about 90 degrees. Does not feel good to me at all unless it's nearly full forward, then it fits my hand ergonomics better. I use it for Mechwarrior 5 and nothing else.
I have not used the T.16000M but the throttle slides instead of pivoting, and looks like it would be much better to me.
Steam:JNacht
I was thinking of Elite: Dangerous and maybe Star Citizen. Flight sims aren't that interesting to me, but who knows?
The T.Flight HOTAS X was released for the PS3, but I heard that the 4/One has a smaller dead zone to go along with more current platform-specific buttons. All of them were/are compatible with PC. There don't seem to be that many games compatible games on the Xbox One, though, which might be why it's getting a little harder to find at retail.
I have a working VR setup, so the more unique feeling hat switches on the T.16000M are part of the appeal over any of the Logitech/Saitek models, even if they way they're festooned with controls looks cooler.
(Mostly human.)
My personal opinion would be against the T Flight if only because I'm not fond of the throttle and stick being one unit instead of separate. Also if you're in VR, I assume you want a lot less keyboard/mouse interaction so having all the additional buttons on the 16000 will help.
The t16000 also has the option of switching to left hand. If you're main use is space sims that may not be as big a deal, but for flight sims, there is some additional realism that comes from putting the throttle on the right which is how nearly all aircraft are configured when you're sitting on the left side. Now that I'm more into flight sims than space sims, once my throttle quadrant releases I'll likely be retiring the x56 and getting a t16000 so I can have left hand controls.
Carl
XBL/PSN: Carlbear95 | Steam: Carlbear95 | Battlenet: Carlbear95#1579
Also a solvable problem with VoiceAttack. Particularly in VR where your headset already has a mic built in. I've been very pleasantly surprised how well that works.
You've never known true joy until you've shaken a lich stick at someone.
Maybe in spaceland where siri controls your ship that makes sense. Here in real life land, When i'm flying my cessna with 400 pounds of cargo there's no one sitting in the right seat to turn my landing lights on for me
Carl
XBL/PSN: Carlbear95 | Steam: Carlbear95 | Battlenet: Carlbear95#1579
Unless you're talking about real real life, VoiceAttack is who's sitting in your right seat. It maps voice commands to keyboard inputs. If you're pushing F6 to turn your landing lights on, you configure VoiceAttack to push F6 for you whenever you yell "LANDING LIGHTS ON!"
And if you ARE talking about real real life, I suggest you stop wearing your VR headset while operating light aircraft.
You've never known true joy until you've shaken a lich stick at someone.
I picked up the t16000 stick/throttle combo on a sale last fall or so. I hadn’t used a joystick since the 90’s so can’t compare it to other options, but I primarily used it for for Elite, mostly in VR. The throttle was a little sticky at first but a bit of grease fixed that up. I was really happy with it all until one day the stick ‘twist’ started happening all on its own. This is apparently a very common probe, and the long term fix is to either get lucky or to replace the potentiometer with one less likely to break (some other surgical options might work as well). I was just going to RMA mine, but they asked me for a video proving the problem which I procrastinated making so right now it’s just gathering dust.
Steam, Grouvee
Take two of deez nutz and call me.
Avus nethrolis
Thrustmaster 16000m with FCS throttle. It's pretty good for $100. The Yaw on the stick malfunctioned on the first one. But Amazon replaced very quickly.
The T.Flight HOTAS can separate the throttle and stick. There's a cable (roughly 2') between them but it's enough to get them on either side of your keyboard.
Steam:JNacht
Ah.. interesting, none of the pictures I quickly googled show that.
Carl
XBL/PSN: Carlbear95 | Steam: Carlbear95 | Battlenet: Carlbear95#1579