Hardware & Technical X56 vs X52 Pro

[Gekco]

Looking for my first HOTAS and I'm looking at either the x56 or x52 pro, the warthog is out of my price range at $600+ CAD.

My main concern is the quality control, I know the blue version of the x56 was horrible. However, now that Logitech has released a new grey version is it any better? I can't find a lot of reviews on it, those I do find they say it's great. Those who do own a new x56 (grey) can you confirm or deny this?

There's also the x52 pro but it seems like Logitech did nothing to it, so it still has its quality control issues I would imagine.

 

[Bill Clement]

I don't own the new kit, but I have had conversations with Logitech sales/support and numerous conversations on various boards about Saitek quality control.

According to Logitech all of their HOTAS's have had serious work done to their basic design to alleviate perceived quality issues. 'Quality' under MadKatz was widely reported as poor, resulting from inconsistent manufacturing standards and cheap components. They have tightened up on consistency, swapped out some of the cheaper, more failure prone internals and have changed/modified the internal design used to avoid certain known points of failure. They claim their equipment is now much more reliable and resilient than before.

It's early days, the grey X-56 only released this year, so how much of the assurances from Logitech are worth is open to debate. But I haven't heard any horror stories about the new X-56s yet and fwiw I believe them. I think that Logitech have spent a lot of money buying an established brand in an expanding market sector. They've recognised that customers like the design of the existing product range, but are deeply dissatisfied with the quality of those products. It's a fairly easy fix to tighten up on the reliability of the existing units- much cheaper than designing new ones- which should guarantee an improvement in their product's reputation and generate fresh sales.

If any company drones are reading this, I'd happily buy a new X-56 throttle if they're willing to sell them separately (I don't need the stick, my old X-55 one is still going strong!).

Dunno if you've seen this thread yet, Geko? https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/866uo4/new_logitech_x56_vs_old_saitek_x56_some/?sort=old

 

[Morbad]

I wouldn't even consider the X52 for Elite: Dangerous if you are looking to get a new HOTAS; control is so much better with an analog thruster bind,

That's not to say the X52 isn't serviceable, it's just sub-optimal. If you already had one, I could see continuing to use it, but the extra cost (or not, in the case of something like the T16000m FCS) that has some kind of analog ministick is well worth it.

I haven't used either long enough to get a feel for any quality control improvements, as I stopping buying Saitek stuff after the X45.

 

[Space Dandy]

I agree with the above I would go t16000m over saitek by a long shot. It not just quality control but the x52 are about accurate as a cheapo extreme 3d pro joystick.

These are all entry level sticks but t16000m is known for having accuracy as good and the next tier stick but might not have as good button placement like the warthog etc and not quite as quality a CH, VKB and Virpil stuff.

 

[SMcA]

I agree with the above I would go t16000m over saitek by a long shot. It not just quality control but the x52 are about accurate as a cheapo extreme 3d pro joystick.

These are all entry level sticks but t16000m is known for having accuracy as good and the next tier stick but might not have as good button placement like the warthog etc and not quite as quality a CH, VKB and Virpil stuff.

I've had my X52 pro for about 4 years and although it has started to "double bounce" on some buttons. I have corrected that with the SST software.
Speaking of that. I have configured my X52 Pro to enable me to change modes in ED on the HOTAS and use the new Beta functions without using the k/board. It did take a bit of work. [blah]

 

[Asp Explorer]

Most of the "Mad catz" era X52 problems stemmed from them not spending under 1 penny on a loom brace or winding. Even a scrap of electrical tape would have prevented many of the issues.

All three of my sets are still working, although to certain degrees. One has barely been used at all and is completely fine, one has developed some noise and a constant left rotate, and the last one has a D button that keeps breaking and I've given up on resoldering it.

 

[Desert63]

Perhaps related, as I am the lucky owner of a Blue X56. Sat in a box for three years after my 'sortof' ED play three years ago, now its out.

First the VERY GOOD part.
I have been using an old Microsoft Forcefeed Back 2, which I love. Its so smooth, fits my hand perfectly and does everything I want - in flight. But I simply need more buttons.
Replaced it with the X56 and MY GOSH, perfect. All the buttons! I could do everything - Galaxy Map in VR!, everything, no problem.

Now the maybe not so good part.
When I fly it feels like a controller console. I pitch, yaw whatever it jumps. So I have to flip it quickly to see if I get far enough, nope flip again, oh damn, too far, now back again. Its constant oversteer, where the Microsoft FF2 was smooth and I just moved it to where I wanted to go. It isn't the stiffness of the X56 that bothers me (although after awhile its a problem) as I can work against the stiffness, its just that it kicks in and moves too far, then I pull back - oh wait too far again, then back again - WTH... Its consistent all around the center - so the same distance no matter where I go with the joystick this kicks in, so it doesn't feel like its broken.

I am not sure this is a quality issue, but simply a design choice. The X56 is quite nice, and as I mentioned the buttons are perfect, but somebody please tell me how to overcome fighting my joystick - pretty new to joysticks myself....

Thanks!

Scottt

 

[Desert63]

Perhaps related, as I am the lucky owner of a Blue X56. Sat in a box for three years after my 'sortof' ED play three years ago, now its out.

First the VERY GOOD part.
I have been using an old Microsoft Forcefeed Back 2, which I love. Its so smooth, fits my hand perfectly and does everything I want - in flight. But I simply need more buttons.
Replaced it with the X56 and MY GOSH, perfect. All the buttons! I could do everything - Galaxy Map in VR!, everything, no problem.

Now the maybe not so good part.
When I fly it feels like a controller console. I pitch, yaw whatever it jumps. So I have to flip it quickly to see if I get far enough, nope flip again, oh damn, too far, now back again. Its constant oversteer, where the Microsoft FF2 was smooth and I just moved it to where I wanted to go. It isn't the stiffness of the X56 that bothers me (although after awhile its a problem) as I can work against the stiffness, its just that it kicks in and moves too far, then I pull back - oh wait too far again, then back again - WTH... Its consistent all around the center - so the same distance no matter where I go with the joystick this kicks in, so it doesn't feel like its broken.

I am not sure this is a quality issue, but simply a design choice. The X56 is quite nice, and as I mentioned the buttons are perfect, but somebody please tell me how to overcome fighting my joystick - pretty new to joysticks myself....

Thanks!

Scottt

And I'm an idiot. I was looking at pictures of my friends joystick which is the X56. I have the X55....problem description unchanged though, battled my joystick trying to land again last night....I'm seriously going to tank into the sun trying to scoop....

 

[Caramel Clown]

Perhaps related, as I am the lucky owner of a Blue X56. Sat in a box for three years after my 'sortof' ED play three years ago, now its out.

First the VERY GOOD part.
I have been using an old Microsoft Forcefeed Back 2, which I love. Its so smooth, fits my hand perfectly and does everything I want - in flight. But I simply need more buttons.
Replaced it with the X56 and MY GOSH, perfect. All the buttons! I could do everything - Galaxy Map in VR!, everything, no problem.

Now the maybe not so good part.
When I fly it feels like a controller console. I pitch, yaw whatever it jumps. So I have to flip it quickly to see if I get far enough, nope flip again, oh damn, too far, now back again. Its constant oversteer, where the Microsoft FF2 was smooth and I just moved it to where I wanted to go. It isn't the stiffness of the X56 that bothers me (although after awhile its a problem) as I can work against the stiffness, its just that it kicks in and moves too far, then I pull back - oh wait too far again, then back again - WTH... Its consistent all around the center - so the same distance no matter where I go with the joystick this kicks in, so it doesn't feel like its broken.

I am not sure this is a quality issue, but simply a design choice. The X56 is quite nice, and as I mentioned the buttons are perfect, but somebody please tell me how to overcome fighting my joystick - pretty new to joysticks myself....

Thanks!

Scottt

You could try and mess around with a deadzone to reduce initial twitch. From what I've seen x56 users find having small deadzone more comfortable.

 

[Chris Simon]

I had both of those sticks.

X52Pro has much better feel to it and I always felt much more precise with it. Then it broke and I bought X56. Compared to 52 it is much more "plasticky" and clunky. The stick is horrible, the throttle feels alright. Its main advantage is more POVs and buttons/switches.
Then it broke, too and I bought the Thrustmaster FCS HOTAS which is superior to both in how it feels, theough the throttle needs a lot of maintenance and lubrication to work properly. Big plus - it has the analog index finger hat on the throttle which is awesome for maneuvering thrusters in FA/Off. Downside is buttons, of course, so I have to use Voice Attack to circumvent that.

Bottom line - As my absolutely "perfect" HOTAS, I would recommend the T16000 sick (the best one of the three) and X56 throttle to go with it. (though I fell in love with the analog hat on FCS throttle, so I wouldn't change, myself)

 

[Desert63]

I had both of those sticks.

X52Pro has much better feel to it and I always felt much more precise with it. Then it broke and I bought X56. Compared to 52 it is much more "plasticky" and clunky. The stick is horrible, the throttle feels alright. Its main advantage is more POVs and buttons/switches.
Then it broke, too and I bought the Thrustmaster FCS HOTAS which is superior to both in how it feels, theough the throttle needs a lot of maintenance and lubrication to work properly. Big plus - it has the analog index finger hat on the throttle which is awesome for maneuvering thrusters in FA/Off. Downside is buttons, of course, so I have to use Voice Attack to circumvent that.

Bottom line - As my absolutely "perfect" HOTAS, I would recommend the T16000 sick (the best one of the three) and X56 throttle to go with it. (though I fell in love with the analog hat on FCS throttle, so I wouldn't change, myself)

Thank you.
And I noted above, I'm an idiot. I was looking at my friends X56 when I wrote this, I actually have an X55 - that changes things maybe? In either case I don't like the stick, and I am not sure deadzone (once I figure out where to adjust that) will help, but I will try.
Yes, since I 'sortof' played ED three years ago, stopped for three years and rejoined I have seen that the T16000 is super popular, thanks.

 

[Caramel Clown]

T16000 definitely has some meh quality materials, and amount buttons on a stick is just enough for ED. But the way it feels smokes anything from Saitek IMO. Very smooth, responsive, precise. Never felt the need to adjust anything. Plug in and play indeed. Only thing that will take some getting used to after other sticks in spring resistance. Maybe not the stiffest stick out there, but it's a man's manly spring of manpower in there Personally, it only adds to precision since there's no wobble or accidental input.

 

[Vedmo]

Not sure if you're still in the market, OP, but I've been using the new X56 since March of 2018 when I replaced a T16000 that lasted 3 months before degrading into unmanageable drift.

The X56 has ran flawlessly for me since day one. The software is very easy to use if you want to (not really needed for ED, have used it for some custom mapping for other games). I'm totally used to it now, but the stick is floppy in all directions for a short amount before finding resistance, and that bugged me at first.

I'd absolutely recommend the new X56, lots of buttons, switches, axis, mini joysticks and it's all held up well to my abuse.

 

[Mole HD]

Not sure if you're still in the market, OP, but I've been using the new X56 since March of 2018 when I replaced a T16000 that lasted 3 months before degrading into unmanageable drift.

The X56 has ran flawlessly for me since day one. The software is very easy to use if you want to (not really needed for ED, have used it for some custom mapping for other games). I'm totally used to it now, but the stick is floppy in all directions for a short amount before finding resistance, and that bugged me at first.

I'd absolutely recommend the new X56, lots of buttons, switches, axis, mini joysticks and it's all held up well to my abuse.

Same here. Love the X56 with the 2 analogue thumsticks, one on the stick...one on the throttle.

I stripped the throttle unit down after finding it impossibly stiff, even on the softest setting. I removed some of the sticky grease and rebuilt it...it's been perfect ever since.

I upgraded from the X52 proflight, simply for more button and switch options... and so far, with Logitech taking over, handling the software and warranty, I've had absolutely no issues with it at all.

I have the softest spring mounted in the stick after trying out all 4 that came with it...as a matter of preference more than anything since I find the almost floppy stick aids in accuracy by not having to fight the spring return.

I'd have no problems in recommending the X56...it has a full Logitech 2 year warranty once you register the unit on the Logitech website.

 

[Leper Messiah]

I'm really saddened by the demise of Saitek, I'm still using my X36F and X35T! It's got the old multiple pin connector as well as USB fer gawds sakes!! Although heartened to hear that Logitech are now increasing the quality.

 

[Chris Simon]

I'm really saddened by the demise of Saitek, I'm still using my X36F and X35T! It's got the old multiple pin connector as well as USB fer gawds sakes!! Although heartened to hear that Logitech are now increasing the quality.

Well, yeah, the problem is that Saitek last few years wasn't the same Saitek that started the trend of highly customisable and futuristic looking gaming stuff. They were crap, to be honest and living from the past reputation.
Logitech is kind of an EA of PC peripherals, so it's a bit of a "From the rain under the drain" situation but we'll see.

 

[3dog]

Same here. ...

I stripped the throttle unit down after finding it impossibly stiff, even on the softest setting. I removed some of the sticky grease and rebuilt it...it's been perfect ever since.

I have found this a common issue with just about every joystick I've ever owned, way back to the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro (very old school). The first thing I do with a new joysticks is test the feel and I usually find it better to disassemble and clean out the gooped in lube. Logitech at least uses a silicone grease as far as I can tell, and I have replaced it with a Teflon grease (for RC cars and stuff). I find the silicone grease to be sticky as @Mole HD has stated.

Silicone grease is THE recommended lubricant for plastics since it has a synthetic oil base. If you want to be safe, remove the glopped on grease and save it. Reapply it thinly to the contact surfaces and work it in. That way you can clean and reapply it if it becomes saturated with dust or other debris.

If you have a fancy Hotas with metal mating surfaces, you probably don't have any of these issues anyway.

If you are willing to perform periodic maintenance on your HOTAS, less grease is more. The manufacturers throw a metric-ton of grease in there assuming you will never perform any maintenance on it, ever. White Lithium grease comes in giant tubes at the big box stores and it's pretty cheap. Use with caution as some contain petroleum, based mineral oils so use sparingly.

One thing to keep in mind is that plastic is a petroleum product, so using a petroleum based grease could erode the plastic components.

Your mileage may vary, use common sense. There are YouTube videos explaining in great detail how to disassemble plastic products so you don't strip out screws and stuff like that.

 

[Gekco]

I still am in the market for a joystick Vdemo, I was hoping there would have been some deals on the Logitech sticks but I couldn't see any. Plenty of deals on the steering wheels, 50% off but I already have the G27.

I do have the Thrustmaster T16000 but it does have an issue. Some how it gets stuck in a very slight nose down position, this causes my ship to veer down. Only way I've found to fix this is to push the stick very abruptly a few times. I've been managing to play with jus the stick so I might wait a few more months and see if any more long term reviews come out for the "new" Logitech sticks.

 

[Morbad]

Well, yeah, the problem is that Saitek last few years wasn't the same Saitek that started the trend of highly customisable and futuristic looking gaming stuff. They were crap, to be honest and living from the past reputation.

Last Saitek controller I used that actually felt like it was worth the cost was my original X36 and even that still failed after about 2-3 years (the rubber boot that provided the finer resistance split, ruining it's precision). Tried a few after this but never particularly liked them.