HOTAS Pros, Cons & Recommendations

[R3DB3RD]

Soooo , my Saitek X52 just died, well, its slowly been losing funcionality, like first the mouse button being completely random and a pain in the , then various, randomness with pov hat switches, mouse wheel etc. software is ruled out because I have plenty of experience with the old saitek software and drivers and consequently logitech.
So I figure it is hardware, I've had it for about 5 years and it has served me well. I dont fancy google/youtube/soldering iron and taking it to bits to see if I can fix it, not my skill set and/or the time to do that.
Soooo ...
I'm thinking of a Thrustmaster T1600 fcs because it's a reasonably priced HOTAS.
I am interested in opinons on this and other HOTAS, as in if I can save money on something cheaper or can I be swayed to up my budget and get something more expensive.
Also, if anyone's experience of switching from a saitek to logitech... have they been improved?

Thank You.

 

[CMDR Karrde Sun]

I've used an logitech x56 (grey) for 2 years now with no reliability problems.

Having said, the original design itself is sub optimal in ways that bug be every day. The joystick is uncomfortable relative to other joysticks, the thumb joysticks dont have a enough resistance and are upsetting to use, and you cant map the curves for these from the drivers, and the 2 buttons on the back of the throttle are too stiff to press. The little hat switches are relatively poor in quality as well. Also the switches are built on the wrong side on the throttle imo. But otherwise the thing is built like a tank.

The thrustmaster throttle is interesting as well.. its not as high end, but compared to the x56, its designed to be used not just look fancy.. perfect usability. All the switches are unassuming, but nothing feels cheap. The only thing wrong with it is the slider mechanism once the original lubrication wears off starts feeling crap, and you have to reapply lubricant, and you need the right type. That takes a while to happen sure, but the slider part of the thrustmaster throttle is not the best. Its a shame because if it was, that much cheaper unit would absolutely destroy the x56 throttle. You can live with the less inputs by using modifers just fine.

Hmm to answer your question though, if you're changing hotas id say there are pros and cons for all alternatives. The x56 which im using now is a love hate relationship.. while it pees me off pretty much every day, no way in hell id give it back

 

[Vedmo]

Never had a Saitek, but have been using the Logitech X-56 for a couple of years now without issue. I bought a different stick in December, but not because the Logitech one was bad, just wanted to try out a higher end one. Still use the throttle. Unless you have massive hands, plan on fashioning something on top of the palm rest of the X-56 stick if you go that route. For the price though, if you are comfortable with it, I don't think anything can come close to the Logitech X056.

I started out with the Thrustmaster hotas, and while the stick felt fine and worked ok for a while, drift became unbearable over time (6 months maybe?). The TM Throttle, as cheap as it feels, honestly isn't that bad. I didn't care for the linear slide, an arc is a lot nicer for me, and the thumb hats weren't very ergonomic for my hand, but if my X-56 broke I'd probably just go back to it since it's laying here.

 

[CmdrKull]

Not sure where it falls between recommendation and warning, but if you were to buy a T16000m be prepared to immediately open it up and clip some plastic bits that are poorly designed and lead to yaw craziness. If you’re comfortable with that, it’s still a great stick.

 

[CNC drill press]

Not sure where it falls between recommendation and warning, but if you were to buy a T16000m be prepared to immediately open it up and clip some plastic bits that are poorly designed and lead to yaw craziness. If you’re comfortable with that, it’s still a great stick.

Same. Issues started after month or two, actualy i failed to fix it, i had to deasemble stick from time to time. Also throttle's extra axis, while handy, it got crazy as well. They both are potentiometers, but amoung of false input happening here is unacceptable. Just like with stick. Reasembling fix iaaue for a while, i guess ita some tension being applied on potentiometers.
Dont buy it.

 

[Ganogati]

My wife and I both own the T16000m and we are beyond happy with them. Didn't have to really do anything to them other than unbox em and toss em onto the tables and start playing. I used to have a Saitek X52, but I like the T16000m more. My favorite part about it is how widely supported it is, with keymappings in almost all the games I play already set.

I did have to do some custom keymappings for ED, which took a day or two in order to get juuuuust right, but I wouldn't trade this in for anything. In fact, I use it so much I've considered buying a second for if this one dies lol

 

[Faded Glory]

Unfortunately I have to agree with the two posters who mention the yaw failure (it's primarily down to a cheap potentiometer) on the T16000 stick.

On the plus side it's a really accurate stick for the price, and the throttle is excellent IMO, loads of hats, buttons and paddles as well as an analogue stick - I still use the throttle.

But the stick? I went through three of them in as many years. To be fair, Thrustmaster did replace two of them, but I simply lost confidence in it. I did manage to repair one, it was fiddly, and only lasted a few months before it started yawing by itself again, so end of last year I gave up and went for a VKB Gunfighter stick. Somewhat pricey (possibly eye-wateringly so), but a whole different level of quality.

So, beware the T16000 stick. They are cheap, and if you treat it as a consumable that might last a year or so, then you'll be happy, otherwise I have to say steer clear of it. Again, the throttle is great and I'm still using the original one.

 

[Marklar_]

I went through three X52s before finally biting the bullet and getting a Warthog. They're expensive but so far it's been a good investment, no issues so far. The buttons are really stiff though, and there's a lot of stiction that can keep the stick from centering.

I've never used them, but I've heard good things about CH. I recommend a solid quality HOTAS, budget ones just fall apart and you end up spending a lot replacing them if you use them a lot.

 

[CMDR Harada]

Unfortunately I have to agree with the two posters who mention the yaw failure (it's primarily down to a cheap potentiometer) on the T16000 stick.

On the plus side it's a really accurate stick for the price, and the throttle is excellent IMO, loads of hats, buttons and paddles as well as an analogue stick - I still use the throttle.

But the stick? I went through three of them in as many years. To be fair, Thrustmaster did replace two of them, but I simply lost confidence in it. I did manage to repair one, it was fiddly, and only lasted a few months before it started yawing by itself again, so end of last year I gave up and went for a VKB Gunfighter stick. Somewhat pricey (possibly eye-wateringly so), but a whole different level of quality.

So, beware the T16000 stick. They are cheap, and if you treat it as a consumable that might last a year or so, then you'll be happy, otherwise I have to say steer clear of it. Again, the throttle is great and I'm still using the original one.

Same issues here with the T16000. Gradually lost center and started to wander, which can be fixed by adjusting the center dead spot. But then the twist axis got weird. Great stick when it works. But I went thru three in 2 1/2 years, at $70 each... Enuf.

I'd suggest getting a good high quality stick. I bought a VKB gladiator II with the SCG handle upgrade, but there are others.

 

[Ganogati]

Interesting. So I've had the same T16000M since 2017, and it's the only thing I've played Elite on. I've logged about 450 hours on it in Elite so far, and I've had no yaw issues yet. Knock on wood lol. Hopefully that doesn't change in the future.

Gradually lost center and started to wander, which can be fixed by adjusting the center dead spot

I DO have this though. It's not too bad, just a slight downward trend if I dont keep my hand on the stick, but I figure after nearly 500 hours on it (and some of the abuse I've put it through in those hours) I can't complain about it acting a little wonky.

 

[60mm]

None of the low-mid tier joysticks last. Just the sad truth. Twin 1600s ain't bad.

 

[rrobes]

Recommend the Warthog, went through two older Logitechs Saiteks, the switches crapped out, they're really not of good quality, though the sticks were OK while they lasted.

Have had the Wart for over a year and yes, there is stiction. Fixes are on-line but mine has actually gotten better with use. Very sturdy, doesn't feel like it's going to wear out soon.

 

[Tarkus Venius]

T16000s last months and then crap out, the yaw/twist stops working or it has 'ghost' inputs that require increasingly larger dead zones. I quit buying them after my third died in one year. That 'reasonable price' is a lot less reasonable when you buy 3 sticks in 8 or 9 months.

People use X52s for years before they go bad, I prefer the X56 myself because of the curves software it comes with. The software flashes the curve function code into the stick itself.

Supposedly the quality control and build quality of the Saitech X52/X56 improved considerably now that Logitech is making them. Don't buy the old sticks, they're all bad, look for the Logitech box.

 

[Taowulf]

The VKB Gladiator II joystick runs about $85-90. Toss a CH Pro Throttle or the Thustmaster one and it is set up that will probably last you for a while.

 

[CMDR X]

Logitech Extreme 3d Pro joystick. Been using mine for over 8 years! Only recently has the POV gotten a bit loose.
Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle. Quality could be a bit better but the layout is fantastic. Needs silicone every month or so.

I'm getting another pair in case these finally give up. Or worse, get discontinued.
X.

 

[askavir]

I can tell you about mine.

T16000M - Cheap, throttle and stick are sold separatly making them cheap to replace individually, good ergonomics, lots of buttons, poor build quality and reliability, feels light.
X-56 - Awesome looking, a bit stiff at first, bulky, stick is not for small hands, less confortable than the T16000M, much better build quality, twice as expensive and throttle and stick aren't sold separatly. Loads of buttons, more switches and toggles, and more axis.

 

[CMDR Harada]

The VKB Gladiator II joystick runs about $85-90. Toss a CH Pro Throttle or the Thustmaster one and it is set up that will probably last you for a while.

True, the base Gladiator II is pretty inexpensive, but you really need a handle upgrade. About $200 total one you add that in.. about the price of a separate throttle/stick combo.

 

[wrmiller]

Bought my Warthog hotas years ago, and it's still going strong. I initially took the stick's base apart and did some smoothing of some rough edges, reduced the power of the spring a bit and put some Nyogel in it and it has been working great ever since. I can actually give my stick a gentle push in any direction and it always returns to center. I did recently have to take the stick apart to repair a broken wire, but that was no biggie.

I recently bought a Virpil base, but with the heavy metal thrustmaster stick the base needs some serious motion dampening. Even with the heavy(er) springs installed. So now it just sits on a shelf.

 

[cyberus]

T16000 if on cheap lvl. Warthog seems good but cost a lot .
What I did is buy cheaper alternative to the last ... Cobra m5 Defender... never looked back.

 

[Braddux27]

I bought, in December 2018, and am still using the Thrustmaster 16k stick and throttle. I did pull apart my stick and had to remove a clump of hot glue that seemed to be causing me yaw problems. Since then I have had no problems with it. About 1700 hours on them.