Hardware & Technical Good result on X55 return to retailer.

[DanTheMan]

Today I received an 80% refund of the full purchase price (£189.00) of the X55 my sons clubbed together and bought me for my 60th.
The X55 was returned to the retailer (BOX) twice in 8 months, each time for the same problems failed switches on the castle hat and the pinky-switch on the throttle.
Not BOX's fault at all, they behaved impeccably on each occasion.
I told them I wanted a refund not a replacement this time and Initially they tried to insist I accept yet another "replacement", but my stance was that they both failed within 4 months so far and if I accept one then in 4 months time I will have another broken HOTAS and no recourse as the years warranty would have expired.

After an exchange of e-mails where I suggested they contact their legal dept as I could clearly demonstrate to a small-claims court that the goods supplied was not of merchantable quality and they would be liable for both refund and all costs I might incur they came back within the offer of an 80% refund.

I think that is good enough as I have had 8-months usage at c.£5/month.

A good result, but I will never, ever buy another Saitek product.
The CH sticks I replaced the X55 with are much better IMHO.

I know others have had good experiences with Saitek, mine has been of the other kind.

 

[Certacito]

I was about to buy one as well, seems they are a bit of a pot luck and there is something amiss with their quality control. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Insomnia]

I bought mine for 100 euros. Used. So I was a bit uneven when it landed in my mailbox in april this year. I was told the X55 had some major issues with build quality, and I should look the other way.
But I bought it anyway.
100 euros, from a guy who used it for a couple of months for Elite.
But it's been working like a charm. Like a charm!
Sure it squeeks when I twist it, and the hats squeeks and sounds like it's gonna fall apart. But I've always been very, very picky with my things. My stuff tends to last for very long periods.
And I'm super pleased with my Saitek X55.

My only wish is better compatibility with Elite. The slider and the mode switch would be useful...!

 

[MarcusReed]

Hat switches are a hug problem with the X55. I've had mine for a year now andone set of hats are intermittent. Luckily it's only one set and I can get by. I know the X55s have hit and miss quality but it's still the best HOTAS on the market imo

 

[dave11]

I avoided the X55 because it seemed to have a lot of negative reviews regarding its quality. I got a ch pro throttle, but the first two had faults (returned them), my third one is pretty much perfect and it feels made to last. I've got a T1600m joystick and are on the second one (the trigger on the first one fired intermittently) and so far so good. Maybe i've just had bad luck. Glad you're happy with your new setup

 

[Heater]

I have had 3, that were returned, all for the same issues, (switches failing within weeks or months) all were replaced but it took time and threats of legal action to get any response at all.

 

[Brimstone]

This is truely a shame, because there really aren't any HOTAS solutions aside from the x52 pro in this price bracket that boast similar features as the x55. Yes there are CH products, but to get a full set is 50-100% more expensive (atleast from what I've seen in the U.S. markets), which is getting into the Thrustmaster Warthog territory. I think we all would prefer Warthogs anyway, cuz dat metal stick doe

I'm glad you've resolved the issue though OP, have fun with your CH products