HOTAS Recommendations?

Piwo

Piwo
Hello,

I've been using the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One, which I clearly cannot recommend to anybody. I'm using my second device now, because the first one had an extreme loose contact and the axis were wobbling around. The second device started well, but after just some hours of usage the same problems appearing again and recently reached a level that makes flying in ED nearly inpossible.

Can you recommend any good and espacially reliable Hotas, which stays precise even after many hours of usage?
 

Helmut Grokenberger

Helmut Grokenberger
I am very happy with the Logitech X52 Pro, which goes for €130 on Amazon.de at the moment. People moan about the programming software, but once you got the hang it is pretty good and makes the unit very flexible.

Be aware that this is still a "cheap" HOTAS, although it's significantly better than the TM Hotas X/4/One (which are trash, the X52 Pro feels alot more like a quality product and not like a toy). Mine is around two years and 1500 flight hours old, and parts are starting to go. The two-stage trigger broke a year ago and I was too lazy to RMA it (and I didn't need two stages), I had a loose wire in the stick a few months ago, and now the hat switch starts to act up. Disassembling and cleaning the contacts it fixed it short term, but I'm expecting the 8-way hat do die at some point. It's not made to last forever.

In my opinion, avoid the TM 16000. The one I had lasted all of two months before it developed serious yaw problems, and the button placement makes them useless. The TCWS throttle is pretty good though, if you regrease it.

If you want better quality, the next step up is something like the VKB Gladiator NXT (if it's available), but that's 140-190 Euros for just a stick... no throttle yet. For better quality stuff like the Virpils you will have to spend some SERIOUS money, but I have no experience with them.

So, you can either spend alot for something really good (and see it as a long term investment), or spend much less and be prepared to rebuy every few years. 130 Euros for the X52 is a pretty good deal, though.
 

LordJim47

LordJim47
Piwo said:
Hello,

I've been using the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One, which I clearly cannot recommend to anybody. I'm using my second device now, because the first one had an extreme loose contact and the axis were wobbling around. The second device started well, but after just some hours of usage the same problems appearing again and recently reached a level that makes flying in ED nearly inpossible.

Can you recommend any good and espacially reliable Hotas, which stays precise even after many hours of usage?
Click to expand...
Started my Elite Dangerous with Xbox One and bought HOTAS One as soon as it was available (Dec 2017). Fought the yaw left issue and lost until I found this https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Computer+Game+Controller+t.Flight+HOTAS+rebuild/142109 . Also read all the fixes for T-HOTAS One on reddit - all fairly the same fix. Good news is it really does work - cheap CHINA quality control in their clean build ability seems to be the cause. I did the Thrustmaster Customer Service trouble shoot and replace on two HOTAS. Cut the cable get a new one twice. Fixed both and can still use the first one (2017) and have 3 spares atm. All repairs very easy even for less than novice at electronic repair stuff. Full disclosure: I'm a loyal Thrustmaster customer - Warthog, TPR Pedals for PC and all the FORZA TX servo base racing add-ons for Xbox. Their customer service is the best.
 

TheMindBuddah

TheMindBuddah
I started with a second hand thrustmaster HOTAS T Flight PC/PS3 which is pretty much the same then changed to the Logitech X56 with Monstertech mounts. While there is the "ghosting" issue unless using a powered hub or SATA powered PCIE card (the option I use). It's also been criticized about reliability issues but have have had no complaints over the 4 years I have used mine. The extra buttons are useful it has served it's time we'll in Elite/X4/Star Citizen.
Only critical thing I can say it felt less fighter pilot nimble for the first few weeks of use compared to the old thrustmaster.
Definitely look at the X56 and X52 as options at those price brackets. Obviously not comparable to Virple or Wingwing devices but a good compromise with price.

Source: https://youtu.be/8ivT7kj4J18
 

Jikesaijo

J
I got a thrustmaster hotas 4 as I started on PS4. After 4 years it is still running even though the throttle is dead but I am using other way to accelerate. So I would say that this entry/middle range product is not bad at all even if it is all plastic. I might switch to very good ones but i am waiting to see how the game will develop before further investment
 

Voleris

Voleris

Attachments

  • 20220327_162854.jpg
    20220327_162854.jpg
    1.8 MB · Views: 72

PDXXX

P
Logitech X-52 Pro here, could save a few bucks and get the base model though. the only difference is the pro uses metal in some places that are plastic on the base model. I like mine a lot and it has served me well.
 

CNC drill press

C
Helmut Grokenberger said:
I am very happy with the Logitech X52 Pro, which goes for €130 on Amazon.de at the moment. People moan about the programming software, but once you got the hang it is pretty good and makes the unit very flexible.

Be aware that this is still a "cheap" HOTAS, although it's significantly better than the TM Hotas X/4/One (which are trash, the X52 Pro feels alot more like a quality product and not like a toy). Mine is around two years and 1500 flight hours old, and parts are starting to go. The two-stage trigger broke a year ago and I was too lazy to RMA it (and I didn't need two stages), I had a loose wire in the stick a few months ago, and now the hat switch starts to act up. Disassembling and cleaning the contacts it fixed it short term, but I'm expecting the 8-way hat do die at some point. It's not made to last forever.

In my opinion, avoid the TM 16000. The one I had lasted all of two months before it developed serious yaw problems, and the button placement makes them useless. The TCWS throttle is pretty good though, if you regrease it.

If you want better quality, the next step up is something like the VKB Gladiator NXT (if it's available), but that's 140-190 Euros for just a stick... no throttle yet. For better quality stuff like the Virpils you will have to spend some SERIOUS money, but I have no experience with them.

So, you can either spend alot for something really good (and see it as a long term investment), or spend much less and be prepared to rebuy every few years. 130 Euros for the X52 is a pretty good deal, though.
Click to expand...
Yeah yaw in t16000 will fail in a few weeks, but once You replace potentiometer with hall sensor it will work for hundreds of hours. But potentiometers in TWCS will die too. The one "behind" throttle and thumbstick.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom