HOTAS (x52p) to Xbox 360 controller = nightmare.

[Cradle2Grave]

Depends what you get used to init.

 

[Fireclown]

Maybe if I had started on a controller instead of the x52 I'd be ok but, wow what a difference.

Probably.
I started on kb/mouse. Took me a while to get the hang of it but it's now second nature.
Bought a HOTAS and it feels bad. Accuracy feels much better with mouse.
I've been 'poisoned' by maybe.

 

[LittleJP]

It took me about three months of regular playing (3-4 hours a night and more on weekend) to switch from M + K flying to my pedals and stick. Mind you, this was in ARMA where the flight model is extremely arcady, but it's worth it in the end for the sheer level of control you can get with yaw, rotation, strafing, and pitch.

 

[Ceeege]

I'm also an X52 Pro owner and I've gone through 3 rma's!

A while back I set out to learn how to use an Xbox controller, its OK, but by no means do I feel like I have anything like the control I have over my ship with a HOTAS. Its kind of relaxing to use when trading or exploring, but I don't think I'd dare use a controller for combat!

Things may change if FD import the new Xbox control method to PC/Mac and also using the new Elite Xbox controller may bring its own benefits, but for now I feel like the HOTAS is a much better fit.

Absolutely this^

I have an X55 which I got new (and its creaked and groaned from day 1) but it offers a good level of flight control. I also have a 360 Gamepad which is fine for exploration or trading but combat is just a big no-no.

I tried the basic combat demo with the gamepad the other day whilst showing my 8 year old son ED and it took me several minutes to take down the easy opponent. Hopefully the newly mentioned XBone controls will help even things up a bit.

 

[lemny]

I have an X55 which I got new (and its creaked and groaned from day 1) but it offers a good level of flight control.

My X55 is smooth as hell... try some lube unter the centering cone. Easy to apply while changing springs.

 

[thearmysredneck]

CH Products fighterstick, pro throttle, and pedals here. But I fly in X-Plane as well some others so it was easier for me to justify the $ as it was not just for one game. Money well spent. Might not look fancy and flashy, but it's robust and feels solid. Plus that mini joy stick on the throttle is just begging for vertical and lateral thruster binding! And it's plug and play. No driver or software install needed. I haven't installed the software and just calibrated them in windows and all 3 function flawless. Only down side is lack of twist rudder but I prefer to have the pedals.

 

[lefty1117]

You really have to go with gimbals if you're using a gamepad to fly. That said, the xbox client has a different default setup for the XB1 controller and I think it's much better. More controls are mapped to it by using Y, B and A in conjunction with the Dpad. They should being that control scheme to the PC side - I think I remember seeing in a blog that they were going to do just that.