Modern HOTAS Options?.

Saltyseadog

Saltyseadog
I've been using my Thrustmaster HOTAS-X all of the 5yrs or so I've been with ED but as some of the hat options aren't as precise as they used to be I am thinking of investing in a new HOTAS. Had a look on Ebuyer and on Ebay but it seems that other than the Logitech one the others are all Thrustmaster which is well and good this one has lasted me the last 5yrs but when I first bought it there seemed to be more varieties on offer from budget like the HOTAS-X to some really expensive CH iirc gear.

My question is can someone point me to a HOTAS specialist store and/or tell me what you are using and how good or bad even you have found it to be?.
 

askavir

askavir
Nick Sticks said:
I liked my Thrustmaster HOTAS-X but I like my Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas better.
Took a bit of time to set up and get used to but it's a good set up at a reasonal price.

Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas (PC): Amazon.co.uk: Amazon.co.uk:

Buy Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas (PC) from Amazon.co.uk. Everyday low prices on a huge range of video game accessories.
www.amazon.co.uk
Click to expand...

This ^^^

I'm very happy with it, loads of buttons and axis. The thrust controller might feel a bit "sticky", but greasing the rails with silicone left it better than new.

As a plus, it doesn't cost a fortune.
 

lenna

lenna
Saltyseadog said:
I've been using my Thrustmaster HOTAS-X all of the 5yrs or so I've been with ED but as some of the hat options aren't as precise as they used to be I am thinking of investing in a new HOTAS. Had a look on Ebuyer and on Ebay but it seems that other than the Logitech one the others are all Thrustmaster which is well and good this one has lasted me the last 5yrs but when I first bought it there seemed to be more varieties on offer from budget like the HOTAS-X to some really expensive CH iirc gear.

My question is can someone point me to a HOTAS specialist store and/or tell me what you are using and how good or bad even you have found it to be?.
Click to expand...
Not aware of any HOTAS specialist stores, personally my main go-to store for new kit is Overclockers UK with Amazon as a last resort.

As for HOTAS solutions, I have used a few
  1. Logitech Xtreme 3D Pro - a tough and reliable if basic stick, one of my first sticks and used to be my old faithful stick for gaming (played X2 The Threat with this one) can still recommend it though.
  2. Saitek X52 Pro - last time I tried this piece of kit I had major driver issues but that was before Logitech bought them out a couple of years back, I can not recommend this one personally
  3. Thrustmaster HOTAS-X - one of the best sticks for the price (a decent range and placement of analogue controls)
  4. Thrustmaster Warthog - expensive, solid, and a bit dated now but still a decent piece of kit (only downside is lack of twist on the stick but you can adapt to it)
  5. Logitech/Saitek X56 - changed to this one recently after my Warthog developed one too many faults, seems to glitch on occasion but not often enough to not recommend it.
Personally, I would probably recommend the X56 as an upgrade from your HOTAS X.
 

Para Handy

Para Handy
Saltyseadog said:
........
My question is can someone point me to a HOTAS specialist store and/or tell me what you are using and how good or bad even you have found it to be?.
Click to expand...

Aviation shops (like Flightstore which is local to me or Transair at Shoreham) were my go-to for simulator stuff, including controls, but they now seem to charge a lot more than online sources. So best bet is probably Overclockers or Game in the UK if you don't want to use Amazon.

There are a couple of "which HOTAS" threads in the PC sub-forum - (that is not a criticism) - you might find inspiration there.

Personally I use CHPro Fighterstick and Throttle - really robust and not huge, like some offerings - pricey though but worth it in my opinion. (Have used CH stuff in flight sims for years - v reliable.)
 

Walter2

Walter2
Agr
Para Handy said:
Personally I use CHPro Fighterstick and Throttle - really robust and not huge, like some offerings - pricey though but worth it in my opinion. (Have used CH stuff in flight sims for years - v reliable.)
Click to expand...
Agreed. I've had one minor problem with the throttle in four years (internal terminals pointed wiring towards moving parts), but apart from that Throttle and Fighterstick have been very reliable.
 

lenna

lenna
avow555 said:
www.logitechg.com

Logitech G Space Simulation Gear - UK

Enhance the realism and immerse yourself in space shuttle sims and games with Logitech G professional space simulation instruments, panels, and controls.
www.logitechg.com www.logitechg.com
Logitechs current HOTAS line-up.
Nothing technical about it, 3d is not a HOTAS , just an entry level joystick.
Click to expand...
It has throttle control, it is technically a HOTAS solution - it is old, and it is not a moulded throttle like most modern HOTAS but it is more than a basic stick - basic sticks typically do not include a throttle axis.

Either way, the point is a bit moot - the OP seems to be looking for an upgrade rather than a side-grade, which arguably the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro would qualify as (better build quality traded for less controls).
 
Last edited:

lenna

lenna
Cathal Brugha said:
You may need to use a powered USB hub, common problem with the X55/X56
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip - the throttle and stick are allocated to USB3 ports taken straight from headers on the motherboard but it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the 5V line gets overloaded at times there by causing a glitch. Added grommets to the cables in case it was some form of interference on the USB cables but it could be a random brown out on the USB ports.

If the OP is planning on getting an X56 then they should probably consider a small but decent quality powered USB3 hub too.
 

avow555

avow555
rlsg said:
It has throttle control, it is technically a HOTAS solution - it is old, and it is not a moulded throttle like most modern HOTAS but it is more than a basic stick - basic sticks typically do not include a throttle axis.

Either way, the point is a bit moot - the OP seems to be looking for an upgrade rather than a side-grade, which arguably the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro would qualify as (better build quality traded for less controls).
Click to expand...
Just point me to any official product description saying it is a HOTAS.
It's in the same bracket as,
Sidewinder 3d pro
Cyborg 3d gold
and other products of the era all joysticks.
Not sure what your insistence that this joystick is a HOTAS.
 

Watcher

W
X52 Pro has worked for me, been mostly fine since I bought it around the time ED went live.

Only wobble was with the throttle center sticky thingy that failed after a couple of years, took that out and not had a problem since.
 

lenna

lenna
Watcher said:
X52 Pro has worked for me, been mostly fine since I bought it around the time ED went live.

Only wobble was with the throttle center sticky thingy that failed after a couple of years, took that out and not had a problem since.
Click to expand...
I gave my X52 Pro to a friend and they have had no trouble with it - difference was that I was running on more modern kit with Windows 10 while they were running an older system with Windows 7. I have heard reports of people getting the X52 Pro working reliably on Windows 10 but I never had any luck with the proposed solutions/workarounds hence why I ended up giving the stick away.
 

photomankc

photomankc
I have a Virpil Base and Constellation stick ordered, but that seems to be no guarantee I'll ever be able to actually use them as "ordered" is about as far as I have gotten in 3 weeks. I'm sticking to the 16000.M throttle, I like it pretty well.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom