Saitek x45 seems stiff

[funkytwig]

I got a used Saitek x45, looks like it is in very good condition. The seller was selling it for his dad who passed away recently (very sad) and said it had had very light usage (apparently he liked buying hardware).

Anyway, it seems fairly stiff. Both stick and throttle. not sure if this is correct or if this is adjustable. You have to press down (i.e. towards the desk) to stop it lifting off desk for both units. I was expecting something requiring less force.

Is there something wrong with it?

PS I also managed to find a 'Thrustmaster T.1600M FCS Hotas Joystick and Throttle' which should arrive next couple of days maybe this will be better?

 

[Deleted member 121570]

The X45 is indeed a brutally stiff spring, but you can add cableties around the spring to compress it and minimise this. It also lacks the twist axis but the throttle unit I always found ok. I liked the rocker switch on the front especially, and iirc there is an adjustable resistance on the throttle - it's been a while, but a screw point underneath the unit maybe?

The T16k is a completely different beast. You'll find it significantly easier to use and way more precise, and it does have a twist axis (although the yaw potentiometers in these can fail - it's a bit random!). I never used the FCS throttle though.

 

[BDelacroix]

I have an x52 and it has developed the same problem. I have to "unwind" the spring and plate at the bottom from time to time. I haven't found a solution.