Hardware & Technical Saitek X52 - worth buying?

Floode · Nov 4, 2014

I'm very tempted to buy a Saitek X52 flight system from the Frontier store. I've currently got a Thrustmaster T.16000M.

Is the addition of the left 'throttle' stick a worthwhile feature? I currently use the keyboard to regulate speed.

Basically, is it worth upgrading my T.16000M to an X52?

Asp Explorer · Nov 4, 2014

If it's the Pro version, I'd say yes.

Serious stick pushers will recommend going for something a bit higher up though.

scoochy · Nov 4, 2014

For the money it is a good stick. I have owned 2 of them and they are put together quite well and serve me just fine with the many sims I play. Only grip is that the friction at the base can make fine adjustments a little tricky.

Comrade Napoleon · Nov 4, 2014

See Asp Explorer , I agree wholeheartedly, the pro is eeeeely nice.

Cheers Cmdr's

Jetkar · Nov 4, 2014

Either X52 or the X52 Pro is worth it !!

fergal · Nov 4, 2014

I've got one, and at first I thought it had a ridiculous number of buttons and you wouldn't really need a throttle stick.
I was pretty wrong. Not sure what the difference between the normal and pro is, but he pro might be worth a look if the price is similar.

Floode · Nov 4, 2014

I was just about to ask - what is the difference between the normal one (which I believe is the one featured in the store) and the pro?

Milky82 · Nov 4, 2014

I have a pro and with exception of comms and the galatic map I never touch the keyboard or mouse in flight, top stick. Perfect for this and any other sim like game.

A Thurstmaster warthog is beautiful but is it really worth the extra moolah

S.H.A.D.O · Nov 4, 2014

I have the normal X-52 and I love it!!

I have to admit it took a little practice as I'd not used a stick before but now it's amazing and makes stuff like docking a total breeze.

fergal · Nov 4, 2014

S.H.A.D.O said:
I have the normal X-52 and I love it!!

I have to admit it took a little practice as I'd not used a stick before but now it's amazing and makes stuff like docking a total breeze.

Yeah I would say the same. Looking at the pro I don't really see more buttons. There are 31 on the normal

Asp Explorer · Nov 4, 2014

It's not a case of more buttons, the Pro has more metal, better sensors and springs and a slightly less useless display.

I'd be happy with either though.

Zorbulev · Nov 4, 2014

Floode said:
I was just about to ask - what is the difference between the normal one (which I believe is the one featured in the store) and the pro?

I recall it was some 'nicer' internal components and a much better display on the throttle. They are awesome.

Entilzar · Nov 4, 2014

I have the x52 std, cant see much difference for the price over the pro, I would also use the magent mod for it too, very slick easy to use

Enty

MADmanOne · Nov 4, 2014

I love my x52 Pro. In case it breaks someday I would buy it again. I have created a 3-Mode Profile for it to get even more use out of it. Great piece of hardware.
I took the Pro primarily because of the look. I like the black style of it and it feels high quality to me

I have also mounted both parts on a wood board which then gets fixed with clamps at my desk. Perfekt for me, nothing moves

Xreasonz · Nov 4, 2014

Been using the X52 Pro for a while now, and it does still work, after daily use for 3 years. so yep it is a good stick.
+ the design fits Sci-Fi games very well indeed.

zxen · Nov 4, 2014

I got the X52 Pro, it's pretty cheap from Amazon DE or FR (compared to UK) and it's brilliant for the price.

It's got little indents at the 75% throttle mark, so you can set it just so, during an SC trip without looking at the speed dial. Plenty of buttons for the game too and there's already a default profile for the X52 pro so just set and go. (though I customised my settings a bit).

The only negative is the connector joining the throttle and joystick, it can be a bit loose. Fortunately I bought from Amazon and got it replaced instantly.

Xzanron · Nov 4, 2014

OMG YES!

I started with the X52, then upgrade to the X55. If you can afford it go to the X55. If you're not sure if you'll like HOTAS then get the X52; it's a great entry level HOTAS.

dognosh · Nov 4, 2014

Floode said:
I'm very tempted to buy a Saitek X52 flight system from the Frontier store. I've currently got a Thrustmaster T.16000M.

Is the addition of the left 'throttle' stick a worthwhile feature? I currently use the keyboard to regulate speed.

Basically, is it worth upgrading my T.16000M to an X52?

yes yes yes

The warthog hasn't got yaw(joystick twist) which the X52/X52 pro has.

scoochy · Nov 4, 2014

be sure to set the dead zone accordingly, otherwise you'll be sitting in space wondering why your ship is spinning.

I have mine locked out though, love to use rudder pedals in place of the twist.

Bladesteel · Nov 4, 2014

I didn't regret it one second.
The standard settings for it in ED is ok, just needs to add forward and reverse thruster button override when docking