The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[MartinW]

Well the way I see the bad reviews is this... where will those with issues proclaim there disgust? On the internet, on forums. Those that are happy with the product have no need to shout about it, so you can get an inaccurate impression of the products reliability. Only Saitek truly know how many units are faulty compared with how many they sell. In addition, it could well have been the early examples that were faulty. Newer runs maybe not so much.
So yes, it seems that some have issues but conversely many don't.
Personally, I would say the majority of the issues are solvable, like using USB 3 ports rather than USB 2, or a powered hub. Keeping the shaft lubricated, and avoiding grease on the cup... I may eat my words though on Xmas day

 

[Dogmeat]

I like my x55 a lot but the first one did have a non- functioning toggle switch on the throttle... That still left six others to play with, mind!

Very precise, comfortable and with good switch positioning. A pleasure to use!

 

[Elvo]

Hi all. I'm considering the X52 (Pro/nonPro) Is there much to be gained by going for the Pro given that it's £50 more expensive than the non pro? My only issue with the non pro is it's a bit glitzy!

 

[MartinW]

I would say go for the Pro. In my experience, manufactures tend to iron out any issues in the updated versions of products.

 

[Elvo]

I would say go for the Pro. In my experience, manufactures tend to iron out any issues in the updated versions of products.

A very valid point Martin, alli need now is for Scan to actually have thm in stock rather than on Pre-Order!

 

[Cibotx]

I would suggest the Thrustmaster T.16000M for low budget, it also works great with fligh sims. I was not happy with the T.Flight Hotas Stick X, the stick movement was too irregular and the design very bulky.

 

[MartinW]

A very valid point Martin, alli need now is for Scan to actually have thm in stock rather than on Pre-Order!

I usually use Scan, but my daughter ordered my X55 from OCUK. Although it looks like the price has now gone up.

Only one X52 left you better hurry.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...ktdetailseite&emcs2=GC-031-SK&emcs3=GC-043-SK

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[Kortossis]

Ive had my X52 (Non Pro) now for 4 years, bought it during my Microsoft Flight hiatus. Throughout the years it has taken my abuse for flight sims, fighter pilot sims and now elite dangerous. It still holds strong in all axis. The pro model looks nice but I like the 4 index throttle hat on the front side of the throttle stick, perfect for 4 DOF + the sticks yaw/pitch +roll yielding perfect 6 DOF (degrees of flight) makes landing and hardcore flight combat a breeze.
From what I see though its not fully descriptive the pro model does not have the 4 way thrust hat on the throttle like the non pro. Has a 2 way UP/DOWN Only on it no LEFT/RIGHT thrust.
It does have other buttons you can map that too but for me having it on the throttle makes so much sence, less abuse to a stick hat switch as your in combat.

The ONLY downside I see to the X-52 is the clutch and mouse buttons on the throttle are not reconized what so ever in ED. Also a roll/push switch as well again on the throttle side. I would use those for scan range increase/decrease and the push for locking on crosshair target. Would be the perfect setup but I think the trade off is well worth it.

I bought the X55 and returned it 2 times for problems with the twist on the flight stick (edit), finaly just getting my money back. So newer isn't always better.

 

[MartinW]

Was the twist problem, the sticking, and clicking noise?

 

[Kortossis]

Was the twist problem, the sticking, and clicking noise?

yea would get stuck numerous times, and that click almost sounded like breakage though, more like crunching. This was on 2 units fresh out of the box. The second box had the trigger broken on it too!

 

[Elvo]

I usually use Scan, but my daughter ordered my X55 from OCUK. Although it looks like the price has now gone up.

Only one X52 left you better hurry.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...ktdetailseite&emcs2=GC-031-SK&emcs3=GC-043-SK

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Thanks for the link but they are £25 quid more than Scan, but neither has any stock at the moment. Grrr!

 

[Eleazaros]

I had 4 X-55's All had issues like the throttle getting looser without touching the on the side and 1 joy stick came off in my hand wires everywhere. They feel great but to get a good one is ether lucky or takes patience.

I have an X-55 right now.

One of the first things I did was launch the software for it and set the dead zone. It's default is a zero-tolerance dead-zone -- which can cause issues.

The throttle is amazing and very simple to work with. I'm boggling at how you get it looser like that - I had to crank mine much looser for comfort sake.

joystick came flying off in your hand? Yuck! but... well. THERE ARE NO FRIGGN WIRES IF IT DID THAT!

You have a handle that detaches with a screw on connector at the base - where you change the springs to whatever tension version you want -- from the 4 that come with it (I like the second lowest tension - red/lowest is just too sloppy for me though I understand some people use it without any tension spring... Mostly for helicopter sims). There is *ONE* wire from the base of the joystick to your computer. If you take that handle off, there are metal plates inside and corresponding pins but zip spank for wires...

What the hell did you do? Pick it up and slam it on your desk until the casing split open? I suppose there are wires inside that base unit but...

No insult there - hell, I replaced 6 keyboards from temperament - keystroke missed/sticky key. I stopped, looked at the board, pointed a finger straight down and drove it through the keyboard. "oops... bit of a temper gig there... time to buy another one" but I've mellowed over the years.

I just boggle at someone saying they bought 4 of these things then talking about the handle breaking off with "wires everywhere". That isn't possible with any type of normal use. You'd literally have to shatter the base for the controllers to see more than 1 wire from each and they are from the base of the controller.

 

[Enrathi]

Ive had my X52 (Non Pro) now for 4 years, bought it during my Microsoft Flight hiatus. Throughout the years it has taken my abuse for flight sims, fighter pilot sims and now elite dangerous. It still holds strong in all axis. The pro model looks nice but I like the 4 index throttle hat on the front side of the throttle stick, perfect for 4 DOF + the sticks yaw/pitch +roll yielding perfect 6 DOF (degrees of flight) makes landing and hardcore flight combat a breeze.
From what I see though its not fully descriptive the pro model does not have the 4 way thrust hat on the throttle like the non pro. Has a 2 way UP/DOWN Only on it no LEFT/RIGHT thrust.
It does have other buttons you can map that too but for me having it on the throttle makes so much sence, less abuse to a stick hat switch as your in combat.

The ONLY downside I see to the X-52 is the clutch and mouse buttons on the throttle are not reconized what so ever in ED. Also a roll/push switch as well again on the throttle side. I would use those for scan range increase/decrease and the push for locking on crosshair target. Would be the perfect setup but I think the trade off is well worth it.

I bought the X55 and returned it 2 times for problems with the twist on the flight stick (edit), finaly just getting my money back. So newer isn't always better.

I use an X52 Pro and it does have a 4 way thrust hat on the front of the throttle like the non-pro. The biggest difference between the two is the pro has better joystick response, some metal parts instead of being pure plastic, and the color.

​Edited for clarity.

 

[Mortumm]

Basic controller

Is it even worth trying to play with a basic xbox360 controller? Still fighting myself over new gear purchases...

 

[DaveS1138]

I picked up a X55 (was thinking about the X52 but they were not in stock at the time). Gotta say I am absolutely loving it. It adds so much to the feel of the game
Sorry to hear some of the problems others have been having with it. Hopefully I get lucky with mine.

 

[Wendiga]

Thanks all who posted here, now i know what to do.
Thrustmaster X while i get the money for Saitek one.

 

[Arthur_two_sheds_Jackson]

I have an old Saitek AV8R 01 which has seen me through FSX flight sim and Over Flanders Fields and now ED
Still going strong even after having a detailed examination by my 3 yr old.

Its a good solid stick.

 

[MartinW]

yea would get stuck numerous times, and that click almost sounded like breakage though, more like crunching. This was on 2 units fresh out of the box. The second box had the trigger broken on it too!

Oh right, this is a known issue. Saitek tell us it's caused by lubricant making contact with the underside of the dome the spring sits on. Just a case of wiping it clean with a microfiber cloth.

http://support.madcatz.com/Knowledg...a-high-pitch-noise-when-making-slow-movements

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I have an old Saitek AV8R 01 which has seen me through FSX flight sim and Over Flanders Fields and now ED
Still going strong even after having a detailed examination by my 3 yr old.

Its a good solid stick.

Ha, I'm using an old Microsoft Sidewinder Pro for FSX and Elite. It's so old there's a huge amount of play. Till Christmas that is, and the X55 is pulled out of the box.

 

[MartinW]

I have an X-55 right now.

One of the first things I did was launch the software for it and set the dead zone. It's default is a zero-tolerance dead-zone -- which can cause issues.


I just boggle at someone saying they bought 4 of these things then talking about the handle breaking off with "wires everywhere". That isn't possible with any type of normal use. You'd literally have to shatter the base for the controllers to see more than 1 wire from each and they are from the base of the controller.

I must admit it baffled me when he said that. Good reminder re the dead zones. I must remember that for Xmas day.

 

[Andrej]

Thanks all who posted here, now i know what to do.
Thrustmaster X while i get the money for Saitek one.

Thrustmaster X it really OK, why change it for Saitek? If you really want something much better why don`t aim to the end of the line like Thustmaster Warthog (with good rudder pedals and TrackIR/Oculus Rift which can go latter )? Good HOTAS setup it a really long time investment, which will serve you for the next 5-10 years or even more.