Hardware & Technical X52 pro or x55 rhino?

[mike68]

So by the end of the next 2 weeks I will be ordering my first HOTAS! I settled for an xbox one controller for the beta phase but I feel like a hotas would be so much more worth it in the immersion department. Plus I wouldn't have to keep my keyboard on my lap all the time :/. So I'm having a conundrum. X52 pro or x55 rhino? These 2 sticks have exactly what I want, a ton of buttons to map without the need of the keyboard.

The only 2 issues I have are
1. The price is about 60 dollars apart, is the x55 worth the difference?

2. I have heard a lot of issues with these sticks since madcatz bought saitek. Hats and switches not working and having to rma the whole setup only to be met with a replacement that has a different issue.

So please help me guys, I am so stoked! First the hotas! Then the consumer model of the oculus rift which I'll absolutely buy day one!

 

[Argent6978]

I'm not sure what to tell you. I have an OLD Saitek X36F/X35T that works great. I rather like it because it has the rudder control on a big rocker axis underneath the throttle, instead of the twist grip style rudder. I've been looking at the X52 Pro, and it looks like a nice controller. I'm just not sure I want to spend that kind of money when I already have a HOTAS set-up.

 

[curses]

Both are good. I Wanted the x52 pro based on my research but there was no reasonably priced stock located nearby (for rma purposes I will explain shortly) however only the x55 was available.

I looked at the review videos of the x55 and the concerns about the stiff joint at the base of the stick are overblown imo (I didn't even install the weaker spring yet) and there are way more buttons and switches and dials than I need. It's an excellent stick and I'm used to the feeling of it being a bit big now, a concern I had with it early on.

I was also concerned about the build quality so I opted for a local supplier as opposed to eBay or Amazon so I could return it easily if necessary. I read there was QA issues in the last batch and that more stock was coming so I figured that's why I couldn't get the x52 pro.

Sad to say you may still have to keep the keyboard nearby for communicating with other commanders. But whichever stick you get I'm sure you will enjoy!

 

[mike68]

I understand, well kind of. I still have an ancient Microsoft sidewinder force feedback that blew my mind back in the days of combat flight simulator 1 & 2 (late 90s) too bad there are no force feedback hotas setups, because I would definitely buy one!

 

[Don_Von_Hulio]

I also use the X55 and havent had any of the issues some complain about. I actually use the stiffest spring when i play.

And the only time i ever touch the keyboard is to talk... everything else is mapped with room to spare.

One day ill upgrade to a Warthog when i move, then sell my stick to another Elite player. XD

 

[mike68]

Both are good. I Wanted the x52 pro based on my research but there was no reasonably priced stock located nearby (for rma purposes I will explain shortly) however only the x55 was available.

I looked at the review videos of the x55 and the concerns about the stiff joint at the base of the stick are overblown imo (I didn't even install the weaker spring yet) and there are way more buttons and switches and dials than I need. It's an excellent stick and I'm used to the feeling of it being a bit big now, a concern I had with it early on.

I was also concerned about the build quality so I opted for a local supplier as opposed to eBay or Amazon so I could return it easily if necessary. I read there was QA issues in the last batch and that more stock was coming so I figured that's why I couldn't get the x52 pro.

Sad to say you may still have to keep the keyboard nearby for communicating with other commanders. But whichever stick you get I'm sure you will enjoy!

Thanks for the reply! I can't think of any local store that sells joysticks :/. I live in Kentucky, we just have best buy and other main stream console loving stores. Sad that there is barely any pc support in store. Having my hands on both sticks would really help me decide!

 

[curses]

Thanks for the reply! I can't think of any local store that sells joysticks :/. I live in Kentucky, we just have best buy and other main stream console loving stores. Sad that there is barely any pc support in store. Having my hands on both sticks would really help me decide!

I had the same problem. None of the gaming stores near me have these kind of joysticks either so I just had to make up my mind based on youtube reviews (search for Brumster's review it was very helpful to start) and take the plunge when I decided on one.

 

[Oheck]

I've got a x52 pro. Got it specifically for this game. Real comfortable to use. Good feel in the stick, real fluid movement. You have the option of setting up profiles/modes, or assigning some buttons as 'shift' state triggers to expand the keybinds for the buttons on the throttle and stick even further. Real handy. Only time I use the keyboard is to chat.

I had some initial weirdness with the drivers off their website. So I installed the ones off the cd that came with the HOTAS and everything works great.

I think the x55 is a nice looking HOTAS as well. It looks more inline with a modern sim feel, since it is replicated from an A-10 control setup.

I personally prefer the x52 for this stuff. Plus it looks sexy on my desk.

 

[Hooplah]

Many FD Devs like the X-52. Ships like the Orca were designed with the style of this controller. I never owned on so cannot comment as well as the X-55 wasn't available yet. I do own an X-55 which has more controls than NORAD or the Military would ever use.
-
"We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works."
Douglas Adams

 

[WDeja]

Use your oculus funds to get both Hotas, return one you dislike and get oculus with refund



I purchased the x-52 and exchanged for the 55 because I also couldn't make up my mind off of reviews. After doing so I ended up not switching back and staying with the X-55. I could list differences but I'm sure you've seen most of them already and it really comes down to what you hope to achieve.

If E : D was the only game I play there would be an X-52 on my desk. The other is much more versatile having added control input (buttons and axis) but still works great with E : D.

Oh and BUY A POWERED USB HUB if you go with the X-55 to avoid any ghosting issues .. I waited to do that for my last fix as I did not want to have to buy more when I could just settle for the working 52. I ended up finding a really nice 4 port hub for $7 and no more ghosting.

Good luck

 

[Fubidou]

I just bought the x55 Rhino. I was upgrading from my old MS Sidewinder Precision II. To be honest, I've had the X55 for two days and I'm thinking about returning it. I find I preferred the feel of my old Sidewinder. The issues on the reviews that site the springs are quite stiff, and the problem with the cup at the bottom of the spring are all true. I find the joystick stiff on the green spring it came with, and the joystick itself is big, clunky and less comfortable. A big problem for me at the moment is the guard at the bottom of the joystick digs into my wrist a lot, and I can see if played for about an hour I would be getting tired. I get RSI in my wrist, so I don't want to aggravate it.

The other issue I have got is ghosting. So I get a lot of silent running and then the switch to switch it off doesn't do anything. Also cargo scoop, the thrusters switching into reverse, landing gear, etc. Also half the time buttons stop working, so the afterburner button only works occasionally, a lot of buttons become guesswork: I wonder if this button is going to work this time...

Again, I don't know if it is a ghosting issue, but the feature I bought the Rhino for was the split thruster. I thought it would be useful for doing the corkscrew manoeuvre , but only one side of the thruster actually does anything.

I don't want to start going down the road of buying even more peripeherals (ie powered USB hub) just to try to get this thing to work. I can't see how it would work anyway, as the hub would still need to plug into the USB port at the back of my computer.

The thruster throttle is quite nice, and I do like it, but it is also a bit stiff, and even on its lightest setting it is stiffer than I would have liked it. I prefer it to be really light - fingertouch if possible.

So that's my review. It looks cool, but I think I might try to get an exchange for the X53 pro.

 

[Ancipital]

I just bought the x55 Rhino. I was upgrading from my old MS Sidewinder Precision II. To be honest, I've had the X55 for two days and I'm thinking about returning it. I find I preferred the feel of my old Sidewinder. The issues on the reviews that site the springs are quite stiff, and the problem with the cup at the bottom of the spring are all true. I find the joystick stiff on the green spring it came with

It comes with three more springs, all of which are less stiff.

The other issue I have got is ghosting. So I get a lot of silent running and then the switch to switch it off doesn't do anything. Also cargo scoop, the thrusters switching into reverse, landing gear, etc. Also half the time buttons stop working, so the afterburner button only works occasionally, a lot of buttons become guesswork: I wonder if this button is going to work this time...

There is not enough power being supplied to the throttle. Plug it directly into the motherboard USB sockets, or a good quality powered hub.

 

[Philip Coutts]

I have an idea, buy both sticks and send the one you don't like to me

 

[Ulysses_W]

I have both an X52 and an X55.

The X55 is definitely a better build quality, but ergonomically (for me at least), I preferred the X52. The hat switches and buttons on the X52 Joystick are far better placed than the X55. The X52 throttle has indents which I liked too, not so on the X55 Throttle.

Which one do I use, I use the x55. Why? 'Cus it was bleedin' expensive, that's why.

 

[marktay]

I got an X52 Pro for ED in January. There was no X55 stock at the time, and it was getting expensive anyway. It is nice enough, but I do get the sense that the spring on the stick is loosing its tension - and it makes a weird well ... spring noise occasionally like an old mattress. I did see the dude who won triple Elite had to put packing in the cup of his X52 Pro stick, I assume to try and get back some spring tension. I don't think its designed to be replaced, like some other sticks.

I also found the max and min stop on the X52 Pro throttle a pain. I ended up taking the thing apart and removing the plastic stopper. It was damped using some horrible sticky grease which would surely dry out at some point.


All the switches, hats, buttons etc. work on mine, but a mate did get one last week with a faulty mouse wheel on the throttle and is about to enter RMA hell with Matcatz.

 

[Agarthan]

Both are good. I Wanted the x52 pro based on my research but there was no reasonably priced stock located nearby (for rma purposes I will explain shortly) however only the x55 was available.

I looked at the review videos of the x55 and the concerns about the stiff joint at the base of the stick are overblown imo (I didn't even install the weaker spring yet) and there are way more buttons and switches and dials than I need. It's an excellent stick and I'm used to the feeling of it being a bit big now, a concern I had with it early on.

I was also concerned about the build quality so I opted for a local supplier as opposed to eBay or Amazon so I could return it easily if necessary. I read there was QA issues in the last batch and that more stock was coming so I figured that's why I couldn't get the x52 pro.

Sad to say you may still have to keep the keyboard nearby for communicating with other commanders. But whichever stick you get I'm sure you will enjoy!

Will confirm, I have the x55 I have every single button bound to the H.O.T.A.S. except the quick buttons the galaxy and system maps, the quick looks (because you already have the focus+look already hot keyed to the H.O.T.A.S.), jettison all cargo, the wing keys and hot switch lock to next system on route. Everything else is all on the H.O.T.A.S., or can be done with voice attack (like the set thruster percentages) the only other stick I would consider getting is the Thrustmaster Warthog and I probably will eventually but right now it was cost prohibitive so I went with the next best option.

I think my only real complaint with the product is there is throttle lock bar between the two throttle sticks and it's not quite long enough so the lock can feel a little loose at times.

 

[Jack Crow]

I use the X55 as well. I picked mine up from Amazon. Can't imagine playing Elite without it.

 

[Ulysses_W]

... I think my only real complaint with the product is there is throttle lock bar between the two throttle sticks and it's not quite long enough so the lock can feel a little loose at times.

I sort of fixed this problem by inserting a long bead of blu-tac between the two throttles. It helps stop any unwanted movement and it feels much more comfortable against my palm now.

 

[dayrth]

Not tried the Rhino, but I have had an X52 pro for 4 months now and love it. I have had no problems with reliability or build quality. I know some people don't like the max/min throttle stops, but As the max stop is at 75% I find it very useful for super cruise. As you get near your destination throttle back and the push up to the stop and you have just the right setting for a perfect approach. Speed is in the middle of the blue when you get the disengage message.

 

[Agarthan]

I sort of fixed this problem by inserting a long bead of blu-tac between the two throttles. It helps stop any unwanted movement and it feels much more comfortable against my palm now.

Will try this, have been thinking about what to do, but didn't want to do anything permanent, this seems like the perfect solution.