Is Saitek X55 Rhino Force Feed?

[sonoranhoghead]

I've looked around but haven't found the answer to whether the Saitek X55 Rhino is Force Feed or not? Can someone help me with this since I'm not real familiar with sophisticated flight sticks. Having said that is the X55 to complicated for some dummy like me or not?

Thanks

[GrieverGriever_XIV]

The X55 is certainly not "too complicated", however it doesnt have force feedback.

[361fundahl]

Best joystick is still Sidewinder 2?

[39bn_pavig]

The X55 is quite a nice setup. It is NOT a force feedback stick (though you can adjust the tension of the stick by swapping in different springs, which might explain the confusion.) As far as I can tell there are no true consumer-level force feedback sticks (which contain motors to provide haptic feedback) on the market except one, that costs a couple of grand. That means if you buy a FF stick you're probably buying either second hand or old stock. 

 

The X55 system will take some getting used to if you've never had a HOTAS before, but people on the forum can probably help you if you get stuck. Great stick. Bought a set the other day. Unfortunately quality control isn't super great on them at the moment (due to high popularity). The one I got has a slight glitch in the twist axis pot so the rudder isn't usable. Luckily I have pedals for that, but disappointing nonetheless. 

 

Apart from that, I think the X55 is great bang for buck. The throttle is really nice, and the extra controls sensibly laid out. It's no Warthog, but it's also half the price, so you can't complain.

 

When you get a new stick/hotas system be prepared to tinker with it a lot before you feel comfortable. It takes a while to map all the buttons, throttles, knobs and whatnot to plane functions, then remember what you have mapped where so you can use the controls by habit. So you will likely have some frustration when you are first starting out. Once that passes though and you get your setup how you like it you will find it very immersive and fun to fly with.

Edited September 27, 2014 by 39bn_pavig