Saitek X-56 "Space HOTAS"

[Sokol1]

Differences from X-55 - beyond that "makeup" with colors and lights  - is mini-stick replacing the slew in throttle and the left shoulder button on stick, for allow 6DOF control in Space Sim's.

 

 

 

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/x56.html

Edited April 1, 2016 by Sokol1

[No_85_Gramps]

I think the pots in the throttle may have been updated to hall sensors, at least I recall reading that somewhere. Although I'm happy w/my X-55 I still think Saitek should do some work on their software, specifically the drivers. It will be interesting to read the reviews once it ships to buyers.

[Beazil]

So that thumb button on the stick is now a mini stick? If so that's a nice change.

[VBF-12_Stele]

Did anyone here order the X-56? Mad Cats is replacing my faulty X-55 with one, but I haven't heard anything from them other than they were shipping them as of May 31 (2 weeks ago). Their Amazon store says they're "temporarily out of stock."

[DCAL4]

I preordered it from Amazon and received it last week. I personally am very happy with it so far but a lot of the early reviews from purchasers have not been great so you may want to read up on those. I have had no issues with mine and I am glad I ordered it. Durability issues that plagued the previous x-55 have me concerned, hopefully they fixed them in the x-56.

[VBF-12_Stele]

I contacted Mad Catz; turns out they never even sent me the X-56 replacement, which they said I'd receive in June. They are now out of stock, and they said I'll have to wait until the next batch, which is in July. They won't refund me since I bought the X-55 through Amazon LLC. 

 

Bottom line, they have very bad customer support, which has gotten worse since Mad Catz took over. $200 pretty much wasted...

Edited June 20, 2016 by VR_Stele

[Warpig]

I contacted Mad Catz; turns out they never even sent me the X-56 replacement, which they said I'd receive in June. They are now out of stock, and they said I'll have to wait until the next batch, which is in July. They won't refund me since I bought the X-55 through Amazon LLC. 

 

Bottom line, they have very bad customer support, which has gotten worse since Mad Catz took over. $200 pretty much wasted...

I RMA'd my X55 back in March. I too was wondering what was taking so long.

 

I ended up calling Madcatz today and inquired why customers were getting their joysticks on pre-order, but people with RMA back orders weren't? Four hours later I have a FedEx Tracking number.

[VBF-12_Stele]

Looks like they magically appeared. I just got a FedEx tracking number for a unit today, too.

[DCAL4]

Nice, post your thoughts on it when you receive it.

[VBF-12_Stele]

Ok. Just received the the X-56 HOTAS.

 

Initial impressions:

 

Looks exactly like the X-55 with a major aesthetics overhaul. Most noticeable difference is that there are mini-joysticks on the joystick and the throttle. I think this has more of a use in the space combat sims (ie-Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen), but I'm sure I can find a use for them in IL2.

 

Another noticeable difference is that the joystick is not grinding up against the plastic like the X-55 (even the older X-52) does. It's a much smoother movement, so hopefully that continues.

 

There is an added grip attachment if your hand isn't big enough to rest on the regular base grip (if that makes any sense). They should have just used the style for the X-52, which is adjustable.

 

I have no idea how the innards (wiring, etc) are set up. I've heard that there were huge issues with the X-55 wiring moving so much that they eventually stop working from wear and tear. I saw a video on Youtube of a guy opening up the X-56 and noticing the wiring is still the same. There are suggestions of somehow confining their movement, but no one should really have to do that especially if you paid $250 for a HOTAS.

 

Too early to tell if or when this could break down, which is the major concern with a lot of the Saitek products. The X-55 I previously had gave me major throttle issues less than a year of use. The reality may be that they just will break down after a lot of use.

[Avyx]

What about the Rotary 1 / 2 ? Still the " shaking " issues ?

[Bando]

To add to this discussion: another affordable (imho) hotas system based on the T16000:

 

http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B0/thrustmaster-teams-frontier-s-elite-dangerous-new-gameplay-experiences-announced-new-t16000m-

[DCAL4]

To add to this discussion: another affordable (imho) hotas system based on the T16000:

 

http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B0/thrustmaster-teams-frontier-s-elite-dangerous-new-gameplay-experiences-announced-new-t16000m-

Nice! Thrustmaster needed an option like this

[Sokol1]

Ok. Just received the the X-56 HOTAS.

 

Most noticeable difference is that there are mini-joysticks on the joystick and the throttle. I think this has more of a use in the space combat sims (ie-Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen), but I'm sure I can find a use for them in IL2.

 

 

You can use this mini-stick's as 4 way HATs, using a keymaper to make their axis send keystrokes.

[GrendelsDad]

I use mine for "mouse-look" mode.  Helps when spotting ground targets.

[Warpig]

I gotta say... I do not like the new X56 compared to the X55. I am only using the throttle ATM, because I have a Mamba that I use. But I hate the placement of that new thumb stick.

 

-1. It's placement sucks. You have to move your hand out of position for the rest of th4e hats to use the analog stick.

-2. It's in the way of the bottom hat. I could imagine if the analog was assigned to something, that I'd always hit it while using my bottom hat.

 

I also noticed that the analog stick didn't like to return to center smoothly when returning from the bottom position. The thing is brand spanking new and already showing issues with these new additions...

 

Give me my X55 back!

 

I cannot believe they totally cancelled the X55. With a price point of $50 cheaper, it still would of had a place in the sim market.

Edited June 29, 2016 by Warpig