Just returned my x52 pro. Whats a good alternative?

[Cid333]

I bought a new x52 pro last week and it has been a nightmare. Cant get drivers or software to install properly and the curves in game are way off compared to the actual responsivness of the stick. My old 3d pro feels much better in game. I also think its rediculous that i need to do multiple mods to get it to work as well as my $30 3d pro, voiding my warranty in the process. So i returned it today.

 

I have ch pro pedals so Id like suggestions for a good HOTAS. Price range isnt an issue but i would like to hear some thoughts on high end and low end just to have some options. Right now Im leaning toward ch products.

 

Thanks,

Cid

[Sokol1]

Maybe is case of wait a bit, besides the (delayed) VKB announced models, seems that are more things in the air. 

 

But (buyable now ) HOTAS option are:

 

~160$ - X-52 PRO.

 

~200 & 250$ - X55 & X-56 - The 1st. seems more "haunted" than X-52 models...

 

~260 - CH combo (obsolete electronics - require pedals - 120-500$)

 

~400 - Warthog (require pedals - 120-500$)

 

All have their issues and advantages.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Sokol1

[Cid333]

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by obsolete electronics for the ch products?

[Sokol1]

USB 1.1 with 8 bits(256 points of resolution per axis - to compare Warthog is advertised as 16.384) and potentiometers - altough no cheap models like used in Saitek secondary axes...

In short, electronics standard for... 1999.

 

But this is a minor detail.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Sokol1

[SCG_Vonalba]

thrustmaster t16000m very good, I like it a lot has twist handle, and doesn't break the bank, only thing is it has green light but its not hard to get used to .

[BeastyBaiter]

Not sure what your problem with the X-52 Pro is, I think it's one of the best sticks you can get. It sounds like you tried to massively over complicate things. The X-52 Pro is something you simply plug in and use just like a keyboard or a mouse. Settings for it are best adjusted in game. It does have optional software to do exactly the same thing BoS itself allows you to do, but it's buggy and completely pointless. I don't recommend installing it.

 

In terms of alternatives, there is the TM WH at $400, the CH sticks at about $100 (beware, they use pots) and the garbage sticks like the 3d pro and T16000. There is also the X-55, but that's basically just an X-52 with more buttons and a couple extra axis'.

Edited April 8, 2016 by King_Hrothgar

[Remontti]

Not sure what your problem with the X-52 Pro is, I think it's one of the best sticks you can get. It sounds like you tried to massively over complicate things. The X-52 Pro is something you simply plug in and use just like a keyboard or a mouse. Settings for it are best adjusted in game. It does have optional software to do exactly the same thing BoS itself allows you to do, but it's buggy and completely pointless. I don't recommend installing it.

 

In terms of alternatives, there is the TM WH at $400, the CH sticks at about $100 (beware, they use pots) and the garbage sticks like the 3d pro and T16000. There is also the X-55, but that's basically just an X-52 with more buttons and a couple extra axis'.

 

With Windows 10 X-52 Pro doesn't work simply by connecting the USB - Windows won't register it. It is a driver cerificate issue if I remember correctly. There are instructions on manufactures site how to install it in Windows 10.

 

I find the X52's program useful with keybinds. But I wouldn't buy a Saitek anymore. I hear a lot of praise from users who had it for years and it is still running like a champ. I've had lot of issues with mine and I've done fixes and mods to it. I get the impression that Saiteks quality is not what it used to be years ago.

[BeastyBaiter]

That maybe true. I bought an X-52 Pro after my X-45 wore out back around 2005-2006. It's sitting in the closet now, but it gave me 8+ years of flawless service. My X-55 hasn't disappointed either. But I know with the X-55 that they've had some bad batches. Seems to be one of those things where it's great and lasts forever or it's fubar straight out of the box.

[Beazil]

For my part, I own or owned the x45, x52, x55, and x65f from Saitek. Really I had no issues with them and they are all fine hotas setups for this game. None of them gave me any significant issues. Installing drivers was a bit of a pain with windows 10, but follow the directions on the forums and you won't have any issues.

I also own or have owned lots of other sick and hotas over the years including CH setups and the hog. Can't wait to get my hands on thpseudo new sticks and setups from stratojet. ... but that's another story. Anyway, it's all just preference. But for an entry hotas, Saitek has always been a good option.

[Redjoy_72]

I bought an X-52 pro and tried downloading the drivers using Win10.  I had to override the driver download button.  Saitek made the updated drivers, however I don't think Win10 recognizes them yet.  I am still learning the game and as I have been exploring the settings, you can set up in game just like the old Il21946.  In game works just fine.  Win10 recognizes the stick as an X-52 pro and I let the game do the rest.  Working just fine.

[Beazil]

Of course Stratojet has released the gladiator and gladiator pro models.  I'm sure looking wouldn't hurt.  Good luck in making the choice of what works best for you.

[Shepherd]

Good morning gentleman,

I replaced my 6 years old X-52 for the TM Warthog hotas last weekend. I find the quality rather impressive, (although still fighting with the software) but I didn't expect the stick to be that stiff. Compared to the X-52 (which was indeed very soft to control) it's now really a matter of force to change the direction of the plane and I am not sure if that will work in dogfight. The result is a major influence of the "stick&slip-effect especially in the case of small adjustments near the center of the axes.

 

So guys, do you have any hints for me? Is this normal and will people normally get used to it?

I also heard about the possibility of modifying the stick with an extension but I'm not sure if the improved length will still fit to my desktop configuration. Do you have any experience with that?

 

Thanks!

[DCAL4]

I have the new x56 and I love it, but there seems to be a lot of bad reviews for it. Everything is working well on it but I have only had it for a couple weeks.