Thrustmaster: a word to the wise

[Nibbio]

2 years ago I bought a Warthog HOTAS.

One of the throttle axis has recently developed a defect: it does not increase linearly and cannot be calibrated.

I opened the throttle and was shocked by the poor appearance of the internal components and assembly.

I contacted customer support and explained the problem and the only solution they came up with was that I send them back the unit for a repair that will cost half the price of a new unit. Plus shipping charges.

I told them I was happy to repair it by myself, if they would sell me the spare parts and provide instructions, but they refused.

 

Needless to say I will not buy a Thrustmaster product again.

 

 

Edited January 11, 2019 by Nibbio

[SCG_Tzigy]

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience.  I have three complete sets and over the last 10 years or so I have had some minor and major problems. I have found their support to be extremely helpful. During the warranty and once or twice even after warranty expired, they shipped or replaced the whole unit and on several occasions they send me parts at minimal or no cost so I could repair stuff myself.... I have not had any need for repairs for the last 3 years or so maybe things have changed...

[Nibbio]

Their loss. Imagine, I was going to order their overpriced TPR rudder ?

[J2_Steve]

I've seen posts about how poor Thrustmaster support has been lately. This is not he first time I've heard about not being sold spares or if they do they are totally over priced. IMO it's a cynical push to buy new again.

I have a Warthog now, but when it needs to be replaced eventually, I will look at the boutique style hardware guys that are around now. GLV and BRD etc.

 

Already have a set of Slaw 109 pedals that are 4 years old and perform exactly as they did out of the box.