Thrustmaster Warthog Vs Saitek X55

[VikingFjord]

Price is not really and option here..i'm just looking for the best suitable Hotas for IL2
it has to be easy to use and do aircraft operations from cooling systems too light and trim
i dont like to use keyboard..what will be the best Hotas for IL2?

[DD_Crash]

I like the warthog however there is a distinct lack of axis and to use most of the buttons in 1946 HSFX you need to run Target software and set the buttons to pulse.

[VikingFjord]

so Warthog is not as versatile? need a stick that can twist aswell

Btw: how about Saitek X65 Pro?

Edited June 4, 2014 by VikingFjord

[Matt]

I wouldn't call the Warthog versatile.

 

In BoS for instance, you need to create scripts to make the buttons on the throttle work properly. If you have no problem with that, you can bind a good amount of very handy commands to every switch. If you want to use it plug&play style, the Warthog is not the right Hotas.

 

The lack of levers is another thing, but that also depends on the plane. If you're only interested in the 109 or 190 for instance, you'll have more than enough levers.

 

But on the soviet planes and/or when flying multi engine planes, you'll have to make compromises, which means either binding multiple ingame axes to the Warthogs levers (for instance combining both radiator and oil cooler to the same lever) or use buttons instead to controls some of the axes.

 

I personally hate to use buttons for things like radiator or prop pitch, but i have no problem using the trim hat for trim (which is also one thing you can't avoid on the Warthog, again unless you're only flying the 109 or 190 for instance).

 

Having said all that, if my Warthog would go broke, i would buy it again. I'm using it with a 7,5 cm stick extension on a center mount btw. The spring in the Warthog is very stiff, if you don't use a stick extension, so if possible, i would suggest that you try it out in a store.

[VikingFjord]

i think i'm more like keep it simple type of guy and i like toggle switches for adjusting Radiators and stuff so i can tune them as much or as little i want
i know that the X55 will feature toggle switches and more then enough buttons for both German and Russian planes
right now i'm leaning towards the X55 because of the ease of use

thank you for the great info Matt

Edited June 4, 2014 by VikingFjord

[VikingFjord]

Btw: does the Warthog Twist?

[Matt]

It might twist once, but then you can buy a new one.

No, it doesn't have a twist axis.

 

I've never used a Saitek software, so i can't say if the switches etc. on the X-55 work out of the box with BoS.

[VikingFjord]

guess i would not twist it then it seems the X55 is the one i'm looking for but i will keep my head cool and research some more
is there other good options for Hotas systems?

Edited June 4, 2014 by VikingFjord

[DD_Crash]

Of course the lack of a twist axis on the Warthog means a GOOD excuse to buy rudder pedals And there is no reason not to buy a throttle quadrant  either

[Sokol1]

i know that the X55 will feature toggle switches

 

 

Switches on X-55 are "momentary" - always return to center - what is not big deal because most games controls are not designed to real "toggle switches", instead for momentary keyboard press... e.g landing gear, supercharger, lights... you have to press the same key to ON and OFF.

 

If you want joystick with "twist rudder" the X-55 is the good choice, use the same HALL sensor of Warthog, have option to change coils, 6 axis on throttle (Warthog is 3).

And with the price difference you can get a top rudder pedal, like MFG Crosswind, Slaw Pedal, VKB T-Rudder.

 

He major flaw at moment is with programming software, but you can get better flexibility with 3rd part keymappers like SVMapper, Hidmacros, Xpadder, that dont have problems with pause in macros, like Saitek soft, TARGET has.

 

Sokol1

Edited June 4, 2014 by Sokol1

[VikingFjord]

Even looking away from price the X55 seem to be the easiest and most versatile stick to use and it has enough buttons for both Russian and German planes
X65 i didn't like becuse of the stiff stick consept

[MLmarluk]

I love my Hog, but I must add one more cons on his side. Reason why it is not out of the box solution is that it has grease/stickiness issue. So, eventually most of faithful Warthog owners ends up disassembling joystick with their hands immersed in smelly red grease. I didn't try other high end joysticks but this is my experience with Warthog.

Warthog design is good for enthusiasts who wants high customization possibilities. Out there exists many 'how to' mods tutorials available.

Moreover this is not joystick you would like to keep on the desk while flying. Because of his height it is not comfortable position, after prolonged use you may feel pain in you arm and neck.

So, although Warthog fan, I would like to advise you not to buy Warthog if you would like to go for 'out of the box' solution.

 

Btw. as Sokol1 said, you could buy Crosswind pedals for price difference. They are very very good.

Edited July 18, 2014 by MLmarluk

[KoN_]

I can't fly with my warthogs as it's very laggy input , planes fly funny , always fighting the joystick. ,

[VR-DriftaholiC]

Why buy a out of the box setup? Why not piece together a real treat like a MSFFB2,  Crosswind pedals, Sietek throttle and trims

[=LD=Penshoon]

Why buy a out of the box setup? Why not piece together a real treat like a MSFFB2,  Crosswind pedals, Sietek throttle and trims

Yeah with a custom hotas you can tailor it to your preferences. 

 

The above list is quite close to much my setup right now, I've got a gray trigger MSFFB2, regular saitek rudder pedals, x55 throttle unit.

 

I bought the x55 HOTAS package as a replacement for my MSFFB2 but ended up putting the saitek stick back in a box and kept using the MSFFB2 with the x55 throttle.

Reading other peoples reviews I'm sure it's a good stick, it just wasn't for me or I've got a bad stick from the factory.

 

Thought it felt wobbly even with the hardest spring, the initial force required to deflect the stick is good but once you've overcome that it was very loose. 

My hand was probably too small for the stick, I could not rest my hand on the bottom handle and reach all the top buttons. 

The buttons felt very "mushy" where I would prefer more clicky switches (pinky switch was very nice though! ), if I shook the stick the hat switches rattled like maracas.

 

The throttle is very nice but I have nothing to compare it to. It feels more sturdy than the stick and is much heavier as well. The rotaries on the throttle handle feels a little cheap but they work good so far. 

 

I'm still quite happy with the purchase