Flight Simulator Controller Saitek X52

The World’s most advanced flight simulator controller The X52 Flightstick and Throttle combination give the most realistic flying experience ever. With the feature-laden Throttle and Stick split into two separate units, the X52 delivers ideal flying position. Programmability and illuminated Multi-Function Display expand the possibilities for Sim Pilots everywhere!

*  Program your controller for each game using the powerful Smart Technology software. 3 mode settings and cool-touch metal pinkie switch provide enhanced programming options.
* Precision centering mechanism; no contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force improve control and increase durability.

* 5 position handle adjustment system to suit all hand sizes with soft-touch, contoured grip for maximum gaming comfort.
* Progressive throttle with resistance adjustment and detents for afterburner and idle.
* Illuminated buttons and enhanced gameplay through intuitive LCD Multi-Function Display.

Reviews

“I’ve had at least 15 years of flight sim games using a joystick under my belt, and this is the best stick I’ve ever used. I will warn in the blurb area: This is not for young kiddies.

I’ve gone through a Sidewinder Precision pro, a solid Thrustmaster, and at least 3 ‘child grade’ thurstmaster sticks (including at least one Top Gun). That’s just the ones I owned, not even what I’ve used. This stick, which I bought refurbished for $40 less than new, is on year 5 or 6 without any major signs of wear. The only worn part is the S-video type cable that connects the stick and throttle is getting weak (a $4 fix). I’ve managed to keep it in shape by not playing like I’m 6 again, it otherwise seems to take care of itself well.

The layout makes pretty good sense. All but a few buttons are on the throttle and stick, and the few that aren’t can be used for less vital functions. Real pilots do move their hands to change the flaps, lights, and whatnot. The pinkie switch can be moved up for smaller hands, or kept in the same position for larger hands. The safety on the second button is a godsend, it keeps you from making a mistake on the ground or before you’re on target. The two-stage trigger is also a wonderful piece of work. A two stage trigger means there are two pulls in it, pull halfway and one function is done. Pull all the way and another is done. More on that later.

Large hands should fit in the stick just fine, so long as it’s not a bear claw in there. The hardest areas to reach are the hats on the front of the throttle and top left of the stick, but even those aren’t much trouble, just a quick shift away. The suction cups do a reasonable job of keeping it down if you’re on a good surface,

The software is important to the stick because it allows all sorts of amenities to come into play. The mouse on the throttle works once it’s installed, and it has a left and right click and a wheel. It’s not particularly awesome, but it does let you navigate a map on the screen without removing your hands from the stick. The LEDs can be turned down or off here, stick deadzones can be set(if you need a little play in it, whether it’s getting old or you’re a little shaky), and the current time put in.

You wouldn’t think the time would be important, but it’ll save you from getting into the game and realizing it’s 4am. There’s also a stopwatch on the MFD that can help you keep time to know how far you’ve flown or when to expect a visual on a target. If you forget your buttons often, you can even tell the software which button does what (and in each of the 3 modes), and when you simultaneously press the i button on the throttle and the button you forgot, it says what it does on the MFD. Nifty.

This set is built for complicated sims. If you’re playing an arcade flight game or multi-style game (think Battlefield 1942, Nam, 2, 2142, BC, BC2), get a $20 for your stick, this isn’t what you want. The massive amount of buttons and layout wonders are for sims like Flight Simulator or IL2 Sturmovik (one of, if not THE, most complicated WWII combat sims out). I don’t do much FS because I find it dull. I like to turn, fight, and send my enemies down in flames. This stick lets me do that very effeciently. Il2 allows machine guns and cannons to be fired seperately or together (cannons are just massive guns, often with very limited ammo). I mentioned the 2 stage trigger earlier. I use the first stage for plain guns as I line up and close in on my target, and then use the second stage for both at once when my guns are on target. That saves ammo and the player an edge. The wide range of motion means that gently pulling on the stick is actually good, because a full-motion pull will send you into a stall of death. The wheels on the throttle are great for rudder and elevator trim, and the slider for prop pitch or fuel mixture changes. There is always something to do with this stick, and no button goes unused.

Saitek updates the drivers and software, and while there was a small gap in 64 bit and very (VERY) early Vista support, they took care of their customers and got the updates down. There’s also a community of users that can supply fixes/support for older games on their forums and other websites. Look around and you’ll find what you need.

Treat this baby well and she’ll return the favor. If I was able to test them (and had money to spare), I would look at a Thrustmaster Cougar or X-65, but even this stick will have a few things you may or may not like better. As it stands, I have no reason to switch, and just have all the money saved by it. Cheaper does not equal cheap.” – Gihren

“First of all, I’m not to terribly big into realworld style flight sims. While I have always had an interest in flying, I more or less gave up on it simply because it was too involved for me to “relax” with. My previous tastes in joysticks have always been fairly simple – I went from a 2button stick to a Logitech Wingman Digital, from that to a Wingman Force, from that to a Saitek ST290…

Well, last week, my ST290’s trigger bit the dust, ironic, huh? So, I considered dragging the Wingman Force out, but still could not find a compatible adapter. It was time to upgrade again. After much consideration between sticks, I decided on the X52. I had a mostly positive experience with my previous stick, and I had always been interested in trying a fullblown HOTAS setup. It came in last night, and so now my real review can begin:

Out of the box, I was fairly impressed. Looking at the buttons and stuff in pictures is one thing, but actually seeing the sheer size and complexity of the system first hand is another. I had never used a HOTAS setup before, so I was slightly intimidated. I downloaded the updated drivers profiler and got busy. When I finally hooked it up, I found that one of the LED’s (T5/6) was dead. No big deal though because I love the option of being able to KILL the LED’s in the settings. I load up an old favorite that I had been playing through before the ST290 died – TIE Fighter.
Well, I knew I’d run into difficulty, seeing as how complex the stick was, and comparing it to how TIE Fighter only supports 3 variable axis – X/Y for the stick and Z for the throttle. No big deal though. I set things up and actually start a mission… Only to find out how incredibly responsive this stick is. Going from the ST290 and Wingman series to something like this is a huge jump. It was almost TOO responsive – I had been used to having larger deadzones and less responsiveness so it is a huge adjustment going to this.

Next I decided to crank up X-Wing Alliance. After some painstaking setup, I found that XWA actually supported FEWER buttons in the game than TIE Fighter did, although XWA supports the rudder twist. So, I tried out the Profiler. I couldn’t find any preexisting profiles for XWA, so I began working on my own. A Half an hour later, I was done. It was still incredibly sensitive, but overall it was really nice being able to program via the profiler.

Pros/Cons:

Pro – A huge jump up in sensitivity.
Pro – The Feel. Even in a game like XWA and TIE Fighter and XvT, there’s something just plain cool about being spread out with the hands on a full blown throttle and stick. I might’ve sucked in game because of the sensitivity, but I was grinning like a fool the whole time.
Pro – Throttle Control – The throttle has two spots that require a bit more of a push to engage – one is nearing 100%, one is nearing 0%. I really liked this because in the X-Wing Series games 33% is best for turning. The extra push required keeps me from completely throttling down when busy with a bogey.
Pro – Mouse Control on Thumb. It’s just cool, and VERY handy.

Con – A huge jump up in sensitivity. If you’re used to older sticks or more primitive sticks, you will likely find yourself overshooting targets.
Con – Intimidating. Alot of options can be incredibly intimidating to set up if you’re not used to dealing with as much complexity.
Con – Lack of support in older games. I love the idea of the knobs and sliders, but unfortunately, they’re not supported in alot of older games, and even with the profiler they are not easily set up.
Con – Lack of Force Feedback. I thought it had it, but I guess that’s the Pro model. Not a big con, but still on there. For $100, I kind of expected it.
Con – I have slightly smallish hands, so the most tall Hat is kind of hard to manipulate easily.

Overall, I have to say it’s a great stick. For my application, it’s OVERKILL, however. I still have a few games that I’m going to try out with it, but currently, it’s overkill. I enjoy it, but overkill.” - M. Woods

(Reviews posted from Amazon.com)

Flight Simulator Controls