SAITEK X52

[Airhawk14]

I am looking to buy a Saitek X52 joystick. I t is a lot of money so I decided to post something about it to see what you guys that have one or used one would say about it. It would be a big help. I was also looking at the TrackIR. Does anyone know the difference between a TrackIR 3 Pro and a TrackIR 4 Pro?

[:FI:Heloego]

...an X-36 for well over 2 years before it crapped out on me. Loved it!
The X-52 is the grandson of the X-36.

Pros:
- Excellent feel
- Very flexible due to many programmable buttons

Cons:
- Poor QA
- Regular shimming of gimbal mounts due to wear
- Glue gun used entirely too much in mfg process

I can't speak for the later iterations of the system, but those who have the X-52 seem to like it, as I recall.

TacticalS just got a CH Pro System with pedals that have toe brakes!

You may want to check out CH products before you buy. If possible, try the "hands on" approach.

Either system will greatly enhance the immersion in the Sim!

TrackIR 3 allows you 2 basic axes to tweak. I use it and love it.
TrackIR 4 adds some extra stuff better described by current users.

Good luck with your shopping, and have fun!!

[:FI:TacticalS!]

If money was no option go out and buy it all mate!

OK back to reality. I believe that the following order brings the best immersion and benefit:

(1) TrackIR (I use TrackIR3 Pro with Vector Expansion - if TrackIR 4 is not much more then go with TIR 4 if not well . . .).

(2) Quality Joystick with twisty if money is an issue, if not joystick and pedals (great immersion!).

(3) Throttle - amazing for immersion and provides true hotas experience.

CH products are great but very experience. If interested buy in stages, but it kinda forces you to pick up the stick and pedals. If starting out from scratch that's a lot because one should really get the TrackIR first IMO.

X-45 is affordable and still decent. Maybe start with this after TIR and go from there?

Regards,
TS!

[:FI:Mikester]

I have an X52 and is great but some of the buttons have stopped working, dont think they make them as well these days. I like the slider switch on the throttle for hotas flaps, best thing on the stick.

[:FI:Scott]

I have the X45 and have had it for about 18 months. All the buttons still work (touching wood) and the only problem I had with it was due to USB ports powering down when my PC went into standby and not comming back on again. That was easily sorted by changing the USB settings.

My only real criticism of the stick is that it creaks in use but using candle was on the spring loaded base regularly keeps it quiet enough ( think I remember reading a review of the X52 saying it was a smoother throw than the X45). The throttle is great but I never got used to the rocker under the handle for ruddder control- I think the X52 has scrapped that for a twist stick option for rudder anyway?.

if it were a choice between pedals or an track IR I would say go for the track IR every time. So far as immersion is concerned it is the best piece of kit out there IMHO.

[Nightcat]

I still kiss my X-52 before bedtime since I got it for Christmas!

My only issue with it is the hat button under one of the fire buttons - I always seem to look in another direction when I'm in mad combat situations and lose my shot lol if I had track IR it wouldn't be a problem - definately gonna be jumping on they're next product ^_^

NC

[:FI:Fenian]

I've gone through two X-45s in three years. As Dan says they are heavy on the glue gun at the factory and quality is non-existant - just like their customer service.

They look pretty - but you'd be better off getting something more reliable like the CH if you can afford it, or just an old MS stick....

[Airhawk14]

I think I am going with the Saitek Cyborg Evo Force( with force feedback ). Do you guys know anything about that one?

[fighter_bomber]

Theres a voice inside my head about the x52 that keeps on saying "Want it, can't have it!"

[:FI:Sneaky_Russian]

I think I am going with the Saitek Cyborg Evo Force( with force feedback ). Do you guys know anything about that one?

Getting good service out of mine,gets a bit warm , but a reasonable stick ,and can assign Keyboard functions to buttons(eg. teamspeak).

Had a second hand 3D Cyborg before that which lasted me 2 years before the rudder twist packed up.

Quite a good feel from the FF, although can be a bit annoying when you crash, although those rumble effects can be turned down in the settings.

[:FI:RULES]

I use the evo FF with X-45 and CH pedals and like the rig well.....

[fighter_bomber]

I think i might get an X-45 though.

[:FI:Fenian]

[fighter_bomber]

Burning Bridges

Friends all tried to warn me
But I held my head up high
All the time they warned me
But I only passed them by
They all tried to tell me
But I guess I didn't care
I turned my back and
Left them standing there

All the burning bridges that have fallen after me
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door
Burning bridges lost forevermore

Years have passed and I keep thinking
What a fool I've been
I look back into the past and
Think of way back then
I know that I lost everything I thought I that could win
I guess I should have listened to my friends

All the burning bridges that have fallen after me
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door
Burning bridges lost forevermore

Burning bridges lost forevermore

In other words, i just bought one and it stopped working.

[:FI:Fenian]

bugger!

Sorry to hear that m8!

Take it back to the shop and get your money back...