Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller

Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller Review

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The Saitek X52 Pro Flight System is beautiful! Every time I look at my X52 Pro, I think to myself that I wish I had more games and more time to play with these!

Admittedly, I have only used the Saitek X52 Pro to play HAWX, so I haven't had a wide-variety of testing to put behind this review. I own the Saitek X45 HOTAS and briefly owned the X52 HOTAS, only to return them within a week to buy the Pro version. The X45 HOTAS always bothered me because the action was too stiff and I had issues with keeping the base on my desk while manuevering the stick around. I also had issues sometimes with center/deadzones on the sticks. The X52 just felt CHEAP, which is why I returned it.

The X52 Pro however, is awesome! The build quality is top notch. The buttons have a nice tactile feel to them. The action is smooth and has just the right amount of tension behind it. I *do* plan on playing more HAWX (great game!) along with other games (X-Plane, DCS: Blackhawk and IL-2-Sturmovik). I won't comment on the software since I don't remember what my impressions were when I played with it. Sadly, this stick has been collecting dust for little more than a year since my job has kept me busy working out of town. I used this with Vista, but now I'm running Windows 7. I plan on installing drivers and playing with this again soon!

I'd totally recommend the Saitek X52 Pro to friends, or anybody else who wants a nice HOTAS system, but doesn't want to spend the money on full-fledged simulation equipment.

Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller Feature

• Advanced Multi-Function Display (MFD) for real flying interaction
• 2 dedicated MFD buttons and 2 rotary dials with in-built buttons to control additional game functionality
• Joystick with precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force
• Progressive throttle with tension adjustment, detents for afterburner and idle; 2 fire buttons
• Works with: Windows XP, XP64 and Vista (all versions) and Windows 7

All the features of the X52 combined with premium engineering and advanced Multi-Function Display (MFD) for real flying interaction. 2 dedicated MFD buttons and 2 rotary dials with in-built buttons to control additional game functionality; MFD displays data directly from games, including Radio Stack info from Microsoft Flight Simulator 9 and 10; Software Development Kit included for creating game-specific programs to interact with the MFD; Choice of red, amber or green button illumination; Illuminated buttons and MFD - ideal for low light environments; Throttle unit illumination varies depending on throttle position; Enhanced MFD backlighting; Improved cable management system. Joystick: Precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force reduce free play, improve control and increase durability; 2-stage metal trigger; 2 primary buttons in 1 convenient position; 4 fire buttons including missile launcher with spring-loaded safety cover for instant access; Conveniently positioned metal pinkie switch provides shift functionality to double up on programmable commands; 2 X 8-way Hat Switches; 3D rudder twist; 3-position rotary mode selector switch with LED indicators; 3 spring-loaded, base-mounted toggle switches for up to 6 programmable flight commands; 5-position handle adjustment system to suit all hand sizes. Throttle: Progressive throttle with tension adjustment, detents for afterburner and idle; 2 fire buttons; Scroll wheel with built-in button; Mouse controller / hat switch with left mouse button; 8-way hat switch; 2 x rotary controls; Smooth-action slider control; Clutch button initiates ‘safe mode’ to allow on-the-fly profile selection, or to display button functionality without activating. Compatibility: Windows 7, XP/XP64, and Vista

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Customer Reviews

Second spring causes sticking - Mark Jones -
This controller has added a second tension spring around the yoke making small adjustments when flying almost impossible due to sticking. Another poster has experienced this as well. This one is going back and I will reinstall my old standard x52 which is very smooth.



Jun 26, 2010 00:24:11