Ive been using Saitek x36 USB hotas for 8 months. Its
-*CHEAP*
-USB
-very ergonomic for big hands
-4 hats (3 8way 1 4way, mainly for mouse use)
-2 rotaries for trims etc.
-rudder (little inaccurate tho)
-1-3 mode switcher,
-1-3 aux mode switcher
-pinkie switch (doubles all buttons virtually)
-very very good programming options (doesent leave anybody cold).
Only problems ive had were with its retail drivers, which were eliminated in updates.
It looks pretty much like that TM hotas, it isnt metal, but it has sticky rubber coating, so it stays in hand very well. It has metal weighs in it, so it doesent have plastic feeling.
Now if the TM doesent have optic pods, it dont have anything that saitek doesent have..Except the higher price ofcourse. Optic pods would be the only thing, that would make me interested of TM:s always_high_prized products.
The adjustable springs aint worth for it, since you get used to every kind of stick in week or two. I used previously Gravis Pro stick and the saitek had sloppy feeling at first, but im totally used to it and i dont need keyboard, since i have all the commands in joystick.
Good joystick doesent make you better, but it makes the hardcore flying much more enjoyable.
