Author Topic: Joystick Recommendations (Read 1326 times)

Mace2004 · « **Reply #30 on:** August 29, 2006, 11:18:47 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Clifra Jones
Well, as an ex-x45 owner (CH now) until they change the centering system from that compression spring mechanism they will never be able to compete with CH/Cougar. To me that is the biggest drawback to the Saitek gear.

So what is the problem you have with the spring? Too stiff (X-45 is cosiderably "stiffer" than the X-52)? Feel? Sticking? I didn't mind the stiff spring that much with my X-45 but what did become a problem was wear on the disk that caused it to stick when it got older. Had to grease it. The current X-52 has a much lighter spring that I've come to prefer. Very easy to make fine corrections with it (once I corrected a loose stick grip) I've never used a CH but understand from some that there is a definitive transition between pitch and roll axis due to the use of separate springs for each. Some say they like it and others don't. Personnally, I like the linear feel of the Saitek design. Not sure about all the differences between the Pro and X-52 but the pictures I've seen show two nested springs (one large with a smaller one inside) instead of one and they changed the disk to metal which would solve any wear problems. Looks like the two springs give you dual rate...probably the small one allows fine movements and the larger gives increased tension with larger displacements. I'm just guessing but have to assume there's a reason for two springs instead of just one. Many people are asking for Saitek to give it adjustible spring tension...hope they listen.

Also, I'm just curious but does CH use metal gimbals in the base or are they plastic? The Saitek's are all plastic with some brass bushings between the gimbal frames but I think the fact that the gimbals are plastic and the shaft is aluminum might cause some extra wear and so Saitek leaves a little bit more slop in the gimbal slot to improve life. Would be nice if the "Pro" was given all metal gimbals with bushings so they could have tighter tolerances. Believe the Cougar's are metal with bushings between the control shaft and the slots in the gimbals (I'm not sure about that, this may be one of the numerous "mods" the Cougar guys have to make like adding Hall sensors).

Mace

toon · « **Reply #31 on:** August 29, 2006, 11:24:57 AM »

for rudder pedals..chek out the simped vario pro model usb model at http://www.dhs-electronic.com. lusche turned me on to em and i've found them to be very smooth.

toon · « **Reply #32 on:** August 29, 2006, 11:27:43 AM »

srry the website is http://www.dhs-electronic.de/home.htm

Mace2004 · « **Reply #33 on:** August 29, 2006, 11:40:12 AM »

Really nice looking pedals, especially the F-16 version but HS! ... 270 Euro = $345! I'd have to assume that's plus shipping. Wow.

Krusty · « **Reply #34 on:** August 29, 2006, 12:12:31 PM »

Yeah that new all-metal X52 is tempting, but how much $$$??? The normal one already costs a bundle! At $120 USD plastic, I bet it's going to be $320 USD metal!

Mace2004 · « **Reply #35 on:** August 29, 2006, 12:33:42 PM »

Don't know about the dollars but it'll be more than the X-52 guaranteed. I can't remember the exact quote but they said something about it being a high-end looks, performance and cost. Looking again at the pictures, I'm not sure that it's actually "all metal"...maybe a better description is "more metal". The coolie and castle switches, base toggles, mode switch etc. appear to be metal but the actual cases appear to me to be the same (i.e., plastic) but it's only a picture. I'd have to believe the "dual-rate" spring system would be a performance improvement but there are some internal fit and material things (i.e., metal gimbals and bushings) that would need to be improved if they want to come up with a super accurate system. As far as cost is concerned the Cougar guys are paying something over $300 for theirs right? Then you have to add the hall sensors and a myriad of other improvements that guys are paying hundreds for. If Saitek improves the gimbals (and the X-52 already has the hall sensors) they could probably charge a lot more than the current price and be very competitive at the high end.

Mace

g00b · « **Reply #36 on:** August 29, 2006, 06:10:27 PM »

I have owned every high end stick ever made. 2 or 3 of some of em. The CH USB HOTAS setup is the way to go if you have the $$$. I bought an X-52 about a year ago and it has held up extremely well and I put it 2nd only to the CH setup.

If Saitek ever made this stick with real gimbals, rudder pedals and more metal it just might de-throne the CH stuff.

Mace2004 · « **Reply #37 on:** August 29, 2006, 06:52:31 PM »

Saitek rudder pedals are out now I got some on order. Toe brakes, adjustible pedals and resistance, and about 4 inches wider than the CH ones. Style matches the X52. Right now they're running more than the CH's but the price will probably come down soon.

Mace