Author Topic: Saitek X45 (Read 432 times)

Nashwan · « **on:** January 10, 2002, 11:14:00 AM »

Anyone got any feedback on this stick?
Seems pretty cheap for a stick and throttle combo, and Ive heard good things about Saitek in the past.

Kratzer · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2002, 11:22:00 AM »

It rules.

Go buy one. Now.

And make sure you download the 3.0 version of SGE, and follow the instructions before you plug it in, or it can be a bit of a pain.

Eagler · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2002, 12:27:00 PM »

Its worth the money though I liked the X36 better without the center spring thingy you have in the X45.
Slipped some wax paper under the spring washer. Seemed to help the stickiness of it.
Don't let that scare you off the X45, returning a MS FFB2 as it didn't compare to it.

Kratzer · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2002, 05:02:00 PM »

Oh... I didn't exactly read your post right...

What I should've said was this:

Go buy an X36. Now. If you can't find one, buy an X45

Wilbus · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2002, 06:30:00 PM »

X36 better?

Kratzer · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2002, 06:41:00 PM »

From everything I have heard, yes.

I have an X36, and I love it, and I haven't had the sorts of problems X45 guys are reporting.

There is a new X45 review in the new PC Gamer, they say the same thing - get an X36 if you can.

2Late4U · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2002, 07:43:00 PM »

Im not sure what problems you could be alluding too. The X45 I have works just like the X36 (only its hats work...X36 worn out after 2 years of my abuse).

There have been some VERY slipshot reviews of the X45 -vs- the X36, several have made statements that are just not true. More than one has lamented about the new pinkie trigger, failing to realize that the updated hook part comes right off leaving you with the identical control of the older stick. There are also some who dislike the new "feel" of the stick. The new stick does have a completely new feel, and yes it is a bit distracting as first, but you get used to it after a few flights, and it is much smoother and overall much easier to use. I also much prefer the new safe cover being more in line with the rest of the universe and have the cover over the button, not the cover IS the button (who thought that one up)

The only big negative I have found is the stupid light up buttons. Its a stupid gimmick that add ZERO to the stick when you use it (I dont have light sensative fingers....do you?) and I find is actually a distraction when Im watching a DVD or something in the dark.

Kratzer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2002, 09:18:00 PM »

Dern has had a host of problems getting his X45 to work with AH - mainly with SGE not working. The X36 is just a bit sturdier, a bit higher production value - which is why it is a bit more expensive, and is being phased out in favor of the flashier, cheaper, X45.

Nashwan · « **Reply #8 on:** January 12, 2002, 07:46:45 AM »

Thanks for the advice.
I couldn't find an X36 so I ordered the X45, but not from Saitek's site.
When I said the stick seemed chep, I hadn't actually checked the price in the UK.
On the Saitek US site it was the equivalent of £50-£60, on the Saitek Germany site £63, and on their UK site £99.
I managed to find a UK online retailer selling it for £65, however, so if you are in the UK and after an X45 don't buy it direct from Saitek.