Thrustmaster Warthog vs. Saitek X-65F

[Razzor 479th]

I'm looking for some help deciding which set up to get to replace my MSFF2 stick.  Which stick do you think is better and why?  I like the split throttle of both sticks, but have never used a stick that doesn't move, instead sensing pressure applied to make turn movements.  Also, I understand neither stick has a rudder control built into it like the MSFF2 stick does.  I gues this means I'll need to get rudder pedals, but TM does not seem to make any.

Another issue is that I have an aggregate floor.  Basically it's a floor made up of glazed small pebbles.  Any rudders would slide all over the floor. Any suggestions on how to keep the pedals in place?

I could really use some input here as this is obviously going to be an expensive decision for me.  Thanks 

[Butcher]

I'm looking for some help deciding which set up to get to replace my MSFF2 stick.  Which stick do you think is better and why?  I like the split throttle of both sticks, but have never used a stick that doesn't move, instead sensing pressure applied to make turn movements.  Also, I understand neither stick has a rudder control built into it like the MSFF2 stick does.  I gues this means I'll need to get rudder pedals, but TM does not seem to make any.

Another issue is that I have an aggregate floor.  Basically it's a floor made up of glazed small pebbles.  Any rudders would slide all over the floor. Any suggestions on how to keep the pedals in place?

I could really use some input here as this is obviously going to be an expensive decision for me.  Thanks 

I posted this a few times, and from what I gathered it really comes down to decision making, nobody has anything bad to say about a warthog, saitek or CH products - I want to limit my budget to at least $500 for a full setup (throttle, stick and pedals) so Thrustmaster is out of the quesiton.

As for the flooring, I use a rubber mat bought from Staples which has a hard surface and rudder pedals do not slide.

As far as the decision of the joystick, I wish there was somewhere I could test out a 65F or CH products, unfortunately I have to gamble on it, CH fighter stick or X-65F is in my budget range for a full setup, I have not seen enough negative on either to discount either one.

I almost want to play darts with a photo of both sticks and turn 3 times and fire away.

[Infidelz]

X-65F has the "twisty" stick, its just doesn't move. It can be disabled. I made an aluminum pedestal for my rudders which are Saitek. This is held in back by a piece of angle aluminum that sits across the forward frame of my cockpit. The pressure is always forward against it so the rudders don't' move. I bought some soft gels from CVS so I can fly barefoot or in my socks. These are held down on the rudders with rubber bands. You should figure out what to do with your flooring the mat ideas sounds pretty good. Rudders are a must.

Your going to be on a learning curve with this stick. it is not like any other. Very important to anchor your elbow. it is easy to get into over control and begin oscillating behind your target if you don't control it.

Infidelz.

[Razzor 479th]

Great info. thanks 

[james]

I have had the x65 and now have the warthog. i have to say the warthog kicks the x65 in the nuts. The software is easier to use if you use it at all, the tension of the warthog is not too much and not too little. The throttle isn't completely metal but if something breaks it goes to get fixed by thrustmaster or i can probably fix it myself. The insides of the warthog are far simpler and less cramped than the x65. The x65 sensors for the stick are held together with electrical tape. I found that out when i tried to see if it was possible to fix it after Saitek couldn't come out with software to CENTER the stick. try playing any game where the stick wont sit still unless you have to put 8+ pounds against it in the opposite direction. The x65 can be set to take up to 16 lbs before it moves. I loved my x65 until it broke and couldn't be fixed. I'll get my pictures of the inside of it later. What a waste of money that thing was.

[pipz]

The Warthog is on sale at Amazon for around 400 bucks.

[Razzor 479th]

I have had the x65 and now have the warthog. i have to say the warthog kicks the x65 in the nuts. The software is easier to use if you use it at all, the tension of the warthog is not too much and not too little. The throttle isn't completely metal but if something breaks it goes to get fixed by thrustmaster or i can probably fix it myself. The insides of the warthog are far simpler and less cramped than the x65. The x65 sensors for the stick are held together with electrical tape. I found that out when i tried to see if it was possible to fix it after Saitek couldn't come out with software to CENTER the stick. try playing any game where the stick wont sit still unless you have to put 8+ pounds against it in the opposite direction. The x65 can be set to take up to 16 lbs before it moves. I loved my x65 until it broke and couldn't be fixed. I'll get my pictures of the inside of it later. What a waste of money that thing was.

6Gun, thanks for the side by side comparrison.  I'm looking forward to seeing the pics.  Thanks   

[wil3ur]

My mom's getting me the Vibemaster3000.  I think it will be better than both of these.

[JUGgler]

My mom's getting me the Vibemaster3000.  I think it will be better than both of these.

You sure this is for you?   




JUGgler

[james]

Base of the stick is hollow. Took these as I took the stick apart after getting told I was out of warranty by the Madcatz people and Saitek.

This is the underside of the stick once the PS connector is removed from the base.

I couldnt believe they held the wiring in place with electrical tape and figured this might be a source of a problem. Figured at this point that fixing it was not going to happen so what the heck.

This is what the electrical tape was holding together. The thin copper wiring held by the tape had shifted somehow throwing the stick off center by a few pounds of force.

This is the 3OO plus dollar stick that you can't fix yourself and they wont warranty even though I only had it a year. The only good Saitek is the pedals. The sticks are like paper towels no matter what they look like or what they are made of.

[Ramon]

I replaced my X52 (still functioning) with the CH Fighterstick and CH Pro Throttle.  I kept my Saitek rudder pedals.  I love the Fighterstick because it NEVER loses calibration and it has been totally reliable.  The Fighterstick is also very smooth to operate, has plenty of control buttons and is not too expensive.  CH has my recommendation.  I lost calibration with the Saitek X52 in the middle of combat many, many times and it was frustrating.  If you get the CH product you will get a reliable, smooth set of controls which are not to hard to set up.  Just my 2 cents.

[james]

I have a ch fighterstick also, it is certainly a step up from an x52 or a 52 pro. Haven't owned one of their throttles yet though. Only thing I didn't like about ch was everything is like a button. The trigger doesnt feel like a trigger. It feels like a button.

[Razzor 479th]

Recommendatios for rudder pedals?

[pervert]

Thats disapponting to see James, personally Saitek seem to be all about the gimick ie how it looks externally.

[james]

At first it was a pretty good stick after i spent time getting used to it in offline mode and getting the sensativities settled out. Was really cool and comfortable.

razzor 479th, the only pedals i've ever used or owned are my saitek pedals and not the combat ones or the cessna ones. They've lasted me 5-6 years now but i play in socks or slippers no shoes or boots.