Saitek X-65F vs X-52 Pro

[fullmetalbullet]

I got to try the X-65F at my friends house when he got it yesterday. and one thing i don't like about it is its pressure sensing stick(same thing the F-16s have). i like the dual throttles but hate the stick. so i been looking into the X-52 Pro.

Any opinions?

edit; heres a link the the X-65F. http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/x65f.html

[MK-84]

I got to try the X-65F at my friends house when he got it yesterday. and one thing i don't like about it is its pressure sensing stick(same thing the F-16s have). i like the dual throttles but hate the stick. so i been looking into the X-52 Pro.

Any opinions?

edit; heres a link the the X-65F. http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/x65f.html

What is a pressure sensing stick?  I'm curious

[Tom5572]

I used both the x52 and x52 pro. If you want to use the get a Belkin power USB hub. I got tire of having to replace them one a year so i got a ch stick. Been flying on the ch for a year and a half now with no issues.

Problems I had with the 52s:

1 after a couple months they would start to lose calibration at random times, usually in a fight.

2 the pitch, roll, and yaw would get real "twitchy" after about eight months.

3 I would start to lose hat switch veiws at about the one year point.

I still use the throttle from the last one I bought, the 52 pro. I had hoped the pro would hold up better but it did not.

On the other hand, I have Saitek pedals and have no complaints there. With the CH stick I have, pedals are a must, it does not have a twist option. The pedals I have now, i bought in 08 and they are still going strong

[Lusche]

Using a 52pro intensively (130h+/month) for about 2(3?) years now. Only real issue I had was the twist axis getting flaky (no hall sensor there), but cleaning the pot did fix it.

[PFactorDave]

Been using an X52 and Saitek pedals for over two years now.  No problems at all as long as I use a powered USB hub.  My only complaint was that it moves much more freely then the Sidewinder stick I was using before.  I did a little field mod that tightened it up somewhat (using a cut out piece of a blank CD spindle cover), but it squeks a little now sometimes.

[clerick]

my X52 lasted for 5 years until the stick went out. Not bad for what I paid. 

Talked to SHawk briefly about his experience with his X65 and he seemed positive about it, but did mention that there was a learning curve getting used to the way it senses movement.

[Ramon]

Had the X52 for 2 years and I liked it a lot.  Good control overall.  My complaint against it (and the reason I now have the CH Fighterstick and Pro Throttle) was losing calibration.  That was a PAIN.  It always seemed to happen in a fight.  I did get to be an expert on recalibration though.  I recommend CH.  These guys have operated now for 1.5 years and I have not had a single issue with them.  They work today just like I pulled them from the box.  I have Never had to recalibrate.

[Latrobe]

I've had my X52 for over 3 years now, and the only problem I get is the stick gets a little stiff every 6 months now. A little 3-in-1 oil fixes ths fairly well for me though.

[fullmetalbullet]

Had the X52 for 2 years and I liked it a lot.  Good control overall.  My complaint against it (and the reason I now have the CH Fighterstick and Pro Throttle) was losing calibration.  That was a PAIN.  It always seemed to happen in a fight.  I did get to be an expert on recalibration though.  I recommend CH.  These guys have operated now for 1.5 years and I have not had a single issue with them.  They work today just like I pulled them from the box.  I have Never had to recalibrate.

CH? never never heard. do explain please.

my X52 lasted for 5 years until the stick went out. Not bad for what I paid.  

Talked to SHawk briefly about his experience with his X65 and he seemed positive about it, but did mention that there was a learning curve getting used to the way it senses movement.

that is also my complaint about the x65. i cant seem to get used to the pressure sense stick.

i currently use the saitek ST290pro and its getting on in years. and sadly i believe it is causing my computer to give blue screen errors. the reason for believing it is the cause is they seem to happen whenever i play AH or whenever it is plugged it.

The X52 sounds like it has its faults, but overall would you recommend it?

[AAJagerX]

With the X52, the loss of calibration is usually due to the connecting cord that runs between the throttle and joystick.  The connector on the back of the stick gets loose.  I've found that if it loses calibration in flight, all I have to do is hit autopilot, unplug the cord for a second, then plug it back in.  That has worked 99% of the time for me.

I'm still on my original X52 (3-4 years I think) and replacing the cord almost always fixes the problem with calibration loss.  Also, the X52 magnet mod REALLY helps with precision.  Overall I've been pleasantly surprised how well it's performed.  Side note...  I bought my dad (AAIByteU) an X52 the same day I got mine.  I did the magnet mod on his also, and his is still working great as well.  

EDIT: I have no experience with the 65.

2nd EDIT:  I do use a powered USB hub.

[Tom5572]

CH? never never heard. do explain please.

that is also my complaint about the x65. i cant seem to get used to the pressure sense stick.

i currently use the saitek ST290pro and its getting on in years. and sadly i believe it is causing my computer to give blue screen errors. the reason for believing it is the cause is they seem to happen whenever i play AH or whenever it is plugged it.

The X52 sounds like it has its faults, but overall would you recommend it?

CH makes a vey solid and percise stick IMHO. I did like the x52s but they kept wearing out on me. Been playing the CH for longer than the three Saiteks, i find it to be a better stick. You can google CH and visit their web site. Also, I think AKAK used to work for CH.

[Daddkev]

  Iuse a mouse.....and im Naked!

[earl1937]

I prefer the X-52 because of the "one" hand operation of most all of the functions which I use from day to day. The one biggest plus is the "pinkie" finger switch which in effect, doubles your "hat switch" views, without having to involve your left hand at all.

[W7LPNRICK]

The Logitech 3d pro also had a problem with the twisty pot getting crud stuck in the silicone grease and making it act flaky.  One disassembled, cleaned and reassembled, worked fine. It's rubber boot is open in the top allowing stuff to fall down into the twisty parts. Why don't these companies seal the top of the boot?   

[Dragon]

My son is using an X-52 that has been used since tour 51 without any issues and is still going strong.

I had some issues with my X-52 that were solved by getting a powered USB hub, but am now using a new (since Christmas) X-52 Pro.




The pro does feel a bit better (smoother, more precise) than the regular.