Joysticks

[The Fugitive]

Fugi - You got me!  In irritation I went to check your facts on the Hall sensors in the X55.  Of course you are correct.  When I considered the X-55, it was less about the prime technology (pots v. Hall) and more about 'new' and perhaps the fact that I had just taken the CH Flight stick apart (3rd time) for cleaning and noticed 8-years of wear.  I also made the assumption that Hall Effect sensors would not be available in anything less than a Warthog (which I couldn't afford).  I am now even more pleased with the X55 and knowing I won't have to clean any pots.  Thanks for the correction and Merry Christmas!

no problem, I was just trying to make sure we had the right info here.

I've had the same issue with my CH stick. I have worn out the hat that I use for views twice now. Seems I look right rear a lot! Luckily I saved my old analog stick and throttle to use for parts. Hall sensors, a split throttle and all those cool looking buttons and switches have me leaning toward a new X55 after christmas   

Have a Merry Christmas Ratsy!

[alskahawk]

@ alskahawk, if your throttle and pedals are still serving you well enough, why not try a TM t.16000 with them? Might be worth the $50.

 
 Ordered the TM t.16000. My fighterstick has become almost useless. Price was right. Less the $40. Thanks

[DmonSlyr]

I ended up buying the CH combatstick. It was a fair price and I watched a video that really kinda showed how bad the button placement was on the X-55, even though it did look pretty cool and maybe a good stick. I felt that the buttons had an easier and more relaxed placement. I chose the combatstick over the the fighter stick because I'm not a big fan of a million hatswitches. The throttle seems to have enough anyway when I eventually get that. I'm also liked that the CHcombatstick had a throttle on the side aswell.


It hasn't arrived yet. So I'll be playing by mouse in bombers for a few days hahaha!

[Ratsy]

You made the right choice because it's the right choice for you...after doing your research and asking for inputs from your community.  That's a good path.

Glad to chime in and best of luck with your new stick.

 

[guncrasher]

I hate to tell you so, but I told you so.  ch combat stick sucks.  hail the x55.  come back in a couple of months and remember I told you so.  I have owned more ch sticks than  saitek sticks going back about 8 years.  all ch sticks really sucked. 


semp

[alskahawk]

 The old CH sticks were really durable. But I got a combat stick a few months ago, bought it used, works good except there is a bad hat on it. Ordered the T 16000 as a temporary stick until I figure out which one I want. X55 or Warthog? Or back to CH?

[guncrasher]

3 ch stick says go to the x55


semp

[The Fugitive]

The old CH sticks were really durable. But I got a combat stick a few months ago, bought it used, works good except there is a bad hat on it. Ordered the T 16000 as a temporary stick until I figure out which one I want. X55 or Warthog? Or back to CH?

I have an old CH setup. I've had it for years. Replaced a bad "switch" on the hat once, and recently changed out the actual hat. I still have a couple views that work and then don't. I've been looking into getting a new stick and decided on the X55 due to the "bad press" you seem to find on the new CH stuff. The quality just isn't there any more.

The biggest problem is the Saitek stuff is on back order everywhere as they have moved their factory and are having problems getting the product out the door. 

[Vudak]

I don't think you need to regret your decision to go CH. There might be some recent bad press, but there's years of it for Saitek. Another big plus is that if you ever have to replace it, out of the box it is going to feel EXACTLY like your last one. I used a CH from 06-11, and it was the exact same feel from day one to the end. I just replaced it and it feels like the same stick. In contrast, I used Saiteks before that and they "break in," meaning every time you I'd replace it (1 to 2 years), I'd have to retrain my muscle memory. On that note, the CH products are still around decades later. How many Saitek models have been replaced in that time? Relearning muscle memory suuuuuuuucks.

[Bruv119]

I don't think you need to regret your decision to go CH. There might be some recent bad press, but there's years of it for Saitek. Another big plus is that if you ever have to replace it, out of the box it is going to feel EXACTLY like your last one. I used a CH from 06-11, and it was the exact same feel from day one to the end. I just replaced it and it feels like the same stick. In contrast, I used Saiteks before that and they "break in," meaning every time you I'd replace it (1 to 2 years), I'd have to retrain my muscle memory. On that note, the CH products are still around decades later. How many Saitek models have been replaced in that time? Relearning muscle memory suuuuuuuucks.

not everyone has had the same experience as you Vudak.   I too replaced my 8 year old combatstick with a brand new one and the elevator axis is complete junk, spikey as hell.  Had the hat switch and push buttons not worn out I'd still fly with the old one.  I have done numerous things in search of a fix but it just isn't the same period.   

I will thank them for the 8 years of pain free joystick use but sometimes it's just luck of the draw.

[Vudak]

I'm not saying there aren't going to be lemons but I don't think Violator needs to worry either. You guys are making it seem like this stuff is junk. My points regarding model consistency and muscle memory are valid.

Edit-- The Saitek I used was the x45, which was discontinued, so I purchased 6 or 7 on ebay and found absolutely no consistency with any of them, which to me was unacceptable. Even so, we all have different objectives.

[Brooke]

I have had great luck with CH.  I also love the feel of them and the consistency stick to stick and over time.

[iKo]

Well I just ordered another CH combat stick to replace my 3 yr old one. Not sure about you guys but I think getting 3 years out of it was fine by me and that's why they probably only give you a 2 year warranty on either stick anyway. I had the x42 then the x52 and never got 3 years out of them. I still use the x52  throttle to this day with a combat stick. The only thing my combat stick just started to do is get glitchy around center stick. So I am lazy and didn't take it apart to clean it like I should have, instead I gave it a really good wack and snaped the stick off the base and ordered another one. ( have parts now if anyone needs some) Would like to get the x55 just to have a split throttle but I can think of spending 200 bucks on other stuff since I'll still use the CH with it. Don't worry by Violator you'll like the stick.

[swinger]

The best for me is ThrustMaster HOTAS.

[DmonSlyr]

Yeah, I've heard things about quality for most of the sticks. I know siatek got bought out by madcats so I remember people saying after madcats bought them the quality went down. I got my x52 just before the buy out in 2007 and it lasted for 7 years. 

The CH stick I got was used but said "very good condition" so I'm am just praying it actually is.

The X55 just seemed to have a very disoriented button layout and I wasn't confident it would work well for me.

Praying I get it before KOTH!!!