Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: coyo on July 16, 2005, 08:05:04 AM
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Well I ordered a Saitek X52 from Amazon. Then after I ordered it, I was looking at joysticks in BestBuy and was examining the X45 on display. I liked very much the "rudder" rocker on the front of the throttle handle, which made my excitement over my previously ordered X52 begin to diminish. In fact, I remembered a post by an angry X52 user lamenting the fact that this feature was deleted in the X52 in favor of joystick "twist". Now I have never been a fan doing "the twist" to get rudder input and, after feeling the X45 rudder control first hand, I understood exactly how my fellow sim flyer felt. I also heard, never having the opportunity of examining a X52 in person, that the X52 had very very weak springs, and I liked the feel of the X45 springs very much.
Well, I went home and after some agonizing, I finally went back to Amazon and ordered a X45 as well.
Now I have 2 sticks coming in the mail to me! If I was smart, I would just return the X52, but that means not opening it. The problem is I want to compare them both side to side before I make my final decision. I want to see which one spikes; which one is more accurate; which one feels better and which one has the spring tension I prefer.
I guess what I am saying is, look for either a X45 or X52 on eBay in two weeks or so!
:aok PS. My new PC was shipped yesterday; but, that is another thread...
Happy flying
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Congrats on the new system Coyo. Are you also getting the HSI X800 video card to go in it? Just curious as I had seen the post where you were wondering if it would fit.
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Coyo, after you decide which joystick you prefer, return the other and use the credit to purchase a set of USB CH Pro Pedals from Amazon, about $99, much less than the X52 and well worth having. Simply plug 'em in, calibrate and go flying. Once you get used to pedals, rockers and twisty sticks will not be missed.
I currently use the X45 with CH pedals and it's a good, reliable setup.
My regards,
Widewing
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How is it holding up?
How is its accuracy and spiking?
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Originally posted by SarinGas
Congrats on the new system Coyo. Are you also getting the HSI X800 video card to go in it? Just curious as I had seen the post where you were wondering if it would fit.
I plan on getting the X800XL, hopefully the HIS card, but I have to see it if will fit in my system first.
Also, apparently, you need a 435 watt power supply to power the thing. Ithink my pc only has a 325 watt supply...
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Originally posted by coyo
How is it holding up?
How is its accuracy and spiking?
Accuracy is superb, no spiking whatsoever. The only weakness that I discovered is the hat switches, which wears over time (in about 6 months) and eventually gets flaky. This is why I buy mine from Best Buy and purchase the two-year exchange warranty. When a hat switch starts to go bad, I just exchange the stick and throttle for a new one. This means two or three exchanges during the two years. Worth the extra $9 ten times over.
My regards,
Widewing
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definately return one and get pedals...
http://www.provantage.com/buy-7CHPP002-pro-pedals-usb-ch-300-111-shopping.htm (http://www.provantage.com/buy-7CHPP002-pro-pedals-usb-ch-300-111-shopping.htm)
$88.06 USD and always fast shipping.
I used pedals for years then switched to a twisty joystick when they came out to test them... at first it was pretty neat then it became frustrating so I switched back to pedals.
As someone said above... pedals take getting used to but once you get used to them they're great.
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I used to have a full Thrustmaster HOTAS setup w/tm AND CH pedals back in the days of Janes F-15. My TM pedals broke after 2 or 3 years and mhy CH Pedals spiked alot with really @#%#@$ me off.
Right now, for my purposes, I think the rudder control on the x45 throttle will be adequate once i get used to it--definately better than 'twist'
At any rate, I don't think i will be able to "hide" a set of rudder pedals from the wife..
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Except for the noted rudder on throttle, the x-52 blows the x-45 out of the water. Everything is simply better. The x-52 supposedly features "contactless sensors" so hopefully it will last a long time. My x-45 made it about two years which is as good as any of the other TM or CH sticks I have owned. We'll see how long the x-52 lasts.
g00b
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seem to have alot of money to blow =D wanna buy me a new computer =D poweeze!!!! (mines 7 years old)
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heh ya dont need one of those sticks can send one to me :)
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Originally posted by AWRaid
...pedals take getting used to but once you get used to them they're great.
Right up until you break a leg sliding into third base.. :(
W~
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What would be nice is the x45 stick and the x52 throttle...and pedals. The X52 stick sux. Too bad you can get a big spring for it.
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I don't use the x45 stick anymore (the hat went out) but had been using the x45 throttle. I notice now it is spiking. I've only used the throttle for about 6 months total, as a took a few months off from from AH.
I did buy the extended warranty. The way that works is Best Buy sends me a special label to ship the stick back to them. After they examine it, they may or may not issue me store credit. Just want to point out that you cant just walk into Best Buy and exchange a stick if you buy the warranty.
I'm thinking about getting the ch pro throttle, and Ill have full Ch pro hotas. I'll probably take a month or so off first, as I've becoming increasingly agravated in the game. Time for a break.
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Originally posted by BTW
Just want to point out that you cant just walk into Best Buy and exchange a stick if you buy the warranty.
Yes you can, I've done it twice; no questions asked. Show them the warranty folder with receipt, they update the paperwork and off you go with a new stick. No limit on returns for the two years, and I asked that specifically. They simply do not have the time or skilled manpower to verify failures of this type. They may balk at a $3,000 plasma TV, but a $70 joystick is going on the pile of returns.
If you purchased yours via the web, then they may have different rules. However, I simply return mine to the store where I bought it.
My regards,
Widewing
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No I purchased mine in the Best Buy Store. Should I write the claim prcoedure here? I'm not making this up. The Best Buy issued waranty specifically states "DO NOT RETURN TO STORE."
I went through the procedure of a claim on my extended warranty. It is as I am stating. Why would I lie? I'm only stating this because I thought I could just walk into a Best Buy and get another stick. It doesn't work like that. They mail you a label to ship the defective merchandise and then issue you store credit. Thats the way it works at Best Buy. If needed, I can prove this. But why would I make it up?
Perhaps the Best Buy where you live did something beyond what the purchased warranty states? Can you gaurantee other Best Buys will also? I don't think you can so I am stating what the warranty calls for as written.
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sorry if the above reply sounds testy. It is't meant to be but just to state that I've found the Best Buy purchased warranty to be different than what is stated here. When my stick started getting flakey, I thought - "oh well, time for a trip to Best Buy." But I was wrong. The warranty is handled as I stated. The reply is for informational purposes and warn those to read the warranty procedure.
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perhaps your warrenty is an older one they might have offered previous to the deal they give now. i can confirm that they do the no-questions asked warrenty at the best buy near me.. unfortunately, it wasnt around when i bought my trusty ms-pp2. i'm going to cry when she finally bites the dust :(
i bought an x45 refurb from the factory years ago and i liked it a lot but i dont have the same desk space now that i used to. i thought the 52 had the rocker rudder too?
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Just returned my X45 to Best Buy today in exchange for a new one. I'm skocked about your local Best Buy's policy, but step up and be a consumer. Talk to a manger and let them know that Circut City has a great return policy. Ask if you are forced to buy a new stick, should go there instead.
Coyo, as for the rocker rudder. it may take some time to get used to and you may never get it setup right. i gave up and bought pedals. I'll never go pedalless again.
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When it comes to Saitek, order direct from Saitek, deal with Saitek.
No added charges for returns, no replacement charges.Fast turn around times. Great customer service. In general, no hassle what so ever.
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Just to throw in my 1.5 cents; my computer has bad voltages in it somewhere. Unless I use an externally powered USB hub, my X45 begins to spike in about a week. With the powered hub, it's taken about 4 months. I can only go to 92% throttle in IL2FB and it spikes a whole 10 MAN in AH.
I've gone through 7 X45s. Thank you Best Buy...
EDIT: I've got a great setup for the rudder rocker. If anybody wants it, email me. Ask for either a picture or the stick.cfg file.
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OOZ662,
Can you send me a pic of your setting for the rudder. I love my X45 (have it mounted to my IKEA wood desk) but get a bit of a bounce on the rudder. I'll get rudder pedals sooner or later, maybe for Christmas from the wife.
Also, anyone got instructions for programming the rotary. I know I've seen it on the BBS but haven't been able to locate it.
Coyo, good luck with the sticks. I've had the same X45 for 3 years and have had very few problems.
Thanks!
>S<
TITANDFATITAN (ken_mcclendon@comcast.net)
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Rudder rockers are no good. Impossible to be consistent with your aim... twisty sticks or pedals are the way to go.
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IMO X-52 is total junk. I you can live with a huge deadzone then I guess it's ok..
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Originally posted by DFATITAN
Also, anyone got instructions for programming the rotary. I know I've seen it on the BBS but haven't been able to locate it.
JUST posted on this in Technical Support. It's a post by thebest1.
Turns out that I just have the default setting and dampening a 1/4 of the way up. I'm also calm when I fight, so I don't slam the poor thing around.
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Originally posted by mora
IMO X-52 is total junk. I you can live with a huge deadzone then I guess it's ok..
deadzone fixed in new models
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Originally posted by JB42
Coyo, as for the rocker rudder. it may take some time to get used to and you may never get it setup right. i gave up and bought pedals. I'll never go pedalless again.
Same here. I could never get fine control with the rocker and I had to curl my hand far over the throttle. Too uncomfortable.
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Originally posted by Lye-El
Same here. I could never get fine control with the rocker and I had to curl my hand far over the throttle. Too uncomfortable.
invert the throttle axis in AH so full throttle is back, then you can reach underneath easily.
lakes maybe 1 night to get used the the throttle being "backwards" but it makes the stick that much more ergonomic IMHO. you can easily work everything on it then
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Originally posted by mora
IMO X-52 is total junk. I you can live with a huge deadzone then I guess it's ok..
Just for clarification, in my 15 years of flight simming, I have used pretty much all the high-end sticks.
CH F-16 Fighterstick, 2 of em
CH Combatstick
CH Propedals
CH Pro throttle
TM F16, 2 of em
TM F22, 2 of em
TM pedals
TM throttle
Logitech 3d extreme gold
Saitek X-45
Saitek X-52
The full CH HOTAS setup is my favorite, however all my CH stuff was gameport, and I have yet to upgrade to USB.
I bought the X-52 and feel it is on par with anything else I have tried to date. No deadzone problems, no weak springs, etc... It works great! All I need to buy now is a set of USB pedals and I'm good to go.
g00b
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I love my X45, but it took me some time to get used to the rocker rudder. I am pretty sure that I don't use the rocker rudder as much as I used the old twisty rudder on my old Saitek Cyborg stick, but at least it is useable now. I am waiting to get peddals, and then I will be completely happy.
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I love my X52, it has a faily long throw but once you get used to it it works great.
It's important to have a light hand because it will translate any movement into the game easilly. If you jerk when you pull the trigger and things of that sort
you will know. :)
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I have both
I use the X45
AH Saitek Profiles (http://www.pogbird.com/X45)
do get a set of pedals
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I bought the X-52 and feel it is on par with anything else I have tried to date. No deadzone problems, no weak springs, etc...
g00b [/B]
And where did you purchase this one of a kind, no limp wrist spring, 52 at? :)
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Originally posted by BTW
I'm thinking about getting the ch pro throttle, and Ill have full Ch pro hotas. I'll probably take a month or so off first, as I've becoming increasingly agravated in the game. Time for a break.
As one who has had both be aware there are significant differences.
The CH Pro Throttle has a straight "slider" type movement as apposed to the arched movement of the X45. Also no tension adjustment or roteries on the CH. Otherwise it is not a bad throttle and I have gotten used it. I don't miss the roteries as much now in AH as I did when I played CFS. I used to use them for mixture and RPM. All in all I still liked the X45 throttle better and would stil use it if it could be used stand alone.
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Originally posted by Clifra Jones
All in all I still liked the X45 throttle better and would stil use it if it could be used stand alone.
if you have the desk space, keep the x45 set up and plugged in, put the stick behind the side of the moniter and use the x45 throttle. thats what i do.