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General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: wpeters on January 16, 2014, 11:26:42 AM

Title: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: wpeters on January 16, 2014, 11:26:42 AM
IS this stick worth investing in. I have a saitk x45 that is wore out and was wondering you guys thought
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: shppr01 on January 16, 2014, 11:50:54 AM
I like that it has two usbs instead of sharing one .Looks like it could be a great stick , although I am not sure about the 300.00 price tag.
  I have the X52 and it is not bad , but it is wearing out.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: wpeters on January 16, 2014, 12:16:27 PM
I like that it has two usbs instead of sharing one .Looks like it could be a great stick , although I am not sure about the 300.00 price tag.
  I have the X52 and it is not bad , but it is wearing out.


It shows that it $199.00 slightly more than a x52pro   http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/x55.html
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Tank-Ace on January 16, 2014, 01:02:51 PM
Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Changeup on January 16, 2014, 01:05:29 PM
Base spring thingy blows
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: SirNuke on January 16, 2014, 01:06:34 PM
Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?

yes
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: wpeters on January 16, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?

You would be surprised how much it helps. I went from logitech stick saitek one and saw a 50% improvement in my flying. Espicially kills. 
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: caldera on January 16, 2014, 01:52:19 PM
Is this stick worth investing in?  I have a Saitek X-45 that is worn out and was wondering what you guys thought.

Fixed.  Now it can be safely moved to the Hardware and Software Forum.   :bolt:

Edit: damn, forgot the what.  :)
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Aspen on January 16, 2014, 02:05:49 PM
I like my $25 Walmart cheapo.   When I lose a fight I just pretend it was because the other guy had an expensive set-up and track ir  :D
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Bear76 on January 16, 2014, 02:19:51 PM
I'd hate to live in a world where I had to pretend all the time  ;)
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: FLOOB on January 16, 2014, 04:22:23 PM
I made the mistake of buying a saitek once. For that money you could get one of those new russian sticks.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: pipz on January 16, 2014, 04:35:15 PM
Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?

Absolutely!  :D  :aok
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: DaveBB on January 16, 2014, 04:58:00 PM
I had the X-52.  It was horrible compared to my saitek $30 twist-stick.  The stick's tension was far to light in pitch and roll, and far to tight in rudder control.  Completely unbalanced.  Also, the control throws (how far the stick travels) were enormous. 

Lets hope the X-55 rhino is a much more balanced stick.  Give us a review of it.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Banshee7 on January 16, 2014, 05:24:13 PM
I really like my X52 (not the pro) until it loses calibration. 

Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?

Absolutely.  It makes things so much easier!

#S#



Josh
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Fulcrum on January 16, 2014, 05:29:38 PM
Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?

Envy much?

no one needs a 200.00 stick....ive played this game with a 35.00 Logitech stick before....but if someone WANTS to spend that much who cares?  I currently have a Warthog and a VKB Black Mamba as well as various other flight simulation hardware installed in a Obutto cockpit. ive probably spent something on the order of several thousand on this stuff but it's my hobby, my money which I earned through legitimate labor....so who cares? Im not saying having this stuff improves anyone's ability in the game (though a good HOTAS setup can certainly help) but its fun and it improves immersion.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Wiley on January 16, 2014, 05:37:55 PM
Do you guys honestly think you need a $200 stick  :lol?

"Need?"  No.

IMHO though, the game is at its best with a HOTAS, pedals, and head tracking.  If and when my X-52 dies, I'm going to be looking hard at the X-55.  Hopefully I'll have a couple years of reviews to check back on by then.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Max on January 16, 2014, 07:19:33 PM
After endless Saitek money down the drain, I purchased a CH HOTAS in '04. Haven't spent a cent since. $300 initial outlay for Fighterstick, peds & throttle via Provantage.com  Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: james on January 16, 2014, 10:03:54 PM
It's the same physical sticks as the x65. That thing wouldn't center up after a week of gameplay and they wouldn't even honor the 30 warentee. This thing has more buttons and some spring rates like an x52 or 52 pro. I've also had the x45. Looks cool I will give it that. I now use a thrustmaster warthog. Simply the best stick i've used hands down. I've had an x45,x52,x52pro,x65, cougar hotas, and a chfighterstick. The worst feeling as far as buttons was the ch. The worst as far as holding center was the x65 and 52. Under the warthog would be the cougar hotas then the 52 pro was good. Surprisingly the Saitek pedals version one have lasted close to 7 years now.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: wpeters on January 16, 2014, 11:24:29 PM
I made the mistake of buying a saitek once. For that money you could get one of those new russian sticks.
which ones are those
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: FLOOB on January 17, 2014, 12:49:40 AM
the black mamba
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: zack1234 on January 17, 2014, 01:41:30 AM
Pics please
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: LCADolby on January 17, 2014, 01:58:13 AM
This is the setup worth investing in;

(http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/146/ch-products-combatstick-568.33282706.jpg)
(http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/11/ch-products-pro-throttle.33283851.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a8dM75ghL.jpg)
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: LCADolby on January 17, 2014, 01:59:55 AM
Oh I forgot, they even cater to B38 pilots

(http://www.alpinesystems.co.uk/xoop/uploads/img4646f982e6da5.jpg)
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: craz07 on January 17, 2014, 02:22:21 AM
I've tried a few different joysticks.. Someone on here suggested the thrustmaster t16000m...  It is head and shoulders above anything i've tried.. super smooth and accurate, it uses some sort of magnet technology that gives it amazing resolution... Just my 2 cents!!
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: rpm on January 17, 2014, 03:06:06 AM
Quote
COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR FLYING GAMES
Why isn't AH ever mentioned on these kind of lists? Did Hitech piss off the wrong people?
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Gman on January 17, 2014, 04:11:31 AM
Quote
Envy much?

no one needs a 200.00 stick....ive played this game with a 35.00 Logitech stick before....but if someone WANTS to spend that much who cares?  I currently have a Warthog and a VKB Black Mamba as well as various other flight simulation hardware installed in a Obutto cockpit. ive probably spent something on the order of several thousand on this stuff but it's my hobby, my money which I earned through legitimate labor....so who cares? Im not saying having this stuff improves anyone's ability in the game (though a good HOTAS setup can certainly help) but its fun and it improves immersion.

^^
This right here.  Give any good pilot a 20$ stick and they'll still perform well, but having a really good stick or hotas is still preferable, and I'll bet 90% of said pilots would agree. 

Fulcrum, you should put another pic of your cockpit up in this thread, it's one of the best I've seen on this site.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: madrid311 on January 17, 2014, 06:01:16 AM
^^
This right here.  Give any good pilot a 20$ stick and they'll still perform well, but having a really good stick or hotas is still preferable, and I'll bet 90% of said pilots would agree. 

Fulcrum, you should put another pic of your cockpit up in this thread, it's one of the best I've seen on this site.
    yes, let's see that set up so I can drool over it.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Fulcrum on January 17, 2014, 06:32:45 AM
^^
This right here.  Give any good pilot a 20$ stick and they'll still perform well, but having a really good stick or hotas is still preferable, and I'll bet 90% of said pilots would agree. 

Fulcrum, you should put another pic of your cockpit up in this thread, it's one of the best I've seen on this site.

I need to do so.  I've made several changes since I added the Black Mamba stick into the mix and I'm thinking I've very nearly "finished" it.  I also owe everyone a review of the Black Mamba stick which I promised last year.  I will see if I can get that done and post sometime over the weekend.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: hotcoffe on January 17, 2014, 06:46:59 AM
I am about to buy a X52 pro with pro rudder pedals with the money i saved for last 6 months... but now reading the comments under this topic made me think again... So i am not sure
if its smart to spend like 250$ on this now.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: madrid311 on January 17, 2014, 09:47:42 AM
I am about to buy a X52 pro with pro rudder pedals with the money i saved for last 6 months... but now reading the comments under this topic made me think again... So i am not sure
if its smart to spend like 250$ on this now.
         take everything in here said with a grain of salt and go for it!  If you love the game and adding hardware is part of the equation for you then pound the 250.00. Then let us know how happy you are you went with your instinks! Lol. Peace
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: LCADolby on January 17, 2014, 09:55:56 AM
My x52 pro lasted 2-3 weeks before the x axis went.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: JimmyD3 on January 17, 2014, 09:57:41 AM
I am about to buy a X52 pro with pro rudder pedals with the money i saved for last 6 months... but now reading the comments under this topic made me think again... So i am not sure
if its smart to spend like 250$ on this now.

I have an Saitek X52 setup and have been using it for about a year now, with no major problems. I have had to re-calibrate on occasion but that is the extent of it. On the down side, Saitek does NOT carry any parts for their systems so if it does die, you have to get a new system. :frown: So far MadCat, the US vendor has been very responsive on all of my e-mails.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Mace2004 on January 17, 2014, 10:03:56 AM
I've always found that the Saitek X45, X52 and X52 Pro to be long on features, especially for their price, but low on life span.  Problems have ranged from buttons and hat switches, the forward and aft detents of the throttle quadrant wear out/break off and the sticks get very sloppy over time.  In particular, the plastic gimbels and loose fit between the compression cone and stick shaft inevitably result in a large dead band in the center where the stick can just flop about with no input.  Generally I've found that a stick will last me about two years before it becomes unacceptable.  The majority of the problems result from the fact that almost everything is plastic and the sticks just wear out so I've been looking for a similar stick with metal gimbals without going through the price roof.  I nearly jumped on the Warthog but started reading many reports about a laminated compression ring in it that delaminates, something I didn't want to deal with in a $400++ stick.

Does anyone have any information on the X-55's construction?  Are the gimbals just plastic again?
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Wiley on January 17, 2014, 10:09:36 AM
I am about to buy a X52 pro with pro rudder pedals with the money i saved for last 6 months... but now reading the comments under this topic made me think again... So i am not sure
if its smart to spend like 250$ on this now.

YMMV, but I'm going on year 7 with an X-52 and pro pedals.  Bought them early 2007.  The only issue I've got with the X-52 is the one rotary on the throttle is a bit spiky.  I'm sure cleaning the pot would fix it but I don't use it so have never bothered.  Everything else with it is just fine.  I had to take the pedals apart to clean them once about 3 years ago, but they've been fine since.  It does have a very light spring which some don't like, but that has never bothered me.  There are also simple mods that can be used to stiffen it.

The one thing I will say is I am very gentle on my gear.  If you have a tendency to have heavy hands and feet or throw your gear around, I wouldn't recommend the Saitek stuff.  I am interested in the X55 because it basically looks like a poor man's Warthog, which was what I was planning on getting next until the X55 came out.  For the price point and based on my experience with my X52, I believe it may work for me.

I run my stuff off a powered hub, and haven't had to recalibrate it ever.

The one other qualifier I have is, the timeframe is right for mine to have been built just before Saitek was acquired by Madcatz.  My personal theory is that their quality may have gone down when that change in ownership occurred.  Or it's possible I just happened to get a good unit and varying quality is why so many have problems with them.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: LLv34_Dictonius on January 17, 2014, 10:31:48 AM
Saitek throttles are neat toys. If your old saitek is giving up I bet it is the stick part. I would keep the throttle, but replace the stick with Thrustmaster T.16000 or try the new russian Cobra M5 for example. Won't be too expensive update either.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Scca on January 17, 2014, 11:00:12 AM
This is the setup worth investing in;

(http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/146/ch-products-combatstick-568.33282706.jpg)
(http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/11/ch-products-pro-throttle.33283851.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a8dM75ghL.jpg)
That's my current setup, but up until this past Christmas I had and X52 and it worked just fine...  My one issue with the CH is the hat switch is pretty far away even for my big paws...
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: rpm on January 17, 2014, 03:04:11 PM
I am about to buy a X52 pro with pro rudder pedals with the money i saved for last 6 months... but now reading the comments under this topic made me think again... So i am not sure
if its smart to spend like 250$ on this now.
I'd save up a couple more months and get the X55. I just replaced my x52Pro a few months ago or I would have waited for a 55. It looks like a great stick. I typically get a couple years out of Saitek sticks and I am not gentle with them.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Devil 505 on January 17, 2014, 04:46:09 PM
I've tried a few different joysticks.. Someone on here suggested the thrustmaster t16000m...  It is head and shoulders above anything i've tried.. super smooth and accurate, it uses some sort of magnet technology that gives it amazing resolution... Just my 2 cents!!
I just bought the t16000m, I absolutely love the smooth motion of the stick. The button layout, on the other hand is terrible, in my opinion. My old Thrustmaster Hotas-X that I'm replacing, was the exact opposite: great button layout, horrid motion in the stick. Really, if I could somehow fit the guts of the T16000m into the Hotas-X, then that would be as near a perfect stick.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: diaster on January 17, 2014, 05:19:12 PM
Envy much?

no one needs a 200.00 stick....ive played this game with a 35.00 Logitech stick before....but if someone WANTS to spend that much who cares?  I currently have a Warthog and a VKB Black Mamba as well as various other flight simulation hardware installed in a Obutto cockpit. ive probably spent something on the order of several thousand on this stuff but it's my hobby, my money which I earned through legitimate labor....so who cares? Im not saying having this stuff improves anyone's ability in the game (though a good HOTAS setup can certainly help) but its fun and it improves immersion.
agreed. Love my warthog
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Vudak on January 17, 2014, 05:19:33 PM
Saitek makes a good product and I used to love my X45, but I'd go with CH gear simply because there has been an X36(?), X45, X52, now this X55...  And the pattern suggests there will be new models down the line.

Compare that to CH which has been relatively unchanged in...  Forever.

Why does this matter?  Muscle memory.  It is a complete pain beyond words to relearn muscle memory, especially if you're good enough where you're riding the edge in fights and fluidly using your HOTAS to full effect.  Every single time you switch joystick models you have to reinvent the wheel.  They are not the same.  Buttons are different places, springs are different tensions, etc.

When/if your CH products wear out, you'll be able to buy the same exact thing down the road.  When/if your Saitek wears out, the model might be discontinued and then it's ebay or you're out of luck.

YMMV.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Dragon Tamer on January 17, 2014, 07:18:08 PM
I have a $30 Saitek ST290 Pro that I bought from Walmart 7 years ago and it's still going strong.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Ten60 on January 17, 2014, 07:37:32 PM
Good Comment Fulcrum.  Even tho you are my evil older brother, and you're bald, and you smell like a rank mixture of bengay and vegetable oil.

I had a Cyborg when I started this game and it was GOD AWFUL.  Went out after about 9 months.  I bought an X-52 and I've had zero problems with it at all.   Now, that isn't to say that I still absolutely suck at this game and will die 2 times for every 1 legitimate kill....  But I can't blame my equipment for that.  (I blame my equipment for the flood of Kate Upton voicemails I get... :joystick: )

My opinion is, if you want to spend $15,000 on a setup and you can afford to, whatever man.  If that gives you joy and allows you to play this game and be a happy, respectful and honorable stick...   :cheers:

You people who say it's stupid or useless or whatever are just h8t0rz.  Do us a favor and do what we all do in FSO  :cheers:
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Fulcrum on January 17, 2014, 07:43:25 PM
Good Comment Fulcrum.  Even tho you are my evil older brother, and you're bald, and you smell like a rank mixture of bengay and vegetable oil.


Thank you.  I've disputed the relationship and have the genetic tests to prove it.  Bald is beautiful.  I only smell like that when I forget to change my Depends.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: WWhiskey on January 17, 2014, 07:46:10 PM
I had the X-52.  It was horrible compared to my saitek $30 twist-stick.  The stick's tension was far to light in pitch and roll, and far to tight in rudder control.  Completely unbalanced.  Also, the control throws (how far the stick travels) were enormous.  

Lets hope the X-55 rhino is a much more balanced stick.  Give us a review of it.
you can tune any stick for any amount of throw you want in the advanced settings,,   I like the x52 but it is sloppy feeling compared to the others I've used. The one I have now is getting old 4 years maybe,  I'm thinking of getting something new probably CH, as far as throttle and rudders go ,the x52 and saitek peddles are great


Just checked out the new x55,,, looks nice, I think I'll wait and get one when it comes out!
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Mar on January 18, 2014, 03:50:08 AM
I have an x65 and I really don't like the way the buttons are on the throttle. They're way too close together and hard to get to for me. I don't like the stick either. I think HOTAS developers should design them so that you can get a good solid grip on them without having your fingers on a button or hat.

I don't think I'll ever switch from my CH fighterstick. The thing is built like a tank. I lost count how many years I've been flying with it.
(}{ f0r |_1f3
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: Rogue9Volt on January 18, 2014, 09:13:42 AM
I used to have the x52, never ha any problems with it, then got rid of it after I quit last time about four years ago..  I just bought one again, and haven't yet been able to get the stick to work.  I love the throttle though.  I wish I could afford a new stick and just keep the throttle.
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: guncrasher on January 18, 2014, 12:50:38 PM
This is the setup worth investing in;

(http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/146/ch-products-combatstick-568.33282706.jpg)
(http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/11/ch-products-pro-throttle.33283851.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a8dM75ghL.jpg)

oh I bought into the ch stick never fails and it is highly accurate crap.  once I bought my ch fighterstick, i havent been able to up a tank in bout 2 years now.  somehow it loses calibration from fighter to tanks.

funny thing is I never had this problem with my x52.  on my 3rd ch fighterstick while only had a single x52, i so much regret getting rid of my x52.


semp
Title: Re: Saitek X-55 Rino
Post by: LCADolby on January 18, 2014, 11:23:14 PM
Set up Mode 2 semp.