I got some cash to spare, but not unlimited, and was looking at specs and reviews of both theSaitek X52 and X52 Pro HOTAS.Honestly, I find it hard to do a side by side comparison, as they appear similar in options.Can someone point the main difference between the two?Much obliged,Eytan Ornstein

Mmmmm... I just read that the X52 Pro is designed for FSX only/I have fs9 so maybe X52 Pro is not compatible?Eytan

The pro is stiffer..much stiffer...nice FEEL to it...when moving it around.

I read in a review that the Pro is meant to work with FSX. Something about the radio frequency dialer applying, "at this stage" to FSX.Since I have FS9, will the radio feature not be applicable?Eytan

The X52 Pro is a lot nicer controller than the X52:1. As mentioned, the centering spring is stiffer (but not too much so). I've owned both, though my X52 lasted about 3 days before I returned it due to its floppy centering. Once off center, IMO the X52 has effectively zero tension feedback to the center position.2. The dials and hats are much better quality.3. The MDF display (or whatever it's called) on the X52 Pro can be programmed from an app. All I've seen is that FSX shows the radio stack and MS Media Player shows the current play list. Beyond that it's currently somewhat useless (for me at least).There is nothing FSX specific about the X52 Pro other than the radio stack display. I have my X52 Pro set up so I never have to use the keyboard. The dials/slider are excellent for setting elevator trim, mix and prop pitch. I suggest getting saitek pedals as well. I'm also into IL-2 (a WW2 combat flight sim) and that's where the saitek X52 Pro and pedals really shine. I cannot say anything about FS9's ability to display the radio stack on the X52 Pro; I've never tried it nor have read that it's a feature, though other than that the X52 Pro will work just fine with it. If you are lucky maybe somebody has made a FS9 plug-in for the X52 Pro radio stack display, google it.

http://blackswift.free.fr/blog/I googled the FS9 plugin and got the above site- just the place I was looking for.For me it would be vital to control radio frequencies via the X52 Pro, as I fly with VATSIM and change frequency every time a controller hands me off to the next guy.Eytan

I used to have X52, now switched to X52Pro. It looks better and feels better. MFD is not used here, only sometimes to check, what a button do (but I think the same is possible in X52). If You do not have GF panels or something to switch frequencies, autopilot etc, go for Pro.Also, I think Pro is a better construction.I would go for Pro again