New yoke now installed (many thanks to those who responded to my "desk fitting" thread - all has worked well in that department).I have issues with the thing sticking in pitch axis. So as I pull out, or push in, I get resistance, to which I need to apply more pressure, then the resistance gives, so of course I get an unexpected zoom, and this is, as you can imagine, not good when landing.Anyone had a similar experience?I've posted on the Saitek fora, but the only reply so far is "me too" - and I need to take a view whether to return this thing, soon.I love the aileron movement - so very smooth and natural - also the throttle unit - so I'm loathe to send it back, but frankly unless there's an easy fix, the stickiness is a showstopper for me. Landing becomes a matter of luck not skill. Compared to my X52 Pro, which allows for the tiniest of movements, it's a huge step back.Should I try a replacement, or just call it a day?Any comments appreciated.

WD40???!!!

New yoke now installed (many thanks to those who responded to my "desk fitting" thread - all has worked well in that department).I have issues with the thing sticking in pitch axis. So as I pull out, or push in, I get resistance, to which I need to apply more pressure, then the resistance gives, so of course I get an unexpected zoom, and this is, as you can imagine, not good when landing.Anyone had a similar experience?I've posted on the Saitek fora, but the only reply so far is "me too" - and I need to take a view whether to return this thing, soon.I love the aileron movement - so very smooth and natural - also the throttle unit - so I'm loathe to send it back, but frankly unless there's an easy fix, the stickiness is a showstopper for me. Landing becomes a matter of luck not skill. Compared to my X52 Pro, which allows for the tiniest of movements, it's a huge step back.Should I try a replacement, or just call it a day?Any comments appreciated.

New yoke now installed (many thanks to those who responded to my "desk fitting" thread - all has worked well in that department).I have issues with the thing sticking in pitch axis. So as I pull out, or push in, I get resistance, to which I need to apply more pressure, then the resistance gives, so of course I get an unexpected zoom, and this is, as you can imagine, not good when landing.Anyone had a similar experience?I've posted on the Saitek fora, but the only reply so far is "me too" - and I need to take a view whether to return this thing, soon.I love the aileron movement - so very smooth and natural - also the throttle unit - so I'm loathe to send it back, but frankly unless there's an easy fix, the stickiness is a showstopper for me. Landing becomes a matter of luck not skill. Compared to my X52 Pro, which allows for the tiniest of movements, it's a huge step back.Should I try a replacement, or just call it a day?Any comments appreciated.

Just spray some silicone lubricant. If this does not work, then the Yoke is defective.

Thanks for the replies.According to the Saitek Forums, WD40 will destroy these things, so I think that may be an iffy tip.Silicone lube is, I think, the "dry" lube mentioned elsewhere, I may try that.Cheers.

According to the Saitek Forums, WD40 will destroy these things, so I think that may be an iffy tip.

Can you post a link for me? Sounds odd, if I remember correctly I

http://www.saitekforum.com/showthread.php?t=13601You'll need to be logged in I think - but the admin's advice here seemed clear (then again... since looking around I've seen different, too... ymmv).I think I'm gonna go for an exchange. Lotsa people seem happy ootb, and I tried one at an expo, and loved the smooth movement. It's the size/postage etc that puts me off. Guess that's the price we pay for online shopping. Gone are the days we could walk back into the shop and say "swap this please"!!!

Nah, saw it alright, thanks a lot. Well, opinions differ, no surprizes there :( I think you

Just to follow up on this - I today have spoken to Saitek, who agree that I have a faulty unit.They appear to be part of Mad Cats(z?) now - but their technical people are a delight to deal with.I've got a "code" so I can go back to my supplier for an exchange.Phew. I will report whether the replacement is any good.

Replacement here - no better. Looking for refund now. I can get a certain smoothness if I use both hands on the yoke; with one, it's a no go. Since I don't want to land moving throttle with my forehead, I figure this isn't the yoke for me :(

3rd time's a charm, I dare you ;-) Just kidding. You are very unfortunate. What are the odds?! Understand if you've lost faith in this product. But if you do get hold of a working one, you'll love it.

3rd time's a charm, I dare you ;-) Just kidding. You are very unfortunate. What are the odds?! Understand if you've lost faith in this product. But if you do get hold of a working one, you'll love it.

The yoke sucks big time.I had one for a day.Buy a good joystick stick.I know how a real plane handels .I started flying on the real stuff ages ago First i whent solo on the SV4 stampe and then moved over to the Harvard T6 texan.

Opinions are divided on this matter, I'd like to hear what your problem was. And I'd say get both a joystickstick and a yoke. I did that, so I can always emulate the particular AC.

Its the centering mechnisim. Its does get less sticky once you have used it for a while, but it never goes away. I also loosened the screws in the base slightly - this seems to release some pressure that helped with the smoothness.I had a CH Yoke before and it was wonderfully smooth, the only problem was that it would not centre the elevator in the same place so you end up constantly re-trimming. I don't know if their latest offering has resolved that issue. If it has, I would get yourself a CH Yoke.

I will say dont spend your time and money on the saitek yoke and pedals.If you dont know better Ok for me.(respect)They have a center dead spotand you will never encounter this on a real plane.What most people are doing is adapting to the hardware and they thinck its ok but this is not how a real plane handels.Its looks nice and you will read a lot of possitive reviews ??????? but it sucks

Thanks for the comments guys.I'm a happy owner of a X-52 Pro hotas, so I can still fly. Never had any trouble with it, it's a great piece of kit.I may look at the CH Yoke. But I think Saitek has had 2 strikes and is out :)