I just purchased this today and I couldn't be more annoyed.. For a $150 peice of hardware that gloats about precision I'd expect it to at least... Be precise.. Which it's not. After googling around I see this flaw of this joystick was missed in the reviews I read because it seems common after googling about the issue.The joystick `sticks' along the axis from the metal base plate rubbing up against the plastic.. I've applied Super Lube to it with zero change.. I've heard of people using tie wraps to lessen the tension on it.. Tried it, doesn't work and just makes the whole thing a floppy mess and really sad to be already modding a brand new $150 joystick set.So does this thing break in and stop doing this? It's totally unacceptable to me as it stands and will be returned promptly tomorrow unless there is some magic answer to make it not be terrible at what it is supposed to do.

Wow didn't know X-52 was 150 bucks!

I bought the x52 and had the same issues, tryed all the tricks with no luck. Retuned it and got the x52 pro and it was smooth as silk. So maybe you just got a bad one. Or its Madcatz making a cheeper build quality product after acquiring Saitek.

Returned, exchanged it for the CH Eclipse Yoke.. Much happier.. I was hestitant about the plastic shaft but read about they were a problem in the past with stickyness and wear but they refined it and my box did say new and improved industrial grade parts.. I did preventive maintenance anyway and immediately applied Super Lube to the shaft. Solid product, love the action on it and much happer (for less money).. I'll continue to use my Logitech 3D Extreme Pro for stick controlled planes and this for the rest..

Styckx, I had exactly the same problem with the X-52 Pro, so I know how you felt.

 

I'm not sure where the problem was...was it:

 

a ) the bottom plate sticking as it moved over the ring in the joysticks base, or was it

 

b ) the bottom plate sticking as it slid up the shaft ?

 

Anyway in my experience, the problem has worn off. In fact, I have increased the spring resistance to make the stick stiffer, which you would think would make reason a) start to cause problems again, but its been fine.

 

Obviously its no longer a problem for you, having exchanged your stick, but as a once slightly unhappy / now very happy X-52 Pro owner, I thought I would tell my story.

They are as sticky 2 years after buying one as they day they were bought unfortunately, my Pro was anyway, thats why I got a Warthog instead, bloody expensive but smooth a silk once away from neutral.

CH is a good purchase. I wish I still had mine.