I fly with a PS3 controller and pull off some mean landings. So basically, use whatever you want.

I've got the X52 which I use for everything. Works fine in combination with my Saitek rudder pedals.

 

I want to save some desktop space too, so I'm actually considering getting a Saitek Aviator instead of that big old clumpy X52. That way I can clear out the office in one sweep to make it look more like an office and not so much like a kid's room. :lol:

 

The Aviator has fewer buttons, but since I still don't use the mode selector on the X52 after two years with it, I see that I don't really need all that stuff. Plus the Aviator does have dual throttles, as opposed to the Saitek. For differential throttle use with the DC2 or A2a B17 and such, it'd be better than the X52, providing the control axes feel as solid.

 

Because the X52 is rock solid, hasn't failed me once even after I bent the poles on the connector cable I bent it back it with heat and pliers and now it works fine again. But too cumbersome I think.

I have the Aviator 1. It's very smooth and the throttle levers are very smooth too; much better than the Saitek throttle quadrant (packaged with the yoke), however, less range which is not as nice. I'm going to try the Saitek TPM system. It has 9 switches in addition to 3 axis and I think I can mount my radio panel right on top of it. My Saitek trim wheel should fit nicely right under the throttle.

I had the X52 Pro for about 3 years but one of the flaws of this stick is that the ps/2 port is the most crappy part on the controls. The cables barely stay seated and if they come lose at all the stick will reset in your flight and youll end up with off axis. Mine finally bit the dust and I went and got the Saitek Pro Flight, An additional Quadrant and I already had the Saitek Pedals.

 

The Saitek Yoke springs toally suck and the Yoke has a very unrealistic feel to it. However I performed the Mod that is avaiable on the web where you replace the springs in the Yoke and it feels like a much high quality Yoke now. Very smooth and fluid and definately worth the time. The springs only cost about 4 bucks at home depot and it takes about 30 min to complete the MOD. The MOD for the Pedals removes the Ident.

 

I also noticed I have better control over the place with a yoke and my landings are much smoother than when I had the X52 Pro.

This is something I've been debating with myself too. I currently have the Saitek Yoke system, however, it occupies my entire desk so a joystick would be much better in terms of typing efficiency, etc. I do fly GA airplanes with yokes, and the NGX which has a yoke too so I don't know exactly what I should do.

I use the pro flight yoke and pedals and my keyboard seats neatly on the top of the yoke. I also placed a non slip mat underneath the keyboard. Just a tip?

I use the pro flight yoke and pedals and my keyboard seats neatly on the top of the yoke. I also placed a non slip mat underneath the keyboard. Just a tip?

That's exactly what I do. I have a wireless Logitech keyboard, but instead of using a mat, I use a (clean) dish rag.

Whatever you feel the best one is for you.

Okay I just tried a takeoff at MSP with real wether. It was stormy. Basically I crash during takeoff because I couldnt keep plane on runway. I then remembered I had turned Auto rudder off. This was the final straw. Im getting the X52 Pro. Not just for rudder control. But also because my TQ has two throttles which are erratic when I advance foward. Also yoke is off center or something.

Keep us posted on how you get on with your Pro then chap.

I have two set ups for the fligth simulators I use.

One was less than 120$, the other setup was a little bit more expensive.

For airliners I normaly use the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke, the Throttle Quadrant and the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals altogether, new for less than 120$.

For everything that needs some more buttons, like sharks and warthogs I use a Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog and the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. Ofcourse, the TM Warthog is very expensive, it is far more better than the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke, and about 1000 times better than the Saitek Cyborg stick I started with. Okay, I have to admit it is far more expensive than the Saitek Yoke, however it is full metal, the throttle quadrant and the stick, each has about 2kgs, and it is just accurate as hell. No spikes, nothing similiar.

However it is just an imersion braker, at least for me, to fly a MD11 or a B737 with a stick. I am personally just not comfortable with it...

I am looking for a long time now for a replacement for my Saitek Pro Flight Yoke, however unfortunatly there doesn't seem to be something far better under 500$, which I personally can't understand. For about 500$ I bought the TM Warthog, wich comes with two, in my oppinon high quality, devices, the stick and the throttle, both in solid metal. The throttle has a green backlightning, about 8 switches, some buttons and of course all the collie- and china hats. The stick itself has more functions than my whole Saitek Pro Flight Yoke + Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant together and is far more accurate. But it looks like nobody is able to produce a solid (mustn't be metal), accurate yoke (I don't even ask for a throttle quadrant) in the range of 500$, which I personally can't understand. Because I think there are a lot of us, who don't want to spend tousand bucks for a yoke, however feel uncomfortable with the Saitek Yoke and looking for something in between it.

Hopfully one day, maybe one company will give such a thing a try / I will win in lottery (both scenarios would be desirable :P )

 

Best regards,

 

John