Logitech New and Improved X56 H.O.T.A.S

[HighTowers]

Went a little nuts when my Thurstmaster F16000M HOTAS setup went on the fritz. Likely the POTs died.  Couldnt  figure out why my landings or so rough with weird erratic behavior.  The shop could not replace or repair it so refunded the money. So searched for a viable alternative and getting the former wasnt appealing given that it died in a year. 

The thrustmaster Warthog looks awesome  and fantastic reviews, but its incredibly expensive, nor does it have a twisting for the rudder. Must get rudder pedals which I cannot use. Plus another added cost.   The Saitek X56 has been known for positive feedback in its layout and est ethics, but poor reliability plagued it thru the years. Logitech bought Saitek, and they did a number of improvements to it, so despite the reluctance from its history, and trusting Logitech a little more, I went ahead and bought this HOTAS. 

Initial setup and playing around with it, and im really pleased with the purchase. So many buttons dials, axis rotary that can be assigned. All in the P3D setup axis and button page and no FSUIPC needed.  The scroll wheel at the top left of the throttle is recognized as a button forward and back, so this I assigned to the trim axis wheel. Works perfectly like that.  The rotary dials also got assigned to the speedbrake and reverse thrust therefore having control of how much reverse you want to use. Awesome.  The throttles can be Independent so individual Engine 1 and 2 assigned.  On the flightstick is an additional thumb axis and for this I assigned steering axis tiller.  Very fine control so taxiing was very easy. A whole lot to assign but the features and layout open up lots of possibilities to you liking.   Cant comment if the improvements will reflect better reliability, but give Logitech which Ive never had much issue with, im hoping for the best.   According to the improvements made, many of the previous Saitek issues should be resolved. The quality while plastic, is more premium feel to it and most buttons dials and movements doesnt feel cheap. Longterm use may say otherwise, but I am liking the feel and fine control on the test flights.  The throttle some comment that its quite stiff. I personally like  the resitance as gives the feel of more quality throttles and finer control but there is a friction dial to adjust.

If interested in it, just be sure the graphics layout on the base is grey and not blue as the previous X56. Also manufacturer number ends in 58 or 59. 

Throttle 1

Throttle 2

Flightstick

[Delta111]

On 9/19/2018 at 8:35 AM, HighTowers said:

Went a little nuts when my Thurstmaster F16000M HOTAS setup went on the fritz. Likely the POTs died.  Couldnt  figure out why my landings or so rough with weird erratic behavior.  The shop could not replace or repair it so refunded the money. So searched for a viable alternative and getting the former wasnt appealing given that it died in a year. 

The thrustmaster Warthog looks awesome  and fantastic reviews, but its incredibly expensive, nor does it have a twisting for the rudder. Must get rudder pedals which I cannot use. Plus another added cost.   The Saitek X56 has been known for positive feedback in its layout and est ethics, but poor reliability plagued it thru the years. Logitech bought Saitek, and they did a number of improvements to it, so despite the reluctance from its history, and trusting Logitech a little more, I went ahead and bought this HOTAS. 

Initial setup and playing around with it, and im really pleased with the purchase. So many buttons dials, axis rotary that can be assigned. All in the P3D setup axis and button page and no FSUIPC needed.  The scroll wheel at the top left of the throttle is recognized as a button forward and back, so this I assigned to the trim axis wheel. Works perfectly like that.  The rotary dials also got assigned to the speedbrake and reverse thrust therefore having control of how much reverse you want to use. Awesome.  The throttles can be Independent so individual Engine 1 and 2 assigned.  On the flightstick is an additional thumb axis and for this I assigned steering axis tiller.  Very fine control so taxiing was very easy. A whole lot to assign but the features and layout open up lots of possibilities to you liking.   Cant comment if the improvements will reflect better reliability, but give Logitech which Ive never had much issue with, im hoping for the best.   According to the improvements made, many of the previous Saitek issues should be resolved. The quality while plastic, is more premium feel to it and most buttons dials and movements doesnt feel cheap. Longterm use may say otherwise, but I am liking the feel and fine control on the test flights.  The throttle some comment that its quite stiff. I personally like  the resitance as gives the feel of more quality throttles and finer control but there is a friction dial to adjust.

If interested in it, just be sure the graphics layout on the base is grey and not blue as the previous X56. Also manufacturer number ends in 58 or 59. 

 

Throttle 1

Throttle 2

Flightstick

 

Now that you had this setup for a month or so, whats the verdict...??   I am on the fence between the X56 and the Warthog..

[HighTowers]

2 hours ago, Delta111 said:

Now that you had this setup for a month or so, whats the verdict...??   I am on the fence between the X56 and the Warthog..

I think if you can afford it, the Warthog setup would be better quality and feel. But then you need to also get rudder pedals.  If you are price sensitive, then this new X56  has been pretty good for me. No issues and alot to customize as you wish. Build quality is good for the most part, just a few buttons or dials i would question the durability long term. Plus no need for pedals since it has the twist.  Also the 4 spring tension options  is good to change to your liking and feel. 

[Delta111]

1 hour ago, HighTowers said:

I think if you can afford it, the Warthog setup would be better quality and feel. But then you need to also get rudder pedals.  If you are price sensitive, then this new X56  has been pretty good for me. No issues and alot to customize as you wish. Build quality is good for the most part, just a few buttons or dials i would question the durability long term. Plus no need for pedals since it has the twist.  Also the 4 spring tension options  is good to change to your liking and feel. 

 

    That was the push I needed..I have MFG Crosswind Pedals that I have been using for GA with Saitek Quadrant and yoke, but am starting to dive into war birds.....(Skuncrafts P51 Mustang for Xplane 11) and I have the A2a Mustang for FSX...The yoke works fine as long as there isnt any dog fighting...!  But I would like to get closer to my desk and remove the yoke....Thanks a bunch....

[Boomer]

update please on your experience with the x56