Narrowed down to 2 HOTAS setups, input would be great

[YYZ 9]

Looking at either the Thrustmaster T16000 or Logitech Gx56.  Not getting the rudder pedals just yet

Your experiences/input would be helpful.  I've read good and bad about both.

[G550flyer 1,040]

I would push you to get the thrustmaster warthog, but.... I trust thrustmaster and would tell ya to get the T16000.

[YYZ 9]

6 minutes ago, G550flyer said:

I would push you to get the thrustmaster warthog, but.... I trust thrustmaster and would tell ya to get the T16000.

I like that one as well, but $$ right now 😉

[jymp 168]

Warthog is very overpriced

 

[C2615 322]

I bet you already noticed but T16k have far less buttons on the stick, at least not enough for me....

Here is how I get around it... quite a lot work though....

I haven't use Gx56, but old X56 and quite few other saitek sticks, the main issue I have is the "bowl" for centering, it have direct plastic to plastic friction which makes small adjustment very annoying, you'll need more force input to overcome static friction to get it start move, but once it start moving, the friction will suddenly decrease. And also the bowl will wear out over time to an odd shape, that makes your feeling even worse.

Not sure if Gx56 have better material etc. to compensate that, but it seems have the same bowl system all saitek I have used have. So I would expect same issue here....

I even seen someone fly Dogfight with X56 have it's sprig removed.... 

T16k still have some plastic friction, but it's design makes much smoother control overall, still I have replaced the spring for a even softer one for my tastes.

I only get out of this friction issue by going full metal VKB gunfighter, and I probably never look back... not sure if the new VKB gladiator nxt with it's plastic mechanism could do better than saitek one though, the mechanism at least is not seems as bad as saitek's method. and it+TM's throttle seems in your budget.

So my suggestion is if you need all the buttons, Gx56, if you want smooth control, then T16k, or maybe gladiator.  Actually I'd suggest you find some hardware store to try them out with your own hand see if the friction problem is as bad as a deal-breaker. I only find it annoying when I need fine aim or fine adjustment on final approach, but not much issue if fly for..say...a missile fighting drill...

Edited March 29, 2023 by C2615

[jymp 168]

I'd go with T16k, or for buttons and smoothness VKB Gladiator NXT EVO with the T16k throttle, VKB is supposed to be coming out with it's own throttle to go with the Gladiator, but for whatever reason isn't available yet