Product Description

Technical DataInput Device / TypeThrottleTechnical DataInput Device / Form FactorExternalTechnical DataInput Device / Connectivity TechnologyWiredTechnical DataHeader / Product LineSaitek X52Technical DataHeader / ModelPro Flight Control SystemTechnical DataHeader / CompatibilityPCTechnical DataHeader / ManufacturerSaitekTechnical DataHeader / Packaged Quantity1

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10372 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Saitek
• Model: PS34
• Released on: 2007-01-02
• Platform: Windows
• Subtitled in: German

Features

• Joystick:
• Precision centreing mechanism non-contact techno
• 2-stage metal trigger; 2 primary buttons in 1 co
• 4 fire buttons including missile launcher with s
• Conveniently positioned metal pinkie switch prov

Customer Reviews

Excellent!
The X52Pro is an amazing improvement from the original X52. It's made with very high quality materials and features a newly improved MFD with radio stack and autopilot functions. The dual spring mechanism makes this model handle with unparalleled precision compared to any other control stick. The wide array of buttons allows you to program virtually every control onto it, making flight much more realistic and fun. The precision centering mechanism prevents deadzones from occurring and gives the stick constant force.

Having said this, the X52Pro has a few problems that need dealing with when you buy the stick. For some users who owned the original X52, the current profile editor may not work, although in most cases it should. In order to maximize the SST software to it's full potential, the drivers must be updated from the saitek website. Also, don't get too excited when it says you can change the colour of the LEDs, you have to download the driver first. You can access all these updates through the "Downloads + Manuals" tab on saitek's website. Select "Drivers and Software" and find the links relevant to the X52 pro.
One other common problem with the stick is that sometimes it can be assembled too tight and end up wearing down the cup at the base of the stick. Other problems may include unusual clicking sounds and faulty buttons, but this is quite uncommon and if this were to occur, it is possible to send it back to Saitek to have it repaired free of charge and their staff are very friendly. Mine was faulty and I sent it back and they gave me a replacement within a few days.

Overall this product is well worth buying, but only buy it if you are really into flight simulator because it is quite an investment and you should be prepared for the worst in case anything happens.

Expensive, but worth it if you are a flight sim enthusiast
I've been using the X-52 for about two years now and when I saw the "X-52 Pro" available earlier this year I didn't show much interest because I thought it was just a black X-52 with some green LEDs.

However, one of the major gripes I had with the X-52 was the very weak centering spring (a feature common to many Saitek and other manufacturer's devices). I had some money burning a hole in my pocket and I wanted to get a new HOTAS controller for my flight simulators. The TM Cougar was out of the question as I cannot use any gameport hardware and I didn't want the hassle needed to modify the Cougar to bring it up to scratch. I did a little research on the X-52 Pro and decided to give it a shot.

So, as someone who has already owned the X-52, what do you get for your money? On first inspection Saitek have replaced the brushed aluminium fascias with gun metal coloured ones, and most of the hat switches and slider controls have been given a makeover. The result is something that looks a little more business like than the X-52. On closer inspection the rather useless and gimicky LCD display of the X-52's throttle unit has been upgraded and can now be used to actually show some useful information. However, I still think it's a little pointless and is a novelty more than anything else. The real changes, at least the ones that are more important to a flight sim enthusiast like myself are less evident. First of all Saitek have put two centering springs on the stick, one sitting inside the other. The result is a stick that is noticeably stronger sprung than the X-52, much better for flight sims! The other difference is inside the stick where Saitek have used twice as many position sensors as the old X-52 to give even better precision. These two improvements alone make the X-52 Pro worth the money to me. If you load up a flight sim that requires careful and precise control movements (for example dogfighting in the IL-2 series) you'll notice a definite improvement over the old X-52. Well done Saitek!

Most, if not all of the features on on the X-52 can be found on the X-52 Pro. The friction of the throttle movement can be adjusted, and the Saitek programming software can be used to make profiles for each game you have, and there are enough button combinations on the X-52 Pro to ensure nearly every important command you might want in your game can be mapped to a button or switch on the stick, meaning that you don't have to take your hands off the controls during the action to hit a button on the keyboard (which is exactly the point of the real life HOTAS systems used in modern jet fighters).

Is the X-52 Pro worth the extra money? If you are a flight sim enthusiast with money burning a hole in your pocket and you are looking for a quality controller then you should go for the X-52 Pro. If you are not so bothered about things like centering springs and high precision controls, then you should go for the considerably cheaper X-52, which still gives you 95% of the programming abilities and a seperate throttle and stick combo.

Smooth, flexible, but pricey
The unit is well built and provides plenty of buttons, sliders and "hats" for your favourite game.

As used with gliding simulation, it works will with the Saitek rudder pedals and is of the same quality.

While the joystick grip has far too many controls for this reviewers taste, it is well suited for other games which require the ability to control a lot of actions without using the keyboard.

The throttle unit is smooth and has locking positions at the top and bottom. The unit moves in an arc, rather than a slider, but this is minor.

The display on the throttle unit is a bit of a gimmick, but includes a clock and tells you which control is being used.

The only thing missing as force feedback to indicate the change in behaviour of aircraft control surfaces, but would probably price it well above other units by CH.

Five starts on function, dropping to four on price and looks.