Product Description

The Saitek X52 Flight Control System is for control freaks. It has the very best in Precision engineering & ergonomic design for maximum aeronautical authenticity. It's got advanced Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming, with enhanced gameplay through intuitive Multi-Function display (MFD) -- with illuminated buttons for low light environments. Partial metal construction gives it rugged durability, while the rubber grips and ergonomic deliver increased comfort and fatigue-free gaming. Includes Roger Wilco Chat software - the ideal accompaniment for on-line multiplayer gaming.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1099 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Silver, Black
• Brand: Saitek
• Model: PS28
• Platform: Windows XP
• Dimensions: 6.70" h x 11.00" w x 13.80" l, .0 pounds

Features

• Program your controller for each game using the powerful Smart Technology software. 3 mode settings and cool-touch metal pinkie switch provide enhanced programming options.
• Precision centering mechanism; no contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force improve control and increase durability.
• 5 position handle adjustment system to suit all hand sizes with soft-touch, contoured grip for maximum gaming comfort.
• Progressive throttle with resistance adjustment and detents for afterburner and idle.
• Illuminated buttons and enhanced gameplay through intuitive LCD Multi-Function Display.

Customer Reviews

Awesome Once Installed
If your reading my review, buy this product. The only problems I had was instillation. Make sure you plug the conection cable from the joystick to the throttle. Then plug the USB plug from the throttle into your computer. Make sure you download all the Drivers And Software to your computer. Once its been installed you can change the sensability, what each button does, and deadzones. My favorite function is the LED screen. It tells time, the mode I'm in, and even has a timer. The Saitek X52 is great if you install it perfectly.

I suggest buying Flight Sim X, Falcon 4.0 Allied Force, or Wings over Europe. They are all fun.

Software buggy
The joystick as a piece of hardware is great. However, what they don't tell you that the software is buggy. Operating it as a simple stick works fine, but when it comes to loading profiles to take full advantage of the joystick and the LCD the thing crashes. I've contacted support and their suggestions did not solve the problem. I also see other users in fora having the same problem. I don't think it's worth the time needed to make it work.

Good Controller
Overall, this is a great flight control system. I love the range of motion and feel of the joystick. A lot, a lot of buttons, then switch the modes and 3x more, then hit the pinky button and get two times on top of that. Honestly I bet I use less than 1/6 of the total programmable button and rarely have to take my hands off the joystick or throttle.

Some of the drawbacks I've found is I often have to recalibrate the joystick in flight. I don't know if there is a dirty sensor but I usually find myself recalibrating once every 3 or 4 hours or so, and it usually is only slightly off. It hasn't been a big issue for me, most of the time it's just a slight roll of the plane that can just get irritating. Once in a while, maybe once every month, I'll end up with a big dead spot that is usually fixed by disconnecting my joystick or restarting the computer.

The only other problem I had would be trying to work all the buttons while using the rotating stick for rudder control. That is probably due to my smaller hands but again, isn't a deal breaker for me.

Good joystick, especially for flight combat simulators, I would highly recommend.