Saitek X-52 Pro Flight Control System

"Saitek X-52 Pro Flight Control System Compatible Devices If you are in search of a killer flight control system, Saitek has you covered. They claim their X52 comes closer to ""reality"" than any other. Let's take it for a spi... flight. The Saitek X52 Pro flight control system is the Rolls Royce of flight simulation controllers. I have been an active member of the flight sim community since.. well, let’s just say that Flight Simulator 98 was yet to come. Anyway, let’s start at the beginning. The X52 ships with two pieces in one box, the Flight Controller (Joystick) and the Throttle. I’ll review these one at a time. Key features: Precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force reduce free play, improve control and increase durability. 2-stage metal trigger; 2 primary buttons in 1 convenient position. 4 fire buttons including missile launcher with spring-loaded safety cover for instant access. Conveniently positioned metal pinkie switch provides shift functionality to double up on programmable commands. 2 X 8-way hat switches. 3D rudder twist. 3-position rotary mode selector switch with LED indicators. 3 spring-loaded, base-mounted toggle switches for up to 6 programmable flight commands. 5-position handle adjustment system to suit all hand sizes. But that’s the same info you can get by reading the box, let’s see what this thing can really do. Once your PC is powered on, various LEDs come to life. This base unit has an impressive weight that provides a very stable platform. The unit does come with four rubber suction cups which can be applied to aid adhesion to the table top. There are also four rubber circular grommets on each corner which provide stability and non-movement. As we look at the joystick facing away from us, there are three rocker illuminated switches mounted in the base unit. Moving up onto the joystick, nine other fully functional switches, including two HAT keys, a 'safe' button protected by a flip-up cover. In the closed position the word safe is illuminated as green; flip the cover, and the button turns to red. To the right, a rotary switch can be found. When a small light shows red, this indicates MODE1 on the MFD (Multi Function Display) screen on the throttle unit. When rotating the knurled switch forward, alters the Mode to 2 and 3 respectively. The color changes, and the mode numbers also change on the MFD. The material used in the handle is a 'soft-touch' plastic with an extremely comfortable feel. Mounted towards the base of the handle, there is a 'ledge' for your hand to rest. Not only is this very comfortable but looks an authentic part. Moving to the front there is a finger guard structure, which not only 'looks the business' but with a simple action to adjust the hand support and lower trigger, to a higher position if you so desire. The use, perfect. Everything about this unit is superb, free and easy movement through every axis, and the rudder twist action is smooth and purposeful. All configured, and FS2004 ready to go, as previously mentioned, if you have not used a Saitek flight system, i.e., the X-52 and throttle before this new release, you can’t help but be surprised. Throughout many hours of testing I found this to respond perfectly, flawless in every field. I did most of my testing with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. (Although the X52 Pro does ship with a demo copy of Flight Simulator X. The X52 also comes pre programmed for FSX, but if do a Google search, you’ll find more than enough profiles for FS 2004.) Throttle Nothing to say except, these units are just perfect together and perform in perfect unison. Users of the previous version will be aware that this unit, indeed both are now a very purposeful looking black soft touch construction, with, in the main green LEDs, illuminating various ke"

Price: £239.99 from 123inkcartridges