The Saitek X52 Flight Control System– I has it!

Developed using customer feedback from our previous award-winning X36 and X45 stick and throttle controllers, the X52 Flight System is the premium stick model outside our Pro Flight Range.
Featuring 23 buttons, three 8-way hat switches and 7 control axes, the X52 gives you 47 basic commands plus the control axes. But when you include the programming options provided by powerful Saitek Smart Technology programming software, which allows you to make use of the 3 position mode switch and Pinkie shift switch, the total number of programmable commands rises to 282!

* The most fully integrated PC Flight Control System
* Precision engineering, ergonomic design and a detailed fusion of features deliver maximum aeronautical authenticity
* Advanced programming provided by Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software
* Enhanced game play through intuitive Multi-Function display (MFD)
* illuminated buttons and MFD - ideal for low light environments
* Rubber grips and ergonomic design for increased comfort and fatigue-free gaming
* Part metal construction for increased durability and authenticity
* Includes Roger Wilco Chat software - the ideal accompaniment for on-line multi-player gaming

Trying to figure out which flight system to purchase was a little daunting. Online customer reviews of various systems are either five-stars, or one-star. Very few customer ratings are in between. I knew I wanted a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) system, but that was the extent of my wishes. The Thrustmaster Cougar Flight Control System had many great, five-star reviews, but for the extra cost ($204.98 on Amazon), there were a lot of complaints about quality and breakage. After comparing the Thrustmaster reviews to the Saitek reviews, I was confident that the Saitek would be best for me. Not only is it less expensive ($86.49 on Amazon, but I found it for $79.99 at Best Buy), it had more positive reviews, and over all seemed more comfortable (and it is comfortable). I’ve had no problems with Microsoft Flight Simulator X responding to throttle controls, and the controls are easy to program for sensitivity. I will agree with many negative reviews that the profile editor for the controls are sub par, and it’s probably best to get instructions on use through flight simulator.

Next up for me? Rudder Pedals. Should you be worried that a flight instructor may someday give me a Pilot’s Certificate? Nah…