| Article Index |
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| Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System Review |
| Page 3, Using the X52 Pro and Conclusion |
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Introducing Saitek’s new version of their very successful X52 Flight Control System, the X52
Pro. We see if it is going to satisfy the needs of some of the neediest and pickiest group of people ever to have existed, yes that right, Flight Sim gamers!
Flight Sim gamers are affectionately regarded to very particular about the hardware and software they use, and wary of any product aimed solely at their market. Keeping this in mind, Saitek have tinkered with their very popular X52 Flight Controller system and brought us the X52 Pro, very similar (almost identical in fact) to the original with a few tweaks. We take a closer look.
The X52 Pro is a H.O.T.A.S system, which stands for “Hands on Throttle and Stick”, meaning the user should be able to control every function in the game without moving either of their hands off the two controllers, and if any system is able to accomplish that, it will be the X52 Pro. For starters we have a conventional Joystick controller, on here we find two 8-Way Directional Hats, a 2-stage trigger button, which activates one function (say, the machine gun) on a light click, and another (say, firing rockets) when it’s pushed in further. 4 normal buttons are included as well, one of which is hidden under a missile-style safety cover and actually changes colour from green to red when the cover is lifted to indicate it’s “live”. A pinkie button is also included which operates as a ‘shift’ function, which effectively doubles the number of buttons on both the joystick and throttle, add this to the mode switch on the joystick which changes the whole setup between 3 different modes, and it means every button in the whole system can have up to 6 functions, Holy Functionality Batman!! 3 double function toggle switches are located on the base section of the joystick as well, it just doesn’t stop!
On the throttle side of the system, we have the throttle itself, yet another 8-way D-hat, a slider control, 2 rotary controls, a scroll wheel which is a button as well, a mini joystick type cursor, and another three standard buttons. Also on the throttle side is the MFD, or Multi-Function Display. The MFD is where the Pro distinguishes itself from the original. While the original did have an MFD, it was not able to be used to report items from the game, now as the X52 Pro is quite new, there aren’t many games or downloadable profiles out there that support the new MFD’s functions, however you can be assured they’ll be along soon enough.
Thankfully the MFD does work with Flight Sim X, and can be used in conjunction with the two rotary dials below the MFD's screen to adjust the game’s radio and NAV system. Once configured with the included software, the MFD can also report to you the function the button you are pressing has assigned to it. Useful considering how many combinations the X52 has the potential for.
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The throttle on the X52 Pro has a force adjustment dial to change the resistance of the throttle movement, and at each end of the throttle’s movement (around 20% and 80%) there is additional resistance so you know where you are positioned without having to take your eyes off the screen. Many flight simmers will use these ends of the throttle movement as idle/reverse thrust and afterburner, all of which is configurable through the software or in the games themselves.
The Joystick now has a double-spring centering mechanism compared to the single spring unit from the original X52, so it centres itself quite precisely. The slightest movement on either x or y axis and it will register with the X52 Pro as there is almost no dead-zone at all, great for very slight adjustments in flight. The joystick also has twist movement for rudder control, which has enough resistance in it that you can easily move the joystick side the side without moving the rudder. The rudder movement can be locked on center with a slide-out switch at the bottom of the joystick, which you would do if you’re using the X52 Pro in conjunction with the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals.
Visually, the X52 Pro is similar to the original, but now instead of the rather garish, and somewhat "cheap looking" gray and black plastic of the original X52, users are treated to an anodised brushed black aluminium over matt black plastic colour scheme. This really helps add a bit of class to the unit, making it something you wouldn’t be embarrassed about having on your home desktop.
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|68.193.117.xxx |2009-10-05 06:07:14 Tom - Seitek failureI purchased the X52 when my Microsoft joystick died. It took 4 downloads & fixes from the Seitek om-line forum to get it to work - and a day later it went haywire in the middle of a dogfight on Fighter Ace. I have re-installed again & still have problems- the forum has hundreds of people complaining about it as well. Went to a cheaper logitex that is easy & works well with no hassles.
