Saitek Pro Flight X-65F Combat Control System (PC)

Could not get on with it as it required bolting down, I don't want to ruin my work desk

As a premium, metal chassis controller this joystick feels awesome, is very configurable in a mechanical sense with interchangeable Hats, and the 2 panels, plus once you get used to the lack of gimbal, the force sensing is awesome. The downside is the software, as always from saitek. I sent mine back due to issues where the stick would no longer center after installing the programming suite. The software is needed to calibrate the s-curves and lessen yaw bleed and these features are essential to getting the stick to operate in a usable way, without the oversensitivity makes the thing impossible to control. A shameful effort considering how long the software has been in development.

Distinguishing features (for me): - force sensing (stick doesn't move) - split throttles Pros: - feels well-built (all metal, except for the buttons - which are firm) - you can choose the force required: there's 4 settings, which by default (changable) range from "I have gorilla arms" (4kg for full X, 6kg for full Y) to "it looks like that pilot's on meth" (0.9kg/1.6kg); all tunable, you'll be able to find something that feels right - really, really responsive and accurate - rudder twist is also force-sensing (stick doesn't actually rotate) - I use pedals, and a the stick still rotates, I find it really distracting. - throttles can be linked - some people have said there's a 'pin' - to be clear, it's a solid, fairly thick metal rod controlled by a switch. I have no fear of that 'pin' bending/breaking - more on-stick controls than you'll ever need Cons: - if you have the throttles linked, even though it's adjustable, it's always /really/ stiff. - the stick is not adjustable, at all (it's fine for me though) If you're wondering about that lever at the base, it's another pinkie switch. If you get it, one bit of advice: spent a few hours getting used to it in something like battlefield 2 - if you jump straight into FSX/DCS/LOMAC with this, you'll be way too distracted.

If you're looking at this my guess is that you are an aspiring A-10C pilot (or F18 if it's been released yet ; ) ) and needing some serious HOTAS functionality. There is only really two options available, this stick and the TM Warthog. you can get by with an X52, but it's a compromise. I've been using this stick now for over 6 months on the fabulous DCS A-10C. I wasn't sure at first but now having used it extensively I can say it's really very good. The software is awful and you'll need to find the software for the drivers with the ability to centre the stick (it's in beta). You will drive yourself nuts trying to get the thing to centre and fiddling with the settings. My advice is to set a little deadzone and get on and use it ingame. It all just works a treat. The variable force settings is really useful and overcomes any short-comings that there may be not having 'movement' in the stick. It really helps with precision moves. I had always steered clear of using it with Black Shark (helo sim) as I though it would be hopeless. Recently I gave it a go and have been delighted with the results. I also have used it with DCS Mustang and found it just as satisfying an experience as with any other joystick. The overall build quality is very good and I have no real complaints. You do need to secure the stick to a solid surface (I use an old wooden chopping board) to ensure correct inputs. It comes with a mounting plate that works well. Out of the box the throttle is almost unusable as there is far too much resistance. This is due to the lubricant used. It's only a problem when the unit is cold and the grease especially viscous. This gets better with use and will eventually bed in to be a really smooth action. Annoyingly the unit only comes with one mounting plate when really it needs two. Ideally the throttle should be secured in the same manner as the stick. I bought this for DCS A10C and it performs excellently with just about the right number of hats, switches and buttons. One feature a stick like this should have, that this one doesn't, is a 2 stage trigger. Not a big deal but slightly disappointing. All in all I like this stick and was lucky enough to get it at a very reasonable price. To be honest if I had to pay the ticket price here I would opt for the comparatively priced TM warthog. If you don't fly DCS Software (or similar complex sims) and prefer less complex games (not requiring full HOTAS) then don't bother spending this kind of money. All in all a cracking stick but is too expensive at this price point.

...let down by a poor driver. I purchased this stick for use with Falcon 4/BMS F16 flight simulator. I already owned a x52 Pro, which itself is a very nice stick, but wanted something at the higher end of the market. For me it was a toss-up between the Thrustmaster Warthog and this. I decided to go with the x65f as it's the only stick which mimics the F16's real-life "force sensing" technology and is also (loosely) based on the F16's HOTAS - whereas the Thrustmaster Warthog is based on the A10's HOTAS. My biggest concern was that I would not like the feel of the force sensing stick. However, I found that I _instantly_ took to it and found it offers far superior control. Force sensing for me has been an absolute revolution in flight-stick precision control. There are a few issues with the driver software. The stick often loses its calibration causing the stick to become misaligned. This means that when you plug the stick in, a recalibration may be required before use. I haven't found this to be a major issue but it is irritating and, for the £300+ price tag, it's something I don't expect or appreciate. Saitek are currently working on a beta update drive, so I'm hoping they fix this software calibration issue. Despite the poor software, I'm still giving this a 5-star as (for me) the little niggles do not detract from the whole and I'm hoping Saitek will improve the software in future updates.

in passato ho usato joy di Saitek e Trau-- ma il Pro Flight X 65F è eccezzionale in tutti i sensi. La grande innovazione del joy, che è fisso, richiede una buona esercitazione per poi "volare" in tutti i cieli del mondo. A mio parere è un prodotto validissimo e sicuramente da consilgiare.

People who are looking for control systems at this level probably aren't the casual or junior gamers who are satisfied with flying games on the level of MS Flight or HAWX, nor should they be looking at this if they intend to have a pricey controller for MS Flight Simulator X or X-Plane. I got this because I wanted to avoid the frustration of having to work around a simple flight stick and keyboard in DCS: A-10C Warthog, but didn't want to scrape up the extra $200-300 more to get my hands on the system designed specifically this title. After the initial 48 hours after setting up the controllers and then mapping the commands, the first impression is that this is one solidly built system. The nearly all-metal construction feels like you're not playing a game, and are more into a simulation. Having dozens of commands available at your fingertips really does enable you to fly and fight the plane without needing to reach for the keyboard. But if you're considering the X65-F, you already know all of this, but have one - or more - nagging question(s) that's keeping your cursor away from completing your order with this in the cart. First, if you're just looking to play DCS: A-10C like a pro, and you can already justify spending over $400 for a controller, then splurge on the extra $200+ for the Warthog HOTAS controller. If this comment elicited a double-take, then let me assure you that while it's a great control system, you certainly aren't fully immersed into the Warthog because you'll still be issuing commands from buttons or switches that are "in the wrong spot", or "should not be there at all". In addition, the Warthog HOTAS does have switches located on the throttle that you need to access in the sim - these you'll need to still find and click on with a mouse or keyboard when using the X-65F. If you're wanting to geek out like a boss on one sim title, then "do it right". (note, I don't own or haven't used the Warthog HOTAS, but am reflecting general sentiment online). Second, the force sensing flight stick is definitely not what you would use on the Warthog. There are a few issues with this type of control: 1. The lack of physical feedback (this thing doesn't move at all); 2. Since it doesn't move, if you have it set so that you need to exert a lot of force for a harder turn, you need to have this stick mounted to whatever surface you're using. While velcro is included to keep your controls from taking off themselves, you may be looking to figure out a long-term solution involving a dedicated flight sim workstation to mount these controls to; and 3. since it doesn't have any give, if you are using it in an uncomfortable position, the ergonomics of this device may aggravate any strain injuries to your wrists or forearms. After a couple hours of continuous use on a computer desk, I was finding that I needed to stretch and shake out my arms - something that normally doesn't happen when you're using a cheap all-in-one joystick/throttle combo since it's usually sitting on your lap. Finally, it's bulky. This may be blatant, but the "little" panels on the throttle make up about a third of the space required. The flight stick has no included method that would allow it to be placed as a center-stick between your knees, and would require an additional solution in order to comfortably position the stick. If you're used to smaller, lighter joysticks that you can hold on your lap, be prepared to get used to doing things differently with the X-65F. With these cons, you may wonder if I'm returning my X-65F. I'm keeping it because I like what it does, and have no issues with using "the wrong buttons" to execute commands to the sim. Since I had to ironically mess about with a keyboard before to send HOTAS commands to the sim, I'm more than happy to just have a HOTAS system to work with. In conclusion, if you're looking for a solid HOTAS flight control system with dual throttles, a plethora of buttons and switches, and the novel fly-by-wire feeling of a force sensing flight stick, than this will satisfy your requirements. If you're looking for a very good solution to fly a sim like DCS: A-10C with, this will do, but if you have used the Warthog HOTAS, or can't stand having a joystick that doesn't move, then you will most likely not settle for anything less than the full, albeit more expensive system.

Manque de fiabilité dans le mode de vol, de plus les boutons ne sont très pratiques. Le joystick par sont coté fixe manque de souplesse dans le poignet, fait mal a force ..

The throttle's tension adjustment screw was stripped when I got it. Also needs to be mounted to something, as because the stick doesn't move, there is a tendency for it to topple when you use it. Would probably not buy again given the chance.

Consegna velocissima, prodotto ottimo e ben imballato prezzi concorrenziali. Consigliato. . . . . . . . . . .