X52 PRO or X55?
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I am on the fence as to which one of these I was wanting to get. Which one generally works best for BMS?
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Hi WombRaider,
I used to have the original X-52, and now I have the X-55 and the Cougar. The X-55 is an awesome HOTAS system, especially if you are going to fly multi-engine or helo sims. Especially nice are the toggle switches in the throttle which you can program to any number of functions you desire. You can adjust the tension (although the springs aren’t extremely strong), and the fact that you can use no springs whatsoever if you so desire, makes this system especially suited for helos. Also you have more or less the switches and rotaries of the Cougar. So, I definitely recommend the X-55 Rhino…
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I’ve had both and think the X52 Pro is marginally better. Worth the fairly small difference in cost to me.
However, for just a little bit more, I can’t help but wonder if the X55 would be even a little better.
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I personally own the x52pro and also the TM WH. i had been looking at the X-55 before i got the WH, and also again when i was looking at something to recomend to my brother.
I have really liked the x52pro and i have found that general consensus to be that the x52pro (not the reg x52) to be the best budget HOTAS for your money even though it has its share of issues.Here is a a detailed review from someone i trust, to be honest it is a bit nit picky, but his personal conclusion wasn’t very positive of the X-55, you can watch it and maybe it will help you decide as he is comparing it in the video directly with the X52Pro (at the WH):
I had high hopes and really wanted it to be a good set, but most of the reviews tend to lean towards it not being that great.
Im just providing this as additional info, i have no personal experience and hands on experience is best.
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Another idea was to go with the CH Fighter stick and pro throttle.
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I really like my x52 pro. Very nice.
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Would definitely go with the X-55 over the X-52 Pro. I had a X-52 Pro before and and the X-55 stick I use now is definitely more precise and should give less long term issues as it uses hall effect sensors. The functionality on the stick is a better fit for BMS too as well in my opinion. The only real disadvantage of the X-55 stick compared with the X-52 is the absence of a dual stage trigger.
The X-55 throttle has more functionality than than the X-52 and overall also fits better for BMS in my opinion. The X-55 throttle still uses pots though so likely will get a bit spiky over time similar to how my X-52 went. Also the dual-throttle is good for multi-engine planes.
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There is one other thing to consider and that is that the X-55 throttle has no idle or ab detents, so you have to judge the ab by looking at the fuel flow gauge, but still, I recommend it…;)
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Not having a detent for AB, I had to turn up the external engine sound a little bit so that I can hear it.
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Just check the fuel flow gauge. There is a huge jump from mil to ab.
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And the nozzle opens in AB as well.
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As you can see there is no shortage of people saying the x52Pro is great , the x55 is great, and the same for everything else.
Watch video reviews, take in the ‘details’ about what people are saying and weed out some of the “personal opinions”. At the end of the day this will be your hotas, its what you will be living and dying with (virtually of course). Little things like single stage trigger may be important if you want to fly certain aircraft. Not having idle detents, again may be important to you based on what you like to fly.Here are some thoughts/suggestions.
- Think about if you will be playing other games that will use a joystick, some of high end HOTAS doesn’t always work out the best for other games. Many prefer something like an x52 for star citizen or elite dangerous over their top end TM Warthog.
- If you are able to wait another 30-60 days or so, you are at the perfect time of the year for this. Use a site like slickdeals.com, and setup and account, once you do you can create an alert for the one you want, or even the TM Warthog if you really want that. This time of year you can find the WH for around $350, maybe less… i got mine for $348 during holiday sale. Fry’s had it on sale, then amazon matched the price. Regardless, you can put alerts on slickdeals for any/all and look for a good deal. Sometimes the deals are from less known sites, so if that happens try and get amazon to match it, usually they will :). Also watch some of the common forums, like here, the DCS forum and other sims forums as they will tent to post when there is a really good deal, but usually just for the WH so this parts up to you.
overall its pretty personal thing, few people have had the chance to try many different sticks so they will tend to say theirs is great unless its broke (myself included). so just go through as much info as you can, and look at the details and features you want or done want, think about the different games and will the buttons be enough, are there enough hats, so on.
If you just cant decide, start with the x52Pro, its cheap enough and very functional, and then you can take time to save for a better one. -
Thanks Blu3wolf, the nozzle is definitely a better indication than the fuel flow to know if you are on ab.
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Thanks for all of your replies. I am on the fence between the X55 and the CH Fighter Stick and Throttle. I have not heard a single negative review about them. The X52 also does not resemble a military style. It looks too “futuristic”
In all of my searching I have come across this Elite Dangerous game quite a bit.
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Then buy the cougar and a rudder as well and accept the pricetag which comes with it and prepare for some modding and expensive repairs to.
X-55 can not compete as far as looks and feels is concerned with Cougar, and yes I own a ……X-55Choosing the X-55 made me not regret it for a moment.
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Went with the X55!
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awesome, thanks for the update, please do let us know how you like it after a couple weeks of use.
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Yep good choice! Love mine once I got it setup
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Sure you did :headb: