Suggestions for HOTAS...
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Howdy all,
I started in the mid 90’s w/3.0, then AF, then OF and have not been in a position to get back into it for 15+ yrs. Last I flew, I had a saitek x52 (it may still be in my garage) but am looking to get back at it.
Main concern = ability to performmajority of in-flight tasks- w/minimal keyboard use and ability to adapt as I add to my setup.
Primary concern = $$$
I’m currently in the states (TX), a USMC vet, and am in desperate need for something new/old to chew on so thank you all for any suggestions and/or input. and if i posted in incorrect space, pls correct me.
-Mush
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Oh and I did try the forum search function and pulled up very li’l. If i need to learn myself on that, my bad and i’ll correct myself.
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@McMush79 nothing obvious great+cheap to recommend … even used x52 pro on ebay are fetching over $100
for under $200 new, only thing I know of that has enough 4-way switches to do FCR/TGP, TMS, DMS, CMS and Comms switchs … and good quality axes (precise enough to do AAR) is VKB Gladiator NXT Premium
https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/gladiator-nxt-evo-space-combat-edition-right-hand?variant=39887803613302you could get by with just that (it’s all I use) … and add a Thrustmaster TWCS throttle later for ~$100 if you decide you want a more true, both-handed hotas experience.
or for about same total cost, go with Saitek x56 ~$250 new or $200 used
if you care about having dual throttles (with F-15 and maybe other jets in development … or for use with other flight sims) that is also something to consider, up front
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@McMush79 Howdy, from a fellow Texan. Thank you for your service, sir. I have an entire wing of my family that are Marines. If you’re wanting to dip your toe back in to Falcon, I have been using the Logitech X56 for several years now. This is a more budget friendly option that has a ship ton of buttons and switches. Especially when you can add a shifted layer. I have had zero issues with this HOTAS, and there are available 3d printed afterburner detents on line. With the new launcher that comes with BMS, setting up your controller binds is easy breezy now days. There are also options out there for voice recognition, to ease up on the keyboard burden. This can be used for giving orders to wingman, or talking with ATC, AWACS, and Tankers.
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Hi, @McMush79 ,and thank you for your service. Airtex and Quasi make good points. I would only add in order to limit keyboard usage you consider a HOTAS with switches on the throttle base.
With price as a factor, IMHO, the are 3 choices-the TH Warthog and Saitek x-55 or 56
Warthog- If within your price range, it’s tough to beat
Saiteks-Very close to each other. The X-56 has the advantage that stick thumb button is a 4-way rather then push button.
You have an advantage getting back into it now, as the new BMS Launcher is very easy to use. -
Thank you all for your input.
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@McMush79
Let me take a different approach from the others — what is your budget? What is your “luxury spend” each month/quarter/yearly?I firmly believe that a good bit of kit will be cheaper in the long run and the more reliable it is, the less frustration you will have, and you will spend more of your free time enjoying your hobby rather than fixing stuff… unless the fixing stuff is also a hobby.
Do note that I know people can fly BMS with a Playstation/Xbox controller. People can fly BMS with a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. What will work for you will depend on your budget and preferences.
If you are sure that this is a hobby for you, then why not “buy once, cry once” and get the best you can get your hands on? Even if it turns out it isn’t for you or you move on to other things, I would think selling off a FSSB setup would go faster than selling a 2nd-hand Logi Extreme 3D Pro.
Don’t get me wrong and don’t think I’m loaded or anything. My own personal journey started with that very Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, then a hiatus, then TM WH, to a Virpil WarBRD base, to a FSSB base, to a FCC3 base, but I also upgraded as my budget/luxury spend increased.
@McMush79 said in Suggestions for HOTAS...:
Main concern = ability to performmajority of in-flight tasks- w/minimal keyboard use and ability to adapt as I add to my setup.
Take a look at Helios and a touchscreen. For the longest time, I’ve used this profile and the main idea is zero need for mouse or keyboard use once in the 3D cockpit. Pair it with a decent set of headphones/mic and a voice control software like this one and of course head-tracking like TrackIR and you’ll be very well set for an immersive experience.
Hope that helps and gives you some ideas!
