I have the X-55. What will I gain in precision if I get a TM Warthog stick?

As the title says, I would love a stick with more precision for flying helicopters. I am aware of options like the Komodo, but at GBP 600+ that's beyond my reach.

Does the TM Warthog get me any more precision/control than the X-55? From what I can make out, it is better in a number of other ways, such as build quality etc. But what precision?

If there is not much to be gained, I may just hold off and save up for the Komodo. Or maybe replace my Saitek rudders with a Crosswind.

Thrustmaster are as I type announcing new products. Dojo is live tweeting it, I'd wait until all this stuff is out in the open before you pull the trigger on a new Hotas.

Thrustmaster are as I type announcing new products. Dojo is live tweeting it, I'd wait until all this stuff is out in the open before you pull the trigger on a new Hotas.

But the warthog is great to answer your question. Very precise, but has a heavy spring so not ideal for helo unless you trim constantly.

Thanks. I was looking forward to this announcements, but then I read that they were not releasing any new HOTAS but just providing overview of their lineup or something?

Looking at the live tweets, it does feel like they are gearing up for a big anouncement. Guess we'll know soon enough.

Looking at the live tweets, it does feel like they are gearing up for a big anouncement. Guess we'll know soon enough.

Following it now!

Looks like just rudders this year:

https://imgur.com/a/ipqNc

From electronic point of view, they offer the same acuracy (both run on 16-bit Hall sensors), from mechanical point of view... I haven't had X-55, but do own Warthog. I love it, but its stiff centering spring plus infamous "stiction" issue throws any precision one gets from Halls out of the window. I believe Saiteks have softer springs plus option of changing these straight from the box?

For me, going from Aviator to THW was a revolution, You on the other hand, should rather hold off in my opinion.

From electronic point of view, they offer the same acuracy (both run on 16-bit Hall sensors), from mechanical point of view... I haven't had X-55, but do own Warthog. I love it, but its stiff centering spring plus infamous "stiction" issue throws any precision one gets from Halls out of the window. I believe Saiteks have softer springs plus option of changing these straight from the box?

They do indeed have three different spring lengths, with the shorter ones offering less resistance. I've got the shortest one in.

So, it seems that the Warthog stick will maybe even be worse than my current setup? That sucks!

Warthog give you possibilities (to spend more):

- You can ad a extension that reduce the springs weight and reduce the hand movements to make the same adjust in the standard grip.

- You can buy a VKB Gunfighter base (when available), with CAM ball bearings gimbals, 2 or 3 CAM types and springs options and use the Warthog grip in then.

Beware that Warthog require rudder pedals - from 90$, the new Tm TFRP to 500$+ (Slaw ViperX) or dedicated heli' pedals like Komodo's.

Warthog give you possibilities (to spend more):

 

- You can ad a extension that reduce the springs weight and reduce the hand movements to make the same adjust in the standard grip.

 

- You can buy a VKB Gunfighter base (when available), with CAM ball bearings gimbals, 2 or 3 CAM types and springs options and use the Warthog grip in then.

 

Beware that Warthog require rudder pedals - from 90$, the new Tm TFRP to 500$+ (Slaw ViperX) or dedicated heli' pedals like Komodo's.

Ah, yes. I guess there are a lot of modifications and extensions possible with the Warthog that are not with the Saitek.

I have Saitek pedals ... not great, but serviceable. I'm sure Crosswinds will be better, but well beyond reach right now :(

Bearfoot,

TM with the spring mod (see my review of Komodo stick for the actual link) makes it a joy to fly Hueys. With the springs that it ships with, it has too much force to fly comfortably for choppers. Of course adding Sahaj's stick extension is another option. And the throttle that you get is rock solid.

I would recommend it.

Bearfoot,

TM with the spring mod (see my review of Komodo stick for the actual link) makes it a joy to fly Hueys. With the springs that it ships with, it has too much force to fly comfortably for choppers. Of course adding Sahaj's stick extension is another option. And the throttle that you get is rock solid.

 

I would recommend it.

Hi hansangb,

Thanks for this. I am wondering, though, if there will be any major improvement of the Saitek X-55 which I have now, in terms of control/precision. I'm not crazy about putting down $300-400 for no real gains.

Your video does make me think, though ...

I can remove the spring completely from the Saitek, but then it just flops around. Another possibility is just source a weaker spring of the same size, or even just cut one of the longer, unused springs in half and use spacers to make the difference.

On another note, CONGRATULATIONS on your Komodo setup! With the VR I am sure you are having a blast. Just out of curiosity, if I decide to scrunch down and just save up for the Komodo stick at least: how much did your cost door-to-door, shipping and tax, in USD?

Before cut the X-55 springs you can test using the X-45 solution, tie two coils with tie wraps, this reduce the tension.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8130/20030128image0034nr7.jpg

Before cut the X-55 springs you can test using the X-45 solution, tie two coils with tie wraps, this reduce the tension.

 

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8130/20030128image0034nr7.jpg

Interesting. Must try this!