Saitek X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S, advices

[Lenux]

Hello,

I want to upgrade the joystick TM 16000M, and i'd like to go for Saitek X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S

Yes, i know, TM Warthog HOTAS would be better, but too expensive

How is the Saitek X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S ?

Precision ( joystick ) ? Quality build ? How dose it feel the joystick, compared to Thrustmaster 16000M ? :D

Thank you

[Bourrinopathe]

Hi Lenux,

 

I only use the X-55 throttle and you try a quick search with the forum tool, there are plenty of opinions about the Rhino.

After one year and a half, I'm having some issues with some buttons and hats not responding when my throttle is roughly in the middle position - it's particularly annoying and absolutely not reliable.

 

I'd say the build quality depends on your expectations and criteria. It's made of cheap plastics with a soft and comfortable coating. My throttle handle rotaries always had some ugly play - not enough to make them unusable but it still feels like they want to fall apart.

On the bright side: there are many controls and the momentary toggle switches are very useful and still in perfect shape.

The main thrust axes have 1024 positions (potentiometer) and the other axes have 256 positions and are not precise as they can oscillate between two values (=parkinsonian zoom view control).

No idle and AB detents.

Useless mouse nipple (not smooth and precise enough = no slew control with that one).

The two hats are too close together and too fragile in my book of ergonomics (=not reliable controls) - even if they're very usable if you're careful.

The slider is not a so-called-slider, just a toggle switch on/off (I use it for the speedbrake command - super-satisfied even if it feels fragile (plastic)).

The push buttons on the throttle handles start to require some excessive force to trigger an input.

 

It's good for the price range but don't expect too much. Based on my experience with it, I'd say it's not reliable enough for a comfortable simulation experience. Also: contact-less sensors should be the standard ;)

The software could be better (lack some useful functions like a long press).

 

(just my two cents, based on the unit I use)

(and apparently, the reliability can vary from one unit to another)

Edited February 18, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[Lenux]

Thank you, Bourrinopathe

So, you would recommend to add some 130 euro more, and to buy the TM Warthog HOTAS ?

Would be maybe a good idea to buy the TM Warthog joystick, only, and with another throttle ?

Edited February 18, 2016 by Lenux

[RoflSeal]

You could try looking at CH products. They are extremely reliable with some people having had them for 20+ years though they have less precision (256 position, don't confuse with accuracy).

 

Both CH stick and Warthog though don't have twist stick, so you have to look at rudder pedals (though if you only fly modern jets, the analog mini-stick on the CH Throttle should actually be good enough)

Edited February 18, 2016 by RoflSeal

[Lenux]

There are a lot of negative reviews about X55 Rhino

" ghosting buttons " ? Is there a fix for this ?

[Dudikoff]

The software could be better (lack some useful functions like a long press).

 

Isn't there an advanced key command option where it records the time length of the key press?

[=DECOY=]

Lenux I have had the X55 for about a year and i haven't had any problems with ghosting. if you set it up correctly it will work perfectly i use the Mad catz profile tool and its never let me down.

 

Here are my views on your points

 

 

 

 

QUALITY

yes it is plastic BUT its solid and the base never moves due to its weight, for the money i feel its the best out there (in its price bracket).

1,the switches and buttons are solid and easy to program

2, the throttle is really smooth

3, the rudder twist is easy on the wrist

4, the stick is nice to hold

 

ACCURACY

I can achieve perfect formation flying and refueling without problems, again as long as the setup and curves are correct, i.e deadzones and so on

 

I came from the 3D pro and the difference is massive in the x55 's favor

 

FEEL

its feels nice to hold, i dont get any pains whilst using the stick for long periods of time, you can choose a spring best suited for you, The Throttle has a nice shape and again its smooth and the tension can be adjusted to suit your preference, the coating on the hotas is nice too

 

 

COMPARED TO TM16000M

Cant really compare as i haven't had one but considering the price, im a strong believer in you get what you pay for ( hence why the warthog is so pricey lol its probably the best out there )

 

 

If you got a X55 you certainly wont be disappointed:thumbup:

[Lenux]

Thanks, i go for X55, i will order it Thursday

I will report back when i have it

[Ayindi]

The ghosting can be solved by using an active USB hub. (or maybe an USB3 port?) As far as I have read it, this is a result of too low voltage from unpowered USB2 ports which will cause the ghosting. I have returned mine, but it was not too bad actually. Nevertheless I dont regret I have spent more for a Warthog + pedals.

The X55 Throttle is not "smooth" enough using it as collective for a helicopter in my opinion. It "sticks" too much. There are some ways to fix this by DIY actions, but this will void your warranty.

If you stick with planes, you are fine, but I'd give this a definitive nogo if there is any chance you want to fly a helicopter with it.

[Bourrinopathe]

Isn't there an advanced key command option where it records the time length of the key press?

 

By "long press" I mean, it would trigger a command after you've hold a button/key for a specific duration (e.g. 500 ms), and do nothing until then (or trigger another command below that duration if you desire).

With the advanced command you can set the duration for a "hold key/keep the button pressed" behavior. The Macro checkbox records the delay between key presses.

Edited February 19, 2016 by Bourrinopathe
clarification