TM Warthog vs X56

[acdelta57]

So I currently have a Saitek x52 that I use for DCS. I really only fly vintage aircraft, and really no interest in flying the A10. The most of which I fly is of course the Huey. I am in the market to upgrade my stick but I have several concerns. I will also be flying the F5E and F18 a monumental amount when they are released too, so with that in mind these are my problems..

 

I have heard of many common stiction issues with the TMWarthog, I have seen the videos on taking them apart and fixing them and while I don't really like that idea, especially after spending 400$ on the set, it may be the only option.

Also with the Warthog, I hear it is quite stiff, anybody on here fly the Huey with the "stock" warthog? I have yet again seen many mods to reduce tension etc etc but can that really be the best option? Buy a 400$ setup just to modify it? I REALLY want to justify the stick and get it, but for some reason I just can't yet knowing these issues.

 

Then comes the X56, and I know there are many complaints and a general hatred toward Saitek. However I have had no problems whatsoever with my x52 other than running out of programmable buttons. It has been very nice for the Huey as Helicopters generally require a lighter touch on the controls. Seeing Saiteks interchangeable springs this intrigues me.

 

I know there are helicopter specific controls such as Kommodo and a few others, but if I spend over 1500$ on a collective and stick setup I'm pretty sure my commanding officer will file for divorce.

 

I am willing to spend the money for the warthog but I either need more convincing from actual users or perhaps some other suggestion on what to do. Any input is great!

[Art-J]

Don't have the Huey, but fly Mi-8 with unmodded / unopened Warthog and it's pretty allright with 30% curves and lots of trimming during the flight. The difference in spring stiffness compared to X-52 is big, but not something You couldn't get used to after a few days (remember, the stick is quite longer straight out of the box too).

 

Huey, however, is lighter and more twitchy I believe, so let's hear from someone who owns the module.

[Bearfoot]

I'm interested in this, as well.

 

I have an X-55, and fly the Huey with the lightest spring on 80% saturation and 20% curve. I want to know if I will gain anything with the Warthog.

 

I asked that question here:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=166115

 

Unfortunately, nobody who has or has had BOTH the X-55 and the Warthog could offer a direct comparison. From that thread, folks say that the electronics are the same, but out-of-the-box the Warthog is a lot stiffer, with no option for a lighter spring, and has a "stickion" issue (which offsets its precision). On the other hand, it seems that the Warthog is eminently mod-able, and, in particular, with an extension it gives you a lot more control.

 

So, right now, I am torn. Waiting to see if the upcoming VKB gunfighter pricing and features work out better.

[JCK]

Hi acdelta57,

 

I have both the X52 and the TM Warthog.

Since plugging in the TM six months ago, I haven't got the X52 out of the cupboard!

Okay, I'm a big A10C fan but I also fly F86, Me109K, FW190D, Huey and the P51D.

I don't find the TM to be overly stiff - although I have contemplated getting an extension, purely to position it centrally, between the legs rather than to one side.

Being a medical person, I do want to minimise the risk of any 'repetitive strain injury', and consequently have positioned the TM at such a height that the forearm is parallel to the floor.

Do bear in mind that there's far more options for mapping switches and controls with the TM too.

My advice would be 'bite the bullet' and get the TM - I had reservations but as the old adage goes 'you'll recognise the quality long after you've forgotten the price!'

I hope this helps.....

[acdelta57]

Hi acdelta57,

 

I have both the X52 and the TM Warthog.

Since plugging in the TM six months ago, I haven't got the X52 out of the cupboard!

Okay, I'm a big A10C fan but I also fly F86, Me109K, FW190D, Huey and the P51D.

I don't find the TM to be overly stiff - although I have contemplated getting an extension, purely to position it centrally, between the legs rather than to one side.

Being a medical person, I do want to minimise the risk of any 'repetitive strain injury', and consequently have positioned the TM at such a height that the forearm is parallel to the floor.

Do bear in mind that there's far more options for mapping switches and controls with the TM too.

My advice would be 'bite the bullet' and get the TM - I had reservations but as the old adage goes 'you'll recognise the quality long after you've forgotten the price!'

I hope this helps.....

 

This does help hearing first hand. I have too also looked into just getting an extension as well for the TM. Thanks for the info guys keep em coming

[Rogue Trooper]

I agree with the previous posters, If you are going to get serious about flight siming then a simple extension mod and the “not so simple” relocation of the stick to between the legs truly transforms the off the shelf gaming joystick…. It starts to push it into high end…. Starts mind.

I have the TM warthog (with 10cm extension and between the legs) and have loved this stick with the Kamov, MI-8 and Huey. Planes are superior with the extension too. Do not underestimate these two simple mods. If the extension mod is available for the X-56 then this may be very interesting with the spring options.

The warthog looses its stiffness with use and the extension negates it very well from the get go, so for me this was not a real issue.

In the warthogs pluses is that the grip, in my opinion, is the best grip I ever did roll my fingers around.

 

Regarding the Komodo gear, I used these for an hour or so whilst Komodo were setting up for a sim show. They were very impressive bits of kit and since the Gazelles release, I tend to think of them more and more. I originally went to try the collective and just ended up loving the stick. The smooth and slick centre of movement was an absolute joy. Perfect for chopper nuts!

Edited May 25, 2016 by Rogue Trooper

[Necroscope]

In the warthogs pluses is that the grip, in my opinion, is the best grip I ever did roll my fingers around.

 

Can't say better.

Got my Hog (SN #00175) in a month of release and it's still nice and kicking!

It got handmade extension, changed grease and it's currently integrated in my chair between legs.

I also has Cobra M5 for funny games like Kerbal Space Program. I personally know the man who create Cobra. And Cobra is "from simmers for simmers". But I'm literally unable to imagine myself flying DCS on anything then Hog.