Thrustmaster Warthog vs Saitek X56

[lufty2701]

Hello,

 

I am considering to buy a new joystick. I saw in many sources that the two best are the Thrustmaster Warthog and the Saitek X56. What do you think? I heard about some problem with the X55/56 that after some time the throttle stops working(?) Also, that it's very light compared to the Thrustmaster Warthog and I need to buy a seat to mount the stick and throttle on the seat(?) About the Thrustmaster Warthog, there's a problem with the stick that it might feel like it's "stuck" at some point(?) I need opinions, please. I have no problem with their prices. My biggest problem is, how can I secure them to my table, so I can easily remove them? Are there any better sticks? Something upcoming from Thrustmaster?

 

Thank you!

Maksim

[S-GERAT]

The X-56 is a toy compared with the Warthog in every aspect. If the money is not a problem go for it.

[Fab]

The X-56 is a toy compared with the Warthog in every aspect. If the money is not a problem go for it.

 

Disagree with you...

 

X55 and X65 are good joysticks I own both and a Warthog...

 

The warthog got serius problems with its gimbel, and its software....

[codefox]

.. and its software....

 

It's actually quite powerful once you understand how to use it.. it's just a little "different" somehow.

As per the gimbal issue - are you referring to the stiction?

[agentdarnell]

The X-56 is a toy compared with the Warthog in every aspect. If the money is not a problem go for it.

Just because the outside of the warthog is metal doesn't make the all plastic insides any better.

[Sokol1_br]

And computer joystick for flight games is not just a... "toy"? :)

[Jman]

Recently purchased a x56 and I really like it, surely it has no significant changes from the x55 except the new joystick but it is solid.

 

Just like the old x55 it experiences issues with the throttle leading to having to quickly move it forward and back in order to calibrate( 0-100% instead of the bugged out 0-80%).

 

After purchasing it felt like I should of just gotten the warthog but then again its more money and also requires rudder pedals.

 

All up to you, if moneys not the issue I would just say go with the warthog and pedals.

[sobe]

I use blue tacky to keep my Warthog HOTAS in place with no problem. You can remove them without a problem.

[AlexBR]

Good morning friend, I have a X-55 and Thrustmaster Warthog, I prefer the Warthog, plus the two are very good, will depend on just how much to spend, more money is not the problem and will Warthog, hug.

[dburne]

I have been using my Warthog for a few years now, got it not too long after they were released, really like it and it has done well for me. I did add an extension to it last year which really helped.

[ebabil]

I am also planning to change my joystick. I have ch set but I am not happy with them . I cannot make precise movements like refueling carrier landing or heli hovers. I really need good stick and throttle. I don't want to wait for vkb gladiator so only 2 choices : x56 or warthog

Please advise

[Sokol1_br]

Or "only 2 choices": 250$ or 450$. :)

 

People will say this you can read in this topic (or others similar):

 

Warthog is the way, "is metal, is real", their programming soft allow you make cheats with games, e.g. aileron trim on Bf 109, :) and that "X-56 is a plastic toy". :)

 

Others will say that X-56 (anyone already buy?) worth their price, cost less, is more flexible due their rotaries.

 

BTW - Like other people still recommend CH with their 8 bits (256 points) controller resolution for today sim's and their "AFM"... that their programming soft "open beer cans and fry sausages". ;)

 

But for what matter for you:

Fly helis or make aerial refueling, will have significant difference that justify pay more or less?

 

Technically both use the same kind of 3D HALL sensor for X,Y axis, and their gimbal has a noticeable center position due springs.

 

From this perspective in a mouth you can buy a VKB Gladiator PRO - stick only, for the price of Saitek X-56 HOTAS - but that, at least in theory, it could be an enhancement for a precise flight control.

 

Anyway, consider that Warthog even costing more and with they know flaws has more longevity, more workarounds, add-on's, spare parts from manufacturer or 3rd parts.

 

Saitek will cost less, but will last less and virtually has no spare parts outside warranty.

See all topics there about "Saitek potentiometers saga".

Edited June 15, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[cichlidfan]

If you are willing to spend the money for a Warthog, then this should not be a question but feel free to read the Warthog and X-56 threads to aid you in your decision. I actually have an X-56, still in the box, that I picked up for casual stuff when I am not using my sim pit but I would be highly unlikely to rebuild my Warthog stick mount to accommodate it in the pit.

[S-GERAT]

I was not saying the Saitek is a bad joystick, but the metal body and the touch of the buttons on the warthog are in another league ( the same with the price ).

 

I had the X-52 and it was working fine until it gave me some problems that I can't remember now and replaced them with the Logitech g940 which was working fine too but was less precise due the FFB and the pedals were rubbish. Finally buy the Warthog on December of 2014, it was a surprise because I wasn't expecting that difference in quality,feel and precision..and until now I never had a single problem with it.

[Tirak]

If you're going to buy a Saitek, buy a 52. The 55 and 56 don't have a dual stage trigger, and that for me at least, is a game breaker.

[Bearfoot]

If you're going to buy a Saitek, buy a 52. The 55 and 56 don't have a dual stage trigger, and that for me at least, is a game breaker.

 

IMHO, the extra precision and button/rotary functionality of the X-55/X-56 easily, easily, easily, easily outweighs the lack of a dual stage trigger. At least, for the things I fly. Especially since you can always map any one of the extra gazillion buttons/switches for that first stage pull, on those relatively rare (? for me, anyway) occasions that you need it, whereas there is nothing you can do to make up for the lower precision.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Bearfoot

[Bearfoot]

TL;DR:

As others have said, if you can afford it, get the TMWH + stick extension and don't look back. Otherwise, you can probably live adequately if you get the X-56.

 

Longer version ...

 

I have yet to find someone who has had BOTH the X-55 and TMWH to provide a proper comparison of either. Most opinions on the WH come from folks who have moved from, e.g. the X52 or the Logitech, and there is no doubt that it is a step or more up from these.

 

I have the X-55. Don't have the TMWH, but am looking at this as one of the options for a stick upgrade (with extension: to be perfectly honest, from what I can make out, I would not consider the TMWH without an extension).

 

So, my opinion on the X-55 is that it is .... OK. I'm looking for something better right now, mainly due to wanting smoother/more precise inputs for helis. But, in all honesty, it is serviceable. I have yet to hear someone say that it is less precise than the WH after ACTUALLY using/comparing the two. As both have hall sensors, I think it is very likely the precision might about the same from the sensor point of view, so then it all comes down to mechanical. And as others have kindly pointed out on other threads, the mechanical aspect of the WH is pretty bad as well.

 

So, as long as you don't get a lemon (MadCat has a horrendous record on this: so many reports of controllers crapping out or just not working correctly; I've been lucky in that regard: mine worked fine from out of the box till today), you can do about at least as well with the X-56 as with the (unmodified/no extension) WH. In all honesty, apart from the plasticky feel, the throttle has much more functionality than the TMWH throttle, and having seen (but not used) both, I decided I can live without the "cool" feeling of the TMWH throttle to gain instead all those useful rotaries and switches.

 

There are, however, some complaints I have about the X-55 throttle:

 

(1) The silly and almost useless speed brake slider (on the X55).

(2) The mouse nipple is mushy and imprecise. In the X-56 this has been replaced with a 4-way hat switch. Much better.

(3) My biggest criticism of the throttle WAS the occasional ghosting: it USED to be the case that sometimes random switches will trigger on the throttle randomly, leading to, e.g., inoppportune releasing of flares in the hanger or worse. This has largely stopped now after I tried one of the various fixes described somewhere on the web (cannot remember what it was, but I think I ended up plugging it in directly to MB instead of the hub).

 

Problems with the X-55 stick:

 

(1) The stick is not ergonomic with respect to the top buttons. You have to reach up, taking you palm off the resting base to hit the red button at the top or the hat switch. Really annoying.

 

(2) The CMS switch is press-only, without the 4-way hat. This means you have no easy way to access the crucial CMS functions (on the A-10C and the F-16) on the stick, and have to appropriate a hat switch on the throttle to do the job. Luckily, this (I think) has been fixed with the X-56.

 

(3) Not easily modifiable. The TMWH has so many mods out there, including polished offerings like extensions, etc. that you can end up with a highly-custom set up to your liking. Including mounting on VKB bases.

 

(4) The slight catch as you cross the center (going left to right or fore and aft) is annoying. I think the TMWH has that too? But at least the X-55/x-56 allows you to adjust resistance.

 

As I said I am looking at a better stick for helo flying. Current contenders are TMWH + extension, wait for the VKB Gunfighter, or the super $$$ but specialized offerings from Komodo etc.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Bearfoot

[Bearfoot]

I don't want to wait for vkb gladiator so only 2 choices : x56 or warthog

Please advise

 

I'm as impatient as the rest of them, but to be honest, stick-wise, it seems the VKB Gladiator is so heads-and-shoulders above the other contenders (based on the discussion here: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=167953) that I would wait the 2-3 weeks it takes for it become available. Even if I have to make do with a cheapo $30 stick in the mean time! No question about it. The only reason I am not getting the VKB Gladiator is because I want an extension, and it seems only the Gunfighter can do that.

[MegOhm_SD]

You do not need the target software. The Warthog is plug n play with the A10C. Just have to map the trim.

 

I have had mine since they came out with no issues. If it broke today I would buy another.

 

I disagree with those that cry about the gimble and stiffness. I don't seem to have those issues.

 

Mine feels perfect and needs no change

I have also owned the Saitek 56 and it did not last a year. I would only buy a Saitek if that was all I could afford knowing from experience it might be good for a year or so before it dies.

Edited June 15, 2016 by MegOhm_SD

[Sokol1_br]

Others will say that X-56 (anyone already buy?)

 

Some Amazon buyers have, an their reviews is not too different from X-55.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CZTSS3O

 

One guy give to X-56 two stars, one because "have nice changeable colors lights". :D

Edited June 16, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Socket7]

Saitek's have always felt flimsy to me. The button feel is not very good on the X-52 and X-52 pro, and I feel like I might break things by accident. I also had a pretty nasty firmware bug that would lock up or bluescreen my PC. It's been years since that, and I assume its fixed.

 

On the other hand I'm constantly impressed by just how much stuff saitek manages to fit into their joysticks. Good value for money.

 

The plastic gimbal on the TM warthog has never caused me problems. The coolie switch? Not so much, but that was fixed free under warranty.

[Jumbik]

After using both I'm able to say following:

 

Saitek feels cheap, the quality of hats and buttons is bad, they work, but you will be afraid that they will break any minute. They will hold of course but they just feel like that. The good thing about the hotas is the throttle, the precision and number of buttons, axis and hats is great. The bad thing is the stick, it's just too bad ergonomically. Your hand and fingers will hurt after a long flight. It is precise though and you have plenty ways of tuning in the software. X-52 has better stick ergonomy and hat quality than X-55/56

 

TM WH ... completely another level of quality. Buttons and hats actually feel good. Ergonomically its superior to X-55/56, long flights will not hurt your hands. But it may be harder to use in other games than DCS. Throttle has less buttons and axis but on the other hand has detent for iddle.

 

 

I felt bad for spending money on X-55/56 and using if for few weeks, but I did not when I bought WH. It's just another level of quality.

Edited June 16, 2016 by Jumbik

[agentdarnell]

After using both I'm able to say following:

 

Saitek feels cheap, the quality of hats and buttons is bad, they work, but you will be afraid that they will break any minute. They will hold of course but they just feel like that. The good thing about the hotas is the throttle, the precision and number of buttons, axis and hats is great. The bad thing is the stick, it's just too bad ergonomically. Your hand and fingers will hurt after a long flight. It is precise though and you have plenty ways of tuning in the software. X-52 has better stick ergonomy and hat quality than X-55/56

 

TM WH ... completely another level of quality. Buttons and hats actually feel good. Ergonomically its superior to X-55/56, long flights will not hurt your hands. But it may be harder to use in other games than DCS. Throttle has less buttons and axis but on the other hand has detent for iddle.

 

 

I felt bad for spending money on X-55/56 and using if for few weeks, but I did not when I bought WH. It's just another level of quality.

See I felt just the opposite. I just could not justify the plastic internals of the warthog for the price and sent it back and kept the x55. My x55 has been flawless for these 2 years I have had it. The earthly did feel amazing on the outside, but I just did not feel the internals were worth 2.5x the price of the x55. There are some things I wish were different in the xtr like weight of the bases and the spring, but overall it has treated me well. I think either is a good option if you get a good product. I really wish there were more options out there,

[ebabil]

I am using keyboard driver as stick base so how can I use extension ?

Can't have a game seat for it