Introducing the new Logitech X56 HOTAS

[Dudikoff]

I don't really have SST anymore so can't try as I switched to TM Target, but IIRC, the advanced mode had press, repeat and release columns. So, did you put this Alt-; combo in the repeat column?

[nick10]

Hello I’m considering picking up the X56. Any thoughts? I’m at the point now where I want a HOTAS stick and throttle but I’m not about to stump up $1k for a warthog.

 

what are users thoughts please?

[Wallkon]

I don't really have SST anymore so can't try as I switched to TM Target, ...

Is it possible to use Target with Saitek/Logitech controls?

 

[YSIAD_RIP]

Hello, I’m considering picking up the X56. Any thoughts? I’m at the point now where I want a HOTAS stick and throttle but I’m not about to stump up $1k for a warthog.

 

what are users thoughts please?

 

You do get what you pay for with Virpil and VKP, etc..

However, I did purchase a brand new X56 HOTAS ON SALE, Directly from Logitech, before wearing a mask became a fashion statement. Lol.

 

There are plenty of reviews, videos and discussion on the X56. Here are some bullet points that are based on my experience.

1. It is a great value if you can get it on sale or find one listed at an MSRP of USD 249.00
   
2. If you are comfortable making physical modifications, you can turn the HOTAS from an OK system to a surprisingly good one.
   
3. If you have average or smaller hands, you will have trouble reaching all the buttons and hats on the stick. (make a thicker palm rest with clay, foam, 3D Printer, etc.. )
   
4. Out of the Box, the HOTAS Throttle can be too hard to move because of the special friction grease used inside. (Do a YouTube search on
   ) FYI: Save the grease by placing it on another part of the base away from the blades and wires. You will see a good spot once you take the throttle apart.
   
5. I recommend the Spring Mod for the X56 Flight Stick. If you remove the single mainspring and replace it with 4, you get a stick that centers and feels more precise when moving away from the center.
   
6. For any buttons that are hard to reach or feel when pressing, I got some SUGRU and moulded it onto the Trimmer Hat, Weapons Release and other buttons to get more depth and feel. Sugru can be removed with a knife and rag.
   
7. The Slider on the throttle is misunderstood. It functions like a 2 position toggle switch. To use it properly as an Airbrake you must use the provided Logitech software and set it up with "Quantize Time" options. I did not want to use the software for Airbrakes so found out how to do it by editing a DCS module joystick Default.lua. Here is a link to User Files Downloads that gives examples for a few planes: X56 Speed Brake Slider - FA18, F16, A10C, F14, JF17, AV8B. I learned from that Mod and made similar fixes for all the other planes that I own.
   
8. If I had the money, I would buy the premium HOTAS, but for now, I am much happier with my X56 when compared to the now-dead X52 that I got from Kajiji 5 years ago! If I charged myself for the time I took to research and complete these mods the stick would have cost 3 times more! :lol:
   

Edited October 27, 2020 by YSIAD_RIP

[fitness88]

 

10-27-2020, 10:31 AM

 

 

 

 

Originally posted by nick10 View Post

Hello, I’m considering picking up the X56. Any thoughts? I’m at the point now where I want a HOTAS stick and throttle but I’m not about to stump up $1k for a warthog.

 

what are users thoughts please?

 

 

 

You do get what you pay for with Virpil and VKP, etc..

However, I did purchase a brand new X56 HOTAS ON SALE, Directly from Logitech, before wearing a mask became a fashion statement. Lol.

 

There are plenty of reviews, videos and discussion on the X56. Here are some bullet points that are based on my experience.

1. It is a great value if you can get it on sale or find one listed at an MSRP of USD 249.00
   
2. If you are comfortable making physical modifications, you can turn the HOTAS from an OK system to a surprisingly good one.
   
3. If you have average or smaller hands, you will have trouble reaching all the buttons and hats on the stick. (make a thicker palm rest with clay, foam, 3D Printer, etc.. )
   
4. Out of the Box, the HOTAS Throttle can be too hard to move because of the special friction grease used inside. (Do a YouTube search on
   ) FYI: Save the grease by placing it on another part of the base away from the blades and wires. You will see a good spot once you take the throttle apart.
   
5. I recommend the Spring Mod for the X56 Flight Stick. If you remove the single mainspring and replace it with 4, you get a stick that centers and feels more precise when moving away from the center.
   
6. For any buttons that are hard to reach or feel when pressing, I got some SUGRU and moulded it onto the Trimmer Hat, Weapons Release and other buttons to get more depth and feel. Sugru can be removed with a knife and rag.
   
7. The Slider on the throttle is misunderstood. It functions like a 2 position toggle switch. To use it properly as an Airbrake you must use the provided Logitech software and set it up with "Quantize Time" options. I did not want to use the software for Airbrakes so found out how to do it by editing a DCS module joystick Default.lua. Here is a link to User Files Downloads that gives examples for a few planes: X56 Speed Brake Slider - FA18, F16, A10C, F14, JF17, AV8B. I learned from that Mod and made similar fixes for all the other planes that I own.
   
8. If I had the money, I would buy the premium HOTAS, but for now, I am much happier with my X56 when compared to the now-dead X52 that I got from Kajiji 5 years ago! If I charged myself for the time I took to research and complete these mods the stick would have cost 3 times more!
   

 

 

#4 I left the grease and it got easier with use.

#5 Excellent mod, improves the stick to highest quality control and totally removes centre slop and no need for dead zone. I used Home Depot sku# 127107 Model # 311-626|Store SKU # 1000127107 Paulin 7/16 X 3 1/8E Utility Spring

#7 I used to use the software quantize but this mod is better, removes interference with system key stokes when 'out of focus'.

 

Well done:thumbup:

[Steel Jaw]

So, advisable purchase when I cant afford a thousand dollar warthog?

[Taz1004]

On 2/5/2021 at 11:11 PM, Mower said:

So, advisable purchase when I cant afford a thousand dollar warthog?

 

I suggest stay clear of X56.  This among many review pointing out its issues.  The spring centering mechanism "looks" like good idea.  Not in practice.

 

 

In sub $400 range, VKB Gladator NXT and Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle seems to be best option.  Or wait for VKB TECS Throttle.

Edited February 9, 2021 by Taz1004

[Steel Jaw]

good review, brother, as a Cougar user that got 20 years from it, and it has a force sensing mod, I lean heavily to the Warthog but the prices are hideously bloated and supply short.  You are talking me out of the x56, maybe not a bad thing.

[SickSidewinder9]

Bumping this because I'm wondering if there's any way to add more resistance to the 4-way thumb switches on the side of the throttle?  They are a bit vague or sloppy feeling and I keep hitting dogfight override (F-16) when reaching for the other switches.

Also wouldn't mind modding the thumb stick on the stick to be just a button.  It literally is just my view center button and does nothing else.  It would be more usable and comfortable for me to get rid of the analog stick and just have the button left.

[JoeT-2024]

Is there a way to test X-56 throttle response in DCS?
   
Alas, I do not think you got a reply.  I thought that I would try as well.  I picked up a brand-new X-56 HOTAS with a new Windows 11 computer.  The Logitech software shows a throttle response when I slide the dual throttles from 100% to 0% and back, but Electronic Arts tech support could not figure out over six hours why their software could not respond even when recognizing both the throttle and stick.  I had to reverse the pitch response, but all worked, except the throttle.  Stick performance seems fine for basic DCS 2.9, but the TF-51D does not respond to the throttle because of the engine governor and RPM setting operations.  I tried to test throttle response on the Su-25, but I did not seem to get any change in airspeed or engine performance, but I may not be so adept at interpreting that language or symbology.
 
Resolved: I succeeded in setting the axes and tested in the Su-25.

Edited September 13, 2024 by JoeT-2024