Does have X52pro-Grip have less friction than standard X52??

[Wali763]

Hi.

 

Im using a X-52 (non pro) and actually am rather satisfied with it.

 

The one thing I do dislike is the lower detent on the throttle, which I was able to go around since it set it up (in DCS), that idle goes up to the frist detent.

 

The second thing I do dislike the friction on the stick. The centering-cone (made of plastic) has too high friction for my liking. When pulling the stick a bit and then trying to make a tiny adjustment, there is a rather high resistance at first, which makes it harder to be precise. I tried to use some grease, but that was only a short-term solution and I do not want to put grease on the stick every other hour.

 

Since my stick (old one, got it used) has one broken button Im thinking about getting a new X-52pro. If the pro offers less friction and therefore offers better precision.

 

X56 for high throttle- and twist-forces and Warthog for lack of twist-axis are no alternatives as are Virpil-stick for their too high price. Maybe in the future Ill get a Virpil, if I see a longterm future for DCS and me.

 

But until then, can anybody give me some feedback if the X52-pro could be better than the standard X52 for me, because it offer less friction??

 

Thx

[Sokol1_br]

X-52 PRO was release in ~2006 trying address some complains about X-52 "vanilla", like non linearity response in X, Y axes*, weak spring - at time are popular the "CD cover mod" for add tension in X-52 springs.

 

Besides an less "Star Wars" visual, PRO came with HAT caps in metal, two HALL sensor per axis (X, Y) - but with less resolution, seems 10 instead 11 (contrary to advertise) and two concentric springs in center system:

 

"High resolution, absolute linearity and enhanced non-contact technology on Stick X and Y axes improve responsiveness and control, while the new dual concentric spring centering mechanism progressively increases resistance, just as it would in a real aircraft."

 

Improve things a bit, but accord some people at time barely noticeable in practice.

 

* The DIY "magnet mod" address this axis response linearity issue.

 

http://www.berkuts.ru/forum/showthread.php?t=142

http://www.berkuts.ru/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=377&d=1212860420

Edited July 6, 2019 by Sokol1_br

[Holbeach]

Hi.

 

Im using a X-52 (non pro) and actually am rather satisfied with it.

 

The one thing I do dislike is the lower detent on the throttle, which I was able to go around since it set it up (in DCS), that idle goes up to the frist detent.

 

The second thing I do dislike the friction on the stick. The centering-cone (made of plastic) has too high friction for my liking. When pulling the stick a bit and then trying to make a tiny adjustment, there is a rather high resistance at first, which makes it harder to be precise. I tried to use some grease, but that was only a short-term solution and I do not want to put grease on the stick every other hour.

 

Since my stick (old one, got it used) has one broken button Im thinking about getting a new X-52pro. If the pro offers less friction and therefore offers better precision.

 

X56 for high throttle- and twist-forces and Warthog for lack of twist-axis are no alternatives as are Virpil-stick for their too high price. Maybe in the future Ill get a Virpil, if I see a longterm future for DCS and me.

 

But until then, can anybody give me some feedback if the X52-pro could be better than the standard X52 for me, because it offer less friction??

 

Thx

I removed detent. Easy job.

 

 

Reduced pressure on cup by cable tying top coil, mainly for helicopter operation, but now use it for everything.

 

 

Apply liberal application of silicon grease on rim and especially shaft.

 

 

There is no sticking whatsoever.

 

 

Rub finger around rim and up and down shaft before every use. (to spread grease). Give clean and reapply grease occasionally.

 

 

My stick is better than new after many years of use.

 

 

I believe the pro has a metal cup, which can only be better.

 

 

..

[Wali763]

Thx for the info.

 

 

Improve things a bit, but accord some people at time barely noticeable in practice.

 

 

As often in life, differences on the sheet dont relay into real and perceivable differences during actual use.

 

 

Getting a Warthog will also not give better (compared to almost none-existent) AAR-skills. ;-)

 

 

I removed detent. Easy job.

 

That really worked. Thx for the tip. This will hopefully really increase my AAR, since the detent often got in the way of fine-adjustments of the throttle!

 

 

I will buy a Silicon-spray and test that. If that works out to some extent, I will stay with my Standard X-52.

Edited July 8, 2019 by Wali763

[Holbeach]

Thx for the info.

 

 

 

 

 

As often in life, differences on the sheet dont relay into real and perceivable differences during actual use.

 

 

Getting a Warthog will also not give better (compared to almost none-existent) AAR-skills. ;-)

 

 

 

 

That really worked. Thx for the tip. This will hopefully really increase my AAR, since the detent often got in the way of fine-adjustments of the throttle!

 

 

I will buy a Silicon-spray and test that. If that works out to some extent, I will stay with my Standard X-52.

 

Don't use the spray. It made it worse for me.

 

 

 

Incidentally, my stick had become unplayable, because with age, the rear part of the rim wears flat, therefore increasing the surface contact area. Sticking had become intollerable. I removed the spring and replaced it with bungees, which cured it, but was only good for helicopters, so I compromised with my present setup.

 

 

Sticking is now non existant.

..

 

 

 

 

..

Edited July 8, 2019 by Holbeach

[Wali763]

Hi.

 

Since Ive already applied some silicon from a silicon-spray, I did not remove it, after reading your warning.

 

But after flying for 2 hours since applying the silicon I have to say, that it works great for me.

 

When pulling the stick a bit and then doing a tiny adjustment in pulling a bit more, the (initial) higher force needed is gone now. This is much better than the normal grease Ive used before, since with that after 10 min it was back to the same state as before greasing it.

 

So actually - right now - my both complaints about the X52 are gone.

 

I will keep an eye on the situation and possible future degradations, but now Im rather pleased. So no need to replace it right away.

 

And still if all turns sour, its no problem, since I wanted to replace the X52 in the first place.

 

Thx for your help.

[Holbeach]

Good job. I'm glad it worked for you.

Greasing, for me, didn't work at first, but got better with age and usually lasts for several months.

 

I'm guessing the metal cup of the pro, only has to be better.

 

 

Regards..