Old x52 vs. Warthog HOTAS?

[Maverick1202]

Sorry getting back into Flight Sims and I have all of the stupid questions. I have an old x52 (non pro). What benefit would I get in upgrading to the very expensive Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS setup at the whopping $450! Is it that much better?

[crash test pilot]

I upgraded from x52 (non pro) to a warthog 1 1/2 years ago. Magnetic sensors are way superior to pots, so precision is much better. I do not regret.

[VpR81]

Way better build quality, better button quality/response, better materials (metal construction), better precision, way better customer support.

 

But the most important advantage over Saitek/Logitech products is, the Warthog will open the door to a world of modifying and customisation the X-52 can never provide. There are countless mods for the Warthog, such as a different slew control, different afterburner detents etc. Another very important feature is, that Thrustmaster uses the same PS2 connector for their grips/joystick base as Virpil or Realsimulator does. So you can use grips of these manufactors on your TM base as well. Slew control and the plastic gimbal are the flaws of the Warthog, but more than acceptable if compared to the advantages that thing comes with. I use the Warthog for roughly 2 years now and never had any problems with the gimbal. Stock slew control is useless, but there are easy to install mods for that.

 

Maybe you wanna check out the TM homepage. Sometimes they offer products beeing sent back from customers without beeing used. Those have a second quality check, zero technical problems and come with half a year of warranty. They wont sell you a broken one. One of my friends managed to get a Warthog HOTAS for $250 this way and there was no signs of usage to that thing. No scratches, no button issues, it was like a standard sold new one, just with less warranty and he owns it for like 1 year now without any issues. If i knew about this possibility before i purchased mine, i propably would have purchased one this way as well. It's definately worth a look.

 

Cheers