Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X (Compatible with PC)

My last good joystick, a Logitech WingMan Force Feedback, still works after about 12 years, but it's slowly wearing out. I've looked at several possible replacements and came across this Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X. The most helpful review to date is by gump92139 and, along with other reviews, convinced me to try the Thrustmaster. Gump's review has a good description and is well worth reading.I'm very impressed and pleased so far. I have used it in FSX, mostly with the Carenado Cessna 340, but also with DodoSim's Bell Jet Ranger using the helicopter's most difficult and realistic settings. The Thrustmaster provided very stable control, and the DodoSim helicopter is one of the most difficult to fly. The stick has a very solid, positive feel.From the photo, I was concerned about the ergonomics of the throttle – it looked like it might be uncomfortable to use. It might be a bit uncomfortable for some at first, but being able to separate it from the stick by about 18 inches in any direction allows for many different placements, at different levels from the stick, etc. I was surprised at how user friendly and comfortable it is.And regarding user friendliness, as gump92139 described, I simply plugged it into a USB port and ready to go. The manual says to access the control panel to configure and test the joystick, but I didn't need to do that – it was ready to go simply by plugging it in. (I'm using Windows 7, 32 bit.)However, during the first test “flight,” I accessed the settings in FlightSim X and made some changes in the button assignments, as well as adding a few assignments for the unused buttons: flaps, trim, views, etc. It's very easy and quick to do without exiting the simulator.One minor complaint is that buttons 3 and 4 are placed on the stick opposite each other, 4 on the back right towards the operator, and 3 on the front right. I found myself pressing both buttons at the same time with the thumb and index finger. Since the trim wheels in many airplanes are on the pilot's right, I had assigned these buttons on the right for trim up and trim down – not good to press both together, but the placement and right hand grip seems to encourage pressing both buttons at once. Might have to reassign them, or just get used to the placements.All in all, it's a fine HOTAS system at a very reasonable price.

first off, let me say that I wasn't sure if a good flight stick setup could be had for anything less than a fortune; look at some of the $400 setups and you'll know what I mean.However, I really miss the 'glory days' of flight / space sims -- they were one of my favorite genres. Especially when it came to PC games, titles like Wing Commander, Tie Fighter, Falcon 3, US Navy Fighters -- those were some wonderful games. I always had a flight stick, and even at one point had a very expensive Thrustmaster F-16 Falcon flight stick that cost well over $100 at the time.Thankfully, with the re-emergence of hard-core flight / space sims like Star Citizen & Elite: Dangerous, it seems like simulators are making a comeback. And while they are playable with an Xbox 360 controller, etc -- it's just not the same...and having a keyboard along for the ride becomes a necessity.Without breaking the bank, I really was wanting to jump back into a control setup that felt more "context genuine", and that also might liberate me from keyboard reliance!Let me say that, yes -- this has completely filled all my needs! In Elite: Dangerous, I no longer need the keyboard at all while playing. I keep it close by just in case, but I haven't needed it at all. This is, however, due to a COMMUNITY MADE CONTROLLER PROFILE for the game. I hate typing in caps, but this is key to this unit receiving all 5 stars, since the default control scheme in Elite: Dangerous doesn't map the buttons in an efficient enough way to cover all the main usages. It's easy to do you -- you just drop it into the folder that is mentioned, and it will show up in the game. Otherwise I do not feel this setup would have had enough buttons to map everything to.I'd type in the site where I downloaded the profile, but I think that amazon typically takes out the links. Just google the name of this stick + Elite: Dangerous and you will likely run into a forum post really quick mentioning it with a download link and a button reference photo. Basically what it does is assign three button on the throttle to 'modifier' keys (shift, ctrl, etc) to where you hold one down, and all the others buttons perform 'flight-based' operations. Hold down another & it will fulfill all 'combat' based functions, etc. This essentially triples the buttons on the system -- though you do have to get used to using the modifiers. Again, I couldn't be happier with the setup.At the end of the day, this will likely fulfill your needs: it can be used as one or two pieces (I use it as one due to how I am situated), is highly flexible with profiles, and is solidly enough built to feel fully functional. It's not the most robust system out there, but you get an incredible amount of value for the money. If this hadn't fulfilled my hopes, I would have returned it -- but that has never crossed my mind. :)