X56 and Trackir

[DoomsdayDuck555]

First, is the x56 a good starter stick, and second, should i get the clip thing for track ir

[whitewater211]

As a person who owns a x56 I personally love it. Handles amazing and its very responsive and precise. It has more than enough switches and buttons to handle anything and everything you need. Rudder handles Nice and The split throttle is amazing. Unfortunately I don't have a track Ir so i couldn't tell you that but 10/10 do recommend the x56

[Paradox1126]

i moved on to virpil but i rocked the 56 for 5 yrs. i think its a great stick and would always recommend it. as for the headclip i decided to go for the hat clip instead only because i wanted something for when i wasn't using headphones. i also went with a visor to make it less annoying. if you're mostly playing with a headset then 100%

[DoomsdayDuck555]

Originally posted by whitewater211:

As a person who owns a x56 I personally love it. Handles amazing and its very responsive and precise. It has more than enough switches and buttons to handle anything and everything you need. Rudder handles Nice and The split throttle is amazing. Unfortunately I don't have a track Ir so i couldn't tell you that but 10/10 do recommend the x56

Does the flick switches on the throttle toggle or are do they only send temporary on/off?

[Mysterious Drone]

Tobii Eye Tracker 5

[Macka_One_One]

Just an FYI.
My Track IR stopped working after an Nvidia driver update, some time ago.
Last time i checked it's still not functioning.
Moved on to HP reverb G2 VR.
If anyone has had the same issue and knows how to fix it i'd be interested to hear.

[XIII]

I wouldnt recommend X52 or X56. They are probably fine, but got USB issues, and its just too way expensive for the cheap level of quality. Its really outdated, theres way better stuff for the price.

You can usually get a VKB Gladiator (Space Premium) for the a similar price, and thats a stick with vastly higher quality, tons of buttons and an analog stick. Its way better for precise controls, feels much better and should be more durable.

That stick alone is good enough for a while. When you want a full HOTAS, you can later get a TWCS as a pretty solid and affordable throttle.

IR tracking is very useful in flight sims, and if you play them, also racing and some space sims.
Id recommend a cheaper alternative like Delanclip, though. TrackIR is a very expensive solution; its better if you got infinite money, but its mostly just a slightly more smooth camera and better software. Not really worth 3-4 times the price imo.

[startrekmike]

Originally posted by DoomsdayDuck555:

First, is the x56 a good starter stick, and second, should i get the clip thing for track ir

I have an X56 (though it is not my main HOTAS anymore as I have since upgraded) so I will be speaking of my own first-hand experience with it. Thus far, it still works even after getting a lot of heavy use and while I am aware of online discussions about broken wires and such inside the throttle, I can't say for sure how much of that is isolated incidents given a lot of visibility via Youtube and thus repeated by others second hand. All I can say is that my X56 shows no sign of internal wiring issues even after heavy use. Maybe I am lucky, maybe not.

This might be a controversial statement to make but thus far, it is probably the most versatile option if you are not willing to spend quite a bit more. There are obviously cheaper HOTAS setups but none of them offer even close to the amount of raw functionality that the X56 does and when you are talking about DCS, having a lot of hat switches and a lot of well placed controls on the stick and throttle grips is SUPER important. There is a reason why I tend to suggest it as a good "first HOTAS" for DCS since it isn't crippled by a lack of controls like other entry level HOTAS setups tend to be.

With all that said, I should point out some reservations I have based on my experiences with it.

1.) Ergonomics for the stick are not great. I know that a lot of folks have complained about this because of some Ralfidude video back in the day but I do think they overstate the issue. There is no doubt that some will need to reach their thumb a bit for some of the buttons but it isn't nearly the problem it is made out to be. It is just something you will occasionally notice and will inevitably adapt to.

2.) The throttle's friction isn't ideal. For some reason, Saitek (and later Logitech) opted to use a lubrication method for the throttle mechanism that can make very precise throttle movements more difficult than they should be. This is an issue even when you fully release the throttle friction knob. In practice, it tends to really present itself as an issue when you are trying to do very quick, sharp movements that tend to be required during stuff like air refueling or landings. It isn't impossible to deal with but it does make things harder than they should be none the less.

3.) It doesn't have a two-stage trigger. This will impact you more with specific modules than others but it is a silly omission on their part and does create some convenience issues with certain modules.

4.) Software. Logitech's software for the X56 is awful, there is no way around that. It really shouldn't have required any external software at all but it does and that kinda sucks.

5.) Power draw. This is a big one and it was openly acknowledged by Saitek but never really addressed by them or Logitech after them. The X56's throttle draws more power than most (but perhaps not all) motherboard mounted USB's can put out. It won't show up immediately as an issue but when you are flying a given aircraft in DCS, suddenly you will find that controls you bound to the throttle will trigger randomly. A lot of folks bind controls to turn the engines on and off to their throttle and will often come on the forums complaining about random engine shut downs. This is because the throttle is not getting enough consistent power and is creating "ghost inputs".

Thankfully, there is a solution that will pretty much always work but it involves buying a POWERED (and I cannot emphasize "powered" enough) USB 3 hub. If you plug the throttle into a powered USB 3 hub, you won't have power issues at all and thus no ghost inputs.

It isn't a perfect HOTAS and certainly isn't the best by a long shot but given the choices in the sub-$400 price bracket, it is the most versatile and the most feature rich. There are downsides but I personally believe the necessary amount of hat switches and other controls in the places where they are most useful is a decent trade-off.

As far as getting the Pro Clip for TrackIR, I don't think it is a bad idea since it is (thus far) the only clip with a fully articulated mounting arm. You will no doubt see a lot of folks complain about how brittle it is but I think that will really come down to how careful you are. Those who want to just leave it on their everyday headset even when not using it will probably break it. Likewise. Those who don't handle it with some deliberate care will also quite likely break it. It is built to be as lightweight as possible and thus it is quite delicate. That said, I have had mine for years and the clip itself never broke because I was always VERY careful about handling it and only mounted it when I wanted to use it.

With that said, you do have some additional options but it will depend a bit on what kind of headset you have and how tightly it fits on your head. Some of the aftermarket clips (especially the wireless ones) can be heavy enough to make a loose headset a problem. Likewise. Some of them don't offer any sort of articulated mounting system and thus are not going to work with every headset earcup shape.

The best aftermarket clip I have found is the one made by RJSimTech. It isn't the lightest but it has a better mounting setup than most of the other options.

[XIII]

Originally posted by startrekmike:

This might be a controversial statement to make but thus far, it is probably the most versatile option if you are not willing to spend quite a bit more

Isnt the X-56 like 200 bucks? You get a VKB Gladiator for about 200 as well, and that stick has almost the same features as high end sticks.

And its not like an X-56 is even that much better than a T-16M and TWCS (50+70 bucks), which is cheaper. Espeically with software and USB issues I really dont know why people should take an X-56 over that.

[startrekmike]

Originally posted by XIII:

Originally posted by startrekmike:

This might be a controversial statement to make but thus far, it is probably the most versatile option if you are not willing to spend quite a bit more

Isnt the X-56 like 200 bucks? You get a VKB Gladiator for about 200 as well, and that stick has almost the same features as high end sticks.

And its not like an X-56 is even that much better than a T-16M and TWCS (50+70 bucks), which is cheaper. Espeically with software and USB issues I really dont know why people should take an X-56 over that.

The VKB Gladiator is technically better but it is very, very obviously designed to be what one might call the ideal entry-level standalone joystick. It is perfectly designed for someone that wants a good stick with a good internal mechanism that might not want to buy a throttle as well. Obviously quality isn't really the problem here. There is nothing wrong with the stick (before anyone gets super defensive).

Considering that the Gladiator doesn't come with a HOTAS style throttle, anyone looking for HOTAS functionality would need to purchase one separately and considering its price point, that is probably going to end up being the TWCS throttle or VKB's own GNX modular unit. Either way, you are going to deal with compromises since the TWCS throttle isn't exactly well designed and the GNX modular system doesn't offer HOTAS level functionality at all (and isn't designed or intended to).

This brings me to the T.16000m HOTAS set. This is another really popular one that gets a lot of praise but I think a lot of that really comes down to its price. This happens in a lot of enthusiast level hobbies where there is a wide price range of products available. The T.16000m is really inexpensive and generally easy to find in most mainstream online storefronts. As such, a lot of new players who don't have a lot of experience with other HOTAS setups/peripherals and those who are working with a limited leisure/luxury budget are going to buy it and simply won't be able to evaluate it in the larger HOTAS marketplace context.

So why would I not recommend the T.16000m HOTAS? It really comes down to two major reasons. The first is that the stick itself is simply too limited. The T.16000 stick follows the same design standard as sticks from more than twenty-five years ago. its single hat switch and limited number of buttons make it fine for light use in older space/air combat games but as one half of a HOTAS, the stick isn't pulling its weight. The single hat switch is a massive limitation in DCS (less so in other sims) and the buttons on the base become all but useless when using it with a separate throttle. Is it cheaper than a X56? Yes. Is there a reason? Absolutely.

The throttle is the other issue. It does have a better selection of HOTAS style controls (controls that are actually useful in a HOTAS context) but it doesn't have enough controls on the grip to offset the lack of controls on the stick. On top of that. The single throttle axis is certainly workable but not a limitation that one should feel compelled to subject themselves to if they can possibly avoid it.

Now. Again. Don't get me wrong. I get that the T.16000M HOTAS is meant to be a low-cost, entry level HOTAS setup. In that capacity, it is pretty okay. It would be nice if it were a bit better but it serves the market it was intended for.

This brings us back to the X56. On a accuracy level (the sensors in the stick and the throttle axis potentiometers) probably isn't going to be a big jump from the cheaper T.16000m HOTAS but for a $200(ish) HOTAS, you are getting what you pay for. The big thing is that you are getting what one might call "high-end features" for a entry level price. You get a stick with a full assortment of hat switches and buttons (even a analog stick which comes in very handy with some DCS modules). Likewise, You get a two axis throttle that is also fully adorned with useful HOTAS controls (hat switches, buttons, switches, etc). Just in regards to controls assortment, it is VASTLY superior to the T.16000m.

As I stated in my prior post, the X56 isn't without flaws and those flaws should be considered carefully.

At this point, the OP is pretty clearly looking for a dedicated HOTAS setup and that means that the Gladiator on its own isn't really going to suit that need. They could spend a bit extra and get a separate throttle but that would put it over the price of the X56. They could go the other way and get the cheaper T.16000m HOTAS but they would be taking a pretty massive hit in functionality for minimal cost savings. The X56 is $200 and while it might sound "elitist" to say. It is pretty cheap in the grand scheme of the flight sim peripheral market. I think the X56 is a good entry level HOTAS. I don't think it is exceptional. I don't think it is some diamond in the rough. I just think it is the best thing you can get before you start spending $400+ for similar levels of raw functionality.

[Hawk_UK]

Originally posted by XIII:

I wouldnt recommend X52 or X56. They are probably fine, but got USB issues, and its just too way expensive for the cheap level of quality. Its really outdated, theres way better stuff for the price.

You can usually get a VKB Gladiator (Space Premium) for the a similar price, and thats a stick with vastly higher quality, tons of buttons and an analog stick. Its way better for precise controls, feels much better and should be more durable.

That stick alone is good enough for a while. When you want a full HOTAS, you can later get a TWCS as a pretty solid and affordable throttle.

IR tracking is very useful in flight sims, and if you play them, also racing and some space sims.
Id recommend a cheaper alternative like Delanclip, though. TrackIR is a very expensive solution; its better if you got infinite money, but its mostly just a slightly more smooth camera and better software. Not really worth 3-4 times the price imo.

To correct you:
The old X56's manufactured by Saitek only gave issues with people who have cheap motherboards installed in the PC that share the USB channels.

Since Logitech took over Saitek they updated the X56 and now it's a very very good mid-range intro flight stick and throttle assembly that performs fantastic and will last years if looked after properly.

[XIII]

Originally posted by Hawk_UK:

To correct you:
The old X56's manufactured by Saitek only gave issues with people who have cheap motherboards installed in the PC that share the USB channels.

Since Logitech took over Saitek they updated the X56 and now it's a very very good mid-range intro flight stick and throttle assembly that performs fantastic and will last years if looked after properly.

Thats still wrong. Most motherboards share USB channels over a few controllers, its just a waste not to do that, because thats literally how USB is designed to be used. Nothing to do with "cheap".

And people have reported that issue multiple times here in the last year. Its not fixed.

[XIII]

Originally posted by startrekmike:

The VKB Gladiator is technically better but it is very, very obviously designed to be what one might call the ideal entry-level standalone joystick. It is perfectly designed for someone that wants a good stick with a good internal mechanism that might not want to buy a throttle as well. Obviously quality isn't really the problem here. There is nothing wrong with the stick (before anyone gets super defensive).

Considering that the Gladiator doesn't come with a HOTAS style throttle, anyone looking for HOTAS functionality would need to purchase one separately and considering its price point, that is probably going to end up being the TWCS throttle or VKB's own GNX modular unit. Either way, you are going to deal with compromises since the TWCS throttle isn't exactly well designed and the GNX modular system doesn't offer HOTAS level functionality at all (and isn't designed or intended to).

This brings me to the T.16000m HOTAS set. This is another really popular one that gets a lot of praise but I think a lot of that really comes down to its price. This happens in a lot of enthusiast level hobbies where there is a wide price range of products available. The T.16000m is really inexpensive and generally easy to find in most mainstream online storefronts. As such, a lot of new players who don't have a lot of experience with other HOTAS setups/peripherals and those who are working with a limited leisure/luxury budget are going to buy it and simply won't be able to evaluate it in the larger HOTAS marketplace context.

So why would I not recommend the T.16000m HOTAS? It really comes down to two major reasons. The first is that the stick itself is simply too limited. The T.16000 stick follows the same design standard as sticks from more than twenty-five years ago. its single hat switch and limited number of buttons make it fine for light use in older space/air combat games but as one half of a HOTAS, the stick isn't pulling its weight. The single hat switch is a massive limitation in DCS (less so in other sims) and the buttons on the base become all but useless when using it with a separate throttle. Is it cheaper than a X56? Yes. Is there a reason? Absolutely.

The throttle is the other issue. It does have a better selection of HOTAS style controls (controls that are actually useful in a HOTAS context) but it doesn't have enough controls on the grip to offset the lack of controls on the stick. On top of that. The single throttle axis is certainly workable but not a limitation that one should feel compelled to subject themselves to if they can possibly avoid it.

Now. Again. Don't get me wrong. I get that the T.16000M HOTAS is meant to be a low-cost, entry level HOTAS setup. In that capacity, it is pretty okay. It would be nice if it were a bit better but it serves the market it was intended for.

This brings us back to the X56. On a accuracy level (the sensors in the stick and the throttle axis potentiometers) probably isn't going to be a big jump from the cheaper T.16000m HOTAS but for a $200(ish) HOTAS, you are getting what you pay for. The big thing is that you are getting what one might call "high-end features" for a entry level price. You get a stick with a full assortment of hat switches and buttons (even a analog stick which comes in very handy with some DCS modules). Likewise, You get a two axis throttle that is also fully adorned with useful HOTAS controls (hat switches, buttons, switches, etc). Just in regards to controls assortment, it is VASTLY superior to the T.16000m.

As I stated in my prior post, the X56 isn't without flaws and those flaws should be considered carefully.

At this point, the OP is pretty clearly looking for a dedicated HOTAS setup and that means that the Gladiator on its own isn't really going to suit that need. They could spend a bit extra and get a separate throttle but that would put it over the price of the X56. They could go the other way and get the cheaper T.16000m HOTAS but they would be taking a pretty massive hit in functionality for minimal cost savings. The X56 is $200 and while it might sound "elitist" to say. It is pretty cheap in the grand scheme of the flight sim peripheral market. I think the X56 is a good entry level HOTAS. I don't think it is exceptional. I don't think it is some diamond in the rough. I just think it is the best thing you can get before you start spending $400+ for similar levels of raw functionality.

The reason to get a VKB Gladiator is because the X56 kinda sucks. Its a central spring system, resulting in a very imprecise feel. Thats the same sucky system you have in the T-16M. I dont think its worth spending so much money on a stick like that.
So when you say the T-16M is utterly outdated, the same thing is true for the X56. But at least the former is cheap.

A Gladiator has similar feel to 400+ dollar sticks, at a 200 dollar price point. Got seperate adjustable springs for both axis', seperate clutches, etc.

And there is zero reason why you cant start with a Gladiator, and use it together with a TWCS throttle. The quality is probably the same as the X56' throttle, the slide-system is probably actually better than the lever.

[startrekmike]

Originally posted by XIII:

Originally posted by startrekmike:

The VKB Gladiator is technically better but it is very, very obviously designed to be what one might call the ideal entry-level standalone joystick. It is perfectly designed for someone that wants a good stick with a good internal mechanism that might not want to buy a throttle as well. Obviously quality isn't really the problem here. There is nothing wrong with the stick (before anyone gets super defensive).

Considering that the Gladiator doesn't come with a HOTAS style throttle, anyone looking for HOTAS functionality would need to purchase one separately and considering its price point, that is probably going to end up being the TWCS throttle or VKB's own GNX modular unit. Either way, you are going to deal with compromises since the TWCS throttle isn't exactly well designed and the GNX modular system doesn't offer HOTAS level functionality at all (and isn't designed or intended to).

This brings me to the T.16000m HOTAS set. This is another really popular one that gets a lot of praise but I think a lot of that really comes down to its price. This happens in a lot of enthusiast level hobbies where there is a wide price range of products available. The T.16000m is really inexpensive and generally easy to find in most mainstream online storefronts. As such, a lot of new players who don't have a lot of experience with other HOTAS setups/peripherals and those who are working with a limited leisure/luxury budget are going to buy it and simply won't be able to evaluate it in the larger HOTAS marketplace context.

So why would I not recommend the T.16000m HOTAS? It really comes down to two major reasons. The first is that the stick itself is simply too limited. The T.16000 stick follows the same design standard as sticks from more than twenty-five years ago. its single hat switch and limited number of buttons make it fine for light use in older space/air combat games but as one half of a HOTAS, the stick isn't pulling its weight. The single hat switch is a massive limitation in DCS (less so in other sims) and the buttons on the base become all but useless when using it with a separate throttle. Is it cheaper than a X56? Yes. Is there a reason? Absolutely.

The throttle is the other issue. It does have a better selection of HOTAS style controls (controls that are actually useful in a HOTAS context) but it doesn't have enough controls on the grip to offset the lack of controls on the stick. On top of that. The single throttle axis is certainly workable but not a limitation that one should feel compelled to subject themselves to if they can possibly avoid it.

Now. Again. Don't get me wrong. I get that the T.16000M HOTAS is meant to be a low-cost, entry level HOTAS setup. In that capacity, it is pretty okay. It would be nice if it were a bit better but it serves the market it was intended for.

This brings us back to the X56. On a accuracy level (the sensors in the stick and the throttle axis potentiometers) probably isn't going to be a big jump from the cheaper T.16000m HOTAS but for a $200(ish) HOTAS, you are getting what you pay for. The big thing is that you are getting what one might call "high-end features" for a entry level price. You get a stick with a full assortment of hat switches and buttons (even a analog stick which comes in very handy with some DCS modules). Likewise, You get a two axis throttle that is also fully adorned with useful HOTAS controls (hat switches, buttons, switches, etc). Just in regards to controls assortment, it is VASTLY superior to the T.16000m.

As I stated in my prior post, the X56 isn't without flaws and those flaws should be considered carefully.

At this point, the OP is pretty clearly looking for a dedicated HOTAS setup and that means that the Gladiator on its own isn't really going to suit that need. They could spend a bit extra and get a separate throttle but that would put it over the price of the X56. They could go the other way and get the cheaper T.16000m HOTAS but they would be taking a pretty massive hit in functionality for minimal cost savings. The X56 is $200 and while it might sound "elitist" to say. It is pretty cheap in the grand scheme of the flight sim peripheral market. I think the X56 is a good entry level HOTAS. I don't think it is exceptional. I don't think it is some diamond in the rough. I just think it is the best thing you can get before you start spending $400+ for similar levels of raw functionality.

The reason to get a VKB Gladiator is because the X56 kinda sucks. Its a central spring system, resulting in a very imprecise feel. Thats the same sucky system you have in the T-16M. I dont think its worth spending so much money on a stick like that.
So when you say the T-16M is utterly outdated, the same thing is true for the X56. But at least the former is cheap.

A Gladiator has similar feel to 400+ dollar sticks, at a 200 dollar price point. Got seperate adjustable springs for both axis', seperate clutches, etc.

And there is zero reason why you cant start with a Gladiator, and use it together with a TWCS throttle. The quality is probably the same as the X56' throttle, the slide-system is probably actually better than the lever.

The X56 throttle is superior to the TWCS in just about every way and considering that the X56 is an entire HOTAS with both a decent stick and a good throttle for $200, one could certainly do a lot worse.

Also. As someone who actually owned and used a X56, the stick's centering system certainly isn't as good as high end sticks (obviously) but since we are talking about a entire HOTAS for $200, some perspective isn't a bad thing.

[cww1964]

Originally posted by startrekmike:

Originally posted by DoomsdayDuck555:

First, is the x56 a good starter stick, and second, should i get the clip thing for track ir

I have an X56 (though it is not my main HOTAS anymore as I have since upgraded) so I will be speaking of my own first-hand experience with it. Thus far, it still works even after getting a lot of heavy use and while I am aware of online discussions about broken wires and such inside the throttle, I can't say for sure how much of that is isolated incidents given a lot of visibility via Youtube and thus repeated by others second hand. All I can say is that my X56 shows no sign of internal wiring issues even after heavy use. Maybe I am lucky, maybe not.

This might be a controversial statement to make but thus far, it is probably the most versatile option if you are not willing to spend quite a bit more. There are obviously cheaper HOTAS setups but none of them offer even close to the amount of raw functionality that the X56 does and when you are talking about DCS, having a lot of hat switches and a lot of well placed controls on the stick and throttle grips is SUPER important. There is a reason why I tend to suggest it as a good "first HOTAS" for DCS since it isn't crippled by a lack of controls like other entry level HOTAS setups tend to be.

With all that said, I should point out some reservations I have based on my experiences with it.

1.) Ergonomics for the stick are not great. I know that a lot of folks have complained about this because of some Ralfidude video back in the day but I do think they overstate the issue. There is no doubt that some will need to reach their thumb a bit for some of the buttons but it isn't nearly the problem it is made out to be. It is just something you will occasionally notice and will inevitably adapt to.

2.) The throttle's friction isn't ideal. For some reason, Saitek (and later Logitech) opted to use a lubrication method for the throttle mechanism that can make very precise throttle movements more difficult than they should be. This is an issue even when you fully release the throttle friction knob. In practice, it tends to really present itself as an issue when you are trying to do very quick, sharp movements that tend to be required during stuff like air refueling or landings. It isn't impossible to deal with but it does make things harder than they should be none the less.

3.) It doesn't have a two-stage trigger. This will impact you more with specific modules than others but it is a silly omission on their part and does create some convenience issues with certain modules.

4.) Software. Logitech's software for the X56 is awful, there is no way around that. It really shouldn't have required any external software at all but it does and that kinda sucks.

5.) Power draw. This is a big one and it was openly acknowledged by Saitek but never really addressed by them or Logitech after them. The X56's throttle draws more power than most (but perhaps not all) motherboard mounted USB's can put out. It won't show up immediately as an issue but when you are flying a given aircraft in DCS, suddenly you will find that controls you bound to the throttle will trigger randomly. A lot of folks bind controls to turn the engines on and off to their throttle and will often come on the forums complaining about random engine shut downs. This is because the throttle is not getting enough consistent power and is creating "ghost inputs".

Thankfully, there is a solution that will pretty much always work but it involves buying a POWERED (and I cannot emphasize "powered" enough) USB 3 hub. If you plug the throttle into a powered USB 3 hub, you won't have power issues at all and thus no ghost inputs.

It isn't a perfect HOTAS and certainly isn't the best by a long shot but given the choices in the sub-$400 price bracket, it is the most versatile and the most feature rich. There are downsides but I personally believe the necessary amount of hat switches and other controls in the places where they are most useful is a decent trade-off.

As far as getting the Pro Clip for TrackIR, I don't think it is a bad idea since it is (thus far) the only clip with a fully articulated mounting arm. You will no doubt see a lot of folks complain about how brittle it is but I think that will really come down to how careful you are. Those who want to just leave it on their everyday headset even when not using it will probably break it. Likewise. Those who don't handle it with some deliberate care will also quite likely break it. It is built to be as lightweight as possible and thus it is quite delicate. That said, I have had mine for years and the clip itself never broke because I was always VERY careful about handling it and only mounted it when I wanted to use it.

With that said, you do have some additional options but it will depend a bit on what kind of headset you have and how tightly it fits on your head. Some of the aftermarket clips (especially the wireless ones) can be heavy enough to make a loose headset a problem. Likewise. Some of them don't offer any sort of articulated mounting system and thus are not going to work with every headset earcup shape.

The best aftermarket clip I have found is the one made by RJSimTech. It isn't the lightest but it has a better mounting setup than most of the other options.

THIS. ALL OF THIS. I have the X56, with throttle and pedals. This is it EXACTLY.
I gave that Award because you wrote it and I didn't have to 😁
I still use this hotas setup, still love it, and I use the track ir (5 I think it is)
For me it was the best bang for my $.

[XIII]

Originally posted by startrekmike:

The X56 throttle is superior to the TWCS in just about every way and considering that the X56 is an entire HOTAS with both a decent stick and a good throttle for $200, one could certainly do a lot worse.

You just said yourself the throttle on X56 is hard to be precise with, which is about the worst problems you can have with a throttle. Thats half the point to get a HOTAS, besides the buttons.

Precision is way easier with a TWCS, because its a linear system, and not a lever. So thats a pretty big advantage. And its very easy to apply better grease if you care.

Also. As someone who actually owned and used a X56, the stick's centering system certainly isn't as good as high end sticks (obviously) but since we are talking about a entire HOTAS for $200, some perspective isn't a bad thing.

Gotta be real, if you think the X56 has a decent stick, then you dont know what a good stick is. That stuff is overpriced Logitech plastic garbage. Its the same system in a $50 dollar stick.

Idk why people just keep recommending this trash. Theres way better options.