X56 and Trackir

[DoomsdayDuck555]

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

[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.

[startrekmike]

Originally posted by 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.

If you go back and read what I said about throttle friction more carefully, you would see that I made it pretty obviously clear that the friction issue isn't a insurmountable issue. When I compare it to the Warthog throttle that I got after or even the Virpil throttle that I got after that, it obviously isn't as good but it wasn't the dealbreaker you are trying to twist my words into.

As far as thinking the X56 is a decent stick, I stand by that. I stand by that based on my own experiences with it in comparison to other sticks I have used over the years. I didn't say that it was an amazing stick. I didn't say it was the best stick of all time. I am fully aware that there are better sticks out there. That is why I said "decent" and not "amazing" or "great".

It really comes down to this. The X56 is $200. It certainly has negatives that I have previously outlined but when I take its specific arrangement and selection of available controls in mind alongside its generally decent performance (in my own experience having actually owned and used one), I think the good aspects balance out the bad pretty well. It will never be a high-end HOTAS but it isn't priced like one.

As for the whole "linear system is better than a lever", what are you basing this on? I ask because my Warthog and Virpil throttles are incredibly precise and absolutely wonderful to use. I have absolutely zero issues or concerns about precision or movement when using them. So, I ask again. What exactly are you basing this on?

Finally. throughout this whole debate, I have been speaking from personal experience. I own and extensively used a X56. I have owned quite a few different joysticks and HOTAS setups over the years. Have you owned a X56?

[Gunn]

You guys are arguing back and forth in a thread that the OP seems to have abandoned anyways. Wasted energy.

[XIII]

Originally posted by Gunn:

You guys are arguing back and forth in a thread that the OP seems to have abandoned anyways. Wasted energy.

Honestly a fair point, its pretty much going in a circle. Both wasting our breaths probably.

[Cream Corn Lover]

I have both they are both amazing just make sure your motherboard can handle the x56 as some people have ghost inputs due to their motherboard being incompatible

[cww1964]

Well.....I have an X56 w/throttle and pedals.....AND I LOVE IT. Fit my budget and have no regrets. To each their own. What one man considers garbage, another man see's treasure.

I Love flying the Yak-52 in DCS....there may very well be folks out there that wouldn't give that module the time of day....but I Love It!

[XIII]

Originally posted by cww1964:

Well.....I have an X56 w/throttle and pedals.....AND I LOVE IT. Fit my budget and have no regrets.

This isnt abou you or anyone else; its not about if you like your HOTAS or if you got regrets. The question is if you should recommend it to someone.

Thats the annoying part with hardware recommendations, people just love their gear so much they cannot take a step away and give neutral opinions.

And generally, no, these days you can get a stick for the same money with significantly higher quality. A cheap stick with a central spring system for that amount of money just isnt a good offer.

A stick is the most important part of a control system, and the X-56 stick feels cheap, its that simple. Same system as a Logitech 3D, T-16M&Co, it doesnt even got better sensors for X/Y than the T-16. Not that the sensors are the issue, rather than the stick mounting/mechanics.

[Daemoc]

I would be wary of any "cheap" stick that uses pots. The fact that these "cheap" sticks still run hundreds of dollars and can flake out a month later does not instill confidence. I don't care if it is made of titanium, it is worthless when it starts throwing phantom inputs. Good luck flying the Huey like that, or with an ever growing deadzone.

Speaking from experience here.

Most of the higher end sticks use magnetic/hall sensors, but they are also on endless back order most of the time. The cheaper VKB being the exception. That is probably going to be my next purchase.

One positive about the t.16k stick is it does indeed use mag/hall sensors, but just on the main stick. Throttle and pedals still use pots. As do the cheaper VKB throttles.

I have been looking into this a lot. Everything is really want is Unobtainium at the moment and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I will probably have to settle with the cheaper VKB.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with buying a cheap stick if you understand what you are buying. A cheap stick is going to be infinitely better than a keyboard and mouse or an XBOX controller. Just don't expect it to last because you dropped 2-300 bones on it.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just don't expect an expensive "cheap" stick to last any longer than a cheap stick. They are all throw aways as far as I am concerned. Pots are worthless. It's not a matter of if, but when they fail.

[XIII]

Originally posted by Daemoc:

I would be wary of any "cheap" stick that uses pots. The fact that these "cheap" sticks still run hundreds of dollars and can flake out a month later does not instill confidence. I don't care if it is made of titanium, it is worthless when it starts throwing phantom inputs. Good luck flying the Huey like that, or with an ever growing deadzone.

Speaking from experience here.

Most of the higher end sticks use magnetic/hall sensors, but they are also on endless back order most of the time. The cheaper VKB being the exception. That is probably going to be my next purchase.

One positive about the t.16k stick is it does indeed use mag/hall sensors, but just on the main stick. Throttle and pedals still use pots. As do the cheaper VKB throttles.

I have been looking into this a lot. Everything is really want is Unobtainium at the moment and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I will probably have to settle with the cheaper VKB.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with buying a cheap stick if you understand what you are buying. A cheap stick is going to be infinitely better than a keyboard and mouse or an XBOX controller. Just don't expect it to last because you dropped 2-300 bones on it.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just don't expect an expensive "cheap" stick to last any longer than a cheap stick. They are all throw aways as far as I am concerned. Pots are worthless. It's not a matter of if, but when they fail.

^ Thanks for bringing some reality. I dont wanna make people miserable about their equipment, but giving 'bad' advise just aint good.

I think X-56 actually uses a hall sensor for X/Y, like T-16M. But Ive also read about some guy who had it break, and Logitech told him theres no replacement. Thats just part of what makes the X-56 "cheap".
The Z sensor I think its a POT? That one of the T-16M twist "breaks" so fast, its comical...

The VKBs (Gladiator) is modular by nature, its part of their design that they can be repaired and parts can be replaced, similar to more high end sticks.

[startrekmike]

Originally posted by XIII:

Originally posted by Daemoc:

I would be wary of any "cheap" stick that uses pots. The fact that these "cheap" sticks still run hundreds of dollars and can flake out a month later does not instill confidence. I don't care if it is made of titanium, it is worthless when it starts throwing phantom inputs. Good luck flying the Huey like that, or with an ever growing deadzone.

Speaking from experience here.

Most of the higher end sticks use magnetic/hall sensors, but they are also on endless back order most of the time. The cheaper VKB being the exception. That is probably going to be my next purchase.

One positive about the t.16k stick is it does indeed use mag/hall sensors, but just on the main stick. Throttle and pedals still use pots. As do the cheaper VKB throttles.

I have been looking into this a lot. Everything is really want is Unobtainium at the moment and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I will probably have to settle with the cheaper VKB.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with buying a cheap stick if you understand what you are buying. A cheap stick is going to be infinitely better than a keyboard and mouse or an XBOX controller. Just don't expect it to last because you dropped 2-300 bones on it.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just don't expect an expensive "cheap" stick to last any longer than a cheap stick. They are all throw aways as far as I am concerned. Pots are worthless. It's not a matter of if, but when they fail.

^ Thanks for bringing some reality. I dont wanna make people miserable about their equipment, but giving 'bad' advise just aint good.

I think X-56 actually uses a hall sensor for X/Y, like T-16M. But Ive also read about some guy who had it break, and Logitech told him theres no replacement. Thats just part of what makes the X-56 "cheap".
The Z sensor I think its a POT? That one of the T-16M twist "breaks" so fast, its comical...

The VKBs (Gladiator) is modular by nature, its part of their design that they can be repaired and parts can be replaced, similar to more high end sticks.

This brings us back to the question. Do you have practical, first-hand experience with the X56? Have you owned one or are you just conveying second-hand info?

You talk about bad advice being given but again we go back to the fact that the X56 is only $200. It isn't like anyone is trying to sell it as the best possible choice but for its specific price bracket, there really isn't a full HOTAS setup that is actually better in any major, significant way.

Keep in mind. I say this as someone who has long since upgraded. If I were not able to "step away" from loving the X56 so much, why would I have upgraded? It isn't a high-end HOTAS but it is also $200 so it isn't trying to be. I judge it as the entry level HOTAS that it is.

[whitewater211]

Originally posted by 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?

Sorry for the late response but the switches that say TGL and SW are Toggle and there are a couple temporary buttons on the back of the throttle. To add on the throttle does have a adjustment knob if it seems too tight or loose. I have noticed occasionally ill leave it around 90 percent throttle then look down and its on afterburner (past 100 or full throttle) But other than that its a damn solid stick and I would highly recommend it

[XIII]

Originally posted by startrekmike:

This brings us back to the question. Do you have practical, first-hand experience with the X56? Have you owned one or are you just conveying second-hand info?

Ive not used the X-56 specifically, but Ive tried a lot of sticks using the same mounting, and a central spring has always been a massively inferior system. Obviously mentioned in every review. Dont even pretend this stick is "good" compared to actual quality sticks.

And Logitech sticks break all the time. The build quality and lack of repairability is well documented. Not to mention the software issues, which are another issue.

You talk about bad advice being given but again we go back to the fact that the X56 is only $200.

Because you dont get that 200 Dollar is a lot for this level of quality. It looks nicer, but the parts on the stick are about the same as on a cheaper T-16M.

Again, you get a VKB stick for 200 bucks, which has feel and features close to high end sticks. Thats why your recomendation of the X-56 sucks, and I dont understand how dont get it?

Like, you do get the difference between an X-56 stick and a VKB, Virpil or Wingwing? Have you ever used one of those better sticks?

[spike2071]

The X-56 is a throttle and stick together for the same price as what you're saying is just a stick. That's why people are recommending the X-56 as a starter setup. I haven't used the X-56 but I did own the X-45 and -52, and (assuming someone isn't swimming in money) I'd recommend a throttle and stick over just a stick for the same price for someone new to flight sims.

For the record, I was perfectly happy with my X-45 and -52 for several years each.

For OP, you don't need the clip for TrackIR. It's nice if you use headphones, but not necessary. I have the clip and still use the hat piece when I don't want to use headphones.

[XIII]

Originally posted by spike2071:

The X-56 is a throttle and stick together for the same price as what you're saying is just a stick. That's why people are recommending the X-56 as a starter setup.

Yeah, I get what theyre saying, its just shortsighted. 200 bucks for a starter setup is silly, when you can get VKB+TWCS for 270, a vastly superior composition.

Or if thats too expensive, get a VKB now and later a throttle.

And if you want a cheap starter setup, then you might as well take an X-52 or so. Gonna be almost the same quality. Or T-16M+WCS, way cheaper (120 bucks), not much worse. You can even upgrade the T-16M afterwards, youre not stuck on an overpriced X-52 thats infamous for software issues/conflicts.

For the record, I was perfectly happy with my X-45 and -52 for several years each.

If youre happy with a HOTAS with a bad stick and low quality, thats perfectly fine. Not gonna say you shouldnt have fun.
But lets not tell people that its a good choice, just because it makes you feel bad to hear otherwise.

[spike2071]

Lol, you sure like to project. It doesn't make me feel bad if someone prefers and/or recommends something different. You're the only one getting mad. People offered their opinions, and you're acting upset that people like something you don't.

Chill out.