X56

[Flip]

Is the X56 an ok starting stick? I know the Vkb Gladiator nxt premium is often recommended but it's a pain to get it shipped to where I am and am looking for something to start out again as a novice.

The X56 looks decent and comes with a thrust as well along with plenty of buttons and switches. Anybody used it?

[Flip]

Origineel geplaatst door Flip:

Origineel geplaatst door Gracey Face:

VKB don't sell mounts for other joysticks. Or at least they don't on the store page for my region and I have never personally heard of them doing so. Only desk mount I have ever heard of them selling is the "Stronghold system" for the gunfighter stick base.

I am confused now. Did they used to sell mounts, or did you buy a mount for a gunfighter stick to use with a warthog base or something? (Though if you have a warthog why would you need a new stick..?)

Though since you mentioned desk mounts earlier, you should consider making yourself some rather than buying premade ones. They're all made out of 80/20 style aluminium extrusion and it all just bolts together. You can make your own custom one built to your own design for roughly the same price as a prebuilt one, and this lets you do "better" things like having them slide on railings under the desk and things of that nature.

It's a time sink though.

It was the ones for the A-10 Thrustmaster indeed!

I want a new stick over the Warthog as it doesn't have Z access and I cannot use foot rudders to save my life. So I want a new stick with Z access basically

*Edit* Update, so it was Virpil I think I bought from not VBK for the Warthog desk adapter that was overly complex and missing parts so it doesn't work.

[Flip]

Origineel geplaatst door startrekmike:

Origineel geplaatst door Flip:

Is the X56 an ok starting stick? I know the Vkb Gladiator nxt premium is often recommended but it's a pain to get it shipped to where I am and am looking for something to start out again as a novice.

The X56 looks decent and comes with a thrust as well along with plenty of buttons and switches. Anybody used it?

I used the X56 for quite a while before upgrading (and then upgrading again). Compared to a lot of other similarly priced HOTAS setups, it is a decent push into the mid-range even if it isn't really as good as it should be. You will be hard pressed to find a HOTAS set in that general price range that offers the X56's level of versatility.

On the positive side of things. It has a lot of controls to work with. You will be able to bind even the more complex DCS modules without running into any significant issues and you won't need to lean on using modifiers that slow you down. It is reasonably precise and doesn't do stupid stuff like put controls on the base of the stick or anything like that.

On the negative side. Since it was originally a Saitek product (before Logitech bought them), it isn't built with the highest quality standard. The internal components do leave something to be desired and the mechanical design of the stick's axis isn't ideal. The X56 also has issues when not plugged into a powered USB hub. The throttle draws a lot more power than it really should and as a result, it is extremely common to experience "ghost inputs" when you just plug it into a normal USB. You really, really need to get a powered hub in order to avoid issues.

Another negative is the throttle. While it offers adjustments for tension, you will notice that there is a sort of lubricant they use that also provides its own friction. It will feel smooth and isn't really all that hard to push around but when you start trying to do sharp, quick movements of the throttle, you will notice that it fights you more than it really should. It isn't a deal breaker but it is worth keeping in mind.

I have seen folks talk about wires getting broken inside the throttle but I never experienced that myself. This isn't to say it can't happen but I remember when the X55 (the X56 is based on the X55) came out, there was a video showing some broken wires on Youtube that got REALLY popular in flight sim circles. I suppose what I am getting at is that the popularity of that video (and the forum discussions around it) does make it hard to know just how prevalent the issue actually was versus folks who were just repeating what they saw in that video.

With all the negatives. I still believe the X56 is not a entirely bad choice. It offers more functionality than any other HOTAS in its price class and while there are issues, it is still workable.

You have mentioned that you are looking at more expensive options like VKB. I would honestly encourage you to really take the time to consider all your options and look also at Winwing and even Virpil. Winwing has the advantage of basically being a better version of the Thrustmaster Warthog with good pricing for a whole HOTAS setup. Virpil is a lot more expensive but also very high quality. Either way. You have options outside of the X56 and VKB's offerings.

That is a very helpful post.

I am seeing a lot of varying comments, some saying it's garbage, others saying it's working fine for years. So it's good to read your experiences.

I think for me, I am not a Pro flight simmer and probably never will be. I would like a decent stick and throttle that are easy to use and setup and have a Z axis.

I do have the Warthog Thrustmaster but there are some issues with that
- No Z axis is the main killer
- It's really heavy and bulky
- It's massive

So I am looking for a new stick & throttle that is lighter, smaller and has Z axis.

X56 has the benefit I can get it off amazon with a guaranteed ship date (this is important for me for my work schedule). Also I have points at work I can convert to amazon gift cards which is nice.

It also seems quite light which is something I like.

The downside is it might have some performance issues. But I look at the online reviews and they are really good for it and it seems like for me, it could well do the trick.

I have looked at VKB but doesn't provide any date of shipping info an can only see one online retailer for EU that seems to sell it - flight sim controls.

Not sure but am leaning towards the X56 for now, I think it will be good enough for me

[startrekmike]

Origineel geplaatst door Flip:

Origineel geplaatst door startrekmike:

I used the X56 for quite a while before upgrading (and then upgrading again). Compared to a lot of other similarly priced HOTAS setups, it is a decent push into the mid-range even if it isn't really as good as it should be. You will be hard pressed to find a HOTAS set in that general price range that offers the X56's level of versatility.

On the positive side of things. It has a lot of controls to work with. You will be able to bind even the more complex DCS modules without running into any significant issues and you won't need to lean on using modifiers that slow you down. It is reasonably precise and doesn't do stupid stuff like put controls on the base of the stick or anything like that.

On the negative side. Since it was originally a Saitek product (before Logitech bought them), it isn't built with the highest quality standard. The internal components do leave something to be desired and the mechanical design of the stick's axis isn't ideal. The X56 also has issues when not plugged into a powered USB hub. The throttle draws a lot more power than it really should and as a result, it is extremely common to experience "ghost inputs" when you just plug it into a normal USB. You really, really need to get a powered hub in order to avoid issues.

Another negative is the throttle. While it offers adjustments for tension, you will notice that there is a sort of lubricant they use that also provides its own friction. It will feel smooth and isn't really all that hard to push around but when you start trying to do sharp, quick movements of the throttle, you will notice that it fights you more than it really should. It isn't a deal breaker but it is worth keeping in mind.

I have seen folks talk about wires getting broken inside the throttle but I never experienced that myself. This isn't to say it can't happen but I remember when the X55 (the X56 is based on the X55) came out, there was a video showing some broken wires on Youtube that got REALLY popular in flight sim circles. I suppose what I am getting at is that the popularity of that video (and the forum discussions around it) does make it hard to know just how prevalent the issue actually was versus folks who were just repeating what they saw in that video.

With all the negatives. I still believe the X56 is not a entirely bad choice. It offers more functionality than any other HOTAS in its price class and while there are issues, it is still workable.

You have mentioned that you are looking at more expensive options like VKB. I would honestly encourage you to really take the time to consider all your options and look also at Winwing and even Virpil. Winwing has the advantage of basically being a better version of the Thrustmaster Warthog with good pricing for a whole HOTAS setup. Virpil is a lot more expensive but also very high quality. Either way. You have options outside of the X56 and VKB's offerings.

That is a very helpful post.

I am seeing a lot of varying comments, some saying it's garbage, others saying it's working fine for years. So it's good to read your experiences.

I think for me, I am not a Pro flight simmer and probably never will be. I would like a decent stick and throttle that are easy to use and setup and have a Z axis.

I do have the Warthog Thrustmaster but there are some issues with that
- No Z axis is the main killer
- It's really heavy and bulky
- It's massive

So I am looking for a new stick & throttle that is lighter, smaller and has Z axis.

X56 has the benefit I can get it off amazon with a guaranteed ship date (this is important for me for my work schedule). Also I have points at work I can convert to amazon gift cards which is nice.

It also seems quite light which is something I like.

The downside is it might have some performance issues. But I look at the online reviews and they are really good for it and it seems like for me, it could well do the trick.

I have looked at VKB but doesn't provide any date of shipping info an can only see one online retailer for EU that seems to sell it - flight sim controls.

Not sure but am leaning towards the X56 for now, I think it will be good enough for me

The Thrustmaster Warthog was actually my next stop after using the X56 and I feel obligated to warn you that the X56 will be a noticeable downgrade in terms of precision in almost every way. With that in mind. It might not be a bad idea to consider using the money you would spend on a X56 to instead get rudder pedals (unless there is a specific reason you simply can't use them).

[Flip]

I cannot use the pedals. I cannot have my feet doing one thing while my hands and brain are doing another.

So I need a Z axis really.

Tbh I never really liked the warhog stick.

I have that really cheap thrustmaster stick & throttle combo you get for $30 and I still prefer that if I can (use it a lot for the old star wars space sims for example). The hog was far to BIG and bulky.

Still if it had Z axis I would use it but it doesn't :(

Outside of VKB I cannot see any other contenders to the X56 which is frustrating

[Xupicor]

I mean, everybody has their preferences, but to my sensibilities you're basically saying "I don't want that good thing I have, I want this barely mediocre thing!".

If you can drive a bicycle or a car then you can surely fly with the pedals. It's way better than trying to use the twist axis, unless you've got one of those horrible pedal sets from TM or Saitek/Logitech. Pedals really need to be smooth - Virpil, VKB, MFG or Thrustmaster TPR are good, but not cheap. Don't know of any cheap set that's any good.

Still, though, you know best what's good for you. I got the TM Warthog when I did specifically because it did not have a twist axis - that was years ago, though, nowadays I'd go for something newer.

[Flip]

I am still undecided but the VKB annoys me is that it could be weeks before I get the stick and I can only accept deliveries 2 days per week. It's frustrating and I don't want to have to wait weeks.

Also I don't like their Throttles and when I look at other recommended ones not a big fan either tbh. I will admist the Warhog throttle is nice but massive, maybe could pair that?

But the benefit of the X56 is that is is considerably cheaper.

Everything I need for it around 350 Euro (Powered USB hub, desk adapters, stick & throttle) and get it all in 2 days.
Edit: And I can use work vouchers to get amazon giftcards and get it for free basically

or VKB

500 euro and have no idea when the stick actually arrives. and the throttle options are not great.

[Flip]

So decided to go with the VBK Evo. Been reading a lot about the X56 and seems reliability even for new sticks is questionable.

I now need to see if I can pair the stick with the Thrustmaster Warthog throttle since that is a good throttle. Should be possible and will cut down costs on having to get a new throttle.

[Xupicor]

Warthog throttle is a separate device. You can mix and match devices no problem (though always check for compatibility between joystick bases and grips first!).
I've got a WinWing throttle, Virpil collective, VPForce joystick base, Virpil joystick grip, WW and Virpil panels, TM pedals, and my own DIY panels and consoles. All running just fine and dandy side by side.

And yes, a lot of externally powered USB hubs. :P

[Flip]

Awesome.
So have my old TrackIR as well so that with the Warthog throttle and VBK Evo stick and I should be set to do some flying!

[Gracey Face]

Might be too late now, but if all you want is a z-axis I know you can get z-axis addons from Virpil and their sticks are supposedly compatible with thrustmaster bases.

Also the warthog's stick is compatible with a virpil base and twist addon so you could just buy those.

Also completely out of left field would be to buy a thrustmaster TWCS because of how cheap it is, the rocker axis on it works fantastically as a rudder axis and once you lube up the rails it is a nice smooth throttle. Also if you are handy you can just mod the TWCS grip into other throttles.

[Flip]

In the end I decided to go with the VBK Evo Space stick. Not perfect as I would have liked the pink break but not a deal breaker.

Will use it with my warthog thrust. I was looking at the TWCS but I prefer all the extra buttons and switches and I already have the Thrustmaster thrust so no need to spend another 100 euros.

[Undead Rufus]

Origineel geplaatst door Flip:

In the end I decided to go with the VBK Evo Space stick. Not perfect as I would have liked the pink break but not a deal breaker.

Will use it with my warthog thrust. I was looking at the TWCS but I prefer all the extra buttons and switches and I already have the Thrustmaster thrust so no need to spend another 100 euros.

Your only upgrade path from the Warthog throttle is something like a Virpil or Winwing. As you seem to have decided, totally unnecessary, and VKB sticks are good.

Barring shipping woes, it sounds like you're set. Congrats, and happy flying.

[Flip]

What unnecessary? And thanks, hope the stick should arrive this Thursday!

[♀⛤WitchyWoman⛤♀]

I got a set of solid metal mounts with all the hardware off ebay for my X56, its rock solid and adjustable, I got it brand new open box for half the price. I love that it can clamp down fast with a throw lever if I want to move my stick to center deck for helicopter configs. Its the best.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256312681348?hash=item3bad6d2384:g:dXYAAOSw9QRlX~ry&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwJCls14cPjCIG%2BkeobvtvsgruMAbgy4qf0OAUqrDOPDDfWVqFFeDMYYFsWlpXxgZz8F3t3J6c4%2Fpz78c4CWsR5u2trXTsFjETlbkHTOttbanjfW2pLxixRYqJsB%2FsTuz9l7RS5IwowqJhSXuVA4TNhufsUsObiJEronqVMmxWYQau7m%2FiMmOVQoJVq3kPoXgLEDNwwF3vP6WM7E94xeMVbU%2Fp%2BUOghcZYR2w9Eo8dWUi%2Be0Q80GTnIy59mn%2FUpdR7g%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7Cd94SBYw

I have had my X56 for years and not had any problems in DCS, IL-2, Falcon BMS, MSFS or Xplane. Just plug the stick into a powered usb readable port and its great.

[skipper]

I just bought the stick a few days ago. I had the X52pro for a while and needed upgrading. Not used it yet as not been in right mind frame to get use to all different buttons. :P

I have just bought the nvada map too today and getting ready to learn the F16.