You know, since I have been involved with flight simulation, playing with a polygon Mustang, resembling more of a wire shaped 'aircraft', and the same scenery, on my Elonex 360, thinking this was incredible and realistic, the hobby has taken a ballistic leap into new heights of realism, both from the software products and hardware on offer.
I make no excuses, I love Saitek's innovative products, and the Pro-Flight range is ever increasing, good for us all.
There are some other very fine manufactures out there playing a vital role in the improvement of the overall experience, but one only has to look at the myriad of Pro-Flight products now available, proves the commitment Saitek have to increase the realism and therefore experience for all of us.
I do not have a yoke control system, however I used the Saitek's Yoke, set up in my Flying Club, where it is used for teaching new PPL students the basics of flight, and has stood up to years of well, 'enthusiastic' use without a mishap.
Don't get me wrong, I have had minor issues with some of the products, but in the main all have been superb. Perhaps one other element I like, you can feed back comments to Saitek and they have the decency to respond, and I hope prompt them to consider a development to improve further products.
Now, what is this review all about? Well a revolutionary control system, more akin to the actual system found in some expensive jet fighter. The system functions on pressure applied to the joystick rather than physical movement. The throttle unit obviously works in the traditional way. In this offering, however, the throttle unit is split into two, so one may apply different levels of thrust to the port/starboard engines; more about that later.
This really is a revolutionary control feature, and one I am very keen to use in 'anger'. Not exactly a cheap price tag, but this promises to be a real piece of engineering, and I hope will provide years of trouble free use. Only time will tell on this one.
I am sure it will be loved by all you fighter jocks, but all one has to do look at the Airbus and indeed other 'heavies' that utilise the joystick as their primary control input system. So there we have it, if it is commercial or military (let's not leave out the GA selection!) you fly, you just may be interested the X-65F.
The box arrived, superbly packaged. Looking at the exterior of the box, you are under no illusions what is enclosed, like a child at Christmas I 'eagerly' opened the box. Customary with Saitek the internal black foam packaging is superb, packaged in a way that will allow the equipment to survive the rigors of the postal/courier system..
Upon opening, and removing the sturdy packaging, one thing that struck me was the metal casting used for both units i.e. the throttle/joystick, was very substantial, and indeed heavy, indicating the metal used in the construction.
There are two sheets of pictorial instructions showing how the 'bits 'n' pieces' fit together. It really is not difficult. A manual is also included providing you a schematic of the setup, and 'Getting Started' section, running through Force Settings Controller settings, and many other useful areas to enable full use of the new set-up.
Oh yes, when I was fitting all the elements together, I noticed I was missing two supports. These affix to the base of the throttle unit so you can attach the force setting switching unit, well 'huffing and puffing', at these being missed, I looked again, and you will see a 'bracket' shape in the foam, if you remove the top, the brackets are there. So remember this before you fire off an angry email re the 'missing' brackets..
You will find the customary selection of screws, allen key and tape in plastic bags. I also found pieces of plastic, having clips on the edges and a 'soft feel' surface and numeric graduations to one edge, I could not find reference to it, however, ladies and gentlemen, it snaps over the throttle hand rest plate, to provide a larger surface area for your hand to rest on, actually a very nice and convenient addition.
So, all unpacked and sitting on the desk. The throttle (three cables clearly identified, where they should be attached, i.e. computer/joystick/force feedback module, a nice touch) unit you have to apply one or both metal supports which you apply a panel showing the force settings of which there are four T buttons which you can allocate function to.
There are two units as mentioned designed to be mounted on the throttle unit. If you own any of the digital instruments now on offer from Saitek, you have the option to apply two on top of these units mounted to the throttle.
I have to brutally honest, and wish we had an option to adjust the force settings within the Saitek interface (as supplied on CD in the pack), and not have the force setting unit mounted, I just don't like it, purely a personal view. I like the elegance of uncluttered control units.
I have covered the force setting mounted module above. When inspecting this unit, you will be very aware of the sturdiness due to it be constructed from metal. This provides a quality feel, and appearance.
The finishes of the surfaces are black and gunmetal grey, which I have to say look quite stunning and superbly finished at every level. You will find a metal plate within the box, these screw to the base of the unit hiding the tension adjustment and three cables and the bracket attachments. Nice idea, but a bit pointless, after all, in use you cannot see, or want to see the base?
There are a myriad of excellent rotating switch options available, many I will allocate. There is a 'mouse' stick located at the bottom right of the unit, I really cannot see the point of this, especially as it very difficult to use accurately.
When grasping the throttle levers (known as throttle barrels), you will become aware of three switches at your finger tips. OK, despite this configuration mirroring real combat aircraft throttle unit, personally I found these very annoying, mainly because whenever you grasp the throttle levers you keep hitting all three switches. If you did allocate a function to any of these you would trigger them unwittingly.
All the other switches are positive and function effortlessly, except the 'mouse' stick, as covered above.
Before I move on, I noted the cables still have small pin type connectors. While I connected these without issue, you have to connect with care. If any of the pins are bent in the fitting will create real problems. But with care no issue. I do wish however, there was a more secure fitting, i.e. threaded collar which screws to the main unit after the connection has been made. I have had occasion to move my X 52 Pro on a number of occasions, and to my annoyance the cable becomes detached. I am aware of many people who use 'gaffer' tape to hold these in place, really this should have been a more permanent fitting.
Now to the most important function, the throttle lever movement. Out of the box the pressure required to move the throttle has too much resistance. You have an option to adjust the tension via an allen key provided, I did this, I applied slightly too much pressure and ruined the screw, but the tension has been slightly reduced, not perfect, but useable. This trait was a surprise, especially when the overall quality is to an obviously high standard. (Saitak is aware of this issue, I am not too sure, however, how this will be resolved, at time of review.)
Once you disengage the two throttle levers (via a neat lever located on the left bottom left throttle lever) allowing directional thrust function, the movement on both halves became looser, a welcome discovery.
At both ends of the travel you will note 'gates' these would facilitate reverse thrust, and reheat functions if set-up.
As with the throttle and joystick, they sit firmly on your desk, assisted by pre-fitted foam sections under each foot, and of course the sheer weight of the metal units.
On the throttle there are no illuminated switches, there are of course illuminated on the force setting module mounted to the base, (facing the user). I do not have an issue at all with this, I did not like hardware illumination resembling a Christmas tree, the subtle approach works for me. OK again a personal preference.
The base of the unit is mirrored to the throttle unit in size, footprint and superb quality build. Once connected up to the throttle unit via the pin plug, you will notice some switch illumination to two hat switches top right of the unit, and one other multi-directional switch to the left of the stick, and I have to say, the illumination is subtle and looks excellent. A green light is used in all joystick illumination.
There are 8 switches of various kinds to select, all perform excellently, and I have allocated all to various tasks, and to date they work perfectly. On the top left of the joystick you will find a red button with a hat switch above. The default setting allows you to select multi-view options by depressing the button, to move around in an external view or VC you use the hat.
Personally, I feel they should have been the other way around. Why? Well once you select an option, say, to move around the aircraft, you have to move your hand up to use the hat key, not an issue you may feel, in the greater scale of things I would agree, but it does get a tad annoying especially on an approach when you want to move your line of sight inside the cockpit in VC mode and you have to move your hand so you reach the hat key. Could be my small fingers? I think not.
There are two other more convenient 8 way hat switches located to the right of the currently selected hat key, but I could not allocate either of them to the multi-view mode. You can if you wish, use the allen key that came in the packaging to change the HATS around, so if you want the castle hat and the bowl hat to change position on the stick head, simply unscrew the hex bolts and swap them over. This will not change the function of the hat just the physical usage.
Towards the base of the unit the hand resting plate is found with its plastic 'soft touch' cover applied. Towards the front of this plate there is a flying pinkie switch, which I may add is in a superb location, for whatever function allocation you wish.
One of the striking features, there are no moving parts at all in the joystick. That does feel very odd, but I think will improve longevity. Ergonomically, the unit feels spot-on. I am VERY eager to start FSX!
So all set up, switches allocated (I have not allocated the three buttons on the upper front of the throttle unit, in use they sit directly at your fingertips, when grasping the throttle, in use, I kept hitting all three by mistake). I fired up FSX. Selected a Beech Baron. Engines running, I edged the throttles forward and started to move forward, required some right rudder so a twist to the right... that felt odd, no joystick movement, but as requested right rudder, and nose wheel, gave me a right turn. All lined up ready for the off.
Applied full throttle, got to rotate, eased back on the stick... there we go again no joystick physical movement, but as requested, the nose lifted!
I found some of the inputs quite 'aggressive' at the default settings, so I went back to the settings, and made some more fine adjustments to get a mix of input/outputs I was reasonably happy with. Well that being said, I found it difficult to get a constant trim setting (across several aircraft types) until I realised what the issue was. As I was relaxing my arm weight on the hand support plate located at the base of the joystick, i.e. weight, and yes, pressure this was effecting the elevator setting, resulting in unrequested elevator movement..
I have to say, I found this to a fairly consistent feature, one I have not yet managed to get under control (and if the truth be told a little annoying). If you do not place too much weight onto the support plate, you will not experience any issue,
As I mentioned above, you will have to spend some time setting up the joystick force settings. This is crucial. I, like most of the male race, connected up and off, only to find the likes of superman would be only people who could apply the pressures required for accurate flight inputs!
You will have go back in and 'fine-tune' the axis settings to a point where all the pressures required suites you. This can be done in fact, by selecting one of the four pre-set force settings found on the module facing you, once fitted to the throttle unit.
I was eager to try the split throttle set up so again in the Baron, I attempted to conduct a rapid turn assisted by the left only throttle. As I moved this forward, I noticed no directional effect.
I had adjusted the throttle 1 axis with the left throttle just move it, and it will be shown as allocated the same with throttle 2. I went back into FSX, only to have no throttle mix, so i fired off an email to Saitek, and asked about the seeming lack of split throttle effect.
I received a rapid response, suggesting I allocate the throttles. I had thought I completed this, but upon trying again, I find the settings I had previously requested did not save! Slightly red faced, I sent yet another apologetic email to Saitek.
I then selected a number of twin engine aircraft, default and third party, and all worked superbly. If you want to turn on a 'sixpence' you now can use the split throttle, a great feature. (I have not yet sorted the multi-engine aircraft, currently the setting will not allow for all four engines to move, only two engine settings, but i am certain this is only due to my not setting up properly--yet!)
Let's be honest, this system is a revolutionary piece of technology for use within flight simulators, and as a result have to get to grips with the set up procedure, more critical than any unit I have owned in the past.
I am going to persist, because the 'feel' is frankly superb. Actually I think this is key. This is not a 'plug-in-and-use' system, in the strictest sense, OK, there are some default settings, but the system needs fine-tuning, and make your force setting so you may get the best experience.
One word, incredible, I would be lying if I had some personal reservations at the outset about the loss of a 'tactile' control stick movement, i.e. up/down/left/right, but one very quickly 'in flight' forgets about that thought. I did feel at times the pressure required to input was higher than that required with my X52.
The sensation of quality materials used and the engineering is VERY evident, of course all the functions work exactly, in the main, as stated. (Slight issue with the positioning of three switches mounted on the throttle as stated, and hand weight effecting joystick ops.)
From a personal aesthetic perspective, I dislike the force setting modules (X2) attached to the throttle base, but some will probably love them. I do not, I wish there had been an option to add or not.
One of three wires emanates from the base of the throttle unit which attaches to the force setting module. The others, one to the joystick, the other to the computer, all very well identified by clear labeling on all three wires.
The illuminations on the force setting module are subtle and effective. Actually, while I love my X52 Pro, I felt the myriad of switch lighting was unnecessary. On the X-65F it is restrained yet purposeful.
The X-65F is technological leap forward. It makes a real change to get a product which is clearly superbly engineered. I do believe there are some issues however, as already covered.
It would be very wrong of me not to mention the price, this is no doubt a largish price tag, and quite an investment. This I hope will provide accurate, year on year trouble free and accurate use. If pushed hard, I would have liked to see the price tag lower.
If you are a serious flight simmer, and want a superbly engineered top end joystick and throttle technology, I firmly believe the X65F Flight Control System is a fabulous flight control addition, and will provide you with control coupled with advanced technology.
I guess some will love the new technology and some will not, losing the tactile movement of the joystick is a little odd, and takes some getting used to, but I have as previously mentioned, got used to it very quickly.
The absolute key to this unit's success will be the setting up, for example pressure settings, i.e. what is comfortable for you, and the throttle tension as free as the X52 Pro, which I understand, it will be The unit I used was in my view too tight, not free enough. I have not yet set up the joystick for total comfortable and accurate control, I am adjusting the settings a little at a time to get the optimum to my liking. (It will very disappointing if I cannot!)
I have been in touch with Siatek, and they have assured me the throttle levers will have the same resistance as the X52 Pro, now that will tick all the boxes.
If you are open to this level of technology, and have the funds, then this will be real must have!
If you are not sure about this ground breaking control tech, it would be great to try first, seek out a shop/friend who has one set up, so you can be sure this radically different control system is for you.
Tested for approximately 6 hours (and increasing!) Version used: FSX.
Microsoft Vista Ultimate
AMD Phenom 9950 Quad Core CPU
2.60 GHz
3GB Ram
Microsoft Flight Simulator FSX
G-Force 9500GT
Onwards and Upwards.
Nigel C. Martin
n.c.martin@btinternet.com
Reviews Of Other Saitek Products:
Saitek Pro-Flight Cessna Controls
TPM Throttle/Prop/Mixture Axis Panel
Backlit Information Panel (BIP)
Pro Flight Combat Pedals
Pro Flight Multi Panel
Pro Flight Instrument Panel / Radio Panel
Pro Flight Switch Panel
Pro Flight Yoke System