Opinions for buying a new joystick/throttle please

[jorgenandersen]

After many years of service my Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner has packed it in. So I am looking for advice on what to buy, and what better place to ask than here?

I have heard good things about the Saitek X52, but what I really would like is one that has a rudder bar built into the thottle, like the Top Gun, and it doesn't seem the Saitek has that, and I don't like those joysticks where you twist the stick to operate the rudder. However, the Saitek has 2 8-way hat switches, so you could presumably use one for views and use the other for trim, like in reality.

[Bridget]

I use the X52, and like it. It has a twist rudder, the X45 had a rudder built into the throttle. I am going to upgrade to the saitek yoke with extra throttle quadrant, and rudder pedals. I can say the X52 is a good system. The 52 pro has few more bells and whistles, but it's basically a 52 with pretty lights

[sirbruchie]

I have the saitek's x45 which has the rudder built into the throttle as you mentioned. I like it but now have rudder pedals so I use the rudder on the throttle for planes that have tillers. (nose stearing sepearte from the rudder for lower speeds on the gound). I don't know if you can still buy the x45 new, but you might be able to find one in good shape on e-bay or some place similar.

[mavrocket]

I would definitely go with an X52. You can find them on eBay for around $75 shipped or brand new for around $120. It has plenty of buttons, good programming software, and is built solid. I used an X45 before my X52 and was only slightly disappointed with the X45 because the centering spring was too hard and I had to put some tie-wraps on it to weaken it a little bit.

[sirbruchie]

I agree with mavrocket. The centering spring was a little too stiff.

[McFlysky]

After many years of service my Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner has packed it in. So I am looking for advice on what to buy, and what better place to ask than here?

I have heard good things about the Saitek X52, but what I really would like is one that has a rudder bar built into the thottle, like the Top Gun, and it doesn't seem the Saitek has that, and I don't like those joysticks where you twist the stick to operate the rudder. However, the Saitek has 2 8-way hat switches, so you could presumably use one for views and use the other for trim, like in reality.

Why not go with a yoke and rudders set up?