Review on 🕹️ Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System: Enhanced Joystick Simulator with LCD Display and Illuminated Buttons - Black/Silver, PC Compatible by Victor Jack

So it's been a little over a year since I bought this HOTAS and I thought I should write a little review about it. For the most part I am very happy with them. The joystick is very motion sensitive as it uses magnets and hall sensors for the X and Y axis. I don't know what a rudder sensor is but it works fine too. Ergonomically, it feels good in hand and the button layout is quite good, although I sometimes have trouble hitting one or the other switch when moving my thumb over the C key, resulting in unwanted input. The three switches at the base aren't bad, although it would be nice if they had different shapes so you can tell which one you're holding your finger on when playing in VR, so I do about 1/4 of those times when i use it Sooner or later I will design and 3D print some custom weapons for him. It looks like the knurled handles can be removed fairly easily with a screw on each side. I found that I didn't use the 3-way mode selector as the games I play with it, mainly Elite: Dangerous, change the action of the input depending on what mode the game is in . Flying, landing, driving, etc. up to additional modes are superfluous. But it can be a nice feature, although I wouldn't make a decision about it unless you know for sure you're going to need it. The throttle body fits me perfectly and I have virtually no complaints about it, except for the built-in retainer. However, this can easily be disabled if you don't mind opening the throttle and removing a piece of plastic and a spring. The throttle is smooth and responsive to movement. I would suggest going straight into the settings and disabling the "clutch" feature for the I button. I found it would be better to act as a button. I don't need an LCD on the throttle and don't see it as useful in any game. If you're serious about your flight simulator, you'll likely have better options for displaying information than the LCD. The two pulleys/switches on it don't really do me any good, but I suppose they could be used decently for flight sim trimming. I would prefer rotary encoders instead. Now for my complaints, and they mainly concern the joystick. A year and probably over 1000 hours of use and the matte finish has started to come off in many places. However, it's okay. But my real problem is the joystick centering. The double spring and the conical washer used are not up to the task. I can let go of the stick and it will never go back to its original position. And over time it got worse. I've been taking it apart for the past few days to do a little research to see if I can improve its centering and I think I have a few ideas, but I don't know if I can fix the problems with the springs and the conical disc can fix . The internal spring I found did nothing but extreme movements. I need to disassemble further, but it looks like the plastic sleeve is cracked in the center of the cone or there is too much space between it and the joystick's center axis. A small spring stuck between them. But even after I pull it out, it still floats freely and doesn't do anything to center it. I 3D printed a spacer to stiffen the main spring but it didn't really work. The joystick has too much play around the center and that is the main disadvantage of this joystick. Well, this is an old design that hasn't changed in a long time. The component boards inside still say "Saitek," which is the company Logitech bought to get its line of joysticks. It's probably long overdue for an update to this model, as was the base x52 and x56 that I had for a short while, but I think the ergonomics of this thing are just awful. Overall, it's worth the asking price. ? Hardly. And I mean really hardly. Features and complaints have a positive side for me. I have never used a Thrustmaster HOTAS and if I were looking for another joystick in this price range I would happily get my hands on it just to compare the feel and function. I like my x52 Pro but not enough to create brand loyalty. There are more feature rich sticks with a modest jump in price like the x56, but to make the next leap in quality you have to jump from $$ to $$$$ to get something like Virpil. But that's out of my reach at the moment. But they look pretty.