Saitek X52 Flight Control System Review

Ratings: Ease of Use, Performance: 18/25, Look & Feel: 25/25, Features & Software 23/25, How much I enjoy 25/25
Total: 91/100

The Saitek X52 Flight control system is perhaps the over the top joystick throttle combination for casual gamers but for the most intense and precise control of anything that flies it works wonders in your video gaming. The X52 Flight Control System is a joystick throttle combination commonly known as HOTAS; Hands On Throttle And Stick. The hands on simply refers to the two separate controllers for both your throttle control and your axis controls for ailerons, elevator and rudder controls.

The X52 joystick has the two axis to control both ailerons and elevators on regular aircraft and you also have the twist motion for controlling rudders. Although you can use the twist motion for rudder control the rudder does not work very well so you might want to really splurge for a rudder pedal set, but that's for another review even though I will touch on those here as well. There are a wide array of buttons and controls on both the joystick and throttle that finding assignments for all of them will take some time.

Here is the list of features straight from Saitek:

Joystick:

Precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force reduce free play, improve control and increase durability

2-stage metal trigger; 2 primary buttons in 1 convenient position

4 fire buttons including missile launcher with spring-loaded safety cover for instant access

Conveniently positioned metal pinkie switch provides shift functionality to double up on programmable commands

2 X 8-way Hat Switches

3D rudder twist

3-position rotary mode selector switch with LED indicators

3 spring-loaded, base-mounted toggle switches for up to 6 programmable flight commands

5-position handle adjustment system to suit all hand sizes

The most fully integrated PC Flight Control System

Precision engineering, ergonomic design and a detailed fusion of features deliver maximum aeronautical authenticity

Advanced programming provided by Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software