Dead Men Walking

dMw Chit Chat => The Beer Bar => Technology Section => Topic started by: ArithonUK on October 01, 2014, 11:37:01 AM

Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: ArithonUK on October 01, 2014, 11:37:01 AM
Guys

While demonstrating Elite: Dangerous at the EGX last week, I got chatting to one guy about the joysticks we were using. He asked if I had one and I replied that they were too expensive (Mrs Arithon has strict rules about computer spending!).
It transpired he was a product manager for CPC who are the UK importer for Saitek! He said he could sell me some at a discount. I have emailed him today to get a ball-park figure, since the current retail from CPC's website is £120.

Would anyone be interested in buying a X52 Pro if I can make a group purchase for a (hopefully significant) discount?

I would assume the bigger numbers we have, the better the discount. So register your interest here and I will post and update when I hear back from Mr. Martin at CPC.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: no peanuts on October 01, 2014, 12:42:35 PM
I'm really struggling with SC and ED using a keyboard and mouse, I've been considering investing in either a flight stick or a wheel+pedals.
If there's a chance of getting these in 'cheap', I'd be up for it.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: TeaLeaf on October 01, 2014, 01:10:54 PM
I've been looking for a better FSX joystick for a while and could try it on SC (although I am loving the cheap & cheerful Thrustmaster I currently have), so add me to the list of interested please.   Might also be worth delaying any order until we see what SC are doing - although I thought it was Saitek they were getting into bed with?   Does he know if they are doing anything with SC?

If he does an X55 Rhino discounted then I'd be even more interested!
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 01, 2014, 01:21:27 PM
I'd consider whatever models and prices he can offer. Although Vobler may have feedback on the X52.


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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Carr0t on October 01, 2014, 03:15:07 PM
Got an X52 Pro here and I love it. Mate was in the E: D alpha and got his from CPC before world + dog tried to buy them. Cost him £90 inc postage. By the time I came to get mine it was £110 at the cheapest place I could find it, and I had to wait 3 months before they got any stock in. Well worth it though.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Lameduck on October 01, 2014, 03:53:47 PM
Dependent on discount, but I'd be interested. My current stick is a Logitech Wingman Pro, unfortunately not the current model, its about 12 years old, very accurate, but spring loading is very high, so its uncomfortable. I understand that the loading is variable on the Saitek.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Gorion on October 01, 2014, 04:13:29 PM
I like the x-55 throttle (separate throttle), yet not the stick.  Been reading/watching some reviews and those sticks are either way too large, or have spring issues, and since my hands are small (pinky just reaches the tab key on wasd position) that's one massive problem...

Not sure if one can buy the throttle by itself.

[video=youtube;9A3Chs36mKM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A3Chs36mKM[/video]
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 01, 2014, 04:19:54 PM
http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=22382

Alternative stand along Throttle.

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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Chaosphere on October 01, 2014, 05:00:08 PM
Colour me interested
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Gorion on October 01, 2014, 05:01:48 PM
Thanks for that article, lead me to this review..

Quite a lot of bad comments on the Saitek range.  I'll wait until RSI release their control stick and think about it then.

[video=youtube;0hX3R3t8-jY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hX3R3t8-jY[/video]
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 01, 2014, 05:11:40 PM
The X52 has a sensitivity setup many don't like and the answer is a simple magnet mod. I have an older x45 and like it. The spring is well worn in so its not a struggle too be moved.

I suggest working on loosening the stick spring by use or just exercising it offline.


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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Arcon on October 01, 2014, 05:19:06 PM
id be interested in the x55, i have the x52 atm
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Sneakytiger on October 01, 2014, 05:29:11 PM
Getting x52 pro
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: suicidal_monkey on October 01, 2014, 10:21:20 PM
Might be interested depending on the price :-)
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: BrotherTobious on October 02, 2014, 01:16:48 AM
I would be interested

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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Sneakytiger on October 02, 2014, 07:15:34 AM
Think ur looking at £125 for a x52 pro
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 02, 2014, 08:32:37 AM
Buy a 2nd hand X45. Nearly as feature rich as the X5x options and probably £30 second hand. Plus none of the digital display stuff to worry about. Oh and it's bright blue!


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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: ArithonUK on October 02, 2014, 02:33:47 PM
Quote from: Sneakytiger;388712Think ur looking at £125 for a x52 pro

Best price is CCL at £114.07 (http://www.cclonline.com/product/7654/PS34/Game-Controllers/Saitek-Flight-Control-System-X52-Pro/JOY2010/) but naturally, they are out of stock at the moment. I'd be looking for a better price.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Carr0t on October 02, 2014, 05:02:22 PM
The issue as far as I can tell is Saitek's QC went a bit down the pan when they got bought by MadCatz. So if you get a good stick then you're winning but many people have had to send back several units before getting a good one.

The X55 has variable springs you can swap out for different resistance on the stick. The X52 doesn't. I've seen people do mods with plastic washers and such, but that has downsides elsewhere and i'm fine with it as-is. I actually prefer the X52 Pro for Elite. The base X52 looks plasticky because of the silver/blue colour scheme (as opposed to black/green), but the X52 looks 'sci-fi', whereas the X55 looks more 'real world' :)

The magnet mod is normally to *increase* the sensitivity of the stick/minimise the deadzone. Given that my X52 has no deadzone at all as far as I can tell and I had to add a very minor one in Elite's settings to make FAOff mode playable I am inclined to believe that this is another QC issue - you only need the mod if you've got a joystick that's not quite up to par, but good luck getting Saitek to admit it as an issue and give you a replacement.

The only mod I did do to my X52 was to take the throttle apart and remove the detents so that I have smooth travel from 0 all the way to 100% throttle, instead of having a resistive 'lock point' at 0, 50% and 100%. I can see why the detents would make sense for proper flight sims where you often stick at mid throttle, or only want to lock right at 100% for takeoff/afterburner or whatever to not burn tons of fuel, or if you have Elite set up where 50% is 0 throttle, 51-100% is forwards and 49-0% is backwards, but for the way I play (0-100% for throttle and a button to switch between forward and reverse) and given I only use it for Elite and SC when that gets released it makes more sense to remove them.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 03, 2014, 06:05:56 AM
Hi Carr0t, I'd be interested in knowing how you made the throttle only got forwards or only reverse. I use 0-49 back 50 stop and 51-100 forward today with a button for 50% forward and another for stop. It's a compromise setup as I only ever go into reverse when I'm about to hit another object after getting too cocky.

There's one in battle manoeuvre that uses reverse and I have that worked out using my current setup bit again I can see the ease of speed control proving with what you do.
Cheers,
Bert


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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Arcon on October 03, 2014, 08:28:34 AM
Its the controls section, under throttle there's a drop down called throttle axis range and you can choose forwards only
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: ArithonUK on October 03, 2014, 08:59:12 AM
Okay gents, here's the offer:

QuoteX52 - 89.95
 
X52 Pro â€" 113.95
 
X55 Rhino â€" 149.99
 
All prices include VAT and delivery via UPS.  

If you are still interested, post here and once I have the numbers, I will email you a URL and Promo code.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: TeaLeaf on October 03, 2014, 10:27:32 AM
Very tempted to get the X55, even thought he discount is not huge it's still £20 better than retail.    Just need to decide whether or not to wait for something SC-flavoured.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: DrunkenZombiee on October 03, 2014, 11:02:30 AM
The X55 can be had for £129.99 in some places so I think it may be worth the upgrade.

DZ
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: ArithonUK on October 03, 2014, 11:26:49 AM
I have been sent the promo codes, so if you want to order, PM me your email and I will forward the details. Codes are valid until end of October...
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: TeaLeaf on October 03, 2014, 11:30:35 AM
Quote from: DrunkenZombiee;388774The X55 can be had for £129.99 in some places so I think it may be worth the upgrade.

DZ
£129.99? Is that including VAT & delivery?  Link please!

Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: DrunkenZombiee on October 03, 2014, 01:43:19 PM
99 Pence extra for delivery... (http://www.dabs.com/products/saitek-pro-flight-x-55-rhino-h-o-t-a-s--for-pc-9Q3X.html?q=saitek%20pro%20flight&src=16)

Now out of stock... I ordered one along with the new K95 (with the tramp stamp) a day ago but order still says processing so I am hoping they will deliver mine and haven't pulled a fast one by taking the order without stock.

x52 is very cheap too and in stock at £114.99. (http://www.dabs.com/products/saitek-x52-pro-flight-control-system-4BYR.html?src=15&awc=3044_1412340247_6a3d728200e3a70a0c64b5a50c31fe4f&referrerid=AW&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=AW00)

DZ
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: TeaLeaf on October 03, 2014, 02:22:24 PM
Stunningly good price, wish I had seen it and managed to order one too!
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Sneakytiger on October 03, 2014, 02:30:56 PM
yeah got mine from dabs.com
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Lameduck on October 03, 2014, 04:45:47 PM
Registered on my wish list at dabs. Really good value.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Arcon on October 03, 2014, 10:38:00 PM
I'll take one of those promo codes joseph@chesney.me  x55 please!
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 05, 2014, 01:06:19 PM
Best I've seen here in Holland is â,¬189 which is about the same as you're getting quotes Arithon. So I'll wait to check out yours at the LAN and maybe be swayed to replace a perfectly operational x45.
Thanks for the effort to get this deal for dMw though!


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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: DrunkenZombiee on October 05, 2014, 01:10:59 PM
Unfortunately it appears that they did not allocate me one so order is not being dispatched until they are in stock again =(
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Sneakytiger on October 05, 2014, 02:23:33 PM
so best joystick award  at the lan goes to?.lol
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 06, 2014, 07:09:45 AM
Me with my X69 Chipmunk Pro Hawtass! 8)

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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: Gorion on October 06, 2014, 09:19:41 AM
Quote from: Sneakytiger;388884so best joystick award  at the lan goes to?.lol

Does mine qualify?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]2806[/ATTACH]
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: DrunkenZombiee on October 06, 2014, 02:46:17 PM
I cancelled the order for the x55 to get my keyboard dispatched and then immediately ordered it again.

We will see when it comes back in stock but i doubt before the LAN.
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: ArithonUK on October 10, 2014, 11:24:46 AM
Ordered my X52 Pro today! Yay!
Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 10, 2014, 11:45:14 AM
Sweet. I'll stick with my x45 as I only crash once a night :D

Edit: â,¬173.99 delivered now here in NL for the X55. That's £137 in real money! Darn you websites.

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Title: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Joystick + Throttle at a discount. Interested?
Post by: albert on October 14, 2014, 10:49:44 AM
Arithon mentioned this setup http://imgur.com/G3uc2PU to me and I decided to source the parts:

http://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/25djot/diy_x52_pro_or_any_hotas_chair_build_cheap/

but I went for the ST02464 with the extra joint for flexibility:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=ST02464

It shall be in my possession at the LAN because it's arriving at my company office in Slough today. :norty: