Is an x52 a bit overkill?

[Hurricane.CAD]

Well, I got an x52 for Christmas. It looks awesome, and it feels nice, but I fear it might be overkill. I'm having a hard time adjusting to it (though I went 5:1 in the bomber on singleplayer Clean Sweep lol...), and it's kind of annoying. It seems like 2 buttons do the same function... like, moving one of the view hats a certain way registers as some other button, making BF2's control setup wonky.

I used to use a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and loved it. But looking back on it, the thing didn't seem very sensitive to rolls (AKA doing maneuvers with my mouse seemed more responsive and agile than with a stick) and eventually it got all messed up. Pulling back all the way on the stick only registered as pulling halfway, and it seemed to always move the rudders to make the plane turn left.

That's why I wanted an x52 for Christmas. Honestly, the 3D Pro was a great stick but if I'm gonna be replacing it every few months, might as well get the more reliable stick for a bigger cost, right? Except for one, I feel it's a bit too much overkill. And two, maybe Logitech's finally manufacturing the 3D Pro with parts slightly higher quality than that of a Ford Pinto.

I don't really want to go through the hassle of returning the stick, nor do I want to seem like an ingrate to my parents. But unless someone can give me some pointers on how to set up this joystick correctly (I also want to set up the thing where I can spot enemies with the stick, and I want to be able to talk on TeamSpeak/Ventrilo while flying) I might have to go through that process. The two things that got me wanting the x52 were the dual-part thing (seperate throttle and joystick, cause you look ****ing stupid using the throttle on the 3D Pro) and its reliability compared to the 3D Pro, which seems to just randomly die off.

[Supermario]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

I saw it in Best Buy looks a bit confusing, thats why I stick with my handy, Logitech 3D Extreme Pro.

[Hurricane.CAD]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

K. That doesn't help.

[Supermario]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

I know I am just saying lol.

Well, to make your self spot enemys. Download Joy2Key and get a button that would you want to use. Go to controls and go to the secondary key for the commo rose and set it as the same as the one in joy2key.

[|CBW|Simon]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

Do not download Joy2Key.

Saitek has their own software plotter for the Joystick.

You've got yourself a serious winner of a stick. I wrote a guide for the X45 that may help you to understand yours better. Link in my sig area.

Simon

[USAF Thrifty]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

IMO the X52 is just a weeee bit overkill for BF2, but for flight sims it's an absoloute monster.

[Chris_Redfield]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

Its not an overkill if you have the money to buy it and it wont fry your wallet (Im a college student, although working right now, still X52 would be a little too much for me). It isnt really overkill if its going to make you enjoy your game. Just know that BF2 jet engines have a very slow response time, so to cut that, dont fly at full throttle unless youre either bombing a target, or you need to. Keep it at comfortable 80-90%, it cuts your engine response time to a very much shorter time.

[kc135dood]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

IN BF2, all as you really need is a basic joystick- or w/e meets your needs...

But you can always use the others that are mostly used in Flight Simulations, like Microsoft's whole line of flight sim series, get a HOTAS=Hands On Throttle And Stick; i.e. Thrustmaster's All Metal 250$ Joystick and Throttle quadrant(the only con about that HOTAS is it has no rudder control, So as both of your hands used, You will have no rudder control, which plays a huge part in BF2 flying; So you'd need rudder pedals as well... so that is out >:-l), Saitek's(my favorite, I currently own these from Saitek ) X45, or X52, and when it comes out, if it already has.. the X52Pro(in which I might buy)...

-I stick to my X45s for Flight Simulators..Not BF2

BF2 I am either using mouse and keyboard, or Microsoft's Sidewinder Precision Pro 2. I am H-U-G-E into Flight Simulations... I even have the CH-Product's Flight Yoke!

-My recommendation, If you are Good, GOOD at flying, and have $$$ then buy what ever feels right; If you want to just fly with out using the mouse and keyboard then go with a basic joystick -that still all operate the 3 basic fuctions of an aircraft or rotorcraft:Roll-Turning left and right, Pitch-Pulling up, Pushing Forward, and Yaw-Rudder Control. Also be aware that there are some cheaper joysticks that do not have a throttle, in which could be good for some people.

-in my view the X52s are G-R-E-A-T! -Though in my personal use I get the most from my X45s, I like them better---But thats just me.

As for Flight Dynamics in accordance with the Joysticks, refer to what Col Chris_Redfield said above; And all joysticks will fuction a little or alot differently with sensitivities.. Just play with the software the comes with the joystick and research online for BF2 Joystick Layouts and mess around with the sensitivities in BF2 Settings for the Airplane and Helicopter.




-133rd VistaLinerZ

[WhardieJones]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

Heh do you even have software to take advantage of all those joysticks? Where are the rudder petals?

IN BF2, all as you really need is a basic joystick- or w/e meets your needs...

But you can always use the others that are mostly used in Flight Simulations, like Microsoft's whole line of flight sim series, get a HOTAS=Hands On Throttle And Stick; i.e. Thrustmaster's All Metal 250$ Joystick and Throttle quadrant(the only con about that HOTAS is it has no rudder control, So as both of your hands used, You will have no rudder control, which plays a huge part in BF2 flying; So you'd need rudder pedals as well... so that is out >:-l), Saitek's(my favorite, I currently own these from Saitek ) X45, or X52, and when it comes out, if it already has.. the X52Pro(in which I might buy)...

-I stick to my X45s for Flight Simulators..Not BF2

BF2 I am either using mouse and keyboard, or Microsoft's Sidewinder Precision Pro 2. I am H-U-G-E into Flight Simulations... I even have the CH-Product's Flight Yoke!

-My recommendation, If you are Good, GOOD at flying, and have $$$ then buy what ever feels right; If you want to just fly with out using the mouse and keyboard then go with a basic joystick -that still all operate the 3 basic fuctions of an aircraft or rotorcraft:Roll-Turning left and right, Pitch-Pulling up, Pushing Forward, and Yaw-Rudder Control. Also be aware that there are some cheaper joysticks that do not have a throttle, in which could be good for some people.

-in my view the X52s are G-R-E-A-T! -Though in my personal use I get the most from my X45s, I like them better---But thats just me.

As for Flight Dynamics in accordance with the Joysticks, refer to what Col Chris_Redfield said above; And all joysticks will fuction a little or alot differently with sensitivities.. Just play with the software the comes with the joystick and research online for BF2 Joystick Layouts and mess around with the sensitivities in BF2 Settings for the Airplane and Helicopter.




-133rd VistaLinerZ

[|CBW|Simon]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?



Saitek comes with most excellent programming software. My X45 handles throttle
rudder on a rocker
Command Voip
Squad Voip
Team Speak
Main gun
Bomb
wep switch (for missles)
Hat switch controlling all points of view
Eject button
Parachute button
Map
enlarge map or radar feature

And I only have 3x that in open switches left with the mode converter.

[Mad Ad]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

wow, good thread, ive some questions for the posters too.

First, @Hurricane.CAD to answer your question, I dont think its overkill if you want to progress from basic flying. I have a 3d pro too, the throttle is horrible- its far too small meaning theres a hairs difference between a slow pursuit and falling out of the sky, it has no indents or ratchet so im forever having to take eyes off screen to see my pencil marks for fine settings and null (middle) so ive been thinking of an X type throttle to improve control - I spoke with one person that swears by the x45 throttle but they are only available second hand now.

Also, to make a spotted button using just bf2, do this.


Questions for kc135dood or |CBW|Simon or anyone that knows.

1) The X45 throttle plugs into the stick which plugs into USB, but I hear the X52 throttle plugs into the USB and the stick into the throttle? Is that right? if so, can the x52 throttle be used without the stick (im happy with the 3d pro as a stick).

2) Are there any other throttle only units I could use? ones that wont break the bank (not chproducts)

3) Which throttle is better, the x45 or x52 and why?

4) I see on the saitek forums people whinging about the throttle wandering slightly- is this a general issue?


Thanks a lot guys

[TheEn|gma]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

If your using it exclsuively for BF2 then it is overkill. I have and X-52 and love it although I probably wouldn't if I didn't use it for: BF2, Lock-On, IL-2, FS9.

[kc135dood]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

If your using it exclsuively for BF2 then it is overkill. I have and X-52 and love it although I probably wouldn't if I didn't use it for: BF2, Lock-On, IL-2, FS9.

Yup^^


lol Why couldn't I of said it that simple; -here we go again....

Answers for Mad Ad

1) The X45 throttle plugs into the stick which plugs into USB, but I hear the X52 throttle plugs into the USB and the stick into the throttle? Is that right? if so, can the x52 throttle be used without the stick (im happy with the 3d pro as a stick)

A: Correct, Yes; You have the X52's Joystick which hooks up to the Throttle, then the USB from the Throttle, -the opposite of the X45. I am unsure about the throttle only working, but I wouldn't see why not. I only say that, because I have the X52s put away, and I have never tried that before; Ask around, it could possibly used like that. I've tried using just the X45 stick and I have errors with it, w/o the throttle hooked on.

2) Are there any other throttle only units I could use? ones that wont break the bank (not chproducts)

A: The "throttle only" manufacturer that I know of is ChProducts, and Go-Flight(definitly not Go-Flight, is not the kind you are looking into... that is in the $XXXX.XX$)

3) Which throttle is better, the x45 or x52 and why?

A: My view I like the X45s better, due to the fact it has Rudder control on the Throttle -Which is especially nice for FS9, because when taxiing, you don't have to have both hands at use -just one on the throttle.
-For a throttle that you'd be using in BF2, I'd recommend the X52's Throttle be better, due to the fact it doesn't have the actual piece you put your hand on connected to the base through the far left like the X45 does, -in which if you put alot of force on the opposite side, it causes alot of stress, in which I get slightly worried about, as some of my friends were playing one time, and caused the lower farthest left plastic piece on the throttle to break- somewhat stripped the screws hooking that silver plastic piece onto the black actual hands on part; -The X52 doesn't have the connection on the far left- it has it in almost the middle, that way you can put alittle more force on the throttle; which in Air Combat games.. is most likely to happen if you are a hardcore pilot and you won't have to worry about it causing excessive stress.

-I personally like the X45s throttle(has rudder control on it)
-But for BF2 I'd like the X52s throttle for more ease of mind.

4) I see on the saitek forums people whinging about the throttle wandering slightly- is this a general issue?

I've never heard of this before, Although I might have been somewhat of a victim of this -I've had the X45s for over 2-1/2 years now, and they have not given me any problem, except for once about a few months after I bought it.... -When pusing the throttle forward and pulling it back...I guess the potentiometer went bad and had a rapid loss of current flow control, as sometimes I'd get no response through my joystick and all the lights on the throttle would either flicker or go off. -Thanks to Saitek I got my refurbished replacement in under 2 weeks.

-133rd VistaLinerZ

Pilots: Do not know how to keep it in their pants and don't know how to shut up at times..





-I've re-read what I have statted, and in all honesty... In BF2 all is you need is a stick to control Roll, Pitch, and Yaw... and if you want Throttle... -You can always have your hand on the stick and have your other hand on the WASD keys to control throttle and rudder..... but then again, if you want to maintain a constant throttle % then get a basic joystick with a throttle......

Okay I am done.

[SirCyRo]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

Well, I got an x52 for Christmas. It looks awesome, and it feels nice, but I fear it might be overkill. I'm having a hard time adjusting to it (though I went 5:1 in the bomber on singleplayer Clean Sweep lol...), and it's kind of annoying. It seems like 2 buttons do the same function... like, moving one of the view hats a certain way registers as some other button, making BF2's control setup wonky.

Is that all? Those darn computer players are just dumb. I went 115-1 on that map practicing the other day (damn computer jet rammed me for only death).

[Hurricane.CAD]

Re: Is an x52 a bit overkill?

Is that all? Those darn computer players are just dumb. I went 115-1 on that map practicing the other day (damn computer jet rammed me for only death).

My KDR in normal servers in jets goes anywhere from 5 to 7 with mouse and keyboard. I'd say that for having just used the joystick yesterday (I was in NYC from the morning of the 25th to last night) it was an okay KD... I can go a lot better with M/K, but hopefully with experience I'll be even more deadly. I always considered myself a 'pretty good' pilot. Hopefully this will make me at least a 'scary' pilot.