Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X (Compatible with PC)

My last good joystick, a Logitech WingMan Force Feedback, still works after about 12 years, but it's slowly wearing out. I've looked at several possible replacements and came across this Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X. The most helpful review to date is by gump92139 and, along with other reviews, convinced me to try the Thrustmaster. Gump's review has a good description and is well worth reading.I'm very impressed and pleased so far. I have used it in FSX, mostly with the Carenado Cessna 340, but also with DodoSim's Bell Jet Ranger using the helicopter's most difficult and realistic settings. The Thrustmaster provided very stable control, and the DodoSim helicopter is one of the most difficult to fly. The stick has a very solid, positive feel.From the photo, I was concerned about the ergonomics of the throttle – it looked like it might be uncomfortable to use. It might be a bit uncomfortable for some at first, but being able to separate it from the stick by about 18 inches in any direction allows for many different placements, at different levels from the stick, etc. I was surprised at how user friendly and comfortable it is.And regarding user friendliness, as gump92139 described, I simply plugged it into a USB port and ready to go. The manual says to access the control panel to configure and test the joystick, but I didn't need to do that – it was ready to go simply by plugging it in. (I'm using Windows 7, 32 bit.)However, during the first test “flight,” I accessed the settings in FlightSim X and made some changes in the button assignments, as well as adding a few assignments for the unused buttons: flaps, trim, views, etc. It's very easy and quick to do without exiting the simulator.One minor complaint is that buttons 3 and 4 are placed on the stick opposite each other, 4 on the back right towards the operator, and 3 on the front right. I found myself pressing both buttons at the same time with the thumb and index finger. Since the trim wheels in many airplanes are on the pilot's right, I had assigned these buttons on the right for trim up and trim down – not good to press both together, but the placement and right hand grip seems to encourage pressing both buttons at once. Might have to reassign them, or just get used to the placements.All in all, it's a fine HOTAS system at a very reasonable price.

This purchase has left me with no complaints. I do not notice a dead spot big enough for me to complain about and I find everything is the right size and just fits in my hands well. I have a Redragon Sindri keyboard with a numpad (so a full-sized keyboard) and both pieces fit on either side of it with barely any room to spare. I am finding I have enough buttons to play Everspace 2 while barely ever resorting to the keyboard, but I do need the keyboard at times; just not enough buttons to avoid that. It also has solid build quality and the right amount of resistance in my opinion. I can see where some would want more resistance in the throttle component, but I do not.

I ordered this to replace my Logitech flight stick. I wanted a throttle that could separate from the flight stick. The product is as it says and works very well. I use this for FSX-Steam Edition, X-Plane, and Prepar3d V3. Setup is easy even without the drivers as Windows 7 and up will install it automatically. The drivers help fine tune the device, but Windows does a perfectly good job installing without them.Setup in both FSX and Prepar3d are easy enough, with X-Plane requiring a bit more time and patience. Trust me X-Plane is a very good sim and a bit more control customization that comes with a bit of a learning curve, but not one that is too difficult to work with if you just take your time.The flight controls have a knob on the bottom of the flight stick that can help adjust for tension of the stick itself. Play around with it until you get the feel you prefer. I like my flight stick to be in the middle. Too loose and flight controls can be twitchy if you are not careful to control your stick movements with slow, simple and small movements. A bit of tension helps the stick snap back to center quickly.The throttle section does separate from the flight stick, and this is great for mounting to a flight stand with just enough cable length to place them in a good distance for flight controls but not enough cable length to be too far apart. It works out to be about shoulder to shoulder in distance so be aware of this when wanting to separate them.Button layout works well with great FSX and Prepar3D standard button configurations out the box. Again be ready to spend a bit of time configuring the controls in X-Plane, especially the axis controls. X-Plane reverses some and they need to be configured and changed. I highly recommend using the rocker slider found on the backside of the throttle as the rudder if you are not using rudder pedals. It works great and has far better control that the twist of the flight stick.I use a lot of mods for my flight sims and this works great with FSCabin Crew button control for Aerosoft Airbus payware, as the buttons can be mapped to non-standard stick buttons on the base for easier button control and response to first officer checklist calls and flows.All in all it is a great flight stick without breaking your bank. It is not a higher end Yoke or Fighter Stick, but it will get the job done and done well.Word of warning, the flight stick once separated from the throttle section can feel a bit light and can move around on you if your heavy on the flight stick. Remember, slow, small, and controlled movements win the day, but if you grab the stick and pull with a bit of force, expect the stick to potentially move on your desk. I found a simple set of larger rubber feet from Home Depot help keep my flight stick on the desk and not move during use.