Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Review and using it with Elite Dangerous
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- I take a look at the HOTAS Warthog from Thrustmaster, and try it out with Elite: Dangerous. The burning question for me is whether or not the throttle and stick is worth the fairly high price.
3:24 - Man, you have an incredibly wide torso.
lolol
That's what I was thinking too... Longest arms I have ever seen... lol...
Yoooo Lmao!!!!
Ben Swolo
I would like to say that I like your hardware reviews, ObsidianAnt. They are balanced and honest.
Just started playing elite, and keep running into your videos when I google something, extremely helpful and easy to digest info every single time. Thanks!
6:36 no pedels for rudder/yaw control? put your keyboard at your feet use ctrl and space bar as makeshift foot pedels
You're joking, right?
Excellent! HOTASAT....Hands on throttle and stick and toes. (there's a song there somewhere)
Logitech! Have you no vision? Foot mounted peripherals are clearly the way to go.
Geffo Me But... Logitech does make peripherals for the feet.
RIP Keyboard.
I hear alot of people use the thumb button on the throttle control for the z tilt.
For anyone checking out this video, unbind the boost from the red button on the throttle. The material inside is very cheap, and mine got stuck only after a month of use (I didn't even play the game that much). I recommend binding boost to the plastic switch near your thumb (that one between the grey and red). If you want to use the red button you can bind it to fighter pilot attack, or camera controls (you won't use often). In additional, heavy users may want to look at an alternative for the turning ship joystick (mine is not responding but it lasted almost 2 years). It seems like thrustmaster went with cheap internals for the buttons (not switches) on the throttle compared to the buttons on the joystick (joystick have more wear and are still holding strong).
In case anyone is wondering, I have had the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog for almost 3 years (I originally got it for something else).
I've had mine for a couple of years now, bought it for DCS: World but it works perfectly with everything else. It is also a work of art in its own right, by far the best peripheral I've ever used. Combined with a good set of rudder pedals and trackir 5, it is an absolute joy to use...
+bowser515 Same setup and experience here.
RowdyMrB
Once tried, you can't go back.
I'm not sure that was an option when I bought my TrackIR5 years ago. Nor do I know how well they work. But I'm happy with my TrackIr, wearing a hat isn't ideal, but it isn't a huge distraction either, it's a game changer.
@@bowser515 I had Tobii eye tracker which I sold and I got a TrackIR 5 which is considerably better and I love it.
1: Tobii can only be used on screens up to 27" overall. Meaning 2 or 3 screens setups are not compatible at all, only 1 screen up to 27".
2: The Tobii is way slower to track your motions there's a significant delay between your movements and what happens on screen.
3: Yes, I know that I'm replying to a 3 year old comment... :)
i've got a tobii 4C as well. Bought it for streaming and figured it would be fun to use in Elite. it is fun, but it's not the improvement i'd hoped for. in combat it's disorienting and only makes the game more stressful. Is trackIR like this as well? I'm confident VR isn't disorienting to use in intense situations, but trackIR seems slightly disorienting as well.
I play with Warthog in right hand and tm 16000 in left one, so my yaw and thrusters(vertical and latheral) are set here, for throttle and trusters forward and backward I use rudder pedals. This setup works great with Elite, strongly recommended.
Another excellent review. I'm following all your vids now as they are all to the point on the subject chosen. Thanks for all you do for us.
Awesome review man, your voice is perfect for narrating documentary films :-)
I've had the Warthog for a couple years now, it is fantastic. No problems with wear and tear. All the switches and such are programmable. I also have the HTC Vive; the functionality of the Warthog allows me to have a genuine HOTAS setup. The only time I really need the keyboard in game is to type system names on the galaxy map. I have no experience with CH or Saitek products but I've never regretted purchasing the Warthog.
Been using my Warthog, actually 2 of them, for years now. Elite, DCS, FSX, BMS etc. Wouldn't use anything else if I'm playing locally. Don't worry about the throttle beams. They won't wear or fail. The precision is only matched by something like the Russian made VKB but trying to get one those made is a feat in itself never mind the prices.
In case you are looking for a wheelstand to mount them I have one set mounted to a GT Omega Wheelstand on its version 1 shifter plates. Rock solid. Once the joystick base plate is removed 2 of the holes on the shifter plates match perfectly with the joystick which keeps it solid even when yanking the stick. The throttle actually as a double base plate and I mount one underneath the left shifter plate and sandwich it in with 4 screws through the mounting hole at the front and back of the throttle. Bullet proof. The rig is also foldable and relatively cheap.
Im using Thrustmaster Stick + CH Throttle + CH Pedals love it
And if youre gonna buy this hotas, youre probably serious about flight/spacesims which means that you dont want to have the rudder on your stick anyways. And sticks with twist generally have less stability
***** I think i dont really get your question, so apologies in advance if thats the case. I dont really know what you mean by how i use my pedals, z axis bound to yaw, thats it, toebrakes unused. standard pedal use^^ What do you mean by setting it up? Ingame binds or real life positioning?
I love how you release this the day after I buy my Saitek X52 xD I'm very happy with it though, and I'm glad that I got the one that I did :) great vid Ant
+Matthew Roseblade Is your X52 the Pro one or the base model?
Cheers
usinkangkong Mine is the X52 base model, works great and has just enough buttons/functions for E:D. Plus I actually prefer the colour scheme of the base to the pro :D
I see! That is good to know :D
Cheers and enjoy your game
@@mattroseblade3675 I've been using my X52 for 10 years now. Still works pretty good. The yaw axis is a bit tired. Has developed a bit of play, but the sensor itself works perfectly. I'd actually be interested to know what happened with yours 3 years down the line. I wonder if the build quality remained the same.
ObsidianAnt -
First, thanks for your videos! They've greatly increased my enjoyment of E:D!
Second, I was surprised you didn't touch on one of the biggest benefits of the Warthog: programming flexibility! Admittedly, I think TM dropped the ball on the programming because they've made learning the programming MUCH more difficult than it needs to be. I've been using Thrustmaster sticks since the WCS/FCS combo in the early 90's, progressing over time up into the FLCS/TQS, the HOTAS Cougar, and finally into the HOTAS Warthog. Simple programming used to be a lot easier to setup, but you can still do some amazing things, like having different commands issued based upon a "press" versus a "hold" (I use this mostly for power distribution), different commands based upon positions of OTHER buttons, or even reconfiguring the response curves of the joystick or throttle based upon another button press.
Third, two more pieces of hardware you might want to investigate. For rudder pedals, I recommend the Saitek ProFlight Combat rudder set. Yes, it's an additional expense, but it's much more natural to control yaw with. It also has toe-brakes, of limited use in E:D as brakes, but you could program for other functions as well. In addition to the rudders, definitely look at head-tracking systems like the TrackIR. Moving your head to change your point of view is a huge advantage, particularly in combat. Both add cost, but the immersion difference (particularly when using a large TV as a monitor!) is huge!
Feel free to reach out if you'd like to see some of the programming options I discussed for the Warthog!
Mike
Very good Review. The Audio Quality is outstanding and you have the perfect Narrator Voice.
Been working with this HOTAS for two years during events and simulator building. A friendly advice for everyone is if you're a casual gamer but want a fancy stick, don't buy this joystick. And by casual I mean Elite, SC, Arma, War Thunder and such. You will require pedals, we learned that the hard way, and the pedals costs as much as an X55 Rhino.
If this flight stick had a hard sprint to firmly lock the stick to be able to toggle rudder axis like the X52 I would recommend this to anyone who want hard, solid equipment. A side note on the pedals, if you haven't played with pedals before it will be very awkward to learn, so get a cheap stick before those to cut some corners.
Personally I use the X55 to come as close as possible to the Thrustmaster Warthog. You have all the buttons and dual throttle + rudder.
+PantsuMann Actually pedals costs about the same as the hotas warthog, unless for some reason you decide to go for the "best of the best" for the hotas and then "as long as it works for a while" with the pedals. If simulator at all, go for Slaw device like +jedslather said. Don't cheap out on pedals (plus Slaw device RX Vipers are now available for order!)
That's my point. Pedals are extremely expensive for what they do. And you can basically only use them for flight games, unless you use them in Arma as lean controls as infantry but that's about it. The Hotas Warthog is quality(even though some buttons feel very cheap compared to the rest), it's solid and precise. But it's simply not worth the money if you just want to have fun.
@@PantsuMann "......But it's simply not worth the money if you just want to have fun......" To you. :)
This review really sold me on footing the cost for this. Absolutely worth it. For the time being I use the little mouse stick on the throttle to control yaw and it works well enough for my level of playing. Eventually I hope to have a better set up with rudder pads.
Absolutely worth it. I feel like I can destroy a barn with this and know it'll still work perfectly.
Hey Obsidian, I've had the HOTAS Warthog for quite some time now. I initially had the HOTAS Cougar for Falcon 4.0 since it was a replica of the F-16 HOTAS. The Warthog was designed for the A-10C module for Digital Combat Simulator World (DCSW) and it's top notch.
One thing I'd like to mention though, the Warthog stick doesn't use a spring like the Saitek X-52/X-55. It uses a magnetic HALL sensor which means it won't wear and create dead zones like spring loaded sticks.The profile software is pretty good too, much easier to use than the old Foxy client where you literally had to hand code all the functions which was quite a steep learning curve.
Good review though, and welcome to the Dark Side :P.
+timmy3822 Saitek X52/X55 use spring as the centering-mechanism. As for the sensors, they are using magnetic HALL sensor as well, only the Hotas X and CH Products stick are using the pots potentiometer, but the one in CH Products would usually last for the life-time of the product.
forum.worldofwarplanes.com/index.php?/topic/22690-looking-for-joysticks-that-have-magnetic-hall-sensors/
I use a Warthog for ED. Always have from the start. I use the thumb hat on the throttle for roll and the joystick for pitch and yaw. Works great for me.
I have used this HOTAS for about 6 months now, and so far, have enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately, I had to replace the pinky switch on the throttle, and the thumb selector switch on the joystick from fairly average use. The pinky switch just snapped randomly around 2 months after purchase, and the thumb switch stopped registering a forward input about 4 months in. Thrustmaster sent replacements for both with no issue. I suppose I could have sent it to be fixed, but I am far too stubborn for that. The takedown is torture, but with an ifixit tool kit, it only took a couple hours each. I plan on getting pedals to compensate for the lack of a z-axis on the stick, and will be mounting the whole thing to my chair soon (As a carpenter, this is the fun part!). The expense was quite a pill to swallow, but quality is often that way. Invest in some side tables, or DIY a solution, because stretching your arms up to reach these controls on a desk is a pain. The joystick is meant to be in the middle of your seat, as it is an actual A-10, so the stick does have quite a bit of length. You can even find extension mods out there, if a floor mounted option is your thing. All the switches and wiring are replaceable, if you are feeling up to the challenge, and there are endless mods and tweaks that you can do to hone these controls to your liking. Considering my current setup is well worth over 10K, I wasn't going to settle for the plastic feeling of all the other options. Hope this helps.
I use the CH Products Fighterstick and throttle. It has the same issue, lacking twist for yaw. Took a little getting used to, but binding the digital yaw to the 2-way thumb hat has worked great for me. No need for toggles and I keep control of all 6 axis simultaneously.
Great and fair review, Ant. If you're looking for the premium rudder pedals to review as a compliment to this hotas, have a look at the MFG Crosswind pedals to complete the setup. Took 4 months for me to receive mine as the guy (1 guy) builds them to order, but it was absolutely worth the wait and money.
For yaw, I recommend MFG Crosswind pedals. I've been using them for two years and they are flipping fantastic alongside the Warthog.
I use this HOTAS in ED and I love it (without pedals). Indeed it does take a while to get used to, you might want to adjust you're desk a little so that it's in a comfortable position. you can decrease the spring a little when you strap it
My Saitek X55 died last month at the young age of 14 months due to a lousy soldering job in the factory which fried the board when a loose solder glob (one of four running loose in the case!) came to rest on it. I replaced it with a Warthog, and I wish I had spent that money on the Warthog in the first place. I did like my X55 until it died, but I LOVE my Warthog.
Thanks for the 21:9 video!
For a slightly cheaper setup, I highly recommend Throttle, Combat Stick and Rudder paddles from CH Products. I have been using CH Products since the 80s and my first Flightstick lasted me over 10 years and I was a teenager when I got that stick. I lost all my gears in 2000 due to a move and have been holding off on re-buying everything. With Elite Dangerous, I was also using a Xbox gamepad in the beginning to make sure my PC is powerful enough to play the game. After a few weeks, I had to re-purchase all the CH Product gears.
Regardless of what people decides to buy in the end, having the right gears make Elite Dangerous a even better game or simulator.
The video layout of your hands on either end of the display is really stressing me out with how wide the hands are apart. @___@ Me being a wiener aside, it's a really great video. Very helpful in some down-the-road planning. Thank you, sir!
Great video OA. Im going to stick with my x52 pro but its great to see the the warthog in action.
I was considering getting the Warthog controller but was a bit too much for my blood at the moment so I went and bought one of the other HOTAS controllers from thrustmaster. Did have a Logitec X56 but sent that back after I spent hours trying to get around the dredded ghosting it had, even with a powered USB hub.
I am extremely curious about the settings you've gone with. I am finding the binding to be quite difficult for myself; especially the use of thrusters up/down/left/right/forward/backward as well as navigating the UI panels which I've found mouse and keyboard to be ultimately better disregarding the q and e thruster which I'd find trouble operating at given times. I'm not hugely used to using flight pedals as well as a standalone throttle when it comes to using a joystick. Any help is much appreciated at this point. I've spent hours trialling different binds but am yet to find one I feel comfortable with. I've tried others I have found online yet seem to have issues using/coming across bugs in their scripting. I am highly interested in using modifier buttons but again, lack the knowledge to do so. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
I have had mine for over 2 years now, and is faultless, not a single problem with it.
The previous year before i bought the hog, i went through 5, yes FIVE x55 Rhino's due to their cak build quality. That said, the thruster "feel" of the rhino thruster block is better than the hog, but the build quality is just soo poor on them(just read some of the reviews).
OA is spot on about the lack of twist yaw, but like me he uses roll yaw and i use the gray thumb trigger on the joystick to yaw, to turn. Yes it took a slight bit of adjustment to get used to, but now is it tacit information and not an issue at all.
Overall the build of the hog is 10/10 but functionality for Elite is about 8/10 as it is basically designed to be used as a flight stick for the aircraft sims.
If you can afford this beast, then yes, go for it. If not then try the t16000 hotas pack, cheaper, but it is very good as several of my wingmates use it and recommend it also.
I agree with you on it being difficult to switch from, for example KB/M or game controller to flight controls. I went the other way around. I was heavily into flight sims way back in the mid 80s and was flying with two joysticks and keyboard to begin with in 84 or 85. In 1991 or 1992 I bought a Thrustmaster Cougar. Since then I find that trying to fly any form of flight or space sim without a HOTAS feels clunky and inaccurate as hell. I've tried flying with game controllers or keyboard and mouse and just feel like there's nothing I can do the way it feels good and comfortable. So I imagine most people trying to go the other way around would feel equally clumsy in most cases.
I recently purchased the WartHog and look forward to using it. Currently I am using the X52Pro with pedals, (and have since the initial release of ED in Dec 2014); but I find myself in somewhat of a dilemma. I love playing Elite Dangerous and I am dreading having to "start over" and "relearn the controls. Since I already have been using pedals for yaw control, at least that part will not have to be learned. Question, would you care to share your WartHog profile?
I've been using the x52 Pro for a few months, tried mouse and keyboard the other day and couldn't go back :p I also couldn't imagine not having a twist for yawing, that would be incredibly annoying. Great video!
I got a table mount for my HOTAS and it feels much more comfortable. I am using the J-PEIN brand off Amazon as it's cheaper but its' well built and seems similarly comparable to other brands like Monster Tech
Can you do a review on the CH Products Gear? Using the Figherstick USB and Pro Throttle USB? I looked up reviews with what you have and found everyone would rather use the CH Products devices.. Thank you for your Videos and I hope to hear from you on this request! Please keep the videos coming!!
I used Warthog for last 1 year, plus Saitek Flight Ruders Pedals and i don't want nothing more, this is the best complet for elite!
I play space and flight sims. I've had a Thrustmaster Cougar for years. After just a few sessions with the space sim Descent, I soon realized that the stiff stick throw was holding me back and was a huge handicap in game. Also, for all the metal, the stick was delicate and didn't hold up to heavy Descent use. After having issues, I opened the base and found a pile of metal shavings! I think the Cougar and Warthog are great if used gently in flight sims like DCS. For space sims that require rapid, precise movement, these sticks are absolutely no good for me. I use a VKB Gladiator Mk.II now and I couldn't be happier. I consider it to be far superior to anything Thrustmaster offers.
Dual Sticks + Pedals gives you more freedom than HOTAS.
1. Aim and roll with one stick(roll with twist) | 2. Thrusters up down left and right with the other stick | 3. Speed management with foot pedals.
This way you can perform more fluid maneuvers. I've also found that I hit more because I can counter steer with the other stick.
If you're going for a HOTAS however. Warthog is the way to go. I'm using Warthog + left handed T.16000M.
(by the way, I'm left-handed so I aim with my left, If you aim with your right my mapping won't work with Warthog)
Well, plastic can be very different in quality too.
The CH Products stuff is also completely made of plastic but still very robust (and with the pedals more expensive as the Warthog).
The Warthog is probably better for proper flight sims because of the strong spring, in a spacesim however I feel it doesn't make too much sense when all the inputs on a spaceship would be digital anyway. The spring is however also one of the few critique points of the throttle when it comes to quality because it is the one part that was breaking for many people.
I personally think the stick is too high too though, at least for having on a table (which are usually at the height of your arms so an input device shouldn't raise that too much).
To me, rudder pedals are even more useful than a throttle. A throttle being almost necessary, and pedals being absolutely necessary.
If you have a solid desk (heavy enough that it won't move around), just attach a piece of plywood base to the desk legs on which to velcro the pedals (the more expensive Industrial Strength Velcro).
I attached plywood base with two small cheap L shaped metal angles that have hole in them for screws. Machine screws and nuts/washers for the desk legs, wood screws for the plywood base.
The plywood base needs to be somewhat wider and longer than the pedals so that you can lift up the pedals and re-position sideways or forwards/backwards, in order to get your feet in the best absolutely comfortable neutral position.
That type of pedal mounting is very easy to do, very sturdy, and very adjustable. The pedals will not slip ever, not even a fraction of an inch.
If you have a strong table besides your chair you can put the stick on that (using the same type of Velcro on the bottom of the stick base). At any time you can lift off the stick (it will take lots of force to do that with Industrial Velcro), and reposition the stick until it feels perfectly comfortable.
I like the stick to the right only slightly forward but the throttle way more forward and to the left. Because I like the throttle mounted way forward compared to the stick, I just velcro the throttle to the left side of the desk itself. I can also remove (lift up forcibly) the throttle and reposition it slightly because the Velcro on the desk is slightly wider side to side and front to back than the throttle base. In order to allow the throttle to be placed in slightly different positions (for comfort).
A throttle mounted way forward allows the arm to stretch out and lay flat on the desktop, avoiding fatigue.
All of this mounting is very fast and easy to set up the first time, strong Velcro is the key!
I too was using the Warthog for some time. But I could not get used to not having the yaw at the stick. Then I changed to the X55. What I miss with both is a notch at the centre of the throttle to use it for forward & reverse. You can set it in ED to be that way but the haptic feedback is missing.
TM Warthog = Metal on the outside (for marketing), Cheap plastic parts on the inside (to cut corners and retrieve costs of marketing). Unfortunately all TM products seem to have the same problems with the base, the facts are the inner workings are made of plastic and therefore ends up breaking within 6 months of regular use. I went Virpil, all hand made metal parts inside the base, the top quality and you can attach you TM Warthiog stick to is base or a Vipil stic to the Warthog base. An the Virpil Delta Constelation has a twist function.
I used to have the Warthog but sold it after 3 months once I got my mitts on a mates X55. Everything about the Warthog felt heavy, more like hydraulic or cable controls than a fly-by-wire and the lack of twist yaw was a major downside. The X55 on the other hand feels exactly as I would expect of the flight controls in an Asp (for example) *and* it comes with twist yaw.
Eventually I'll get pedals (MFG Crosswind) but for now the twist yaw is perfectly usable.
If you want a better throttle you can try and find a used Saitek x65f, they were made out of nice materials like the warthog. The throttle was like the x55 but made nicer, and the stick was that dumb stick that didn't move. You can then mix and match the stick and throttle. Also if you ever consider getting rudder pedals I suggest the MFG Crosswind.
Anyways nice video as per usual. Really liked your review.
Personally, I have an X-52 Pro and I use a regular Logitech Gamepad for flying, because - most of the time - the additional precision is not required.
But I also rarely do combat - mostly not because of the tedious bounty system.
I regreted my elite dangerous purchase, but then i got the t16000m with twcs throttle and have been having the time of my life
I don't understand why very few people are not mentioning that the buttons on the X56 stick are very uncomfy and hard to reach, even with big hands ! After trying the warthog in a store, I realized the stick is much more ergonomic than the X56...
Have you got the updated grey x56? I've heard there are a lot of problems that occurred with regards to the previous blue colored model, but am yet to see any in depth reviews of the updated version that was most recently released.
Talk about timely .... meant to be ordering one this week!
If I may, I would add also the somewhat bad drivers for the Saitek product, I saw a lot of people (including myself) having trouble making them working fine, especially on Windows 10 (and they didn't release anything but beta drivers on it).
You nailed pretty much everything elsewhere : very good product but need personal investment and a lot of money...although you could find the warthog at 210 € (160 pound) during holidays.
I would gladly have the Warthog if I wasn't completely off form Elite and the rest.
I use a T.Flight HOTAS X because I am a poor peasant but I love it to death! I might eventually get the X-52 pro because it seems like a logical upgrade!
+Minecraf345 I got an X 52 pro, when it worked it was good. Unfortunately, I got one of the duff ones, it keeps cutting out and getting random button presses. I gave up on it and bought T.Flight HOTAS X. Much more reliable, and found the paddle and buttons on the Throttle much better for vertical and lateral thrusters. T.flight X might not look as good the more expensive HOTAS,, but it works really well, and is by far the best joystick out there compared to the ridiculous price you pay for the other HOTAS.
I was considering buying one of these for Elite, but I think I am going to go with something a little cheaper, with the yaw function built in. Nevertheless, this looks great.
If you feel like the stick could be smoother, i would highly recommend you to grease up the ball in the base of the stick, i have heard that it virtually removes the sturdyness.
I'm not sure about the lack of twist... I'm glad I saw your review even though such a price tag is far off for me LOL
10:18 I don't fully agree with that... It's true that the X52 has less switches, but what it does have over the Warthog is flexibility. The permanent and semi permanent switches on the Warthog can only be realistically used for one function. You cannot have your lights in one position and your cargo scoop in the other. How would i keep my lights on and still deploy the cargo scoop?
My current X52 setup provides all the functionality needed to never take my hands off the throttle and stick (except when i need to type something in the star map). And it's not even a custom setup, it's one freely available. So i would say that in terms of pure functionality, going from the X52 to the Warthog you're actually *downgrading.* You're losing the yaw axis. And in order to map all the controls needed in ED to the Warthog you have to do magic tricks in the config software. Not to mention that most of the configs i've seen online repurpose the mouse joystick as a replacement yaw/roll axis, which makes it useless for me since i don't run VR, so i need that mouse joystick to look around.
Even so, my X52 is over 10 years old. It still functions very well, but i'm thinking about an upgrade. And i'll probably get the Warthog simply for the build quality. And even though it will be a bit of a downgrade in functionality, one that will require some getting used to, there really is no other choice available. The X56 seems to be suffering from some serious build issues as well as poor hardware design. Either way, i'm looking forwards to Microsoft Flight Simulator being released later this year. All the issues i have with the Warthog should be non existent there, as the setup fits airplanes in general more than it does spaceships in Elite.
got 1 for xmas. Love this thing
At 6:50ish in the video you mention that you use a way to swap out the yaw and roll with a toggle. I think that's great, but that sounds way more complicated than a yaw on the stick or pedals.
Been playing with the Warthog since beta. My stick developed "stiction" on both axes. A replacement stick had the same issues. I've now replaced the stick with a T16000M. Not the same league but no stiction and it has twist yaw. I do miss the various buttons and switches on the stick though as the T16000M is a bit lacking here.
+Rogier Schaaf I really like the T16000M, but you're right about the provision of buttons/switches. However, the throttle I use (CH Pro) has quite a few, but most functions I moved to a Logitech G13 gamepad which works really well.
Best HOTAS ever! get the SLAW Device rudder pedals, they are top notch and pared with TM WH HOTAS you will be in SIM heaven.
You do not need to use the keyboard with the X52. It has 3 modes and a shift... which make it have at least 258 buttons not even counting the extra two rotaries and precision slider.
The stick looks great and the heavy feel of it sounds great, but for me personally it is the lack of buttons and yaw that ruins it for me - I much more prefer the layout of the Saitek X52 as with a proper keybind setup you never need to use keyboard and mouse for anything in Elite Dangerous.
Ive been using the HOTAS Warthog for almost a year now with flight pedals which makes the game experience much better. What ObsidianAnt forgot to mention is that you can adjust the friction on the thruster. Adjusting the friction will make the thruster easier or harder to move so you can adjust it the way you want it for yourself.
I also never tried driving the Rovers with the HOTAS. Is there anyway you could share the keybindings with us ObsidianAnt? I had to set up the Keymapping for the Rovers on my own and I only use the gamepad. I haven't really found a perfect key layout. It would help a lot! -Tex Nevada
+Ghostx1x / Tex Nevada Also to note is that the back pedal button on the Joystick can easy be worn out. I used it a lot and having a metal surface push and rub against plastic just ruins the button its pushing.
Try use a Spacemouse PRO on left hand, putting Translate X,Y,Z on the sapcemouse, and the yaw on the dial the spacemouse.
I need the HOTAS for the VR.
@Troll Perhaps you just have a weak constitution.
I bought a thrustmaster hotas X and while I love it for combat I don't like it for much of anything else. I hate switching back in forth between the keyboard and the HOTAS. I'm wondering if I'm just doing it wrong? Should I have gotten something with more buttons?
Only reason I haven’t invested in a HOTAS is cause lack of space. I don’t have ideal room, not a cockpit built. Maybe a future project?
PC Products for me. Been using for years, plastic build. NEVER a single issue on build quality.
+toshibavoodoo CH you mean?
YES CH, I can't even blame Seri for that mistake
Hello, a question: how do you do for rubber function without pedals ? I know the stick has'nt "y" rotation to simulate pedals...
I would not buy pedals...
Do you suggest alternative command functions on stik or manetta to simulate rudder??
Thank you so
Super video as always.... Do you have a video on the Thrustmaster 16000?. I am currently using an Xbox Controller and stuggling to pick which HOTAS system to go for.... Thrustmaster/x52 Pro or X56! Any suggestions?
You should consider placing stick on chair between your legs if possible. That's why they have flat stand so it will feel like in jet cockpit. Then you will have better leverage and your arm won't strain too fast. It must be painful for you with arm extended like in the video after an hour or so. The great and cheaper alternative to this HOTAS is Logitech G940 with only downside of old software for configuration compared to today's standards.
I'd like to see an Obsidian Ant Gaming set up video. :)
I use the warthog as well, great set : )
I use ch pro pedals with them for yaw and lateral thrust.
+slopedarmor same setup here +TrackIR5 works like a charm.
You don't need a high-powered and high-end joystick to play and enjoy E:D. I have no complaints and even enjoy playing with my Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS.
The lack of yaw was my greatest worry, but after watching your video it seems that there is a decent workaround and I don't need to worry about it. I've been using xbox controller so far, but I've been thinking about Warthog for some time now. And even more now :)
i have like this ! good game with aircraft simulators and so good play with Elite Dangerous !
I wish they make flight sticks for left handed people very hard to use the stick in my right hand
I was wondering how people drive vehicles with HOTAS. To me it was so difficult that for driving I started using gamepad. But looks like its doable with proper bindings. I will have to try again myself.
For the SRV I bind the wheel turn and forward/reverse acceleration to the joystick.
+Gigi Galli Throttle for forward and backward. Rudder for turning, and pitch and roll axies for turret control.
I see what you mean by going back to scratch. But glad I did.
Hey quick question for you, I'm considering buying a rift + hotas setup for elite but I'm wondering how it is control wise if you can't see the buttons and no mouse either.
How would that be navigating the galaxy map or trying to get things like gear down or retract hardpoints if your in a rift and can't see? Also with the throttle is there a way to quickly set it to zero? When I jump in the first thing I do is go for zero throttle to not smash into the star.
hey Obasidian i was looking at joy sticks but wondering which one to get which one do you think is better? "X52 Pro Flight System", or the "X52 Flight System" thanks
Still happy with the Wathog?
I'm using my X52 Pro. Since 2016, driver works well for the Saitek/Logitech HOTAS
And with gently use, it will last a few years aswell. (In my hands since 2013)
Only the connection cabels are a joke. When looking at it, it get loose. Sort of PS/2 connector.
Thank you
I use my Thrustmaster Hotas 4 on my PC. Yeah, it's lightweight, but I like it.
sorry mate, but this hotas setup was designed as a real simulator hotas. A real plane doesn't have a twisty stick for yaw, they have rudder pedals, which thrust master does sell in conjunction with the warthog
Keyboard and mouse and i fly smooth as it can get.
(Yas the economy and paychecks in my country make owning a Rhino/Warthog downright almost impossible)
I am so jealous tho, would love to fly with one of these :(
They aren't worth it. Thrustmaster makes garbage.
The warthog seems to pivot more than the x55. Do you find that takes a while to get used to or is it negligible?
Did your x55 develop a fault. Some of my buttons on my x55 throttle have stopped working.
+ian macpherson This is what worry me with going to the Saitek path.
How long you have been using the X55 yes?
+usinkangkong I had the x55 just under two years. Do your self a favour buy the thrust master warthog. I have an additional button box so can still you x55.
+ian macpherson Yes sir, but I have bought the X52 Pro from Amazon few days ago, and was kinda afraid and counting days till something failed. Was thinking of returning back to Amazon for full refund before the 30 days return period is over.
+usinkangkong If it was me I would return this. okay the thrustmaster is a expensive stick. But as far as I am aware there is no build issues. satiek on the other hand has. I am not sure with regards to x52 pro if there is issues.
Understood matey thanks for the friendly advice, I would use them for few more days to get good memory of it before returning them :D
Would try my luck with the cheaper CH Products first before plunging with Warthog :D
does the dual throttle have any use in elite dangerous? are there two engines or only one? if so then couldnt you yaw by moving one further up than the other?
Hey OA just received my 6th yes sixth set of X55's each set replaced under warranty from saitek has developed an issue the last being grunchy left and right axis but smooth still up and down. Looking to buy the CH setup I'd love you too do a review if you can of that setup with the pedals. Ps you can fit the warthog and X55's to the wheel stand pro which I have its great!
+George Lawther The Pro Throttle is great (I use one in combination with a T16000M stick), though I can't offhand see a need for pedals in flight... though they could be kinda neat for driving an SRV.
Mate. I love you videos that could you do me a favour? Please with the same controller of the Hotas warthog I know you did this video 8 years ago, but I've only just got my controller a few weeks ago. Is it any change you could make a video on how to do key binding with the game and the controller folk? I have some problems with reading? And I really don't know what I am doing with the setup. If you can make a tutorial step-by-step on setting up the game with the flight stick that would be much appreciated not only for me for other players around the world. Take cark and God bless.
I am going to throw my 2cents in the hat. Call it A cheap tip.
I like the rest of us was dreaming for days thats Space Sims returned. I have invested all of my extra money into my rig. Witch include Obutto R3volution cockpit (with all upgrades), logitech z906 speakers, Track Ir and 3x ASUS VG248QE 24'' 144hz 1ms Monitors. I am disabled and well don't leave my house ... so this is my world.
I have Used A few Hotas setups. X52 (Saitek verson not the new mad catz version), X55 and Warthog.
I had the x52 for A long time .. but not much use, due to lack of games. Had Pre-ordered the X55. When I got in the X55, Was go threw health issues and it set in the box un open for A few months. Do not even thing ED was out yet. I gave away the X52 , Assuming the X55 would more then replace it. When I got around to using the X55 and had all kinds of issues. 1day the joy stick was defective, had to send it into mad catz for RMA ... cost 50.00 to send it in. took 2 weeks the replaced the top half of the joystick same based I had before. This did fix that issue. Then I was having ghosting issues for long time .. come to find out it was due to have team speak installed ... the customer support response was for me to uninstall teamspeak ... took them over A year to update their software to work with TS. (crazy) .. about 6 months ago .. my right throttle stick just snapped off when I pulled on it. ( it was mounting to the Obutto cockpit , the cockpit has A hand screw that can tighten and hold it in place , however if you have your throttle deployed your keyboard tray can not be flush for use, so I would un tighten and just rotate out the throttle to give room for tray, Pulling it from the right throttle it just broke off one day, the wires stayed , just the plastic broke) ... after looking it overI could see it was A very thing piece of plastic that is supporting it. I would say is 1/3 inch long and a little bit thinner then A tooth pick. ) just made very very cheaply. I end up fixing this myself with some JB plastic weld. Also , should note the x 55 switches are not switches , they are 2 way buttons. Up is one button and down is another button.. their is no on or off. Other then these issues , the system works and buttons are well laid out and it fits my hands. Thrustmaster warthog, This thing is Really well made ... I had it for about 20 days before returning it ... I just could not get use to not having the 3rd axies on the joystick .. I am one of the weird-o-s that use my twist for roll ( i know this is wrong , but how i have been doing it for 20 years ) .. I was going to order some really nice pedals from overseas , however they were backorder for long time ... so I just went back to the X55. What i know now. Saitek is dead, their is no real quailty to any of their stuff anymore .. it is all on par with mad catz QC ... when you do spend your money on something .. make sure too use it alot before your return period is out ... however their is not much choice ... really wish CH would wake up and start adding more buttons to their products ...
It has been a year and a little more. How is the warthog holding up. In the past year I have gone through two rhino x-56. Nice stick when they work. Both units broke on the twist of the stick. Dealing with warranty was more than a nightmare. Am considering the warthog or just going with a cheap stick and use it like disposable.
I got the Warthog after playing DCS a lot. I was wondering if coming back to Elite with it but I was worried about the stiffness- I'm a lot gentler on the stick in DCS than Elite and was wondering if it would induce more strain on my hand and wrist.
Given its price and the way ED plays I think most people would be happier with X52Pro although it might well be another matter for dedicated flight simmers.The lack of yaw on the stick is an absolute deal-breaker for people like me. Something more intangible is the fact that the Warthog actually looks like an aircraft HOTAS while the X52Pro has a much more "sci-fi" look. In addition, the throttle on the X52Pro is perhaps the most comfortable and intuitive available at any price. In any case, this is very much a personal matter and I fully respect your choice. My own personal "math" is that ED is a game and the X52Pro looks to me like the best match: Not too expensive but still well-built, extremely functional, and looks the part.
+gapper3 Do you think the X52 Pro is well-built? How do you think of its build quality and how long you have been using them?
Heard a lot of rumours regarding its build quality after Mad Catz take over of Saitek.
+usinkangkong Seems to be a mixed bag. I've read comments from people who got a defective X52Pro right out of the box, and others who claim that theirs has lasted through years of hard use. I've had mine for several months and couldn't be happier. Although I've never had a Warthog, I also own a X-65F and a T-Flight HOTAS. The X52Pro blows them out of the water in terms of comfort and ease of use. No doubt in my mind that the Warthog is the way to go for very serious flight simmers but if Elite is your go-to game, I really think the X52Pro is a better match. Also, I play with an Oculus DK2, and all the switches on the Warthog throttle would be useless to me while the X52Pro has enough functionality on the stick and throttle to map every Elite function. Just my opinion, mind :)
There is nothing wrong with this controller but the darn PRICE. Cheapest price on Amazon as of this post is over $650, and for the casual gamer not worth the expense.
Was the X56 out when this video was published?
I think the Warthog is the defacto *king* of all HOTAS, but the X56 was designed specifically with space sims in mind.
Have you tried it?
I had a X-56 Rhino and it was doa, as in the joystick wouldn't recenter by it self and jam up no matter which springs i used for it.
I think all current gen hotas are useless, i played a lot better when i was using joystick and KB and mouse for SRV
I don't know if I could use a standard HOTAS, I'm using dual joysticks and I feel like, for this type of game, there's nothing that can beat it. I wish I had some better sticks though, I'm using my old Sidewinder FFB 2 that I bought around 2000, it's still great but the few buttons on the top is a little lacking for Elite. My second stick is a cheap Saitek ST290pro, this one I love the buttons, but the stick itself isn't anything to write home about.
I try to play with mouse and keyboard but the need to use a HOTAS is great since the immersion is not the same and it feels uncomfortable to move the mouse
Hey @obsidianant I would love to know what your thoughts are on the warthog a couple years on. I have been considering one.