Saitek X65F review

[SUBS17]

http://tv.hexus.net/show/2010/01/CES_2010_...AS_from_Saitek/

Looks nice but expensive.

[Peppermint]

Hefty price, and that 'force sensing' will keep me away from this thing. Sorry, but it seems whenever something great like this comes out, there's always one thing on it that will keep me from buying it. Force sensing is the main thing I don't like, maybe a great idea for something else? Not for a joystick designed for flight simulators though...

[toprob]

Yes, this is a bit like TrackIR -- I'd have to try it first for it to make sense:) Luckily TrackIR worked as promised, but I'm just not too sure about this.

I had a little experiment with my joystick, holding it still with one hand and trying to imagine how force-sensing would work. However I kept thinking that the way I fly, the joystick requires to be in a specific position in space -- I know where to move it to for most manoeuvres. How far I move it and how fast I move it are two different things. How can I control these different things with basically one 'force'? Does the force control the speed of the ailerons, or the movement time? When I reach the bank I want, what then? At the moment I hold the joystick stationary at that point, with force-sensing do I still 'hold' it, by using force, or release it?

It looks like I need to do some more research...

[benwynn]

Yeah, not a fan of this 'force sensing' thing. Do any aircraft sticks actually have this?

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (benwynn @ Jan 19 2010, 11:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, not a fan of this 'force sensing' thing. Do any aircraft sticks actually have this?

Yes IRL the F-16 and the F22 both have this, movement is restricted to 1/4 of an inch. There is a mod for the Cougar from realsimulator called the FSSB that makes the Cougar exactly like the real F-16s stick with force sensing.(R1 is 320Euros and R2 is 450 Euros)
http://www.realsimulator.com/html/fssb.html

This is good for FBW jets but I don't know about how it handles with other aircraft types.

QUOTE

What is Force Sensing?



In a world first for a manufactured simulation controller, the X65F’s stick does not move; instead, like those found in real modern fighter jets, it responds to pressure that you exert on the handle, resulting in a fast, accurate and realistic response that will make you the ace in your squadron. With no moving parts and a shaft that is made from high grade steel, this provides incredible reliability and longevity.[/quote]

X65F costs US $399.99 each
http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/x65f.htm

I think if I were looking for a Hotas I would be more interested in the TM A-10C Hotas or the CH A-10C Hotas although the TM one has more features than the CH.
Check out the banner:

http://www.thrustmaster.com/







Compared to the military grade CH:

Both A-10C hotas use Hall effect sensors.

Last edited by SUBS17 on Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

[SUBS17]

Another review
http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/technology_158a.html

[Ian Warren]

hell i could be very interested with the A10 stick and throttle