Review of the Saitek X52 Pro – Flightstick, Throttle and Multi-Function Display

Today at FlightSimulationGuru.com we’re going to take a look at the Saitek X52 Pro flightstick and throttle set and it’s use with Microsoft Flight Simulator version X. I’m not actually planning on using the X52 in my home cockpit build, but had an opportunity to check one out and though I’d review it for the site. I am, however, planning on using the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke system and associated throttles with my build and will be reviewing that kit in the near future so stay tuned.

The bulk of my review is contained in the video below, with a few follow up comments added afterwards.

As a follow up, I would say that the X52 is an excellent option for anyone looking to take their flight simulator experience to the next level without building any of their own custom controls or displays. However, for the serious enthusiast the X52 basically comes across as a fancy video game controller (which at the end of the day is what it is). I’m not incorporating it into my home cockpit build since I’m building my own custom control buttons and displays; however, if I wasn’t going to all that trouble then I’d be happy to use the X52.

By far the biggest breakthrough with this setup is bringing an external display and associated controls (for radios, autopilot…) away from the standard single monitor and keyboard setup. Although the display on the X52 is quite primitive compared with what one can buy for a lot more money, or people have built themselves, it’s a fantastic start for a mainstream consumer system.

I gave the X52 a FlightSimulationGuru.com score of 8 out of 10 (very good). All the good things are highlighted in the video. The system lost points primarily for a slightly loose feel to the flightstick movement, with no ability to adjust the tension, and also the annoyingly short cables.

Congrats to Saitek on a great product and I look forward to seeing what comes next.