Fighting Irish Forums

Anybody have this setup? What do they think of it? I am all for the super great sticks and all of that, but I have to balance it with the fact that I have other things that are greater financial priorities. So, with that said, is the Thrustmaster Afterburner FFB HOTAS a fair setup?

... since I don´t know have this set up. I´m currently using the Saitek AV8R, a cheap but its money worth stick ...

I thought about getting that one, but I am not really a fan of rudder twist sticks. Just a personal preference, though.

Dude, you mean to tell me you're not using a mouse+keyboard to fly? OMG, n00b! I bet you don't even reverse the vertical axis!



I have an X-52 and for me it's just about the perfect setup but I agree about the twist rudder... as soon as I have some money to burn I think I'll check out the new Saitek pedals, have heard good things about em.

Thrustmaster products feel a bit toyish and tend to be overpriced for what they are. My X-52 wasn't cheap but was still good value, even moreso if you were to buy one today. After getting used to the programming software I don't think I could live without all the extra HOTAS functions; it's a true HOTAS controller, unlike the Afterburner. That said, I've never used a FFB stick, maybe that's the clincher. Does it vibrate when the plane crashes? Cause I don't think I could handle that much vibration..........

:FI:Moog wrote:Dude, you mean to tell me you're not using a mouse+keyboard to fly? OMG, n00b! I bet you don't even reverse the vertical axis!



I have an X-52 and for me it's just about the perfect setup but I agree about the twist rudder... as soon as I have some money to burn I think I'll check out the new Saitek pedals, have heard good things about em.

Thrustmaster products feel a bit toyish and tend to be overpriced for what they are. My X-52 wasn't cheap but was still good value, even moreso if you were to buy one today. After getting used to the programming software I don't think I could live without all the extra HOTAS functions; it's a true HOTAS controller, unlike the Afterburner. That said, I've never used a FFB stick, maybe that's the clincher. Does it vibrate when the plane crashes? Cause I don't think I could handle that much vibration..........

I actually pilot my plane with willpower!!

Actually, I am replacing an old Logitech stick. I wanted something that was HOTAS, and I wanted Force Feedback to add to the immersion. The reason I am looking at the Afterburner is that it is FFB, has some basic HOTAS and is not over $100. I looked at the Saitek X-52, but it doesn't have FFB, and I really like having the feedback from the controls. I don't need a HOTAS to do everything. I can press a couple of buttons before take-off and landing.

With that said, if Saitek did make a FFB X-52, then I think I would have to save a few extra pennies for one. I just wanted to know if people found that the Afterburner was at least a solid stick to use, or if it was going to break in a month.

My Saitek Evo FFB is still giving good service after nearly 2 years. Well worth considering if you're on a budget. It still uses the twist rudder, but a simple conversion of some old racing pedals patched into an old joystick works well enough for me.

See if you can find a store that has both and compare.

...never had a FFB stick, so I don't miss anything there.

But I've had very good luck with the Saitek products. Started with the X-36 HOTAS system. When wore that out, finances limited me to the ST-290 Twist Stick (worth the $20.00!), but I now have the X-52 Pro Hotas Control System and Pedals. Some serious Googling found a complete set for under $350, including shipping.

The pedals have a friction adjustment and toe-brakes. plus yaw operation is very realistic, unlike racing pedals.

Financial limitations considered, if you can live without the Hotas try the Evo FFB with a pedal set.

You won't be sorry!

I'm no help either... I've never had FFB and I've only ever used Saitek, with the exception of one CH stick that I absolutely loved... But I got poorer and had to "settle" for Saitek after it broke. The X-52 and Saitek ruddder pedals are a great buy for the money. But if your main concern is FFB, then they obviously aren't the stick/rudder combo for you.

Well, it looks like this is a Saitek place. It still remains to be seen what I will get. There are so few reviews of the Afterburner, and they are mixed reviews. That scares me a little bit. Saitek seems to be a known entity. It would be cool if you could get the EVO and the X-52 throttle as a unit.

loosecannon wrote:Well, it looks like this is a Saitek place. It still remains to be seen what I will get. There are so few reviews of the Afterburner, and they are mixed reviews. That scares me a little bit. Saitek seems to be a known entity. It would be cool if you could get the EVO and the X-52 throttle as a unit.

They are bringing this out:-

I just got that yesterday. Cord's a bit short. Seems functional enough. Easy to set up and program. Good tension on the throws. Works perfectly well along with the CH HOTAS. Certainly gives the old desk a more cockpity feel what. Anyway I think I'd be sure to get everything else first. You won't 'need ' this for awhile.

If you hang on a few months you can get a truly next generation control system:



Early rumours say the single fire button is fully programmable and features both ON and OFF modes.

Something that classy must be expensive. I think I could afford to pay two bills for that, but I would bet it would be close to 3 bills. Quality doesn't come cheap.

does that thing come with rudder pedals?

:FI:Mikester wrote:does that thing come with rudder pedals?

It can be bought separately, but comes with new flight yoke (pedals extra).