Logitech X-56 Rhino HOTAS for DCS World, Star Citizen & MSFS (2024)

I have this very stick. Not only do I have the ~lightest spring installed I also have a zip tie around it to compress it further and make it even lighter. He has it exactly backwards. You don't want stiffer for precise movements, you want smoother, and to get this you need lighter movement weight not heavier. As myself has flown UH-1H's in real life, I can tell you, the amount of force needed to move a hydraulic powered flight control is so minute that you pretty much just have to think about it. If you try to move the stick a lot, you'll end up dead real quick. The same is true for the F-16 stick, where in real life it only moves 1/4" in every direction ~that's how sensitive it is, and it was initially designed with only 1/8" of movement but pilots didn't like it because it didn't move enough. Even in a Cessna, you'd be surprised how little force is actually needed during normal flight. It's like driving a car. You only move that sucker a little bit at high speed for a major change, and they only find center through gyroscopic forces, that have nothing to do with the steering wheel. This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. I love this stick and as both a real world aircraft mechanic and sim enthusiast, I can tell you, this stick is a great and low price alternative to the Thrustmaster Warthog, and the Virpl flight controls. The prices he's talking about in this video aren't set by Logitech but the retailer. I got mine for $249 last year, you just have to know how look at other places other than Amazon, and Ebay for deals. I have no issues with helicopter flight or precise movement with this stick.

this is an awesome review from someone who actually talks you about the details on the controls, how the inputs fell, any problems with different parts, and goes deeper than just the feels of the controls.

As someone who just barely scraped one of these from a store with a few left and has it in the mail... this was a rollercoaster lol

"Fly an adult jet with one engine"
*Me locking up said engine in EO in my Flanker*

I dont know why so many people are having trouble with this hotas. I do fine movements on BMS and DCS almost everyday and I've never had any problems with it. The HOTAS is just working fine for me.

Thanks for the excellent review, i was considering this and the Warthog and ended up with the Warthog. My decision was sealed after I read about the X56's lack of tension/stiffness (which was the same reason i sold my X52 Pro many years ago) and it being equally lacking in weight for assured desktop usage. Your comments on the buttons/levers were especially useful.

Very well said and executed. The detailed description and the attention to every part let alone the comparison with other products blatendly depicts the effort you put into the making of this brilliant commentary. Thank you for posting this beyond helpful review to the public!

It's my first hotas and I love it. I have somewhat smaller hands so pressing multiple buttons at the same time isn't a problem for me.
Also as for the USB bit, my motherboard has a ton of ports on the back. Some of them are Usb 3.1, which I use for both the throttle and stick, and those don't give any problems with random button inputs. The motherboard is a TUF B450-PLUS GAMING. There's also a ton of other crap in the other USB ports at the same time; mouse, keyboard, a controller, headset and there are no issues this way.

I upgraded from a Logitech Extreme 3D stick to the X56 when playing Elite Dangerous, and the change in my gameplay was incredible. I also use this a lot in combination with the Logitech G923 wheel for Farming Simulator 19 and 22. The number of available mappings makes gameplay much more immersive for me, especially when combined with VR.

after 3 years of use for this stick i can vouch for it, this stick is good for a-10c f16 and f18 in dcs because of the all 190+ programable buttons, as for the stick i had 0 problems with it, i use the lightest spring and i can say that it moves like butter, i even got a guy to make the x56 joystick all metal wich feels more durable. If you want a dcs experience for starters this is the one thing you can get now. Good review!

Wow, I forgot I bought star citizen. Jeez, that was like 8 years ago

I have the Logitech x56 (same HOTAS, Logitech just bought Saitek) and I have experienced none of the power issues that he describes here. I agree that the deadzones need to be set larger than i would like due to the mushiness when the ring isn’t engaged though. However, the presence of the ministicks on the throttle and stick make this a really great option for VR DCS players.

Thanks for that awesome and indepth review, showing some of the problems and quirks not talked about usually.

07:15 I had the same issue. It is quite easy to solve in DCS: use user curve for axis tune. Adjust knobs in that way that responce curve has flat part in your "usual" zoom position.

Bought this set when Microsoft flight simulator 2020 came out. It works so im happy

Bought my X-56 for approx $130 second hand a couple of years back as the throttle part had a few input problems. I figured out with reference to sites on the common failures of the throttles.
There was a great set up for me in SC at Alpha 3.4, but when they changed the flight system it failed to work and I haven't really sat down to remap it yet. I do have a problem with the throttle box disconnecting from the PC from time to time, but your video may have helped me, as it might just be a power issue to resolve as most of my USB's are being used on my ROG Hero VII motherboard along with an RX 5700XT and artic 34 eSports Duo processor cooler.
Having tried on a real military simulator for air to air refueling of a multi engine aircraft, it is one of the hardest things I have ever tried and failed multiple times, the longest I stayed connected was 0.5 seconds. This was part of our training as RAF aircraft technicians at RAF Kinloss.

I actually quite like the lack of centre tension, I find it useful for formation flying and refuelling.

I saw this video before when evaluating the X-56. I only remembered the USB part, what's wrong with an externally powered USB hub that takes current from the same outlet your PC does and skips the Power Supply altogether? All it's doing is acting like a HUB with higher power levels. Also the problem with the X-56 isn't the power consumption but the Signal to Noise Ratio that creates the problems you're talking about, in Electrical Engineering that's called Crosstalk. That's actually solved through Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering (the FCC/CE logos you see in products) and it has nothing to do with power intake at the USB port. That's just a work around to deal with bad EMC design and probably a lack of filtering. I got my X-56 off of ebay for less than 100 and you're totally right about all of its symptoms. I returned the X-52 before and you're also right about the stick(when it comes to behavior not really about stiffness being the cause). Because I knew all as well as learning the mechanical engineering reasons of what constitutes a good gimbal that I went with VKB and I would have gone with VKB for the throttle as well and not with Virpil. In short even though Virpil is famous their EMC design is just as bad if not worst than Thrustmaster's and TBH VKB are the only ones who have a clean EMC design.

I've been using an X-56 RGB for a couple of years and I got it for the $250 I got it shortly after it was released. I've never had any issue with the hardware in star citizen or elite dangerous. I have it plugged into an external wall powered USB HUB from anker. It's been a great HOTAS and a joy to use. IMHO.

Also thank you for the in depth review. I was considering this thing but I feel like it could be done better for the price point.

i had the saitek version, which had an issue with the cam sticking, when i sent it back I got a replacement under warranty to the Logitech version. The plastics and electronics have definitely received an upgrade with the logitech version and I find the cam much better on the stick. Also I find that using USB 2.0 ports (or a PS/2 to USB adapter for those with older motherboards with the dedicated PS/2 mouse port) are much more stable than using the newer ports on my inputs. maybe this will help for those with USB issues.
I also have just invested in a VKB stick to go dual stick and even thought the build quality and smoothness is noticeably better, the price of the stick alone was what I paid for the entire HOTAS for the X56.

So technical and detailed. Thank you so much.

Great in-depth review! Thanks.

I just got a T.16000M dual stick set for MSRP! I love em so much. I'm still new to world of Hotas/Hosas, but it's incredible! Once I get used to it I'll check out some nicer sticks.

Thank you so much for this extremely thorough and high quality review. It has saved me a lot of wasted money and headaches, Ill be going for a VIRPIL setup I think. Can buy it piecemeal, its upgradable, hopefully it's as high quality as I've heard (and with broad usage options as you described).
Amazing, thanks again. I would love to see more reviews like this on as many sticks as you can!

I'm so glad I found this cause I've been on the fence about it for a few weeks.

I completely agree with the finite controls issue (had an x55), the spring and centring mechanism has a weird breaking point (force required to move the stick and get a response) where its too much so you over and when you correct for it you over correct causing PIO in Air to air refuelling that you don't notice in any other types of flight. Personally I have never had any issue with the Control layout or size/position that other reviewers have had, but I suspect that this may be because I have larger hands than them. But yea good entry level hotas.

Yep that makes sense, my x55 is also a no refueling stick lol.
I have however doubled up on the spring by lining them up and melting a pipe sleeve to help hold them in place. Tensions better but not perfect.

Nice Review. If I ever go into Sticks again I will try to remember you!

Works good for me. I have found that no Hotas system out there is perfect. And It works great in Star Citizen!

WOW, what an unbiased appraisal of the X56. GREAT video and most helpful to someone looking to replace their trusty but aging X52pro Hotas. I was (Am) looking to the X56 and the Warthog, and your video has certainly made me think very hard.
Whilst i don't play DCS (Why Not i wonder as it looks right up my street), i flight sim in X-Plane, MSFS 2020, Elite Dangerous, so am after a setup that will do all 3. There are plenty of 'USED' X56's on the bay and other markets, but after watching your video, it makes me ask the question 'Why are they selling'? Hmmmm Faulty switch, wobbly joystick....Alarm bells ring............... STAY AWAY FROM 2nd HAND X56!
Thanks Man, often on here reviewers give a false positive as they have bought it and want it to be good, but this video of yours is a in depth breath of fresh air exposing some critcal flaws of the X56, whilst showing the possible benefits.
Thank you Sir!

Sotas, the quintessential piece of equipment for all virgin starter packs everywhere.

Excellent review, very detailed and exact. You helped me make up my mind!

I can attest to the USB issue especially being a owner of the original Saitek model and I didn't see that USP issue till I plugged in not only the sticking throttle but the foot pedal and I was playing Elite dangerous in VR

I run my X52 pro on a USB3 hub. USB3 has loads of power available, which fixed the power issues for me no worries. I also run a button box with 20+ controls, which does help with complex stuff.

what stick/thrttoel combos would you recommend at different price points right now? I have to have it stand on my desk and cant mount it for now because i have a racing sim which means i need my desk for normal work etc.

Excellent review, thank you.

I know the review is 3 years old but as of 2023 December, the issues talked about in this video still persist with this HOTAS. Thank you greatly for the video, I had purchased it before seeing your video, and searched when i noticed the issues, promptly sent back to Amazon

Those loose springs are a must for space and helicopter pilots. Actually wanted even weaker spring on mine, but it ended up not centering too well. I'd need different axis system / cams for which i have to invest to virpil.

Personally, coming from a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro... I think this thing is great. And I "only" paid 325$ CND (about 250$ USD) for it, new. I consider it a fair price. Now, I agree with all the things you said that are wrong with it. It's far from perfect, but so far, I'm happy with it. I have no issues with USB power, although I make sure to use different headers (one from the back and one from the front) so maybe, in my case, it does the trick. And I have a good motherboard. The Logitech software is frustrating to use... and I'm still debating if I should use it with modes or just map my controls in games... Right now I have a mix of both and it's kind of a mess. But... at least it offers options. So.... I don't know. It's not perfect, but overall good enough for a casual gamer if you want more than a basic joystick. If you want more, just accept to pay more than what it offers, and move on to the high end options right away.

One of the many reasons I've stuck with CH Products since 1992.

With the usb power issue, you can buy powered usb hubs that plug into the wall. A lot of sim players will mount a powered usb hub onto the bottom of their chair, and plug all their hotas controllers into that.

I have the X55 HOTAS which is basicly the same, and this review is pretty much spot on with all the issues I've had as well. Looking to swap it out

This review is quite accurate. I owned one of these, and hats off to you for lasting this long with it because lasted about 5 minutes before I hit the refund button on amazon. I had to set a massive dead zone on the stick because it was that lose even after changing out the spring to the stiffest I could find in the box. Loaded up War Thunder Sim battle, the hotas didn't even register, loaded up Elite Dangerous and I had the input situation you were talking about, moved the throttle and every single command possible activated. Honestly, this was a lesson learned for me, I found it for $400 on amazon (price hike thanks to Microsoft Flight Sim), but with all these issues, hell I wouldn't want to pay more than maybe a $100 for this.

A while back I upgraded from an old Logitech G940 FFB (which i still use on occasion) to an X56 HOTAS. Initially I liked it although I did miss the FFB. I liked the abundance of switches and axis' and I liked that it was a very generic setup because I use my HOTAS for a number of flight sims and space sims. However, it wasn't long before two big issues became very apparent. First, the slop in the joystick was extremely noticable and problematic. The second and much larger issue was the ghost inputs, mostly from the throttle. I tried every fix and remedy I could find on Google and various forums, and while a few of them decreased the frequency of the ghost inputs, none of them eliminated the problem completely. The slop in the stick was something I could fix. But the ghost inputs were a deal breaker and I have since upgraded to a Winwing Orion 2 HOTAS.

theres a few things incorrect in your review, and a few things i downright disagree with as an X-56 owner myself.
1. the USB ghost button issue, as long as you have the stick and throttle plugged into different headers on your board, you will not have an issue (try putting one on USB 2.0 and the other on 3.0 or 3.1)
2. the thumb hats and right side toggle switches require some getting used to, they are not the best design, but they are far from useless as you have made them out to be.
3. You are spot on in your assessment of the stick. I replaced it with a VKB gunfighter, and will never look back.

I end up using the mode knob for Nav -> M1, Air-to-Air -> M2 and Air-to-Ground -> M3 in DCS. Pretty useful for me.

My main purpose is to use this for MSF 2020. Though I have other games to play with like DCS, Elite Dangerous and even Ace Combat, I know this joystick will be enough. Though I dream of having an all out great hardware set, this will be a good upgrade from a simple console joystick on my pc.
Thanks for the real input. Especially about the USB scenario. I never even thought about that. And I'm almost out of USB ports!
Cheers!

This is the best X56 review on RUclips. Please look at the VKB Gladiator NXT.

When my stick gets floppy, I just double click her mouse wheel!

Interestingly, I don't have this USB issue with the X56, but I did get my stick about 5 months after this review came out, so perhaps the X56 was updated behind the scenes?
I do have issues with the fine stuff though, but that's alright because I don't do much precise inputs in DCS. The most precise thing I need is landing, which is fine on the X56. Great review!

One should set a dead zone on a stick only if the output signals are 'noisy' and hence inducing a jittery response. The really bad thing about dead zones is that they remove the center zone where the smallest deflections are effected. That is, the dead zone results in a sudden jump from zero to some larger value, with no intermediate scaling. This is how to REMOVE the ability to make the very fine inputs for such precision control necessary for, e.g., aerial refueling.
To illustrate with an extreme example. Suppose one set a dead zone that cut out the lower 50% of deflection. One would then be able to push the stick through half its range to no effect at all. Then once crossing the dead zone threshold, suddenly the deflection output would jump to 50%. To counter this the curve of response would need to be re-scaled so that at the half-deflection threshold the output would be just commencing to rise from zero.
But if there is overall 'noisiness' in the sensor, there will remain the problem of jitter at those small output deflections anyway. And the need of setting that center range of zero response is by itself detrimental to fine control. The ideal always is to have crisp response, with output deflection being completely continuous and uninterrupted through the center range of movement. To that end, non-noisy sensors are your best friend. If potentiometers, periodic replacement is wise under heavy use. And if the manufacturer or a 3rd Party make them available. A Hall effect sensor should be free of this issue.

I own and use the X55 which I really like - had it for years but only recently it's had some button issues. I'll probably buy the X56 - it's not perfect - I have small hands so have to re-adjust for the top buttons but button clashing has never been an issue and the low resistance I quite like. Inaccuracy of the stick honestly has never been an issue either, the dead zone is quite large but I don't mind that. The great gains for this HOTAS are in the name - it's the ability to map everything so you don't have to rely on a keyboard, the software is great and the mapping combinations numerous with the 3x toggle selection triple your available mappings. For VR this stick is fantastic. The biggest issue for me is that I can't really find an alternative that works as nice across those big three titles and Elite Dangerous.

I personally own this exact, model. I have had some issues with centering and rotating buttons value output changing when it wasn't moved. typically in +/- 50.(5% change) For those that don't know this stick goes on a scale from 1-1000 as output values. I solved the centering issue by adding a dead-zone of 5. I do agree with @ImpendingJoker the lighter spring is much better for precision. After calibrating both controllers. it solved most issues mentioned. For some buttons yes the clearance is very tight and sometimes hard to hit the right button. However, after a couple weeks, you settle in quite easily, and learn the proper positioning for those buttons on the controller.
I do wish that rest stop on the stick was actually adjustable. Would make hitting those hard to reach buttons much better.
I use this joystick/ throttle combo for all of the games mentioned. without any issues. By far the best Stick/Throttle combo I've ever owned.
on the precision site. for minute control, with deadzone set to 5 on both x/y axis, minute changes occur right as you start to feel spring pressure. Which helped with mid air refueling in dcs.
@leadnap Gaming I would suggest changing to the lightest spring, deadzone on the stick set to 5 on x/y axis, and try it again. The stiffest spring, sucks as much as you say it does, but not trying to other springs, means you only tested the worst of this system. Alot of people i know that use this controller all use the lightest spring.

The part with the USB hub was really important information. I just ordered an X56 to replace my reaaaaally old X52. And i have one of the best USB hubs available still in my old PC. First i will try without and if i encounter any issues i am gonna switch it into my new PC and bam. So that is a W for me.
Thanks a lot lad. :)

Having bought and used the x56 after watching this video i must say its suprisingly good
i have had mine for about 10 months now and i was never short of buttons (not even with the a10 in dcs) and i have also never had any problems with any buttons not working
the stick is kinda loose after a while but i guess thats just how springs works (they do give you the stick with multiple springs)

Lemme axe you a question though -- if you take out the spring altogether and you like a floppy, loose stick, is there still a dead zone at center or is it responsive all the way? Personally I don't want "return to center" tension. Is the dead zone a result of the spring tensioner or is it there even without the spring?

I'm glad you came back to it towards the end, that this is a very good stick for Star Citizen.
I've never played DCS. so I can't relate to those issues that just sounded "Not-Picky" to me.
Those minute adjustments for your midair refuling are PERFECTLY done with the 2 little thumbsticks. Though I don't know if you can program them for that in DCS. I have my left thumbstick as strafe up, down, right and left. And my right thumbstick as Strafe forward and backward. In essence, you get HOSAS with those thumbsticks.
I've got speed limiter and thrust limiter on the split throttle. So with cruise control the speed limiter acts as a throttle, but when you want finer, or more temporary control, turn off cruise Control and use the strafe.
I wonder if you got a bad stick, Christmas will mark 2 years for mine, and with the lightest spring, mine centers well. Recently I get a tiny yaw left. So I put a tiny X dead zone in the SC settings. And that fixed that.
Your best points were the sad truth that in the flightstick world, we go from cheap $30 crap, to barely adequate at about $100 to this colossal jump to $500-$1000. With only the X55/56 in the Gap. (and forget about the 55. Those thumbsticks are well worth every penny).
I've had many org mates complain about Drift settling in to their T16000 within a few months. And that it has very few programmable buttons and switches. I still have a good dozen unassigned spots on my X56 just waiting for things like shield hardening missile select.
A while ago I made a 5 minute video showing my Keybinds for SC. I've made a couple of tiny changes since I got a Khartu-Al. But I'd take it as a courtesy if you'd take a look at that vídeo. I actually made it for Cobra when he was considering to buy a stick.
MY ONE COMPLAINT right now is I need a side handle button, like on my VR controller. I used to have Weapon group 2 on the pinky, but with the Khartu-Al I need afterburn to NOT be thumb activated, but not be a reach (tried putting it on the pinky lever, but that's just a bit awkward)
I really wish I could design my own flightstick. But have a list of top notch parts. I just don't have the resources to R&D every part to make sure I find wires that won't break in 6 months and triggers that won't malfunction after 50,000 pulls.

I do have the ghost button issue as well due to the power draw and it was infuriating whilst I was trying to trouble shoot it. Fix for me was to deactivate the LED's in the X56 software and I haven't had the issue since. Not great however if you love the LED's. The review is also spot on with A2A refuelling in DCS, very difficult due to having to set a slight dead zone at centre.

My tip for this stick is to snip the lightest spring at a desired level, and it will have a small amount of give before the spring "engages". This will allow for small micro adjustments that make little to no difference in normal flight, but huge difference when refueling or formation flying.

Waiting for my virpil hotas set, watching reviews for other sets in the meantime :p

this is interesting! I got the x 56 as wedding present and after 4 years and 300 hours in elite dangerous and 250 in dcs never had any problem except for the very fine control when flying in dcs. I always thought it was just that the game is difficult. Motherboard is a 250 Euro one so maybe that's why I never noticed any power problems...

Thank you for this excellent review!

Not sure the dimensions of the spring, but you may be able to use a 1/5th or 1/8th scale shock spring from Radio Controlled cars. You can cut the shock spring if it's too long.

Nice looking stuff. As a Logitech man myself I have been looking at it for the future

As someone who is considering a hotas setup, I would really like to learn more about the ergonomic considerations and options available. Specifically what I can use to make switching between mouse/keyboard and hotas more practicle; mounts, cabling options, etc.
I'm sure there are videos out there I just haven't found them yet but I really enjoy your perspective. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Started with DCS and a new PC in 2020 (Lockdowntherapy). My first Stick before was a Thrustmaster FLCS (F16 Stick and Throttle) but sadly don't work with newer PCs (without USB, DOS Software). Bought a X56 Rhino. Got in the Game but upgraded quickly to the Warthog. I miss the F16 like Throttle of my old Thrustmaster but the two separate Throttles are usefull for many DCS Birds and Helis. I still have the 56 and the Twist Axis is a quick Fix for my missing Pedals in Helis.

I just bought the X-56, I have the older blue version. I actually love mine, but my previous hotas was my ps3 Thrustmaster T-Flight X. There is now a shortage on Entry Level Hotas and this was the first one that became available under $300 ($250). I couldn't be happier with this HOTAS, I use it for Elite:Dangerous and Star Citizen. Still a very new user, I think I have my Elite setup finally the way I want it, but Star Citizen is still a work in progress... I may end up using the software to map to keyboard shortcuts to get more options. I think the problem I came across in Star Citizen is on the thruster side, the up down button on the front is mapping as z-axis, which is the same as the actual thruster moving forward and back, and also the rotating knobs are considered all z-axis on controller 2. I am still working on getting past that issue to make all those extra knobs and switches to work.

Nice review, question is the X52 Pro similar in it's power hogging because I have been experiencing similar input problems?

14:16 don't you disrespect my flat-spinning F-14

I have one of these, and have exactly the same issue with the rotary on the throttle, which I'm using for my zoom axis too. It's the perfect spot for it, but jitters around like crazy.

Note: I have the x-55, but apparently the same exact issues made it to the x-56.
I think your comment near the end might be the real problem: too many USB ports in use creating conflict.
Not USB 2.0 vs 3.0 like I have found online or powered vs unpowered.
One person even went so far as to say that putting ferrite cores around wire groups IN the throttle assembly fixed it (which I could almost see work).
In the past, I never experienced ghosting because my sticks were individually connected to my previous PC through the Motherboard USB ports.
While I don't think behavior would be any different, I will say I had upgraded my PC before recently getting back into Elite Dangerous.
And my new setup has my HOTAS attached to my chair with mounts from monstertech. They sell an Anker USB 3.0 hub and so they are plugged in there.
Then, that hub was connected directly to a single USB 3.0 port on new motherboard. Note: all of my Mobo USB ports are used up.
Immediately, I began to experience ghosting.
After doing research, as I stated in the first paragraph, people had lots of potential solutions.
Even though powered was a possible solution, I didn't want to dig around and connect a powered PCI port, so I just purchased a 3.0 USB PCI card.
Upon moving my external USB plug to the new unpowered PCI USB card (unpowered), ghosting has been eliminated.

Fantastic review!!!

I used to own one of these things probably slightly older (x 52pro I think) with pedals too. The quality is really crappy and after little more then one year the throttle broke down and I had to throw the whole thing away. I went for a thrustmaster warthog combo and kept the pedals. BTW after a while the pedal's rubber went all gooey and I had to remove it with a screwdriver and a lot of Isopropylic alcohol (a messy job to be honest).
The warthog is worlds apart and is solid and heavy like a rock even after years of use. Most important metal is everywhere and both switches ans levers are high quality and don't lose tension. If you are really into flying Sim, don't be discouraged by prices and go for the TM. Finally if something breaks you can dismount the thing with easy and buy spare parts easily available from the store and even third part producers to customize your hotas.
I'm using it for Star Citizen at the moment but in this case a couple of TM 16000 left and right handed would probably be a better investment because of how the mechanics of flight work.

For the USB power issue , if I plug it in a USB multiplier in directly on power socks instead of pc? Should do the trick?

wow...an honest review. Thanks!

What's the best alternative in a similar pricerange? and why are there no new hotas from these guys since that came out like 4 years ago? I am totally new to this, but always wanted a hotas, so first time really looking at the different types

I personally do own an X56 and i franly think its great. I dont see myself going any higher than this unless FOMO gets the better of me. The reason i got the x56 is because i wanted a stick with magnetic sensors and this one did. I actually am 100% fine with what you consider a problem with it when it comes to finite controls. After modifying the curves a little bit, the x56 performs AMAZINGLY and i actually love the sensitivity in the center. I fly in elite dangerous which is probably why i dont find the centering an issue. I actually want that sensitivity, because a slight movement of my hand translates into very critical and needed adjustments when flying flight assist off. Also for me the throttle was too hard to move even on the lightest settings, i actually needed to take the back off and take out some of that goop for me to be able to move the thing how i like. The button layout on the throttle is problematic if you have average to large hands, i have small hands so i can navigate that area much easier than the average user so i dont have any issues with those. Also i dont have a detent on the black knobs on the base of the throttle so im not sure if its broken. All in all the x56 is an amazing stick especially for its price range and i encourage everyone to get it.

On point review. if this had come out before I bough one. I would have just saved and waited for virpil.

what should I buy instead?
I need precise movement, is it possible to fix tension to make stiffer myself?

I heard after Logitech bought Saitek, this HOTAS was reworked and is a much better HOTAS now. There are tons of good reviews on this on Amazon and I am planning on getting one. That blue one is the one by Saitek. Logitech one is grey.

doing my research and appreciate your input

How did you get the JAS39Gripen mod with Swedish lables at 0:35? I really want to try that :O

would you need rudder pedals to yaw with the X56 or does the X56 have the ability to yaw?

Just out of curiosity, couldn’t you just get an even stronger spring to really make sure it doesn’t jiggle?
Or is it the actual sensors that struggle?

Here is my experience with the X55 and X56. I brought an X55 a few years back (they are almost the same stick other than RGB), when I did they where about 120-150 GBP, about two months in with VERY light use (like an hour a week tops) it broke. The cables inside the throttle unit are incredibly weak and small trust me if you took the throttle apart like myself youd see, they basically go up into the throttle free floating around, a big bunch of like 50 cables that are that horrible plastic cable insulation not the more rubberised bendy sort thats resistant to breaking. The more times you move that throttle the more likely theyl just snap (this is on the X56 cables too btw).
Anyway I got a new X55 under warranty and the wheel for the throttle stiffness broke sticking me at max stiffness litterally the day I got it the first time I went to adjust the stiffness down, I sent that one back under warranty, thats when they discontinued the X55 so I got sent out an X56 nearly a year later (I forgot I even sent my X55 away), I thought sweet, a V2 obviously theyve fixed all the same problems (and also a much more expensive stick at 210 GBP), a couple of months in the trottle stiffness broke and I just said screw it. I took it apart, saw the VERY poorly designed internals. Fixed the stiffness wheel myself and sold that stick. Never picked up a flight stick again. The saitek really does suck. REALLY, dont buy it. The only one worth getting is the X-52, its designed much more robustly. The X55/56 looks cool, and thats where its practicality ends, all the quality went into the switches and buttons. The joystick / throttle itself is terrible, taking it apart its held together with hot glue and free floating spindly cables, that will break. DO NOT BUY

I still have the original, old-firmware version of one of its predecessors, the "good" old X-52. The zoom-bounce is a huge problem on that one too, along with the spring tension. Sounds like they didn't learn from their mistakes, used some of the same hardware in the X-56, and spent the real money on adding the split throttle and the additional switches. .

Great input, I probably would shop around for something with a bit higher-end feel given review. I would also recommend upping your intake of biotin judging by your fraying cuticles.

Just a simple suggestion which worked for me with the X52 - Elongate the spring for more "Stiffness"

simple fix for the multiple command issue. Unplug and plug back in. Works like a charm

What table mounts are those and where did you get them from?

I have this HOTAS with it's peddles. I will say your review was true to it's pros and cons / with the understanding that not all problems you have I have. The X56 has a quality build issue from the factory. Some component's last longer and preform better so what you get from the factory is a roll the dice moment. Lol sad but true. Bottom line I do NOT fly online. DCS is the way I fly. People can learn to get by with what they have and adjust for the units short comings. I have had my unit for 3 years. I see this unit as: I wanted the BEST low end medium range HOTAS when I was starting out. Low end stuff is just junk. So the X56 fit my price and logic and I have been very happy. BUT now I do want a better unit.... Time does move you to start thinking about retiring this unit for something better. I just didn't know if I would stick with flight sim fun so why blow big dollars on a "thought" of fun.

What? Someone who won't only tell you what they dislike, and can see past their own preferences. This is genuinely a good review

Could you tell me where you got the brackets for mounting them??? I've been looking for something like those....tks

For the springs, aren't you supposed to stack some of them together for more stiffness. I thought they sat inside each other.

Question: Might a USB hub that draws power from the plug as well as from the PC be a solution?

For space sim games... what can you use dials for? I used to have the Thrustmaster Cougar and it just had so many dials on it instead of buttons or switches. that and it was all so ridiculously stiff that I eventually abandoned it to go back to my CH Products Fighterstick.

Has anyone experienced issues if you plug the Throttle Module into a 2.0 USB? ...or like me ...used the only USB extension I had ...a 2.0.Now the control panel does not see the throttle buttons for key binding????

Not sure if you'll read this but where'd u get the desk clip(mini desk thingy) to lay the hotas on? I heard this HOTAS slides unless you mount it in place

I have this stick set up. You can simply plug them into available USB 3.0 ports on your motherboard. I was having issues using 2.0 ports while playing Elite Dangerous. The lack of dead zone is annoying at times with the new MSFS. Planes list to the left which is only good for out maneuvering Star Destroyer guns.