The only honest review of this I’ve seen! I had a feeling that this would be exactly as you’re describing it but nobody else really gives this the right examination.
Just came across this, and thanks for the honesty. I had a whole setup using an ancient (talking mid-90s here) TM F-16 throttle and stick. They worked great, but I got out of simming, and now I'm getting back in, it's nice to see the "glowing" reviews for the VKB, Virpil, Winwing, and TM products. I'm now willing to spend about 4 grand on a whole new setup. Can also say that I retired last year after 36 years in IT. Logitech makes a couple of things really well. Keyboards and mice. And that's it. Cheers!
I'm a new to joysticks...... I started with vkb and now I'm going to virpil (warbrd-d and Constellation alpha prime) can't wait to get them. Before I bought my first joystick, I did a lot of reviews and research.
I really appreciate the honest review and I want to really highlight that, but for me that comes with a question. The different versions of this same "HOTAS" that have to my knowledge been released are 3 with the newest being the v2 and I know from experience that most only know of the v1 (blue) and v2 (grey), but the thing is there was a grey one before it was labeled v2 that was different from its blue predecessor and without really knowing what to label it I'll just call it v1.5. This leads me to my first question, and again I appreciated this video and I'm really not defending Logitech (because some of their things are awful!) even though it might seem like it. Which version is it that you are reviewing here, 45-000059 (v2)?
I've used all three versions at one point or another, the latest of which is pictured in this video, all of them are bad. Because the parts that make the product bad is the basic design, which has not changed.
The real issue is the lack of competition at this price range, the other options ar eeither really cheap with few buttons/switches or so expensive (usually double the price of the X56) with all the bells and whistles a majority cant afford them. I've had mine since 2018 and apart from a litle drift in the joystick (roll right) its still working fine. Have I tried anything else... No as I cant afford something else to compare it to, unlike youtubers who get given stuff to try free. Do I like it? Not particulalrly. Plan is to buy VKB with STECS this year if I can afford it. Your only real suggestion is to spend more money which is what most buying this cant do.
I buy the vast majority of my gear with my own money. I always state if I am given something. What I recommend is to buy a single GNX (which is less than an X56) and save up for a throttle down the road. I didn't just start out with the setup I have. I've built up over decades. I know what it is not to have money. If I was doing this again. I would not buy a logitech product. They are a rip off, and people deserve better.
@@jukahri this is why I recommend buying a gladiator instead. Then buy a throttle later, be happier, have a better experience, and if it doesn't end up being for you, have a better resale value
A VKB NXT EVO plus STECS mini only cost 400, you can go even cheaper, For 360 if you exchange STECS for Trustmaster TWCS, the extra 30 buck was for mods that fix it when the stock base worn-out.
I bought the Saitek one in 2016 and I've used it for ED and MSFS as well as some indie games, but I it was barely average even at the beginning. Now as I'm typing this, my nxt evo and stecs mini plus has arrived, can't wait to use the vkb...
@@FalconsLedge Yes it's much better although I expected the Hats quality to be better and closer to the ones in real planes, but here they still reminds you that they're indeed plastics...
honestly didn't expect any better words for the x56 but wow that was entertaining to watch (the rant about everything wrong about the x56 - and yes there are a lot of them). the only thing that strikes me strange was why did Falcons Ledge even bother with reviewing these... e-junks?
I just finished watching this video, I've been a x52 user for 10+ years, most of my sliders are jittery, my twist axis is so jittery that I need a 80% dead zone on it. the rubbery coating is all gone, I still use it on DCS with my F14 and on Star Citizen I remember doing AAR with m F14, I grabbed the basket for 10 seconds and I was happy, my hand probably needed a chiropractor after that lol I've been wanting to upgrade for a long time, I'm just not sure what to get between WinWing, VKB and Virpil I don't know if I should get the NXT with a throttle or get a Gunfighter mk4 while using my x52 throttle or just get the Orion 2 Max HOTAS since it's the cheapest combo
honest question (I don't want to seem rude) I can agree with some flaws in the ergonomics and design that you demonstrated, but as for some other problems: What are the chances that you just have a product with several specific factory defects? edit: Thanks for your video! It's helping me a lot with my decision to buy a joystick
This isn't the only one I've worked with. The chances of that are slim. These issues are also widely reported in many cases. There is also the fact that I have an enormous amount of experience with sim hardware and I can tell the difference between a design flaw and a defect. No offense taken, thank you for your interaction!
I upgraded from an X-55 that had the throttle quadrant die (ghost inputs, inconsistent presses) to a pair of VKBs in omni-throttle configuration (I play space sims). Its chalk and cheese, and I will never be able to go back to the hot garbage that was the Saitek (now Logitec) sticks. Yes it cost me a lot more for the mounts and all, but they are awesome.
I have one after T.Flight HOTAS 4. And it feels much better than what I had before. The amount of buttons, switches, hats available is huge. My main complains are: 1. The throttle has to be connected directly to the PC USB port, otherwise it has ghost inputs. I tried several USB hubs with a power supply and still it happened. 2. Rotating knobs on the throttle handle are "flickering". If I try to use them for e.g. zoom in DCS, then I find myself with epileptic change of zoom (one step range, but it is still annoying) and a need to either zoom in or zoom out a bit to make it stable.
@@LiveseyMD yeah well you went from a t.flight. for what you paid, those issues are absolutely unacceptable. When the X56 came out it had no competition at this price point. That is no longer the case. Logitech doesn't give a flying crap about combat Sims. The product today is the same as it was 10 years ago. It's shameful.
@@FalconsLedge Well it works for now and at the moment I am not at the upgrade point. Probably when it fails I'll invest money into something much more reliable.
I had a x56 and then went to TM warthog a couple years ago and it is really worth the extra cash…I have seen them second hand for the same price as a x56 and it is way better the x56 is E waste if you are serious about sim or intend to upgrade one day
@@FalconsLedgeif there is one thing I will never change is my grip I have the f18 one and I have not yet found one I like more…. Well I use the f16 one for helicopters cause the apatche needs the buttons but the f18 is a beauty
Same here. Covid Year 2020 and i freshly started (thanks to the Quarantine) again with Flight Sim (DCS). My old DOS PC with Falcon, Gunship and other Sims was gone and the Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS not usuable (and in Comparision not much better than the X-56) so i bought the X-56 as a Start. That lasted not long. The Thrustmaster Warthog was the easy Choice at this Time. I only missed the Rudderfunction of the Logitech because i had no Pedalls at that Time. Now the TPR is a more than worthy replacement for that. I will try the Warbird Base for the Stick because the Warthog Base is not really comfortable for me.
Ancient X series sticks were built better. This was from before the MadKatz buyout and before the Logitech buyout. A little of the right lube in the right places helps, but they're not a suitable long term stick. It's suitable for a beginner, but that's it. Edit: I think the big issue is that the X series sticks are 20 year old designs that have been cost cut and never actually improved.
I don't even recommend them for newbies. Buy a single GNX, you will be happier and have a better experience, and even more if you decide flying isn't for you, GNX has a better resale value. In 2024 there is no reason to buy Logitech. My X52 was a saitek version purchased in 2005. It was ok then. A bad choice in 2024.
If you absolutely have to buy Logitech, the x52 pro is as far up the stack as I would personally go. If you have the money for an X56, then as Falcon says, pick up something else, almost anything else. Used warthogs are probably about the same price.
The new Turtle Beach stuff are an enigma. While they look better than the X56, but they have such odd decision making in design, and such wasted, useless features. You could say that in the end the new TB things are a modern version of the X56. I have a feeling that those who move on from devices you can buy on store shelves and either buy more advanced hardware made by companies who actually care about our hobby or build their own will eventually look upon the TB offerings in a similar way to how we look at the X56 today.
im kind of torn. I have an x52 pro and I bought an original run x55 (I pre-ordered which obviously I regret). I love the x55 but it failed catastrophically. I bought the tools and wire to re-wire it, but every time I take it apart I decide im in too deep and close it back up lol. I was considering getting an x56 since it's gone through at least 2 revisions (x56 is a revision on x55, and then logitech made further adjustments to wiring and also supposedly replaced electronics). my x55 stick still works fine and I personal haven't had any of the common issues people have with them, and I use it with the x52 pro throttle since my dual throttle has like a dozen broken wires internally.
Dont sell yourself short! These are not good devices. Keep using your throttle and buy a Winwing Ursa Minor for a stick. You will be in a different world of improvement over anything Logitech produces. There is a reason why Logitechs ecosystem is dead. It's outdated, horrifically bad quality, and they absolutely don't care about combat Sims they are just leaching off old IP for a free bucks.
This review kinda shocked me, I'm currently on a Thrustmaster TM16000 with throttle and quite like it but its getting worn out. I'm gonna wait and save up for Virpil HOSAS instead and just extend there, should have enough life in the HOTAS not to worry about it. Since I'm an EE guy that likes his buttons, some points you meantioned are a big nono for me
@@FalconsLedge I heard as much sofar, and I have a feeling the 1000€ spend might be worth it considering it is not... that much more than other manufactureres for what you get.
You are so right. I'm still using the throttle part of my X56 with a VKB Gladiator EVO Space Edition Joystick, just until I can justify to my wife the purchase of the STECS throttle. But using the VKB joystick compared to the X56 is like chalk and cheese. I was bitterly disappointed to find that there were no spare parts available for the X56 especially when you consider the grip comes separate from the base in the box. Switch 6 (combination switch 5/6 on the throttle base has failed) The "adjustable" clutch system for the throttle levers is crap. Yes I've used the X56 for 8 plus years, but it's not until one uses good equipment that one realizes how bad the X56 HOTAS system really is.
This was gonna be a question to ask. If its possible to use the throttle by itself with another stick until one can get both sticks... thanks fot the heads up
And it's funny that you mention Virgil. More cost doesn't exempt you from ergo failures. In fact, Virpil made a similar mistake in the constellation alpha grip that I'm currently testing. There are elements of ergonomics that are 100% subjective, but some are objective. The face design of the X series is objectively bad. Virtually all of those I've encountered who believe they are good ergonomically, are still using them, and don't have the proper context to tell the difference. Cost has little to do with ergo.
@@FalconsLedge The X52 stick is packed with functionality given the price - the 2 HAT switches, the pinky switch, the 2 way trigger, the mode selector - all at your fingertips. In comparison, the T16000M has 1 HAT switch, 1 trigger and 3 buttons. What is that good for? Lylat Wars?! LoL! Furthermore, my X52 laster for years without major issues whereas my T16000M died within one year and when you read forums, pretty much everybody develops that Z-axis issue on the damn thing and Thrustmaster refuses to fix it after over a decade of complaints. With that said, nowadays, anybody even a tiny bit serious about joystick should skip all the mainstream stuff and go straight to the NXT Premium and if they are on a budget, they should buy the NXT Standard. Everything else is irrelevant XD. Also, neither the X52, nor the X56 are Logitech designed. The X52 was designed by Saitek, the X56 by Mad Catz. When I think of old Logitech joysticks, they were actually pretty good ergonomically, even the 3D Extreme Pro fits in the hand nicely, definitely a lot better than the T16000M.
Or, and keep in mind I mean this with absolutely no disrespect. You have all of those problems, but you have no realistic point of reference to know what those problems feel like because this is the best device you've used. It's called blistful ignorance, it's not a bad thing to have, and certainly not an insult to you.
If it's the absolute most you can spend, then it's sufficient. I focus on bang for your buck, and I don't think it's a great value. If I were buying and I was limited on money, I'd rather buy just the stick and get a gladiator NXT, or winwing Orion 2 stick only and pick up the throttle later than buy the T16K (internally the same as the TCA in most ways) or anything built by Logitech.
The x56 isn't a big upgrade, in fact it is less accurate than the t16k and not better quality either. I'd save a bit more and pick up a gladiator nxt/stecs or winwing combo.
I had the x55. I thought it was good for a bit but it quickly got horrible. Over time the plastic coating gets tacky and disgusting feeling. The gimble got so bad there was no way to get it to center without a massive deadzone. And the software. sweet jesus was it horrid. So glad i went VKB after the x55 stopped any pretense of being reliable or usable.
Similar experience, and it was when they were under their old brand and was at the time still considered to have slightly better QC before they went under, the mini stick on that thing NEVER work though. I dig out half of the dampen grease inside the friction plates just to make it usable, the stick, well, it served its purpose, I get a VKB Black Mambe III later.(Yeah that was way back)
The chances of this are miniscule. And winwing just released a stick in China that is rumored to be coming soon to everywhere else that is 110 usd. Omni is rumored to be available. There will really be no reason to buy Logitech with that option ~240 shipped for stick/throttle in US.
@@FalconsLedge I don’t know, Logitech loves to create something expensive and stick the name Pro after it, that’s all they’ve been doing recently lol I’ve used a lot of mouse and keyboard over the years from Logitech and I noticed the quality control decreasing while the price has gone up
@@falmatrix2r but they didn't give a flying crap about combat sims. They haven't really created or even significantly updated any of their combat sim products since they acquired them. I wouldn't hold my breath ;)
@@FalconsLedge I’m not holding my breath for anything Logitech related, my x52 was still before Saitek got bought lol Kinda makes me wonder what if Saitek was still a thing, maybe they’d have a better stick
@@falmatrix2r saitek was never big on making high end products. They delved into it a tiny bit wth a fssb. Unfortunately it used the stick from the x56, which is awful. Could they continue to be a big mid-low player? Yeah certainly.
@@kacperkorol7400 Look, as someone who has played spacesims since the 90s I can say that the stick is the most fundamental part, get a Gladiator NXT EVO Premium and later upgrade with a throttle piece, between Virpil's new throttle, VKB and Winwing there are decent throttle options sold standalone you can buy later. If you are in EU like me both Virpil and VKB have European storefronts that are reliable and don't charge too much for delivery, VKB's Gladiator NXT EVO Premium is an excellent stick, much better than the one that comes with the X56, and should be within your budget.
@@fabioccio8863 id buy Winwing, the new cheap throttle from Virpil before The WH. I'd buy the VKB STECS before the WH. In terms of value proposition, it goes WW>VPC Cadet > VKB > VPC CM3 > WH
@@user-hw5we9rj6b no, the dad part is that I paid money to be horribly disappointed by this pile of garbage. There are considerably better sticks for your money. Logitech sells absolute trash.
bro they didnt say the joystick didnt blow up they said it didnt have any problem and you base your opinion on a guess based on what you think you know
