I just got the X45 today, and I must say that I am veeery happy about it. My friend has the HOTAS Cougar and it was plagued by the absence of rudder (I know it is for realism purposes) and a crazy pricetag, but with this joystick I enjoy all these features and more for a very decent pricetag. Ive only tried it with FS2004 but I am sure it will be even more of   once I get LOMAC booted up! Especially this great missile launch button with safety hatch!

Fantastic joystick for a mere 100 euros. A reccomendation to all.  

Its about time I got this joystick. I never thought that joysticks mattered a big deal, and over the past three years I have contently been using the Microsoft Sidewinder Precision II (the joystick that is used in the video tutorials included with FS2004). However, now I realize that joysticks do make a big difference! Well worth purchasing a new joystick if you are still using a non HOTAS joystick!

And if you get the X45, you can get yourself Resident Evil 4 on gamecube and Splinter Cell Chaos Theory on XBox with left over money. I got those a while ago, and they are also very good! 

HOTAS rules!  

I will never give up my Sidewinder so long as at breathes even the weakest form of life.  Every other joystick I've tried is way too light and feels like I'll whip it off the table during intense flying, or there are all those hokey buttons, like all those red "FIRE" buttons with the case and yellow/black striping.  No thanks.  I'll go for something that looks a bit more professional.  I'm considering buying a second Sidewinder off E-Bay in case my current one ever dies.  I still don't know what all the fuss about CH products is.  They have some of the most flimsiest stuff I've ever laid eyes on at about the most outrageous prices too.

I will admit, for the longest time I was considering the X52, but the button layout way just too over the top.

I've been wanting one of those X-45 for a long time.

The X45 is not what I would call "light", but if you want something that really weighs down the table try the HOTAS COUGAR... thats of course if you have 300 euros to spare!

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Luke---  Is this happening after you reinstall FS9 or the Saitek software.  Try uninstalling the Saitek profiler and then reinstall it.  I haven't had any trouble with my X45 even after having to reinstall FS9 twice, but I think I am just lucky there.


I have been using the X45 for around 1 1/2 years now and love it.  I used (still have) a Logitech, but it wouldn't stay calibrated so I tried out the Saitek.  You can get an X45 for around $75 US at stores like Circuit City or Best Buy.  I bought another X45 instead of the X52 because I prefer the rudder being seperate from the cyclic portion of the HOTAS.  I cant say enough good things about it.  If anyone is having trouble with any of the Saited sticks, then check out thier forums, I got help there with BF1942 related games.

Your old mate is of the opinion that if you, like me, mostly fly General Aviation aeroplanes, then a simple force-feedback, (enabled/disabled), twist stick* with the minimium of buttons will perform quite adequately....use the keyboard buttons for the various flight options, they are few and very easy to remember... ...!

The old Microsoft Force Feedback Pro II, etc, fills that bill adequately... ...!

Paul.....(not into helicopters, commercial aircraft, or military fighting planes)... ...!

* you need a force-feedback type to get both "non spring return to centre" and "twist" function... ...!