The X52 is a great piece of hardware plenty of control options and a solid feel.  I can say the pro joke is well just that a joke, look up saitek yoke phantom key presses, other then that its a nice piece hardware, just wish saitek would address that one issue.

Next you will need some MDF to start the MIP, second some analog gauges or LCD monitors for a glass setup., finally some controls need to be integrated with a Hagstom ke72....oh sorry got carried away...................................

Saitek X52 is great!
Its has lots of buttons, Great throttle and not very pricey.
It would be my flight stick for years to come but im looking for a yoke now so...

I've used several flight setups over the years, and I can for certain say that the X-45 and X-52 are well-constructed, and infinitely customizable.  The ONLY issue I have with the two is the rudder control.  It's a little difficult to use when you're trying to use any other control on the throttle, even as far as throttling up or back.

I've also used the CH selection of products.  If you're trying to get the closest thing to an actual flight cockpit (outside of fighters or stick-controlled aircraft) the CH Flight Yoke is definitely the best for your buck controller.  Combine that with the CH pedals and you have a versatile control system for any aircraft.  The only drawback with this setup is you only have the single throttle control.  But the same holds true for almost any setup that doesn't include a throttle quadrant.