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Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X Flight Stick

*Est. $50

Reviewed

October 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick

Budget flight stick

Pros

Good performance
Includes detachable throttle
12 buttons with basic customization options
Cheaper alternative to more robust models
Compatible with PlayStation 3

Cons

No force feedback
Small "dead zone" when in center position
Not as feature-rich as more expensive models

Where to Buy

for $47.50

Our Analysis
Specs
358 Amazon Reviews

Although it lacks the high-end features of the Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System (*Est. $150) -- and can't compete with the virtually flawless Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog (*Est. $500) -- the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick (*Est. $50) is a competent and affordable flight stick in its own right. Reviewers like its 12 customizable buttons, basic programmable controls, detachable throttle and smooth responsiveness. A small number of users report a tiny "dead zone" of non-responsiveness when the flight stick is centered, but overall users report a very good feel from the controller, especially considering its price. There's no force feedback on this budget flight stick, however.

Although the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick gets nods as the best budget flight stick at About.com and HubPages.com, the write ups at those websites are exceedingly brief. The user feedback is much more valuable at Amazon.com and Newegg.com, as over 160 customers have left their opinions on the two retail sites.

Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller

from Amazon.com

New: $169.95 $131.86

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick

(358 reviews)
Buy new: $49.99 $45.13 62 Used from $31.90

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Amazon.com

The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick is reviewed by over 140 users, who give the stick an impressive 4.5 average rating. The vast majority of users say that it provides all you can ask for in a value-priced controller, and some say it even performs better than many higher-priced options.

Review: Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick, Contributors to Amazon.com

2. NewEgg.com

Over a dozen users chime in with their opinions of the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick at Newegg.com. The vast majority are blown away with the performance of the stick considering its low price, although several people voice concerns about some throttle nuances.

Review: Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X Joystick, Contributors to Newegg.com

3. About.com

Reviewer Christine McKee names the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick the best budget option for sim fans in the roundup of the best joysticks on the market. Unfortunately, the text accompanying the pick is disappointingly brief and does little else but list a couple of tech specs for the product. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Best PC Gaming Joysticks, Christine McKee, Nov. 29, 2010

4. HubPages.com

The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick gets another nod as the best budget option around in this HubPages.com roundup of the best flight sim gear available. Reviewer "ojkershaw" gives a brief, yet enthusiastic write-up. "Put simply, it has everything you need to get off the ground and flying," he says.

Review: Flight Simulator Controls, "ojkershaw"

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Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller

from Amazon.com

New: $169.95 $131.86