Saitek X52 and the year 2013 - is the old geezer still kicking?

[FokkerBoombass]

So, as I'm getting more and more into simulators, I decided to upgrade to a better flight stick, possibly with HOTAS setup.

And I came across the Saitek X52

[img]http://www.saitek.com/uk/imgs/product/X52.png[/img]

I remember drooling myself over it... back in 2004 when it was released. Holy shit it's old.

Now, they still sell these, meaning that Saitek did something right. But during my research I noticed that the comments on it are a bit divided. Some people say that it's the greatest of great, even after so many years... others say that it's got some major issues and mention that one should buy the Pro version instead, which apparently fixes these gripes. But unfortunately, it is much more expensive and out of my price range.

So, should I risk getting it?

I hope that I'll get answers from people who personally own one or at least had an extended experience of using one.

[duck]

I'm using a G940 (which you can buy off me if you want) and when I looked at the X52 versus the Pro, there was a significant price difference and it wasn't really worth it, but now that it's only like another £20-£30 it's definitely worth saving the extra, even if it takes you another couple months.

Of course if you're going to keep saving you might as well pull the full-fuckit mode and go for a HOTAS WARTHOG for extreeeeme quality but the X52 pro is definitely a kickass stick

[meppers]

I have an x52

It broke years ago. I did some research and I found out that saitek is owned by mad catz.

Go figure

[Snek]

I had a saitek x52 for several years

I gave it to a friend, it still works with pretty much all games

My only gripe is that the joystick is a little stiff and you need to wet the desk before applying suction cups or they'll slip

That's about it

[PlasmaDan]

[QUOTE=meppers;41337513]I have an x52

It broke years ago. I did some research and I found out that saitek is owned by mad catz.

Go figure[/QUOTE]

Yeah. I almost pulled the trigger (on myself) when I was about to buy a R.A.T.

I was even ready to stomach the ricer look. But Mad Catz. Not. Even. Once.

[Prometh3us]

i had a x52. that shit was amazing. sold it on craigslist because I no longer played flight sims.

and I have a Eclipse III, still my favorite keyboard. had it since 10'

[Black Milano]

I've owned an X52 Pro for two years without any problems. The differences are marginal, get it!.

[lekkimsm]

I have no idea why, but the rubber grips on my old X52 started going all slimy and sticky for some reason.

[pentium]

[QUOTE=lekkimsm;41352451]I have no idea why, but the rubber grips on my old X52 started going all slimy and sticky for some reason.[/QUOTE]

Rubber decay. Happens with improperly vulcanized rubber. You see it a lot in tape decks.
I've had an old Thrustmaster kit since Fight Simulator 98. I've tried the simpler version of the x52 and the only difference I found was it weighed less and was USB.