PRO Flight Multi Panel by Saitek Review

The item is well built and easily configures FlightSim X to utilize it via an included utility.Another utility that does full functional test of LED, displays and switch position is useful for testing panel separately from FlightSim X. This eliminates the complication of trusting flight simulator to be communicating properly with the panel.
Pros - adds nice realism to flight simulator x and easy to setup

Cons - a little pricey, and cannot utilize the built-in powered USB hub in the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke.Causes hub exceeded power message.Finally had to connect the multipanel directly to computer USB port.This is also true for the Saitek Radio panel.Only the Saitek switch panel can be connected directly to the yoke without exceeding hub power.Seems Saitek should have engineered a better solution, providing more hub power or bundling a powered hub of sufficient capacity.

Click Here to see more reviews about: PRO Flight Multi Panel by Saitek

Product Description:
Upgrade your flight simulation experience for Microsoft Flight Simulator X with the Saitek Pro Flight Multi Panel

Buy cheap PRO Flight Multi Panel by Saitek now

Pro Flight Information Panel Review

I have the yoke and 3 lever throttle, the rudder pedals and 3 of the saitek Flight instrument panels and the Pro Flight Switch Panel.They work GREAT!

They are HIGHLY recommended.

I only have 2 complaints..sometimes all the panels don't get started at the same time (probably due to the USB power requirement) so I have to unplug them and replug them...but it's usually just 1 of the 6 devices.....mostly the yoke itself.

The other complaint is that there is no HSI option on the flight instrument panel...maybe in a driver upgrade.

These change the usablity of FSX from tedious to truly enjoyable!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pro Flight Information Panel

Product Description:
Saitek Pro Flight Instrument Panel is a compact color LCD screen which works with Flight Simulator software to display real time cockpit instrument information.

Buy cheap Pro Flight Information Panel now Get 33% OFF

Cyborg V.1 Flight Stick Review

I have several flight sticks, Thrustmaster, Logitech Attack, et al. The Cyborg is a pretty decent stick for the price. I have 3 complaints: 1) the throttle doesn't work an a lot of my flight sim games (I have to use the keyboard). It does work on MS Flight Sim X but not on Il-2 1946, for example. 2) It is a very light stick and I find myself (and the stick) falling off the edge of my desk when I'm trying to shake a Bf 109E off my six. The twist rudder works well, no dead zone to speak of, nice, firm motions of the stick itself. (3) It takes a little getting used to the buttons being on top of the stick (not sure I'm sold on that!). All and all, not a bad stick!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cyborg V.1 Flight Stick

Product Description:
Plug in the Cyborg V.1 Stick and get total control over your aircraft, your weapons and your enemy!

Buy cheap Cyborg V.1 Flight Stick now

Saitek X52 Flight Control System Review

As a previous owner of the X45 flight control system and avid flight sim junkie, I was compelled to upgrade my HOTAS system to something newer.I was originally looking at the Thrustmaster HOTAS system, but could not conjur up enough money to purchase one.After playing with the X52 at a LAN party, I was sold and went out and purchased one that night.

The X52 has loads of improvements over the X45 - not even mentioning the LCD MFD.One addition which I would have loved to see in the X45 are the eight removable suction cups on the bottom of the stick and throttle bases.The cups first out of the box will do some sliding around, but nothing so drastic that it'll mess your flights up.They do a great enough job to keep the stick down during normal use - provided that you don't slam the stick around, but for a flight system that costs this much, I don't think that'll be too much of a problem for most people.

Just like all other Saitek sticks, the X52 is fully customizable in both hardware and software.Not only can you move the lower shelf on the joystick up and down to fit your hand, but you can also adjust the force on the throttle stick.Like all other Saitek sticks, however, you cannot adjust the centering force on the stick itself.But I did not find this to be too much of a problem as it is much looser than all other HOTAS systems that I have owned.The X52 also comes with the Saitek SST programming software, which (again, like all other Saitek sticks) allows you to program every button on the joystick to either an axis, mouse axis, single keyboard stroke, or a complex macro.

I also fell in love with the three modes and color coded mode identification LED to let you know what mode you are in.As a result I can have a mode for A-A, one for A-G, and one mode for general tasks when playing Falcon 4.0: Allied Force, making it easier to keep my hands on the flight system at all times.

The MFD is also a cool addition to the X52.It has a time display to let you know what time it is in up to three time zones, as well as a built-in stopwatch to time your flights and coordinate your turns right on time.And if you can't remember what you programmed a button to - just simply hold down the info button and click the button you want to know about and voila!Your button's function is displayed on the screen.

All in all - a great HOTAS system for those of us that cannot afford the Thrustmaster HOTAS systems.This flight stick runs perfectly with games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Falcon 4.0 - my two choices and recommendations to pair up with this stick.

And for those of you who want to know about Windows XP Professional x64 support - the stick works perfectly using drivers available on the Saitek website.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saitek X52 Flight Control System

Product Description:
The World's most advanced flight controller The X52 Flightstick and Throttle combination give the most realistic flying experience ever. With the feature-laden Throttle and Stick split into two separate units, the X52 delivers ideal flying position. Programmability and illuminated Multi-Function Display expand the possibilities for Sim Pilots everywhere!

Buy cheap Saitek X52 Flight Control System now Get 17% OFF

CH Products Throttle Quadrant USB (300-133) Review

I bought these in preparation for my multi-engine pilots license. Of course, I have been flying planes on Microsoft ( and Sublogic) well before I could get into a real cockpit. This is probably one of the best items from CH Products, especially if you like flying multi-engine aircraft or will be upgrading to flying a REAL multi-engine aircraft soon.

Microsoft and CH products have helped keep me sharper in the cockpit by allowing me to practice on the days when I can't go up for real. This product cannot be beat for customizability. I can go from a Beech Baron set-up to a Boeing 747 set-up just by playing with some settings. And if you have the CH Yoke and Rudder pedals, you have a relatively real flying experience without leaving your home.

If you are into military sims, this probably isn't for you. If you have Microsoft flight sim, X-plane, Fly or any other civilian sim and you value realism, you must get these.

$150 isn't cheap, but thats the cost of one hour of flight time in the Multi-engine plane I will be learning in. One hour of flight time versus hours of honing my skills at home? A worthy investment indeed!

The only downside, as there is on all CH products, are the clamps to hold it to the desk. They are really designed to fit desks that are thick and flat. If your PC desk has a curve to the front or is relatively thin, you have to find a better way to secure them to your desk. Wedging books or papers usually helps.

Click Here to see more reviews about: CH Products Throttle Quadrant USB (300-133)

Product Description:
A true veteran of the PC gaming industry, CH Products has manufactured joysticks and game control devices -- with a particular emphasis on state-of-the-art flight control gear -- for a quarter decade. One of the latest products to emerge from the CH lab is the CH Throttle Quadrant USB, a highly specialized unit designed to appeal to serious flight simulation buffs who demand authentic, fingertip control of all of their airborne activities.
Bearing a striking physical resemblance to the control panel found in a real life aircraft and perfectly complementing navigational devices such as joysticks or flight yokes (for example, the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB), the CH Throttle Quadrant USB effectively banishes the counterintuitive computer keyboard from the flying environment and allows hardcore pilots to quickly make in-flight adjustments via its straightforward 6-axis, 12-button setup. Completely user customizable with the enclosed CH Control Manager software and offering no less than a whopping 350 button positions if so configured, the system is ideal for precise control of multiple engines, flaps, fuel mixture, lights, and much, much more.
The CH Throttle Quadrant USB is built in the USA to the same durable specifications as other CH Products control devices and is compatible with all Windows-based games and most recent operating systems (including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and MacOS 8.6 to 10.02). The unit carries a limited two-year warranty.

Buy cheap CH Products Throttle Quadrant USB (300-133) now Get 50% OFF

Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals Review

As someone new to flight simulators, these were the first rudder pedals I have ever used. My general impression is that they work well but their flimsy construction is disconcerting. As I haven't ever used CH pedals, it is difficult to assess what would be considered sturdy for a consumer product like this. However, the Saitek pedals feel as if they would be damaged by putting any amount of weight on the pedal surface. Not only is the plastic rather thin but the whole apparatus is extremely light.Saitek should have used some inexpensive ballast to rectify the latter problem.

Unfortunately, the light weight means they are not stable when used straight out of the box. With several through holes, the designers are probably suggesting the user mount the base to a heavier object. To use them on carpet, I took a different approach. In each of the eight holes, I mounted a set screw with a flat machined end. These were adjusted with a nut and large washer (for weight distribution) to allow a 3/8" elevation. The screws will penetrate the pile and resist any forward movement. To increase the effect, I attached eight, one pound lead ingots with double-sided tape to the base. This arrangement provides a very stable platform.

In my ten hours of Flight Simulator X, I haven't found any problems with pedals. However, I did observe some minor flutter on occasion when using the Saitek diagnostic software. It generally goes away after some movement.

Despite concerns over the construction, the pedals have some nice features. There is an adjustable tension knob in the center of the pedals. In addition, the pedal surface is adjustable for different shoe sizes.

In general, the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder pedals work well and look nice. It would just be more comforting if Saitek used a few more millimeters of plastic on the pedals and base.Pros
Accuracy
Easy to setup
Features (tension knob and adjustable pedal surface)Cons
Flimsy
Some flutter
Too light


Click Here to see more reviews about: Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

Product Description:
Complete your virtual pilot's controller setup and take flight simulation reality to the next level with the Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. Control the rudder and toe brakes of your aircraft with your feet - just like real pilots. Adjustable, smooth action gives you optimum control and realism, and brings you even closer to the experience of flying a real aircraft.

Buy cheap Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals now Get 33% OFF

Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) Review

Things just went entirely too smooth and totally glitch free which should have signaled that this in itself was not a good omen! Basically I went from the CH Products yoke, throttle quad and CH rudder pedals to the SAITEK system and even bought an extra SAITEK throttle quad to then have '6' programmable axis levers and additional buttons to program. So too, and one of the biggies, at least for me and my sim flying, the SAITEK yoke uses a METAL pitch tube for the yoke pitch control and as opposed to the CH yoke which uses a plastic shaft and hence subtle yoke movement 'sticking' no matter what lubricant I placed on the plastic shaft so I switched to SAITEK and the METAL pitch shaft on bearings. Excellent!

And then ... coming into O'Hare and I hear the jet panel voice begin the "500 above" ... "400 above" ... suddenly from nowhere comes from the aircraft I was flying, "LANDING GEAR UP PLEASE!" ... say WHAT? You guessed it, the "random phantom key press" issue! SAITEK admitted on their own forum that this was a SAITEK yoke factory defect issue [see that forum AND Amazon user comments right here!] . You'll be flying along but when the yoke is turned [or straight ahead for that matter!], things begin to happen on their own! Hence the name "phantom key press" ! The landing gear can go up and down BY ITSELF or normally hat switch activated aircraft views begin to cycle by themselves without any input whatsoever by the user! A decided defect! Worse, SAITEK says some yokes are affected, others perhaps not! That really helps, yes? Sure!

Anyway, I now have to wait until December, 2007, for a replacement yoke and I have 30 days to return the defect item via an Amazon printed-out postage free return label. I was also given the option to wait for the replacement item or cancel the order. I'll wait because the yoke and its separately included 3 lever throttle quadrant is very nice! Problem is, the phantom key press issue is a major consideration because virtually anything can be activated or deactivated by itelf! It's like an unseen hand randomly pressing keys on your keyboard and the simulation acts accordingly!

But I'll still wait because I like the metal tube on bearings making the pitch smooth, the looks of the thing, the on-board three USB slots although the accompanying 3 lever throttle uses a sub-mini pin connector to the yoke, dunno why, because a separately purchased and hence 'by itself' identical 3 lever throttle SAITEK quadrant uses the USB connector. Had it not been for the phantom key press issue I would have rated the whole system [I have the yoke and separate throttle quadrant, a second throttle quadrant and the SAITEK rudder pedals] as "10" stars even though 5 stars is the max allowed. Hopefully, this phantom key press issue defect will be SAITEK factory corrected in a new series. I hope so anyway! Doc Tony UPDATE! A LOST CAUSE! A 'replacement' unit arrived and had the identical 'phantom key press' problem! Identical! Wheels going up and down by themselves, views cycling, knee board popping up, all happening at random and making the Saitek yoke/throttle worthless! This is a MAJOR DEFECT in this item and every single Amazon user without exception has commented on it! Every single one! Read it for yourself!

This is not the fault of Amazon but a failure of the Saitek folks to recall and correct a major defect in this product! This time, I returned the replacement for a refund and I'll stick to my CH Products yoke/throttle combination until Saitek can get their act and yoke together! Amazon has been great in this matter, can't ask for better, but they are being given a defective product to sell with known serious issues and issues that Saitek or their distributors have NOT corrected!

Quick clue! You'll know almost immediately if you have a defective Saitek yoke -- when the flight sim loads up and you're on the runway ready for take-off, press the pre-set BRAKE button on the yoke and if you get a sudden change of view from the cockpit where you then have to cycle back to the cockpit view, you have a defective "phantom key press" yoke. It then goes further downhill from there with random commands on its own eqaully random unassisted initiative! ZERO stars now! A defective product by engineering! Read right here at Amazon what the users themselves say! And consistently so for the same consistent problem!Doc Tony

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44)

Product Description:
Precision. Realism. Control. The Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System is highly engineered to meet the exacting needs of the true flight simulation enthusiast. Stainless steel shaft, ergonomic controls, integrated chronograph, and separate throttle quadrant ensure a smooth, accurate and totally realistic flying experience. Features: Durable stainless steel shaft with precision bearings gives smooth and predictable elevator and aileron control; Used with the supplied SST Programming software, integrated mode switch trebles the number of controls you have at your fingertips; Accurately time each leg of your flight plan with the integrated chronograph; Separate throttle quadrant with additional switches to configure any combination of throttle, flaps, mixture or prop pitch. Mount on top, in front of your desk, pilot or co-pilot side so that the controls are exactly where you want them; Unique, 2-position desk clamp keeps your yoke and quadrant securely fixed no matter how extreme the flying conditions; Use the integrated USB Hub to easily connect other parts of the Saitek Pro Flight range of products, such as additional Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant or Pro Flight Instrument Panel (both sold separately); Saitek's powerful Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming software allows gamers to configure their controls to suit their preferred gaming style, and to save the configurations as personal profiles. Specifications: 14 buttons; POV Hat Switch; 3-position Mode Switch; 3 axis levers on Quadrant; Elevator and Aileron Axes on Yoke. System Requirements: Connectivity: USB 2.0 Works with: Windows XP, XP64 and Vista (all versions) and Windows 7

Buy cheap Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) now Get 18% OFF

Saitek PH09 Pro Flight Headset Review

I am an avid flight simmer and these are a great set of "David Clark" like headphones.They are very comfortable once you get them properly adjusted I have worn them for 5+ hours at a time. They do make a pretty tight seal to your head and around your ears so I can see what the one guys was saying about wearing glasses and having issues.The volume adjustment on the side is a big plus!!

I thought I would add to this review after owning them a year.The only real issue I have encountered is that the ear cushions could be better. Either they have become harder or my ears more sensitive because after long periods of use they start to hurt.I think they really wanted them to be just like the real thing becasue they make such a good seal around your ear they block out external noise especially in the high end.I can never hear my wife at all with these on!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saitek PH09 Pro Flight Headset

Product Description:
Take flight simulation to the next level with the Saitek PH09 Pro Flight Headset. Designed to look, feel, and function just like the real thing, this headset features excellent stereo sound and a cushioned headband for long-term comfort. Additionally, a microphone on an adjustable metal boom keeps you in touch with the tower during your simulated flights.
PH09 Pro Flight Headset
At a Glance:

Authentic-looking flight simulator headset.
Cushioned headband and ear cups.
Mic on adjustable metal boom.
Built-in volume controls.

Cushioned ear cups and an adjustable boom ensure a comfortable experience. View Larger. Stay in Touch While Flying
When you take to the skies for your simulated flights, you need to know what's going on around you. The Saitek Pro Flight Headset features a design that is closely modeled on professional pilot headsets. With stereo sound and an adjustable microphone, you'll have no trouble communicating with Air Traffic Control.
The microphone sits on a metal boom with three-way adjustable axes--there's even an integrated mute function for private conversations. The large ear cups have extra cushioning for comfort over long flights, and they provide passive noise cancelling, so you can concentrate on piloting your aircraft. Also, the left ear cup features volume controls, so setting the right level is always within reach.
High-Quality Construction
The Pro Flight Headset is constructed of industrial-quality materials that give it a realistic look and feel--with a metal frame and large, plush cushions for your ears and head. Additionally, the headset's speakers feature high-end drivers for audio clarity and precision.
The Pro Flight Headset works with PC operating systems that have a sound card and 3.5mm audio jack. The headset is backed by a two-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Saitek PH09 Pro Flight Headset



Buy cheap Saitek PH09 Pro Flight Headset now Get 20% OFF

Saitek PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel Review

This is a interesting little piece of plastic. And Irecommend and enjoy it with some unfortunate reservations. Be aware of a few little things that make you go, "Huh, what were they thinking?"

It ships with a hex tool to unscrew the screws on the companion pro flight throttle for mounting.Problem is, it's the wrong size....way too small...so you will need a #3 hex tool handy if you want to mount to the companion yoke. Also, the instructions suggest using the 2 inner screw mount points.I suggest you use 2 mount points wider apart, other wise the panel will sway from side to side.

The mounting bracket is quite flimsy.So much so that when you flip switches the panel console moves, front to back.Disappointingly poor engineering design especially when you see they have plans to hang more stuff off this in time to come.

The mag switch is mixed up (L/R should be R/L)

You can't assign or change functions to switches on this unit as you can with the yoke or throttle.

The Saitek website doesn't tell you what driver version is the latest much less what issues it addresses.

OK, that's the annoying stupid stuff.

The good stuff:There is a new driver available on the Saitek web site!The inoperative cowl flap switch has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4(But it's either open or closed, nothing incremental.)

The inoperative deice switch has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4(Still, if it's not implemented in FSX, why designate a switch for it?)

The incorrect landing gear light sequence has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4 (Green is down, Red is in transit, Amber is gone)Everything else is really nice and I do enjoy not having to look for all these switches on keyboards or screens. Simply plug it into the back of the companion yoke and run a quick program which installs as an FSX (simconnect?) plugin and thats it.

My test flights were on a system running Vista 64 with an FSX default C172, a default Mooney Bravo and everything worked except the cowl flaps and as noted above.Also worked with an add on Eaglesoft Cirrus SR22. So, pretty successful for out of the box. And it looks cool.

But for silly oversights, Saitek could have had a brilliant unit here instead of just a good one.They need to pay attention to detail. Makes you wonder who is in charge of things there...and why?

So, it's 4 out of 5 now with the new driver.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saitek PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel

Product Description:
Feel like a real pilot with realistic clearly labelled controls in easy reach with the PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel from Saitek. Features include switches for engine on and off, landing gear, a large selection of cockpit controls, works with Flight Sim X, LED's for landing gear matching the status in the game.Works with XP, XP64, and Vista.

Buy cheap Saitek PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel now Get 13% OFF

CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB ( 200-615 ) Review

See my full review with photos on my website (look it up by my name).
OPERATION: I used the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 A Century of Flight. Flight Simulator immediately recognized the yoke at startup and already had all the buttons mapped. I changed them to my preferences using the setup panel in FS. On my first flight I noticed that the elevator was really jumping around. It wouldn't stay where I put it! I really thought the yoke was broken. Then a very distant memory began to emerge from my checkered past. I recalled that I still had my old Gameport joystick plugged in...problem solved. These USB devices do not work with Gameport devices.

The yoke felt very much like the Cessna's that I fly (C172R), albeit a bit lighter weight. The resistance was a little surprising, very stiff, which is good for cross country flying. It took a little getting used to the button locations, especially the hat switch, but after a few hours it falls right into my grasp. Having an 8-position hat switch sure makes the landing pattern easier to fly, and with all the buttons on the yoke I don't need to touch the keyboard. The trim wheel was very stiff, so I wouldn't use it to trim the airplane, just to adjust the joystick centering during calibration.

SELF CENTERING OR NOT???
I was concerned about the lack of center detent when I initially read the literature. But this doesn't mean the joystick doesn't self-center. It snaps back to center with about 1/4 inches of center play, just like in a real airplane.

Click Here to see more reviews about: CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB ( 200-615 )

Product Description:
Command the skies with the king of flight simulator controls, the Flight Sim Yoke USB. This one of a kind yoke offers features that will allow you to fly with the realism you've come to expect from CH Products. The Flight Sim Yoke USB provides 5 axes of control including, pitch, roll, throttle lever, propeller lever, and mixture lever. It also features 20 button functions, including 2-way gear switch, 2-way flaps switch, 8-way hat switch, two 2-way rocker switches, and 4 push buttons. Pilots around the world applaud the comfortably placed prop, throttle and mixture levers. It's the closest thing you'll get to sitting in your own cockpit.

Buy cheap CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB ( 200-615 ) now Get 33% OFF