Since my old joystick (simple design, without separate throttle) gave up the ghost a while ago, a replacement had to be found. I chose the T.Flight Hotas Stick X and do not regret the purchase date. After a few hours of flight with the Microsoft Flight Simulator X (where "queerbeet" Jets flown as A319, A320, A321, B738, B744 and A388), I can say the following to the drive: The "Installation" could not be easier - simply remove the USB cable (with 2 meters length, even if the PC further protrudes a bit more than adequate) plug and fly. Only the individual assignment of the individual buttons must still be made, otherwise can be losgeflogen directly and without any additional settings or driver installation. Excellent! Both stick and throttle are very comfortable to hold and operate even though plastic and not really quality-looking robust. A great thing is the many buttons on stick and throttle, which can be quite prove as desired. I use them for. As for flaps of entry / exit, Reverser, autopilot on / off, suspension of entry / exit, change view (the throttle) and Auto Brake on / off, brakes look, as well as open communication window / close the Stick , The resistance to which the stick can be moved can be adjusted at the bottom. The stick reacts to small movements and is therefore incredibly accurate. In the time between my old broken stick and arrival of the new, I flew forced with keyboard. Now in direct comparison keyboard - stick between are worlds apart. Of course there was also previously with the old stick already a huge difference to fly only with keyboard, but alone is that this machine has a separate accelerator, are again a very different and more realistic feeling. In addition, the precision of the stick - just wonderful. The separate throttle lever can either be connected to the base of the stick, so that it is of both a unit, or both may be placed separated from each other. If you want to possible realistic flying, the stick to the right and the throttle is set to the left side, as it is also in aircraft on the side of the co-pilot. The throttle lever can be moved fluently from zero to 100%. When 50% is a "step" or a small resistance built, but which can be overcome with low pressure. Very successful as already mentioned above, the additional buttons that can be assigned as you desire. Unfortunately, the throttle can not be set as light or stiff it can be moved. One more thing I have to complain about the throttle: In the zero position 1% thrust is displayed in Microsoft FSX. Here should logically when the lever to 0 is also no power be present. If you push the lever to 100%, only 99% capacity are displayed. Could change also calibrate multiple no difference. It's a pity, but I see the whole not as tight as it is only 1% deviation. Also one must not forget that it is here to be a stick for almost 40 and not a hundreds euro expensive simulator accessories.
I noticed still that the USB cable, or the connector leading to the stick m. Has M by a little game and a little "loose" acts. Maybe that is a good thing and the connection has just a little more "freedom of movement", making it more flexible. We can only hope that this is not a weakness and not a defect occurs.
Overall, I find the stick along with detachable throttle very successful. Both works almost perfectly in Microsoft FSX. This device makes flying really fun - especially if, like me, is transitional flown purely with keyboard. From me there is a strong buy recommendation.
