AVSIM Commercial Hardware Review Pro Flight X-65F · PDF fileAVSIM Commercial Hardware Review...

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AVSIM Commercial Hardware Review

Pro Flight X-65F

Product Information

Publishers: Saitek

Description: Semi-professional HOTAS stick and throttle unit.

Download Size: NA

Format: Hardware

Simulation Type: FSX/FS9/X-Plane

Reviewed by: Angelique van Campen AVSIM Senior Staff Reviewer - October 6, 2010

http://www.avsim.com/pages/1010/Saitek/X65.html (1 of 19)06/10/2010 5:13:58 PM

http://www.saitek.com/

mailto:[email protected]


Preface

TOP-SECRET REVIEW ahead, so close your eyes and don’t tell others …... Madcatz, Saitek and AVSIM present you the declassified Saitek X-65F. A new challenge ahead, this time a hardware review. Any review is generally interesting, but this one probably more so than any other add-on hardware component. Since it has become a pretty long review over the weeks of testing, I thought it would be a good idea to add a table of contents.

● Saitek’s X-65F● What do you get?

- Intro - Unpacking the hardware - User Manual and leaflet - Software - Putting thing together - Driver Software - SST Programming Software

● Hardware Inspection - X-65F Stick - X-65F Throttle Unit and Switch Panel

● Time for Action● Summary / Closing Remarks

Saitek’s X-65F

This covers an essential flight simulator part for every flight simmer particularly when you prefer joysticks over control yokes. Oops, the Saitek X-65F is not a joystick although it looks like one. This joystick can’t move and therefore it’s not a “joy” stick, but just a stick and not a normal stick!

Instead, it’s able to detect force sensing. That the X-65F is also a H.O.T.A.S. component, which is an acronym for Hands On Throttle and Stick shouldn’t surprise anybody, but that the stick doesn’t move and instead detects force sensing, is unique. Unfortunately I don’t own the Saitek’s X-52 Pro, so I’m not able to compare where possible the X-52 with this X-65F. On the other hand, I can tell you that although Saitek still offers the X-52 Pro hardware, the X-65F is the replacement. Probably one of the reasons to keep both available for flight simmers is the price difference.

While writing this review, there’s no competitor who offers a force sensing stick. HOTAS equipment can be found, but that has nothing to do with force sensing. Thrustmaster’s HOTAS COUGAR claims to be a 100% replica of the F-16 fighter, which is according to them, the most realistic flight stick on the market, however they forget to tell the user that that stick isn’t able to detect force sensing. Since the real F-16 is equipped with a non-movable stick, the Thrustmaster isn’t as realistic as they say!


http://www.avsim.com/pages/1010/Saitek/pic_00_01.jpg


Not directly related to the Saitek X-65F but worth mentioning, Robert Whitwell – AVSIM Reviews Editor – visited the E3 2010 in Los Angeles and had an exclusive look at Thrustmaster’s upcoming HOTAS Warthog. Although it seems this competitor created a great HOTAS, it still isn’t equipped with a force sensing stick. This means that the competitor’s model doesn’t offer what Saitek offers. In other words, while writing this review, Saitek is the only manufacture who offers a real force sensing stick and I can tell you already, it’s an awesome experience.

Ok, heading back for the X-65F. As usual, the manufacturer offers lots of website information so let’s see what Madcatz/Saitek writes about the X-65F Pro Flight.

Pro Flight X-65F Combat Control System

Rule the skies with the latest Saitek X series controller – the Pro Flight X65F Control System. Custom engineered from high grade metal castings; this is a system that is built to withstand many combat engagements. The number of controls available will cater for any pilot’s needs, but the true innovation resides within the stick itself – Force Sensing technology.

What is Force Sensing?

In a world first for a manufactured simulation controller, the X65F’s stick does not move; instead, like those found in real modern fighter jets, it responds to pressure that you exert on the handle, resulting in a fast, accurate and realistic response that will make you the ace in your squadron. With no moving parts and a shaft that is made from high grade steel, this provides incredible reliability and longevity.

Product Features

● Metal construction for the ultimate in realism and durability● Unique force sensing stick – all input is detected from how hard you push on the stick, just like in real modern day jet fighters. This includes a force-

sensing twist rudder control● Features on-the-fly adjustment of the force settings for the stick – including separate adjustments for each axis of the stick for the ultimate in stick

response configuration.● Dual throttle for finer control over twin engine jets, or lock the two throttles together for single engine fighters● Stick controls include:

Three 8-way hats, one 8-way thumb hat, one trigger, two buttons and 2 pinkie switches.● Throttle controls include:

Two rotaries with push button controls, one mouse hat, four 8-way hats, one 2 way ‘K’ switch, one scroll selector and one 4 position mode switch ● Back panel with 5 more control switches, force-sensing strength selection, mode indication and mounting points for Saitek Pro Flight Instrument Panels● A potential total of 608 commands possible without ever moving your hands from the controls!

As always, every manufacturer writes awesome things about their product as if it’s something unique. This time I completely agree with statements like “Custom engineered from high grade metal castings” or “ultimate in realism and durability”. Knowing other Saitek Pro Flight products, I must admit that this X-65F unit looks and feels massive, well designed and ergonomic, but above all; it looks and feels almost professional.

Almost because you’ll never find it in a real fighter or an Airbus, which makes sense if you’re aware of the aviation rules. Anyway, this stick with throttle unit, although mainly made out of metal castings, is the opposite of the Pro Flight yoke with throttle unit. If you want, you can connect to both Pro Flight units (either the X-65F or the Pro yoke with throttle quadrant) and the Pro Flight pedals.

One last remark before heading to the next section; since the stick is equipped with yaw sensing, you could eliminate the rudder pedal. On the other hand, rudder pedals are standard “real” cockpit equipment so why not within your virtual cockpit?

What do you get?


http://www.avsim.com/pages/0710/E3/HOTAS_Warthog.htm


Intro

This section covers a little more than only “what hardware do you get”. I’ll try to start with the hardware, but include in a logical order how to connect the units together and how to test it before using it. Not that it’s a shock of what’s coming up, but it definitely helps those who are not familiar with Saitek products or not familiar with HOTAS stick and throttle units.

Unpacking the hardware

After I opened the declassified brown X-65F box, I still had no idea of what would be inside. Ok, I knew it should have the stick with throttle unit inside. Unless you’ve seen it in your local flight store, it’s massive, it’s heavy and it’s not flight simulator stuff! It’s almost professional equipment. No, that’s the only thing that’s not true. It’s not used within the professional world, but studying the overall quality of the units gives the impression it is. I’m so sorry, I’m going too fast unless you’ve purchased it already. Let’s start again with opening the box and seeing what’s inside. Logically, there’s the stick- and throttle unit with the two control boxes, which are to be mounted on the front. Furthermore, a few pieces like screws, an Allen key, Teflon rings, Velcro tape, and a heavy metal plate. Furthermore, two DVD’s, a paper manual and a quick mounting leaflet. It seems not much but more is not needed. Before I continue, let’s have a look at the following screenshots.

picture I

picture II

Picture III

More or less all the components on one half of the packing material. Not as it was packed, but that doesn’t matter right now. You can clearly see the stick with the holding or mounting plate, which allow you to connect it to your table. On the left hand side you see something that could be the throttle unit and right of it the switch- and dummy panels. Those should be mounted in front or is it aft of the throttle housing. Anyway, that’s for later.

User Manual and Leaflet

The User Manual comes in five languages - English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Let’s stick with English since Dutch is not included. The first two pages show you the stick and throttle unit with all the buttons, switches, triggers, lights, rotary knobs etc. as well as the MODE and FORCE SETTING box further known as the switch panel. This is immediately followed by the installation of the driver and/or (programming) software. The software can be used in combination with different Windows versions and includes both 32- and 64bit drivers. Following the manual you’ll get controller settings, divided in “test stick”, “test throttle” and the “test switch panel”. In case you’re lost; the switch panel is the small panel mounting in left front of the throttle unit. The 2nd panel, right of it, is just a dummy panel that shows a graph of “force setting versus preset buttons”.

Ok, back to the three test descriptions; it’s used to check the operation of the stick and throttle units including their neutral positions. When you’re done with these tests, you’ll get to the part where the force software tab allows you to change the applied force of the 4 pre-set force settings. The last sub section deals with dead zones and how to handle these.

No, we’re not done yet. The next and last part deals with the programming of your Pro Flight Controller, using Saitek’s Smart Programming Software. This is not new unless this is your first Saitek Pro Flight product. Not directly related to the user manual, but worth bringing up; check on a regular basis at the Saitek website for the latest drivers and/or software. It’s very simple; the website software is either of the same version as the supplied DVD or it’s newer but never






older!

The box also offers a leaflet with the necessary mounting instructions on it. Not that it’s a difficult job since the stick and throttle are ready to use components. I’ve decided to add a sub-section here on how to put the things together with some photos.

Software The following DVD’s are supplied:

DVD I (Lock On demo Flaming Cliffs version 1.1)

The first DVD comes with a demo version of Lock On Flaming Cliffs 1.1 from Eagle Dynamics, a modern combat fighter, which is for those who aren’t familiar with it, not related to FSX. It’s a stand-alone program and up to you if you want to use this combat fighter simulation program or that you go for an FSX or FS9 add-on fighter.

DVD II (Driver and Programming Software)

The 2nd DVD shows me in the Autoplay window that I’m dealing with X-65F software version 1.0. I did mention this before; go to the Saitek website and download the latest X-65F driver- and programming software. I would like to give you the direct links, but because of 32- and 64bit systems and different operating systems, it’s a little too complicated. Just go to www.Saitek.com, chose from the menu “Downloads – Drivers & Software”. Select from the first pull-down menu “Other” or from the one below “Pro Flight”, followed by X-65F and finally your operating system. I would like to make clear that I only tested the 64-bit Saitek drivers in combination with Windows 7 64-bit. This means I can’t say anything about the 32-bit driver’s functionality. I assume that shouldn’t be a problem, but assuming is not a 100%

Is it really a must to install/configure the additional Saitek programming software? I could write down that if you don’t want to work with profiles, then you can leave it out. Knowing from other Saitek and CH products, basic (joy) stick functions like pitch, roll, yaw and throttle control are most of the time directly working, but many other buttons and switches are not operative or not configured as you probably want and that’s a shame. Furthermore, the programming software allows you also to adjust the stick force on-the-fly, which could be handy and it allows you to test the stick, throttle and switch panel. Because of these items it’s a good idea to install and configure the Programming software and work with profiles. How and what that all means, that’s for later.

Putting things together

Let’s first start with the stick. The stainless steel supplied mounting plate should be connected to the stick base with four screws. Don’t forget to add the plastic rings underneath it. Then you connect one part of the Velcro to the bottom of it. The other part of the Velcro tape should be connected to your table. The end result is a tight connection of the stick That’s all.

Find below for your convenience the overall mounting procedure.

picture I

picture II

picture III


http://www.saitek.com/


picture IV

picture V

picture VI

Picture I: Put the stainless steel plate upside-down. Picture II: Put one side of the Velcro tape along the side of the plate as shown on the screenshot. Picture III: Turn the stainless steel plate back and notice the 4 nuts and the three angled side walls. Picture IV: Position the stick over the plate as shown above. The front opening is needed to connect the throttle cable to the stick. Picture V: Insert all four screws with rings and tighten with the provided Allen key. Do not over tighten! Worth mentioning is that the Allen key as shown on the picture can turn 360° without hitting the stick structure. Picture VI: Press the marking plate (click the thumbnail and see within the red square) firmly on the stick hand palm.

Now it’s time to connect the switch- and dummy panels to the throttle unit. Not a complicated job, but remember to put the switch panel on the left hand side as you can see in picture III. Placing the switch panel on the right hand side could give the impression that this is also possible. This is unfortunately not the case since each panel is then only tightened with one screw instead of two. Since the throttle unit isn’t provided with a stainless steel plate, there’s probably a need to adjust the throttle tension screw to prevent lifting the unit when moving either or both throttles.

According to Saitek “the stainless steel plate was primarily put in for the stick, because the stick is force sensing and some users might like a very heavy feeling thus the plate is there to help secure the stick down. We have included the plate for that reason although the plate can be used for the throttle side if required.”

picture VII

picture VIII

picture IX






Picture VII: Turn the throttle unit upside-down and connect the two stainless steel brackets with the supplied screws to the bottom of the unit as can be seen within the red squares. Within the light blue square you’ll find the throttle tension adjustment screw. It allows you to change the necessary force to move the throttles. Picture VIII: When you’re done, it’s time to connect the switch –and dummy panels. They are positioned at the end of the brackets as can be seen on the picture. Position the panels in place as shown and tighten them each with two screws (see for this the orange squares). Again, do not over tighten them and notice the position of the panels. The left hand panel is the dummy while the right hand is the switch panel. Not shown on this picture are the two screws that are left. Those are not spare screws but they should be used to connect the two panels on the inside together. See the leaflet for this. Picture IX: This is the way the panels should be fitted. You can swap the panels on the brackets, but then you’ll find out that each panel can only be tightened with one screw instead of two and furthermore, you’re not able to connect them on the inside together. For the cable connection between the throttle unit and switch panel it doesn’t make any difference.

Finally, you need to connect the three cables from the throttle unit. The throttle unit has three cables at the back. One with a USB connector that needs to be connected to your PC or a USB hub. The other two cables differ in length but have the same type of connectors. On the short cable connector head is written “SW/P” from SWitch Panel while on the long cable connector “STICK” is written.

picture X

picture XI

picture XII

Picture X: The three cables on the throttle unit are, looking from left to right: - connector marked STICK for being connected to the stick (long cable). - connector marked SW/P for the switch panel (short cable). - USB connector for PC attachment. Picture XI: It can’t be missed but just in case; connect the SW/P connector to the control panel and please take care with the pins when pressing it in position. It makes sense, but you should align the slotted hole first! Picture XII: Another easy one. Connect the STICK connector to the backside of the stick. What’s applicable for switch panel pins and slotted hole, that’s the same for this connector.

As you can see, I didn’t add any picture of the USB connector. I suppose that shouldn’t be difficult for you to find a USB slot on your PC, USB hob or even your monitor.

Once all is done, Windows 7/Vista (and hopefully also XP) automatically detects the new hardware and if all is ok, some green lights on the stick should illuminate and on the switch panel a MODE button should illuminate as well as a FORCE SETTING button. When you’ve come this far, it’s time to install the driver software.

Driver Software






Insert either the DVD marked “Software Version 1.0” or my preference, click the downloaded Saitek driver from the website and let it do the work. At the end of the installation, a Saitek X-65F window pops up and allows you to test the individual components.

Since I’m left-handed, I’m facing probably a small problem. The hand palm rest of the X-65F is definitely made for right-handed people. You can use it of course also with your left hand, but this Saitek stick doesn’t offer a palm rest on the left hand side while, for example, the original F-16 stick does have a palm rest on both sides of the stick as you can see on the right screenshot.

It’s not a big deal and I can tell you that even flying with my right hand works great. Why this additional “left hand palm rest” isn’t added to the X-65, I’m not sure. On the other hand, it’s already designed and in production, so I can’t change that anymore nor Saitek. At the same time I’m also aware that the X-65F doesn’t simulate the F-16 stick or of another fighter. It’s a general purpose stick and because of that, it’s not only for use with modern fighters. You can also use it for any other commercial airplane, as many flight simmers do.

With the “test stick” tab in view as you can see on the screenshot below, you can apply on-the-fly a pitch, roll or yaw force and the green cross in the window displaces accordingly. Remember what I said before; the stick doesn’t move! Furthermore, you can move or press every button which in turn illuminates the same button or switch on the screen.

Courtesy of www.xflight.de

You can control the force setting on the switch panel by pressing either button (F1, F2, F3 or F4). The result of this is that less force is needed to get a certain output and thus control flight movement. By the way; F1 means more force is needed for an output while F4 equals a minimum force is required to get a flight control deflection.

TEST STICK

TEST THROTTLE

TEST SWITCH PANEL

FORCE

TEST STICK: Allows you to test not only the pitch, roll and yaw twist force function, you can also press the buttons and/or switches. An activated switch or button illuminates on the screen. This tells you that the particular switch or button is sending a signal via the throttle unit to the PC and thus it’s working. At the same time you can press on the switch panel on-the-fly the FORCE SETTING buttons. This directly reflects the needed force to get a certain stick output. TEST THROTTLE: Although we’re dealing with the throttle unit, the principle is the same as that of the TEST STICK tab. Throttle movement, rotary selectors, switches, buttons; they all result in a direct output on the screen. TEST SWITCH PANEL: What’s applicable for the previous two is also applicable for the switch panel. On the screenshot you can see two green lit buttons. These are pressed by me and captured for the screenshot. The only switches that don’t provide a feedback are the F1, F2, F3 and F4. Software bug? The four MODE light units are not interacting because these are just lights and no buttons! FORCE: The force tab shows you the default F1, F2, F3 and F4 force settings of the buttons on the switch panel and thus the required stick force. This window allows you to modify a stick force or all the underlying F buttons forces.








So the executable driver file installs the necessary Saitek drivers, however it will not create any shortcuts on your desktop or add something under the Start menu button. What does this mean? It means once you’ve finished the tests and adjusted the stick force, the Saitek window is closed and you aren’t able to do this procedure again? Yes you are! That part deals with the Saitek Programming software.

SST Programming Software

When you haven’t the intention to work with game profiles, this software is mandatory. As said before, it’s not only used for creating or editing profiles, it’s also used when needed, to test the different components or to adjust the force settings of the stick.

Ok, either you go for the supplied DVD or you download again the latest programming software from Saitek, which is my preference. Start the executable file and before you know you’re done. When there’s a need for it, additional information about the installation process is available in the manual.

Once finished, you’ll find under the Start menu a folder “All Programs | Saitek SD6 Programming Software” (see the upper screenshot on the right). It offers the Profile Editor program, Profiler, which is no more than a tray-icon. There’s also a sub folder named Manuals with many different language html files. These manuals are an extension to the previously discussed paper manual. All examples given in this digital html manual are in combination with the Cyborg joystick. Despite it being a different joystick, the basic software principle is the same.

Furthermore, the installer adds also a Saitek tray icon. The software is configured in such way that with every PC restart this tray icon becomes active. The only thing you need to do is right click on it. This brings up the small menu with several options as you can see on the lower right screenshot. Some are self-explanatory while clicking the “Profile Editor” as it brings up the Profile Editor Program. That will be discussed below and the “Control Panel” brings up the same test control panel we saw before during the driver software installation. Can you remember them; the TEST STICK, TEST THROTTLE, TEST SWITCH PANEL and FORCE? I hope so since it’s only one section back!

It’s time to move on so let’s start the “Profile Editor” program and see what you can do with it. As you can see on the screenshots below, it comes with four buttons (read sections); - Product page - Settings page - Programming page - Support page





Product page

Settings page

Programming page

Support page

Product page:

This page doesn’t seem to be a very interesting way to start, however it shows the user the installed software versions at the left hand bottom. If needed or on a regular basis – not automatically – you can use the “Support” button on the top, following the “Download Drivers and Software” option.

Settings page:

This offers you a few interesting things like testing your stick's pitch, roll and yaw outputs including the force needed to do so. Force scale units can be changed according to your own preferences.

I would like to add something, which reflects my personal experience. I’m left handed, but using my right hand on the stick isn’t that bad at all. It offers me the hand palm rest, my thumb rests on HAT switch 3, my index finger (or pointer- or forefinger) on the trigger and the rest of the fingers fit around the stick itself. With this situation, applying a pitch and roll input, it seems I’m doing quite well on the graph. The moment I’m also trying to apply a yaw, then my right hand control isn’t able to do that in a correct manner. My left hand would perform much better. On the other hand, using Saitek’s Pro Flight Rudder pedals would solve this problem and yaw can be applied as it should be via the pedals. By the way; if you want to reduce the stick YAW channel, you simple move the Z-axis slider completely to the right. It doesn’t eliminate the Z-axis or YAW input/output, but the necessary force is set to a high value.

Long story short; when you’re also left handed, you either perform much better than me or you face the same problem, but is it a problem? No, using your right hand on the stick feels good. Why bringing this all up? When you’re left handed and in the lucky position of being a real F-16 pilot, the stick is situated on your right hand side with the throttles on the left, so would you face the same problem or not?

Back to our Settings page, section “Set Forces”. It allows you, as we’ve seen already before, to adjust the needed stick forces for the switch panel buttons F1, F2, F3 and F4. Clicking an “F” button on the screen also activates and illuminates the same button on the switch panel. You can change the X-, Y- or Z-AXIS slider to a higher or lower force value and save this. In case you made a mess of it, there’s always the “restore default forces” button. And you can do this all on-the-fly!

Programming page:

When you open it for the first time, it could look complicated, but believe me, it isn’t. Creating game profile files is not difficult and allows you to use every switch, button on the stick, throttle or switch panel. But what the heck is a “game profile”? According to Saitek “a game profile is the name we call a file that has programmed controller commands saved into it – for example, you may have a joystick with a number of buttons / hats. If you want one of these to do something in-game that you would normally have to use a keyboard shortcut for, you can “assign” that command to that button. So, if you want button A to activate the landing gear (which is the “g” key), you can assign this in the Profiler Editor. You can of course do more complicated assignments, like “shift+F2” or even timed commands.”







It offers you a tremendous amount of additional functions when using your Saitek hardware. What additional functions; that depends on your need and the airplane you’re using. Fighters have different equipment than a commercial aircraft or even GA planes. Remember, although this stick seems to be designed for combat simulation, it’s a universal stick and throttle unit that can be used for every plane.

Programming all the buttons and switches is well explained in the manuals, so there’s no need for me to write a tutorial for you in this review. Not directly related to game profiles, you’ll also learn that initial settings are made in MODE M1. This MODE switch is mounted on the right hand side of the right hand throttle. Displacing the switch allows you to move it to MODE 2, 3 and 4. The corresponding light on the switch panel will illuminate accordingly, but what has that to done with this?

By placing the switch to another MODE number, all the stick and throttle switches can be programmed again for other functions. The only advice I have is to write it down or print it out otherwise you’ve got no idea what you assigned to what.

As you can see on the “Programming page” screenshot, the stick is the current active unit to program. When you click on the lower “Switch panel” or “Throttle” figure, these units become active and allow you to make the necessary programming.

Support page:

This page offers the following links of which a few are self-explaining; - Show Startup Tips Page, - Download Drivers and Software, - Download Games Profiles, - Read SST Programming Manual, - Contact Us.

Some words regarding the Games Profiles en the SST Programming Manual. While writing this review Saitek doesn’t yet offer any X-65F game profiles. This means that you can’t use any predefined profiles and thus predefined stick and throttle settings for all the switches and buttons. In other words, you need to make your own game profile file(s). When you don’t want to do this or you think it’s too complicated, then you leave it like it is.

As previously mentioned; the basic stick and throttle functions work with FS9, FSX, X-Plane 9.x or any combat simulation. On the other hand and said in the previous section, it’s not difficult, so see it as a challenge.

Creating game profiles and testing them is available on the pages 15 and 16 if you use the English language section of the supplied paper manual or the digital version. Additional game profile information can be found via the Support page – SST Programming manual.

Don’t let yourself down when you read “programming”. Real programming is something different. This programming reverts only assigning keyboard commands to a button or switch on the stick or throttle unit. It’s not black magic! When you’ve understood the basic game profile assignment procedure, it could be an idea to look into the Advanced Programming section of the digital html manual. It offers lots of in-depth information about shift-states, multiple or combined keystrokes, creating macros and much more. You need all of that? No, that’s for the hardcore simmer! In other words; the Saitek programming software offers for every type of flight simmer something!

This brings me to the end of the section “what do you get”. I hope I have highlighted all the important hardware components, software and installation procedures as well as what you can do with the software. By the way; find here the link of the digital version of the supplied paper manual. It’s now time to have a closer look to the stick, throttle and panels.

Hardware Inspection

X-65F Stick

It’s not an easy job to describe what I see or when I touch the stick. I mentioned in the beginning that I don’t own the Saitek X-52 and therefore I can’t


http://www.saitek.com/manuals/X65F_manual.pdf


compare the two. The only thing I can compare, are the things that can be seen by the naked eye.

Bunches of screenshots or even a video won’t help us, but I’ll give it a shot with some close-up photos. Looking at the stick itself tells me that it’s a massive unit with a well-balanced design. The stick is matt black and expresses metal and absolutely no plastic. Oops, mistake … it’s made of metal. That the stick itself is made of metal is also applicable for the HAT- and POV switches, levers and buttons although the red buttons on the front and back are, as far as I can judge, made of high quality plastic. When you’ve placed your hand around the stick, it’s very easy to reach every switch and/or button. Ergonomic wise it is almost perfect and I’ve got the feeling that this almost perfect fit is over a large range of hand sizes.

Anyway, the simulated nut at the bottom of the stick, which connects it to the base (I don’t believe that, but it looks for like that) as well as the base itself, are again made of metal. Altogether a heavy unit of approximately 1.7 Kilograms (≈ 3.7 Pounds). Though the overall unit is heavy, there’s still a need for the stick base to connect in one way or another to a table. For this reason it comes with what I’ve described before, a stainless steel mounting plate that can be mounted to the stick base and with Velcro tape it can be connected to a table. The advantage is, when you no longer need the stick, you simple pull the stick up, splitting the Velcro half’s. For those flight simmers who want it permanently available; they can use the four base holes and connect the stick with longer screws directly to the table or bracket.

For programming purposes, every switch and button except for the two triggers/levers are marked on the stick with a number or text.

urthermore, putting my right hand around the stick, leaving my hand palm resting on the platform, gives me the idea that Saitek put a lot of effort creating a thorough and well-designed stick. It could be a mistaken for a professional side stick.

Pictures show you something, but don’t offer you the 3D look I have in my personal FS hangar. On the other hand, this X-65F is totally different in design than the X-52 models and seems to me a lot more sophisticated with a professional grip. With that said, I tried to make some close-up images, hoping that these help you understanding what I see and feel.









What I said before; many parts are made of metal or light alloy. The red buttons on the stick are made of high quality plastic. Where needed, you’ll find on the button itself a letter or number otherwise when it’s too small, it’s marked on the stick itself .The moment the stick is wired to the throttle unit and connected to a USB port and thus electrically powered, a green backlight at the HAT switch illuminates. The handpalm rest offers a stable and natural support for all stick force operations. Not sure, but the nut at the bottom of the stick seems fake to me, nonetheless it looks professional and as real as it’s possible. As far as I can see, the base plate of the stick (and throttle unit) are a mixture between plastic and metal. The fact that this is a mix composition doesn’t harm the overall unit weight. It’s still heavy and doesn’t give any problems with force inputs. Overall impression …. Very professional like!

With the stick connected to the throttle and the overall X-65F set to the PC, green backlights at the HAT switch 1, 2 and 3 illuminate, indicating that the unit is powered.

Some last words about the force sensing and the unit. Don’t worry about applying a high stick force and pulling the whole unit off from the Velcro tape. As you can see for yourself on one of the previous pictures, the Velcro tape is fitted at every side of the mounting plate and nothing will happen, even if you select the highest default force, which is the F4 button.

The stick as well as the throttle unit can be used with many games. Remember what I said before; basic or default stick and throttle functions are directly active or can be assigned correctly within the simulation program. The SST software is universal. This means you can create any game profile file for FS9, FSX or X-Plane. The only thing the software is doing is assigning game keyboard commands to the stick or throttle, irrespective of which game it’s intended for.

X-65F Throttle Unit with Switch Panel

Let’s start this time with the base, which as it happens, is the same as the stick. This means it offers four holes to connect the base plate to the stainless steel mounting plate if not connected to the stick or if you want to connect it to a table. To make one thing clear; Saitek only supplies one stainless steel mounting plate, which can be fitted to either the stick or the throttle.

The split throttle option is probably the biggest change compared to Saitek’s X-52. You can use them individually or connect them together via a steel pin. The throttles are, as far as I can see, made of heavy duty metal and offer a tremendous grip when moving them forward or pulling them backwards.

The same as we saw with the stick, each throttle offers lots of switches including two HAT switches, two rotary switches, a scroll wheel and a MODE switch and every item is identified / marked on the housing with a letter or number. I’m not 100% sure, but I think that those are all made of metal. The throttle plate is probably the only “visible” plastic part with no backlight facility, but again, it’s well integrated in the overall metal housing and shows not to be a cheap component. Throttle movement force is adjustable via a socket head screw on the backside. The previously mentioned Allen key can be used for this. Once set at your preferred tension, they move very smoothly along the range.

I would like to bring up one item in case you face this problem. When you know the solution, the problem is no longer an issue!






If you experience stiff throttle movement even with the tension screw set to the maximum “loose” position, then follow this procedure. “According to Saitek this problem is caused by the grease in the throttle arms that could harden after prolonged time in the cold. They are advising users who have this throttle problem to put the throttles in single mode, than move them very quickly forward and backward for about 8 times on each arm. This should warm up the grease and make the throttles move a lot smoother.”

This procedure is only needed when you think the idea throttle movement isn’t as smooth as expected.

The same kind of photo collection as I did with the stick. Overall impression is really awesome except for the mechanical problems I had. Those will be explained later. I couldn’t – of course – disconnect the thorttle heads from their shaft, but those really look massive, and are made of metal. Most of the button, switches, and HATs are made of a light alloy or of a high quality plastic. The throttle levers can be connected to each other or you use them as two seperate levers. How and when you want to use it, that’s up to you. I explained the base structure and material already during the stick description, so no further words needed. This is the same for the button or switch identifications; either it’s marked on the button or switch or it’s printed on the housing. One of the two panels mounted on the backside of the throttle unit is used for programming additional buttons and allows you to change the force settings on the fly. The second panel is only a dummy panel and I think it’s only mounted because of the symmetry. If you don’t like these panels, then you’re free to remove them. The X-65F works perfectly without the control panel. In that case you’ll miss the additional MODE lights, the T buttons and guarded switch. Changing the force setting can always be done via the software so that’s












never a problem. Of course, the X-65F is intended to have the panels installed!

The throttle unit is also the base for all the electrical components and serves as an interface between the stick, switch panel and PC. The cable that connects the throttle unit to the stick is ≈ 1.8 meters (≈ 5.9 feet), which is long enough for every normal setup, in my opinion. The cable that goes to the switch panel is approximately 0.8 meter (≈ 2.6 feet) and if mounted as intended, more than enough.

Probably the idea is when you don’t want to mount the switch panel to the throttle unit, you have enough cable length to put it somewhere else. And then there’s your USB cable. This one is really long and shouldn’t give any problems. It measures ≈ 2.0 meters (≈ 6.6 feet), which is perfect. For those who are interested in the throttle unit weight; roughly 1.6 Kilograms (3.5 pounds). Anyway, nice values, but it tells something me about the overall durability and professional look.

The dummy panel is no more than an open plastic box with a plate screwed on the front of it and equipped with a placard showing the user the necessary default forces for the X, Y and Z axis. There’s no electrical connection, so there’s no backlight. On the other hand, the switch panel offers four “F” switches, four “T” switches, a red guarded SAFE switch and four MODE lights.

The F switches - F1, F2, F3 and F4 – are related to the stick force settings. The MODE lights are connected to the selector switch on the right hand throttle. The T switches – T1, T2, T3 and T4 – can be assigned to any keyboard- or advanced command and macro. This is the same for the guarded SAFE switch. Depending on your aircraft type, you can assign almost everything to it as long as you know for example the internal flight simulator “keyboard” code.

You could ask yourself “do I really need to connect this switch panel?” The answer is short ….. YES, although I must admit that you can disconnect it. However, you will then lose the functionality of the four T switches and the guarded SAFE switch! For the rest, there’s no MODE indicator light available, but the MODE selector on the right hand throttle still works. The lights on the switch panel are just repeaters. The same applies for the force setting; however this can be done via the SST programming software settings page. Here you can click on the screen for one of the four F buttons to set the required force and if you want to, you can also modify the force values. A long story showing that you can bypass the switch panel, but don’t do it. It’s a part of the throttle unit and X-65F.

Compared to the X-52 Pro, there’s no longer a display available on the throttle unit. It means, especially for X-52 users, that there’s no longer any selected frequency available as well as no time/date. The selected MODE is repositioned to the switch panel, so that’s still available. Are the missing frequencies and time/date a problem? That’s something personal, but for me it’s not an issue.

I believe I’ve discussed all the things needed to have a better idea what this X-65F hardware is all about. It could be that I’ve forgotten something, but as far as looking at the units, I think all is covered. Let’s go to the next section and let’s see how the X-65F behaves when it comes to flight simulation programs with different aircraft.

Time for Action

Intensive tests taught me that the overall X-65F works very well in combination with Microsoft Flight Simulator programs (FS9 and FSX) and X-Plane 9.x. I don’t own Combat programs except for the supplied demo by Saitek, which I didn’t use for testing. It doesn’t make any difference which airplane you take; they all follow your pitch, roll and yaw commands. This direct and quick response is also applicable for the throttle unit. During the hours I flew, I made some notes for myself. Find a collection of them below. They represent what I experienced while flying FSX and X-Plane but moreover, using the X-65F.



picture I

picture II

picture III

During my FSX flight with the Aerosoft’s F-16 (picture I) I faced a great response in respect of the stick and throttle versus the simulated model. Nice detail is the non-movable simulated stick in Aerosoft’s F-16. Like reality! The X-65F can be used with almost every aircraft or helicopter. This screenshot (picture II) shows the Carenado’s PA34 200T Seneca. Although the throttle unit isn’t equipped with a mixture and prop control lever, you can assign them to – in my case – rotary switches on the throttle unit. End result; you’ve got prop, mixture and throttle control apart from many other assignments. As you can see for yourself; I used split throttle control. The simulated Carenado model shows throttle slightly pulled back, which can be confirmed by the X-65F left hand throttle. My last challenge was an X-Plane 9.x model (picture III). It was the default F-4 Phantom II. Was it different or did it work differently? It worked like a charm! In principle no difference compared to FSX.

● Don’t forget to activate your created game profile file otherwise you may end up in complete confusion. Why? Because when you forget to activate your dedicated game profile file, all the switch and button assignments you made previously will not be active and suddenly it becomes a wrestling partly between your stick and/or throttle controls. Let’s assume you’ve forgotten to activate the game profile file while flying or trying to fly, you can right click the Profile tray icon and activate it on-the-fly. The icon turns green indicating it’s activated.

● Finding the correct force setting to fly with is a personal matter. I personally fly with the default F1 or sometimes the F2 setting. The only change I made for the F1 setting was the yaw slider, which I had set to the maximum. Now, when I apply a stick force, there’s hardly any yaw input detected. For the rest, trying the F3 or even F4 force settings, means to me instable flight characteristics. This “instable flight characteristics” has nothing to do with Saitek, but with me. But again, that’s my opinion and as I said before; you can always change the selected force settings by pressing either button on the switch panel before the flight or on-the-fly.

● For both FSX and X-Plane I programmed the different HAT switches with certain commands. The result was, with my hand around the stick, that I had full control over all my programmed HAT switches and buttons. No need to move my hand from the stick to operate something located too far away. Conclusion; well positioned and well thought about their location!

● How strange it may sound, I sometimes wanted to move the stick out of the center as you’re used to with an ordinary joystick. You can forget that unless you want to move the stick and base together and lift it from the table. No, before you know it you are used to it and know that the stick won’t move. Oops, I’m sorry, “that the stick can’t move”! The first few times it’s a little odd flying with something in your hand that can’t move, but shortly after some flights you’re used to it as if it was normal from the beginning.

● Not a problem for me, but something to keep in mind when flying GA aircraft equipped with a MIXTURE and/or PROP control. Remember, this throttle base unit doesn’t have those levers. In that respect it is pure and only made for non-propeller models. Oops, before making more trouble; you can fly any GA plane with the X-65F but it doesn’t offer the PROP and MIXTURE levers. Hold-on, if you want to, you can, as an example, program throttle rotary switch E to become MIXTURE and rotary switch F into PROP control. It’s not as realistic as with the Pro Flight throttle quadrant from Saitek, but there are many ways to simulate those controls. I did this on the fly in FSX with the FSX settings, but it’s better to do it within the Saitek game profile. Lucky for us, the problem is solved!

● It depends a little on the type of aircraft, but I flew the Flight1 BN-2 Islander with split throttle control. I can tell you that I’m very enthusiastic to hear the different engine sounds when pulling one throttle back or when simulating a throttle stagger. That the Islander sound is well simulated isn’t really important for the moment although for some it is, but for me in relation to the review title, it’s the smooth operation of the X-65F throttles itself. This is of course something that’s not only applicable for this add-on model, but also for the default ones. Although I must say that their response is not as






spectacular as with add-on models. Not surprising I think! ● Not being a “FSX” fighter pilot, I still wanted to test the X-65F in combination with a fighter, so I chose Aerosoft’s F-16 and I was pleasantly surprised.

The F-16 has a side stick, which means it can’t move in real life. Hey, that’s the same as the Saitek X-65F stick although the Saitek stick isn’t a replica of the F-16. The question is; will the simulated stick move in Aerosoft’s F-16? I can happily confirm that the stick while flying the F-16 doesn’t move, but follows perfectly my pitch and roll commands. The throttle on my left hand side as it is situated in the real F-16, moves when moving my Saitek throttle, which is of course normal and correct. The only big difference between flying my simulated F-16 and the real one are the missing G-forces. You can’t have it all! Anyway, flying Aerosoft’s F-16 was suddenly a pleasure and because of the simulated non-movable stick as well as the direct stick response. In the end, I’m even more enthusiastic than I was already!

This concludes my real X-65F flight experience. From all that you may expect from this stick and throttle; it’s doing it all. This review isn’t an endurance test, so I can’t say anything about how HAT switches or buttons function after hundreds of flight hours. I’ve also no idea if the throttle unit stays the same. Looking to the overall quality and material choice, I think it will hold and offers many hours of fun.

Test System

Intel Core Extreme i7-965 6GB Tri-Channel DDR3 1600Mhz EVGA GTX-285 FTW 1GB Triple WD VelociRaptor 300GB HDD Single WD 1TB HDD Windows 7 Ultimate X64 Flight Simulator FSX SP2 Flight Simulator FS9.1 X-Plane 9.55rc3 Saitek Pro Flight System Saitek Pro Flight X-65F TrackerIR Pro 4 TrackerClip Pro

Flying Time: 100+ hours

Summary / Closing Remarks

With a review like this, I’m always asking myself “what else can I add?” Many years ago I had a CH joystick with integrated throttle control. Then I moved to a CH flight yoke with throttle, mixture and prop control with a separate CH rudder pedal unit. In the beginning I was happy with it, but once the CH stuff became older, it showed too many problems.

It was time for Saitek equipment, but which one? The Pro Flight series was an obvious choice. I hesitated between the X-52 Pro or the Flight Yoke with throttle unit. I chose at the time for the Flight Yoke with Saitek Rudder pedals. I’m still happy with it because of the durability of the materials they used although the throttle is primarily made of plastic as well as the flight yoke horn.

Using joysticks or this non-movable stick means you’ve entered a totally new flight simulator world. It first starts with the X-65F look. There’s no need to touch it since it expresses durability and has at the same time a professional look. This time professional means that it looks awesome, but of course, it’s not used within real aviation. You could have your thoughts about a stick that’s not movable. On the other hand, why should it move? Movable sticks mean possible component wear over the years, problems with component malfunction, dust that enters internal components like sensors etc. A stick that doesn’t move like the X-65F, feels in the very beginning very strange and you can hardly believe that the electronics are able to detect force sensing.

The Control Panel and Profile Editor graphs confirm that it can detect your applied force and the flight simulation programs follow, without any hesitation, your steering commands. Even for me as a left handed person, using my right hand on the stick doesn’t give any problems. All the buttons, switches and trigger are directly accessible. I flew many hours with different airplanes and even some fighters and can come to only one conclusion; it flies like hell. Oops, the stick can’t fly! No, it feels natural, it reacts directly and you have full control over the force to apply.

Together with the profile editor software you can create any game profile file you want for either “overall FSX airplanes/helicopters” or even specifically for an airplane, fighter or helicopter type. Since the stick can detect X, Y and Z axis forces or in normal English pitch, roll and yaw, there’s no need to buy Saitek’s rudder pedals however, for me it’s an absolute need. Because of my right hand coordination, I had problems applying a yaw force on the stick. Consequently, I was not only applying a yaw but also a roll and when I’m lucky, even some pitch. That doesn’t work for me so I placed the yaw slider to the maximum and tried it, this solved those problems. I also used it in combination with my rudder pedals. Remember, this is just me!

Editing the buttons, which are available on the throttle unit, is fun and gives you full control over your flight simulator aircraft or helicopter. Not unimportant, split throttle movement is available when you wish and it works great with twin engine aircraft. You really feel the massive metal piece moving underneath your hand. When you’ve split the throttle (engine) control, you’re still able to move them without any stagger. That’s because your hand-palm covers both throttle halves.



As said before, I don’t own any combat flight simulation programs, so I’m stuck with FSX and tried out many aircraft types. The stick may give the impression that it’s intended for combat, but it works great with every aircraft model, ranging from single engine General Aviation models to add-on fighters or the F/A-18A Hornet that comes standard with the FSX Acceleration Expansion Pack. By the way, it also works with helicopter models. I also tried several X-Plane 9.x models and even here the X-65F stick and throttle unit works like a charm. I won’t write it’s a gift from heaven since I’ve got no practical experience with the X-52 Pro, but because of the X-65F design, accuracy and direct control input/output without any play (slack), makes it a great add-on hardware piece.

Ok, let’s finish this last section with a short summary. The X-65F components are well packed in a declassified box; most of the components are ready for use except for the stainless steel mounting plate and the switch- and dummy panels. The box also offers two DVD’s with a demo combat game and drivers with software. Either you go for these or check the Saitek website for the latest version. Furthermore, it includes a paper user manual and a leaflet with installation instructions.

When you’ve bolted the things together, connected the cables, installed the driver and SST software, you are ready to go. When you don’t want to create game profile files, the basic stick and throttle functions work with either Microsoft Flight Simulation or X-Plane or at least that’s what I have seen and tested. Honestly, it’s a shame not using game profile files since it’s easy to create them, to edit commands, to modify them if needed, but importantly, you’re able to get the most out of your X-65F hardware.

Flying with a non-movable stick is a little strange in the beginning although that beginning won’t last but for a few minutes. After those minutes you’re used to a stick that can’t move. The force sensing is so accurate and precise that every airplane follows directly your commands. This is not different for the throttle unit, either as one throttle or as split control.

Is this the ultimate HOTAS equipment? For me it is! I’m aware that with an average European price of €350.00 it’s not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth every penny. I think I’ve covered every dark corner of this hardware, made many flights with it and didn’t detect any anomalies so far. Whenever you’ve got questions, feel free to contact me by mail or else on the AVSIM forum.

What I Like About Saitek's X65F

● Very durable and almost professional looking and functional HOTAS stick and throttle unit,● Hardware well packed in a nice declassified box, so don’t throw it in the basket,● Unique and first of his kind; equipped with “force sensing” technology,● If needed you’re able to adjust the force “on-the-fly”,● Stick equipped with lots of HAT switches, buttons, triggers etc. Together with the “4 MODE

switch”, you’re able to multiply by four every switch or button function. Altogether an huge amount of flight simulator functions integrated in the stick and throttle,

● A dual throttle unit, that can be locked to one throttle if required,● The throttle unit is equipped with a lot of additional switches, mini-HAT switch, scroll wheel

and rotary switches. As applicable for the stick, via the “4 MODE switch” you can multiple by four these switches and wheels.

● The throttles offer an almost professional smooth movement along their range,● Easy to install driver and SST software,● Nice and useful paper manual in different languages as well as a comprehensive digital

version, available via the SST software,● Cable length between throttle and stick and from the throttle to the PC are long enough for

any normal setup



What I Don't Like About Saitek's X65F

● Normally it shouldn’t be that difficult to find an item, but this time it isn’t that easy. No hard feeling about the hardware, the connectors are all ok, cables offer nice length, smooth throttle feeling, highly accurate and direct input/output control of the stick. No, I couldn’t think of anything.

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