I have quite a bit of time with my Saitek yoke, pedals and throttle controller. I have finally seemed to have worn out the yoke. There’s a fair dead spot when pulling back on it and in fact if I go into the windows game controllers it backs up what I feel. As you start pulling back there’s nothing….nothing…nothing and then instantly as if you pulled it a 3rd of the way back. Works perfectly when pushing forward.
With that said, I’d like to hear from anyone that has gone from the Saitek to the Honeycomb or even the Turtle beach. Seems I can order another Saitek or switch brands. At least if I get another Saitek I know it well. Any surprises with either of the other two brands mentioned?
I have both the Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo and love them but now getting in the helicopters and hoping to someday afford the ProFlight Puma X so who knows maybe mine will be for sale. Would have to sell them and a kidney to afford the Puma X.
The Honeycomb stuff is great for GA flying. The detents in the yoke are very stiff and can be pitchy when flying airliners. If you mainly fly airliners, id recommend either the Thrustmaster Airbus Captains pack, or the Thrustmaster Boeing pack.
I had a Saitek which was ok, went to Turtle Beach Velocity FlightOne which was garbage (build quality) and the shaft started to show play after 20 days, went to Alpha and Bravo and never looked back, really nice yoke. Only worry is if I have an issue as their Customer Service is terrible.
Alpha is great. The axis is slightly higher when mounted on the table, compared to the Saitek, so there’s some slight getting used to. But quality is miles ahead of the Saitek.
I went from Saitek to the Alpha. I really like it, except the cable that goes between the yoke and the base has been losing connectivity, That part is not designed well.
I have the Turtle Beach Velocity One. Build quality is not as good as the Honeycomb (though not really bad either) and it is pricier but I find it more versatile, especially in regards to control input.
Wow I’m glad I asked. I thought about the Turtle Beach but haven’t really found anything good about it! I did see the vid about opening up the Saitek, the motion is fine for me so don’t think the rubber band trick would benefit me. I feel pretty sure the component that handles the elevator electronically is bad. I guess it doesn’t hurt to open it up and have a look.
I got my honeycomb yesterday. Certainly a little stronger springs but no deal breaker. I didn’t realize my Logitech throttle quadrant plugged into the yoke with a funny looking PS2 connector. If you have a 2nd (add-on) quadrant that uses regular USB it’s no problem. I was able to get creative though. Since I wouldn’t sell my Logitech yoke with a dead spot, I took it apart and removed the circuit board and cut the wiring for the yoke connectors. Taped everything up and my Saitek rudders and throttle work just fine! Simply unmapped the flight controls and remapped to the honeycomb.
One other thing I’ll list here for anyone who does a google search: When I first plugged in the honeycomb, windows told me I plugged in an unrecognized device and it didn’t work! Turns out it’s because my USB extension cable was too long. Found a cheap USB hub I had with a 2ft cable and THAT worked.
That is really my only complaint about the Honeycomb Alpha yoke. The springs are way too tight. Aside from that I really do love it. The Bravo Throttle is great. Ingenious how they managed to find one unit that can cover the throttle config from an Ultralight to a 747.
Just switched for the Alpha to the Alpha XPC. Used to own a Saitek before that. In my case the XPC had slightly less resistance than the standard Alpha.
Also the XPC feels more direct. The hall sensors are a big improvement. Also the new spring on the magneto switch is a nice addition.
Both Honeycomb Alphas are a big improvement over the Saitek.
Was not even aware they had a new model out. Time to see if the little brother wants to buy another piece of second hand flight sim gear so I can continue finance my addiction
Well…I got both the yoke and the throttle quadrant. The throttle quadrantblast about a month and now none of the rocker switches or buttons for the auto pilot work along with the landing gear and flaps. Loved it…now I’m disappointed with it.
