Saitek is one of the few manufacturers of gaming accessories that has offered, over the years, a very comprehensive lineup of products specially designed for flight simulators. And one of their most advanced products of this type is the X52 Pro Flight System, released in the first half of 2007, which offers users a very high level of control over the games, as well as numerous other attractive features on the side.



One of the most interesting features of the X52 Pro is the MFD screen, first introduced on the X52 Flight Controller. The display has been improved and is interactive, allowing users to view important in-game information. Furthermore, gamers can easily chose between night-friendly red, green or amber illumination for the different LED buttons on the controller. Using the provided SDK, they can also program the LEDs to react to conditions in your game such as flashing red during a stall or changing colour when pressed.



The device from Saitek has a very solid build, with metal parts that increase durability, as well as a dual-spring mechanism that provides a progressive spring force on the stick’s movement, making it more resistant the further one moves it from centre. The X52 Pro uses the same magnetic hall sensor, non-contact technology as the X52, but with a double number of sensors to improve response.



We've seen the general info on the X52 Pro, now let's take a more in-depth look at what both components of this system have to offer. Thus, the joystick sports a precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force that reduce free play, improve control and increase durability.



Moreover, it incorporates a 2-stage metal trigger, 4 fire buttons including missile launcher with spring-loaded safety cover for instant access, a metal pinkie switch that provides shift functionality to double up on programmable commands, 2 X 8-way Hat Switches, 3D rudder twist. Plus, the joystick also has a 3-position rotary mode selector switch with LED indicators, 3 spring-loaded, base-mounted toggle switches for up to 6 programmable flight commands and 5-position handle adjustment system to suit all hand sizes.



The throttle, on the other hand, features a tension adjustment system, detents for afterburner and idle, as well as 2 fire buttons, scroll wheel with built-in button, mouse controller / hat switch with left mouse button and 8-way hat switch. Plus, it also offers 2 x rotary controls, smooth-action slider control and a clutch button that initiates “safe mode” to allow on-the-fly profile selection, or to display button functionality without activating.



The X52 Pro from Saitek sells for an estimate 130 US dollars, which makes it a fairly good deal, especially if bundled with some of the few good flight simulators available on the market.