Thrustmaster T16000M FCS Flight Pack (Compatible with PC)

I just wanted to leave a review for this as there currently aren't very many. This is part review for this stick, and part comparison of it between other sticks. For reference, I've extensively used the following sticks: Saitek X52 and X52 pro, Logitech 3D Extreme Pro, old FCS, Warthog, and now this. Also, I play pretty much every type of flight game, including DCS, IL-2 back in the day, SWG back in the day, E:D, and SC.So with that out of the way, this is my favorite stick. It feels weird to say that when I own a warthog, and the build quality and general feel is definitely better on the warthog. The button layout is also much better on the hog. However, once you factor in the price difference and the twist axis, this stick is my daily driver. Another big advantage this stick has over the hog, to me, is the lighter springs. The hog is great for flying an old warplane or something that's really slow, but not so great when dogfighting in a space sim, or when needing to do really precise movements. I just overall find this stick to be easier to use for space sims in general.The new model doesn't seem like a massive upgrade from the old one. I'm not sure what's up with the orange coloring, but I digress. The main difference is that the buttons on the base now have textured markings (which is a life saver in VR or if you just don't want to be looking down), most of the buttons now are textured and more ergonomical, and it seems that the spring makes a lot less noise and is of slightly higher quality. Although that could just be because it's new and my old FCS is old. One thing to note, expanding on textured buttons, is that if you are playing in VR, the warthog throttle is actually a pretty terrible experience. The switches are all over the place and you won't have any way to see them. I hope that all sticks in the future follow the trend of having unique textures on the buttons, so you can feel your way around what you're doing. Definitely a major plus if you're playing in VR.If you're new to Thrustmaster in general, another thing to note is that the T.A.R.G.E.T. scripting software is second to none as far as allowing you to get really in depth with customizing how you want your stick to act, as well as how it's programmed. It's not exactly user-friendly, but you can do pretty much anything you want with it.This stick's biggest weakness is the lack of buttons on the handle. There are plenty on the base, but I really find myself just wanting more on the handle. I picked up two of the cougar MFD's, and find those easier to use than the buttons on the base. Still, next time around, get some more buttons on this thing's handle Thrustmaster. I really wish that this stick and the warthog could make a baby. I'd love to have the metal sticks with the great button layouts, while also having the ability to use it ambidextrously, having a twist axis, and having the lightweight handling that this one does. Unfortunately, that's not really an option. So given that, this stick is my recommendation. The warthog is technically superior, but this stick offers more than enough bang for the buck, and I'm actually probably going to sell my hog soon since it doesn't have a twist axis. The extra handle buttons on the hog are really nice, but the lack of a twist axis just makes it almost useless in a space sim. And you can make up for a lack of buttons with VoiceAttack.The bottom line is that whether you're a new pilot or a seasoned veteran, this stick can do it all pretty well. I've been flying in PC games since I was a kid, and I've used a lot of sticks. This one is my favorite. I think you'd be hard pressed to prove that a warthog is going to give any real-world combat advantage, so the only reason I see to fork over the extra cash is if you really want that metal handle (which does feel nice...).My current setup is using two of these, two MFD's, and a throttle on my left side. I have rudder pedals, but I have no need for them with this setup. The two sticks provide full 6DOF freedom in space sims, and the throttle still allows me to fly regular planes (or long haul flights in space sims) without awkwardly trying to use two sticks. Then the MFD's fill the need for a near infinite amount of buttons. You can slap all of that on a board with some velcro, sit in an office chair, and rival the setups of the biggest and baddest simpits out there for less than what you'd pay for just a warthog stick in some places. Just buy two of these and you won't regret it, seriously.That's my .02, hopefully it helps someone. Happy flying, o7

what's not to love about these sticks. They are very sturdy, extremely responsive in game and have 32 buttons that can be mapped out to any key you want. I found them easy to customize in star citizen. They make flying so much more fun and they give you a level of control, you can't get from a keyboard and mouse. If you are looking for a starter set of sticks that won't break the bank these are it. I've tried a cheaper set and it only lasted a few days. These ones are very sturdy and well built. I expect them to last for a long time.They are setup one for each hand when you get them although it comes with the adapters so you can change them around and have two right or two left handed ones, if you wanted to share with someone instead of using two sticks at once. I will say there is a little bit of a learning curve going from keyboard and mouse to joysticks. That said, it doesn't take long to get used to them and all the buttons. They are so customizable, you don't have to use anything else while in flight mode. I don't recommend for running around on foot but they weren't meant for that. I do however, recommend them for flying.

Update 16 Jan 19: Received replacement joystick on 14 Jan 19. 15 days after Thrustmaster approved my warranty replacement. The item came in a beat up product box but the joystick seem to be in new condition. Doesn't mean it is new just that it looked new. The new joystick has no issues of the jitters. I can leave the calibration setting on auto vice manual. Also, I made a mistake on the warranty period. The warranty is actually 2 years so I still have 1 year left on my replacement so it makes me feel a little better the issue shows up on the new joystick.Update 12 Jan 19: Just before the 1 year warranty period the joystick started to jitter. Even after calibrating the joystick, there would be a jitter. (Jitter = moving erratically with no user input). Thrustmaster had me take a video of me calibrating and showing that it still had the jitter before they would warranty the joystick. Once they approve the warranty, they ask me to cut the usb cord at the base and take a photo of the cut cord and base. This the bad part. They originally said that the item would ship on 10 January. Now they are saying that it is still being processed for shipping with an unknown date for shipment. This is why I have drop my rating down to 3 star "OK". I have a feeling that I will be waiting a long time for my replacement joystick.Update 17 Feb 18: So, after Googling, found out that the throttle has an adjustment screw for tension. You need to slide the throttle all the way up and the flip it over so the you can see the bottom. A screw should be showing through the base. Less tension, counter clockwise and more tension clockwise. Also, I took some suggestion from the online community and put some White Lithium Grease on the guide rails inside the throttle. The grease dose a good job keeping the glide up and down smooth with little tension.I only had the HOTAS for 1 week and I am loving it. I purchased the HOTAS for Elite Dangerous. I didn't really read the manual or online stuff so my first experience was very bad. I tried programming the buttons using the in game binding of keys. Do not do this! The key to using the HOTAS is the TARGET app that you download from Thrustmaster. TARGET is the app that will bind game keys to the HOTAS. Once I figured that out, the HOTAS worked as it was suppose to. The default key binding for Elite was not to my liking so I had to change it. Once again a little reading to understand how to program the binding and it was very easy to make modification. There is a way to do it using scripts but I like the GUI.Game Play. Although I was doing fine with the mouse and keyboard, there is something more natural using a joystick and a throttle. Landing and fighting became much easier. I think it is because all the key buttons are within a thumb reach away vice pressing the wrong key on the keyboard. BTW mouse and keyboard still works. I use the mouse for the galaxy and system maps. The keyboard for typing in names of systems or stations.Weight. The joystick and throttle are both weighted down. The bottom feet are pretty sticky, preventing it from moving. Only during very intense fighting dos the throttle, and more likely the joystick move.Build. Both the joystick and throttle are plastic. However, the plastic feels very sturdy under hand. It does seem like it can take a good beating without breaking.The joystick is spring loaded meaning that it goes back to center. I don't see a way to adjust the tension but the tension doesn't seem to stiff. The throttle is somewhat smooth. As I move the throttle up and down, you can feel it clicking in small increments. It is not hard to move it up and down but there is a noticeable click.

This flight yoke is very smooth, buttons are positive, very accurate and precise and the yoke can be adjusted near center for extra fine movements like for landing. Hefty in weight well put together and comfortable to the hand.