Finding the best flight stick hotas suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick
Feature
Wide hand-rest for optimal comfortProgrammable: the 12 buttons and 5 axles are entirely programmable
Dual-system aerodynamic control: by rotating handle (with integrated blocking system) or by progressive tilting lever
Internal memory: to save all of your programming, even with the joystick disconnected
High-precision joystick with adjustable resistance
Programmable: the 12 buttons and 5 axles are entirely programmable
Detachable, real-size, ergonomically-designed throttle control
Exclusive "MAPPING" button: all functions may be instantly switched around between each other
High-precision joystick with adjustable resistance
Exclusive "PRESET" button": to switch, while playing, instantly from one programme to another
Unique: Plug & Play for ultra-simple and fast installation with all functions pre-configured for immediate takeoff (without worrying about configuration)
Trigger for brakes (civil flight) or for rapid fire (military flight) + multi-directional hat (panoramic view)
Weighted base for greater stability
Description
Thrustmaster is a designer and manufacturer of interactive entertainment hardware and accessories for PC and game consoles. Wide hand-rest for optimal comfort. Programmable: the 12 buttons and 5 axles are entirely programmable. (**) This joystick is not distributed under licence or with the approval of Microsoft Corporation / Ubisoft / 505 Games. Configurations by default: PC : Flight Simulator X (**) Microsoft PS3 & PC : Tom Clancys HawX (**) Ubisoft PS3 : IL-2 Sturmovik Birds of prey (**) 505 Games. Unique: Plug & Play for ultra-simple and fast installation with all functions pre-configured for immediate takeoff (without worrying about configuration). Detachable, real-size, ergonomically-designed throttle control. Exclusive "MAPPING" button: all functions may be instantly switched around between each other. Dual-system aerodynamic control: by rotating handle (with integrated blocking system) or by progressive tilting lever. High-precision joystick with adjustable resistance. Trigger for brakes (civil flight) or for rapid fire (military flight) + multi-directional hat (panoramic view). Internal memory: to save all of your programming, even with the joystick disconnected. Weighted base for greater stability. Exclusive "PRESET" button": to switch, while playing, instantly from one programme to another2. Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS Controller
Feature
The T.16000M FCS HOTAS is compatible with PC via USB in Windows 10, 8, 7 and Vista (32-bit and 64-bit)16 action buttons with braille - style physical button identification
Exclusive precision:Hall Effect accurate technology 3D (Hall Effect) magnetic sensors located on the Stick (us patent: Us08471815)
4 independent axes, including twist rudder (controlled by rotating the Stick)
14 action buttons + 8-way POV hat: two 4-Way switches + 3 buttons + one 2-position Slider + 1 push mini-stick + one 8-way point of view hat switch
Description
T.16000M fcs (flight control system) flight stick featuring H.e.A.R.T magnetic precision technology + twcs (Thrust master weapon control system) throttle featuring s.M.A.R.T technology3. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick - PC
Feature
Joystick replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft flight stickStand-alone HOTAS Warthog joystick, from the creator of the original HOTAS concept and the worldwide benchmark flight sim controllers: the HOTAS Cougar and the HOTAS Warthog
Detachable handle, crafted entirely of metal; Also compatible with the HOTAS Cougar (and vice-versa); Replica shape of the A-10C flight stick
19 action buttons in total + one 8-way "point of view" hat: 1 x 8-way "point of view" hat; 2 x 8-way hats; 1 x 4-way hat with push button; 1 x metal dual trigger; 2 x push buttons; 2 x pinkie push buttons
USB connector and upgradeable firmware; Super-stable, weighted joystick (over 6 lbs.)
Description
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick is a Joystick replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft flight stick. This stand-alone HOTAS Warthog joystick comes from the creator of the original HOTAS concept and the worldwide benchmark flight sim controllers: the HOTAS Cougar and the HOTAS Warthog. It features a detachable handle, crafted entirely of metal which is also compatible with the HOTAS Cougar (and vice-versa). There is a detachable metal plate for desk or cockpit-style use. The buttons and trigger offer incredibly realistic pressure. There are a total of 19 action buttons plus one 8-way "point of view" hat: 1 x 8-way "point of view" hat; 2 x 8-way hats; 1 x 4-way hat with push button; 1 x metal dual trigger; 2 x push buttons; and 2 x pinkie push buttons. The USB connector allows for upgradeable firmware. This super-stable, weighted joystick weighs in at over 6 lbs!. This Flight Stick features H.E.A.R.T Hall Effect AccuRate Technology: 3D magnetic sensors (Hall Effect): surgical precision, that wont decrease over time; 16-bit resolution (65536 x 65536 values); 5 coil spring system: for tension that is firm, linear, smooth and without any dead zones. The HOTAS Warthog is compatible with Thrustmaster's T.A.R.G.E.T (Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor) software suite, available free for download. This suite lets you test, configure and program the following Thrustmaster controllers: HOTAS Warthog, MFD Cougar, HOTAS Cougar, T.16000M and the HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick. It uses Drag and Drop principle and features three different programming levels: Basic, Advanced and Script.4. Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas 4 Flight Stick for PS4 & PC
Feature
Ready for takeoff with adjustable stick resistance, real-size detachable throttle, dual rudder system and built-in PS4/PC sliding switch; Realistic joystick is designed to adapt to all types of flights (aerial combat, space adventure, civil flight, etc.)Adjustable stick resistance with large hand rest; Dual rudder system: by rotating handle (with integrated locking system) or by progressive tilting lever.
Comprehensive flight gear: 5 axes + 12 action buttons + 1 rapid fire trigger + 1 multidirectional hat switch (navigation / panoramic view)
PC compatibility (Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP) ensured thanks to Thrust master drivers available for download from our website; Internal memory and upgradeable firmware via the PC drivers
Description
The Thrust master Flight Hotas 4 Flight Stick for PS4 & PC is ready for takeoff with adjustable stick resistance, real-size detachable throttle, dual rudder system and built-in PS4 / PC sliding switch. This realistic joystick is ergonomically designed to adapt to all types of flights (aerial combat, space adventure, civil flight, etc.). There is adjustable stick resistance and a large hand rest for comfort during those long flights. The dual rudder system operates by rotating the handle (with integrated locking system) or by the progressive tilting lever. This flight stick is also compatible with the Thrust master TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals (sold separately). Its weighted base provides enhanced stability, and the comprehensive flight gear offers 5 axes + 12 action buttons + 1 rapid fire trigger + 1 multidirectional hat switch (navigation / panoramic view). Embedded software is certified for PlayStation4 and there is automatic recognition by the PS4 system. Official PlayStation4 buttons are included (PS / SHARE / OPTIONS). The Thrust master Flight Hotas 4 Flight Stick is also compatible with PC (Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP) thanks to Thrust master drivers available for download from our website.5. Thrustmaster VG Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One - Xbox One
Feature
The first official joystick for Xbox One and Windows, with the official Buttons for the Xbox One Console.Ergonomic design perfectly adapted for all types of flight simulation (space adventure, modern combat, warplanes, civil flight).
Detachable, full-size throttle for Easy maneuverability, even in virtual reality.
Adjustable handle resistance with wide hand-rest.
Comprehensive flight Gear: 5 axes + 14 action Buttons + 1 rapid-fire trigger + 1 Multidirectional hat Switch (navigation/panoramic view).
Description
T.Flight Hotas One, an officially-licensed joystick for Xbox One and Windows, provides a high level of realism: the stick includes five axes, fourteen action buttons, a rapid-fire trigger and a multidirectional hat switch (navigation/panoramic view), all of which are easily accessible. The throttle - detachable and full-size for easy maneuverability, even in virtual reality - provides super-responsive power. The dual rudder system can be engaged by rotating the handle (with an integrated locking system) or via the progressive tilting lever. The T.Flight Hotas One includes official buttons for the Xbox One console (Guide/View/Menu): access social features, switch between the game and the console, navigate through the console's menus, etc.6. Logitech G Pro Flight X56 Rhino HOTAS
Feature
Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision: The X-56 Rhino delivers a multitude of customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demandNew Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease.
Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock