After years of using Microsoft Sidewinders I upgraded to a Saitek X52 HOTAS setup when it first came out...so its been a few years. I have no pedals, just used the "twisty stick". That was a few years back. Initially, the first detent trigger switch went out. Then the more I played the more I realized the stick made my hand cramp no matter how I adjusted the palmrest. Yesterday however, the twisty rudder sensor stopped registering properly.

I researched and found a recommendation to blow out the sensor. Well..sure enough in the process of disassembling it (for the 4th time) I broke the wire to the pinky switch....AND it didn't fix the twist sensor.

So I need a replacement setup. I was going to just get a X52 Pro, but thought I'd ask advice first. I won't spend over $300, I just don't get time to play to justify the expense. The X52 was fine, but it did cause my hand to cramp. I don't know if it was the ergonomics or me getting older.

Any sub $300 suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Well the Pro version is the same ergonomically as the base version so if that one makes your hand cramp then the pro one would too. Haven't the Logitech G940's come down in price recently? Around the £230 mark but not sure what they are in the US or how good they are.

Other than those 2 you are left with CH stuff which will be more than you want to pay, Saitek X65 and the Warthog but they are too expensive. EDIT: just found this: X65 for $309!

I was thinking it might be the 'twisty rudder' that has been making my hand cramp. So if I look at the X52 Pro with pedals (Saitek or CH?), how do the others in my pricerange compare?

Edit: Can anyone compare the Flightstick Pro vs Combatstick vs fighterstick? Sorry for all the questions, this purchase is going to be expensive enough that I'll have to live with my choice for quite a while lol

Pedals aren't cheap though and if you are not playing enough to justify them...

But, I have had the Saitek pro-flight pedals in the past and just today got some of the combat pro-flight ones and are great. Never had any CH products so can't comment on them.

If you want a better HOTAS than the X52 and not want to shell out for pedals too the X65 might be the way to go, but as you say it may be the twist rudder thats giving you cramp.

To be honest, I would not recommend anything other than the TM Warthog because I have one and it is excellent, and others who have it feel the same way. I would also strongly advise you to look at CH gear as I have heard nothing but good things from CH owners. The only Saitek product I would recommend is the Pro Flight rudder pedals, again because I have one and it works great.

The main difference between the three is the number of buttons. The Fighterstick has the most, followed by the Combatstick and then the Flightstick Pro. You can see the specs for each one here.