Do you think the CH fighterstick is superior to the Saitek x52 pro and if so why? Trying to decide on a proper hotas for my elite experience.
The Fighterstick's high-quality potentiometers (mechanical sensors in the motion assembly/base that detect user input) are slightly more sensitive and accurate than the x52's Hall effect sensors (these are electromagnetic, as opposed to mechanical), though the disparity isn't dramatic. The most dramatic difference between the two is in build quality and durability—I'd liken it to a comparison between a well-made cardboard box (x52) and a well-made plywood box (Fighterstick).
The Fighterstick is built to industrial standards and its body is constructed from glass-filled polymer. Glass-filled polymer is a type of plastic, but it's not cheap plastic—it's the Arnold Scwarzenegger of plastics. You can feel the difference between an x52 and a Fighterstick, and that includes the feel of the buttons. The Fighterstick is more solid and well-built, and much more durable.
To make a long story short, a Fighterstick will last for many years of hard weekly use. An x52 stick will start to degrade or break entirely long before a Fighterstick will.
Now, Hall effect sensors (x52) are typically regarded as more reliable and less likely to fail or become damaged compared to potentiometers (Fighterstick), but the Figherstick's potentiometers are particularly well-made, and it really doesn't matter because the x52 will break down mechanically even if its Hall sensors remain intact.
Finally, CH Products' customer service is much better than Saitek's in the opinion of most sim enthusiasts. Here are both warranties:
CH warranty:
ftp://ftp.chproducts.com/pub/CHProducts_Game_Controller_Files/pdf/Fighterstick USB.pdf
I can't find the official documentation for the x52 warranty, but supposedly it too is 2 years limited parts and labor.