Alright people, listen up. This is the review you want. If you are like a normal person and can't afford the $600-$1000 yoke from PFC without getting divorced then you are undoubtedly comparing this yoke (or the CH Eclipse, same thing really) to the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke. Well I've had both, complete with their respective rudder pedals and throttles and I have returned one and kept the other. Continue reading to find which one got the boot.
CH Products Flight Sim Yoke
Pros:
Exceptionally precise
Cheaper
Cons:
Feels flimsy
The CH Flight Sim yoke is undoubtedly the better choice between these two. Zero binding, and as much precision as you will ever need. I can apply inputs into the CH yoke using my pinky finger with an almost unnoticeable amount of force and that input makes it into the simulation. I run this yoke with high sensitivity and ZERO deadzone. Every single fault the Saitek Yoke has the CH doesn't. The CH Yoke does struggle a bit when you are applying inputs near the maximum range of the pitch or roll simply because the springs associated with those are at their limits. It's not a problem really and you can fly that way it's just more difficult. It's also worth pointing out that if you are looking into yokes, you probably aren't flying fighter jets and wont spend much time at the limits of the controls anyway. The Saitek yokes faults are extreme, and come into play at a range in the controls that you are going to spend 90% of your flight time. Whereas the CH yokes faults are trivial and come into play at a range in the controls that, if you are flying well, you wont even encounter. I denoted one star from the CH yoke for build quality. It simply does not feel as sturdy as the Saitek yoke, and I definitely attach and reattach the yoke with more caution, but I will gladly live with the fault because it works so well otherwise. The throttle axis's on top of the CH yoke are an afterthought. This yoke is the cheaper of the two and I suggest getting the CH standalone quadrant (as I did) because it is very, very good. It's also multi engine capable and adds 12 hard buttons and 6 soft buttons and the end of each axis throw.
Saitek Pro Flight
Pros:
Feels sturdy
Looks awesome
Included (and superior to CH version) throttle quadrant
Cons:
Fundamentally ineffective
Horrendous binding, regardless of lubrication
First, I bought the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke, which comes with their throttle quadrant, and I also bought the Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. I've had great luck with Saitek products in the past, albeit prior to the madcatz buyout so I gave them a shot first. Out of the box, sitting on the desk they look and feel awesome, but that's about where the fun stops. In practice that yoke is terrible. The Saitek yoke has HUGE indentations in the pitch and roll axis on center, meaning any type of small/precise input is impossible. Other reviews have made this claim before, so I will do my best to explain just how this impacts gameplay. If you need to make a slight input with the Saitek yoke, you begin applying that input to the yoke with an amount of force which should be adequate, but it isn't, because that amount of force isn't enough to overcome the indentation. When you do overcome the indentation, the input which is translated in the game, is significantly more than what you wanted. This complaint doesn't translate into words well, but trust me, its a huge deal. I read this same complaint before I bought it, thinking it didn't sound like such a big deal. With this fault, landing anything, especially in any type of winds, ends up in this "tank slapping" motion where you put a small input in, but eventually have to move to a larger input to actually push past the indention, then you had to do the opposite action to correct the over input. This is just awful and I returned the Saitek Yoke in 3 days.
In addition to that deal breaker, the mechanisms inside the yoke are poorly designed also. It makes no difference what type of lubrication or the amount thereof you apply to the yoke shaft, there will be significant binding. Especially with any pitch input while you have already applied a roll input.
It does come with the Saitek throttle quadrant which is in a different universe than the axis levers on top of the CH yoke. However, the CH Flight sim yoke is also cheaper, allowing you to possibly get the standalone CH Throttle quadrant, which is exceptional, and multi engine capable.
Extra's and accompanying accessories.
The Saitek throttle is great, they make a standalone version that is USB if you want it. Compared to the throttle levers on the CH yoke they don't even compare. I currently use those for flaps, spoilers, etc. Consequently, the CH yoke being cheaper overall makes it possible to also get the CH standalone throttle quadrant, which is really good. I have it set up for throttle/prop/mix on a twin engine but it comes with different knobs and can easily be converted into a 4 engine quadrant, then you could use the axis on top of the CH yoke for the axis you gave up. Simply more options.
The Saitek rudder pedals always seemed better than the CH ones when I was shopping, and they were great. I really enjoyed how the were spread out wide away from each other. The adjustable length is kind of a gimmick really because the largest setting is the only usable adult size. The adjustable tension, while a major selling point for me, proved less useful in practice. Even with the lowest resistance, and cabinet liner/grip tape under the pedals, the resistance was so high that I was pushing the pedals around the floor. You'd have to construct some type a keeper to use them without that issue. Consequently, when I returned the Saitek yoke I also returned the saitek pedals bought all CH products stuff because I didn't want to mix and match. The CH pedals are larger than what I inferred through all the pictures I saw. Also, a lot of youtube videos show the rudder action and it seems to have very little resistance, and this for the most part is true. However, in those videos they move the rudders back and forth with their hands to demonstrate. In real practice, the weight of your opposite foot adds a very nice amount of resistance to the pedals and I am surprisingly satisfied with how these pedals turned out. Also, the CH yoke build quality issue doesn't extend to the throttle quadrant or pedals. Both of those items seem much sturdier.
For what it's worth, I also found the included "CH Control Manager" software much better than the saitek offering, albeit with a steeper leaning curve.
Additionally, if you have a space requirement under the desk concerning the mounting types. The CH products mounting tools take up maybe 2", very slim. However, the Saitek tools are very large, box style, and while sturdier take up a good 5-6".
The different version debate.
I know what you are thinking, "but what about the CH Eclipse yoke, and the Saitek Cessna Yoke". Well I don't have any hands on comparison but I have seen photographs/videos that show the internals of the Ch Pro Flight Yoke and the CH Eclipse Yoke to be identical. So if you think the CH Eclipse yoke's trim wheels and light up buttons are worth the extra $80 or so, knock your socks off, I didn't, but more importantly if you do go that route I don't think you'll be doing any better or worse in how it primarily functions compared to what I said here about the CH Flight Sim Yoke.
In regards to the Saitek Cessna Yoke, I know it rotates a full 180 in the roll axis but I honestly don't know if they addressed any of the previous Saitek issues. If I am frank, I am also so satisfied with my CH Flight Sim Yoke that I don't care enough to find out. I was so overwhelmingly disappointed with the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke that I most likely will never purchase a Saitek product again.
In closing.
If you are an adult, who enjoys flight simulation for the simulation of it, and is capable of taking care of the items you own. If you have any vested interest in flight and know it's principles and how to fly correctly, please dear god please, get a CH yoke, and not the Saitek. The precision it offers will pay dividends in your simulation and really take your enjoyment to the next level.
Consequently, if you find yourself constantly breaking your belongings, don't know where the realism settings are in your flight sim, and are more interested in the bling of your PC peripherals, then by all means, get the Saitek.
I give the CH flight Sim Yoke a solid 4, and the only thing I would change to give it a 5 is a more robust feel.
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 This ItemCH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB ( 200-615 ), Black |  |  |  |  |  | |
Added Error | Added Error | Added Error | Added Error | Added Error | Added Error | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Price | $162.62 | $329.99 | $169.99 | $169.99 | $145.00 | $169.99 |
| brand | CH Products | Honeycomb Aeronautical | Logitech G | Logitech G | CH Products | Logitech G |
| hardware platform | Windows | pc | PC | Desktop | PC | Desktop |
| operating system | Macintosh | - | - | Microsoft Windows | Windows 98 | - |
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From the manufacturer
CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB
For over 30 years, CH Products has continued to be a highly recognizable brand name in the Flight Simulation market, and remains well known for its highest quality components, nearly indestructible products, and renowned customer support. CH Products, a pioneer in the precision analog joystick market, has sustained operation of its industrial and commercial joystick line, maintaining the design, development, quality control, sales and support in its vertically integrated factory in Southern California. Consumer products are distributed and supported worldwide by a network of authorized CH Products distributors.
Get A Better Handle On Your Flight Simulator
Simulated flights take on a whole new level of realism with the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke. This realistic device set the industry standards high with its professional design, expert craftsmanship, and the precision control needed in piloting your own virtual aircraft.
With a wide range of controls and 5 axis of movement at your fingertips, you control everything from throttle, prop, and mixture to aileron and elevator movement, all within a single device. Each ergonomically designed yoke is equipped with a smooth in and out, realistic movement and 20 programmable buttons and switches. Also within fingers reach are two bi-directional flip switches, two bi-directional rocker switches, four traditional pushbuttons, and one 8-way POV hat switch. When used with the optional Control Manager programming software, program your Flight Sim Yoke with up to 144 total functions including programming macros, assign buttons, and much more. The Flight Sim Yoke is a professional, industrial grade yoke enjoyed and endorsed by both real and virtual pilots alike.
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Solid Construction for Years of EnjoymentDesigned in the U.S., the Flight Sim Yoke uses much of the same high end materials that are used in their industrial controllers. The large, sturdy base comes with two integrated, adjustable clamps, allowing you to secure the yoke to most desks or tables from 3/4 inch to 2 inches thick. |
Plug and PlayThe Flight Sim Yoke includes a 7-foot USB cable for simple plug-and-play installation and works right out of the box, with no drivers or software to install. The Flight Sim Yoke is compatible with Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and Mac OSX. The Control Manager software is compatible only with Windows operating systems: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and with CH Products USB devices only. |
Advanced Programming SoftwareTo get the most out of your CH controller, CH Products offers the CH Control Manager programming software. The CH Control Manager advanced programming software is Windows compatible, and works with all CH USB peripherals, including the Pro Pedals, Fighterstick, and Throttle Quadrant. This Optional programming software allows for total control over your CH USB devices, letting you program macros, assign buttons, and more. |
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I've had the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke + Pedals and the CH Flight Sim Yoke + Pedals + Quadrant. This is what you need to know.
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2014Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2018
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