Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle - Precision Throttle Controller with S.M.A.R.T Technology for PC

I've used Thrustmaster products since the 90's and never had any issues with them and this is no different.Years ago I was using a Saitek X52 and when that started failing I decided to purchase a budget joystick so got the Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X back in 2016 when it was on sale. Although the T.Flight Stick X is 8 years old it still works fine but I missed my separate throttle so started looking for a replacement.After extensive research, reading reviews and tests I opted for this, the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS Hotas and one of the deciding factors was the precision of the joystick. I had originally thought about the Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S or Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog but the T16000M came out as my final choice.I fly mainly in DCS World and the precision of the joystick really shines through, especially in dogfights. It also works well in X-Plane and Ace Combat, although you will need to configure Ace Combat 7 manually in the config files.As this comes with the throttle I generally reassign the small sliding throttle on the joystick itself to another function, more often than not in DCS I use it as a zoom function. There are plenty of buttons to assign on the joystick itself, personally I mainly use the right side for engine controls and use the left side for things I use more often in flight as I can tap them with my thumb.The throttle also has plenty of buttons to assign and also has a dedicated analogue hat which is excellent in DCS for moving the camera around on targetting pods, you can assign the click of the analogue hat to something like target locking. There is also a rotary control on the top, left side of the throttle which is handy, again my main use in DCS is either zoom levels on the targetting display or I use it as the throttle for helicopters, leaving the throttle slide free for collective.One big plus of the throttle setup, that I was a little sceptical of was the rocker paddles on the rear. I use these as rudder control and I've got just as much control as I used to get with my dedicated pedals, takes a bit of getting used too but it's really impressive and saved me having to buy separate pedals and having another bulky box sat around.There are reviews that mention the plastic construction, yes it is plastic but then it's good quality and metal where it counts, my previous Thrustmaster that's 8 years old and still working is all plastic construction so not sure why some people have issues with it. End of the day if you want all metal then expect to pay 4x the cost of the T16000M and even some of them are plastic just with metal switches.One noticeable thing, which was mentioned in a number of reviews is the throttle slide action can feel a little but sticky. I did notice that out the box, it's not horrendous but can effect precision in something like DCS. There is an adjustment screw on the underside for the throttle action and I found loosening that off quite a bit helped make it more fluid, also being more gentle with the action and not forcefully pushing and pulling the throttle helped a lot. There is an after market slide you can fit but for me personally that won't be considered until the warranty has expired, as it is with the screw adjustment and being a bit more gentle using it I found it to be fine.If you want more button assignments you can use the Thrustmaster Target software that's free, personally I don't bother and I map everything I need to the throttle and joystick and then the rest of the commands I use voice control through Voice Attack.In all I think the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS Hotas is an excellent choice for some precision flying, especially if you get it while on offer like I did.

This is an excellent HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick!) but there are some caveats. Firstly for the price vs performance I would say this is spot on for both simulator enthusiasts and everyday gamers looking for an enhanced experience. Do note however, that at time of writing its currently retailing around £135 (I got this for £80ish a few years back).How is it for Flight Simulator 2020?= Good, almost everything can be done from the controllers - the throttle in particular has about 16 different buttons (including D-axies) in addition to the stick itself. I would highly recommend rebinding many of the keys so that you aren't having to constantly put both hands on the joystick for adjusting the flaps or trim for example. The main thing that irked me is the throttle axis for 'free look' was constantly pulling right and I could find no way to calibrate the axis, in the end having to rebind this entirely. You will be regularly pushing CTRL-C to check which button corresponds to which urgent request flashing on screen.How is it for Elite Dangerous?= Excellent, everything can be done from the HOTAS setup. For Elite I think this set-up is king, although I may be saying this from greater familiarity with the setup then compared to FS2020.How is it on other games?I've greatly enjoyed using this stick for a range of combat simulators, notably IL 2 Sturmovick but its also great for Truck Simulator 2 and a range of other simulator driving games if you don't have a wheel or prefer something a bit more hefty then an xbox controller.How is the software?<Apathetic shrug>, I have tried using Target a few times, and hoped I could re-calibrate the axis through it but yet to find a way. They make a song and dance of it and I'm sure it is useful for those that wish to exploit it but as an 'everyday' gamer rather then an 'enthusiast' I've got other things to be doing.How is its durability?I've mentioned the wandering axis which is a shame, but thankfully one of the minor ones (its the little thumb stick at the front of the throttle). Nothing else seems to have broken in the last few years. The throttle and flapping pads in particular feel excellent (especially in Elite), the joystick likewise fits well in my large hand - I'm hoping this will continue to last me many years.One odd thing, the joystick has a lovely orange LED glow which is really cool - and meant to show when its in use. But even when my computer is turned off it continues to glow at all times - odd that.

I bought one of these (the kids bought me) for Christmas as an upgrade to a T-FlightX Hotas solely to play Elite Dangerous.If you have played Elite Dangerous you will know how many commands you have and how many buttons that needs, this combo covers it all easily. I find I hardly use any of the buttons on the joystick base, but with all the combinations available via the throttle and the main stick buttons you have plenty.In terms of build and quality, it is still fairly light weight and plasticy, and I found both parts tended to move on the desktop if you are a little enthusiastic with the controls. Also the rubber feet on my joystick were not balanced and it rocked back and forward. Both issues were fixed with some non-slip rubber mat cut to shape for both parts.The stick itself is SO much better than the T-FlightX, the resistance is great, and the control is far smother and more precise, plus is has an orange light! The base buttons are pretty redundant as you cant press them with your hands on the stick and throttle, useful for things you only use when not flying. The throttle feels cheaper than the stick in my opinion, the plastic paddles on the back feel rather flimsy, but it works very well. I had to undo the screw that controls the friction of the slider almost all the way to get it to move nice and smoothly.The level of control with using analog inputs is excellent, even with the mini joystick thingy.Overall its a huge step up from the budget T-FlightX hotas, but you would hope so for nearly 3 times the price. Am I glad 'the kids' bought it for me for Christmas? Yes.