Mad Catz Pro Flight Cessna Gaming Yoke

Let me go ahead and start out by saying i'm a real world private pilot who has experience in a Cessna 152, 172, and a Piper Warrior (like 2 hours). I've been doing flight simulator since FS 2004 came out, I bought it at GameStop when it was new. Since then I've used that, FSX, P3D, and i'm even starting to use X-Plane 10. I've had the CH Yoke (not the eclipse), Saitek Pro Flight, and now the Cessna Pro flight from Saitek. Honestly, the CH yoke feels like a toy, it has a lot of flex in the actual yoke, not so smooth movements and doesn't even go 180* of movement; don't get me started on the built in trim and throttle. The Saitek pro flight is a huge improvement over the CH and the stainless steel shaft makes a huge improvement on fluid of movement and the built in timer comes in handy with instrument navigation practice. Still, it has some flex in the yoke and still doesn't give you the REAL feel of a yoke.Then comes this beauty...I honestly didn't have super high expectations of this yoke because i've had the other saitek one and i knew it wasn't breathtaking. Wow was i wrong, off the bat, the base and shaft of this yoke feel the exact same as the Pro flight one (with the clock) but the yoke itself makes the biggest difference in the world. First, the plastic and metal construction of it feels like the real cessna yoke. I also appreciate the location of pivot on the yoke, its not a huge deal to someone who's never flown a Cessna, but once you get used to the way it turns, this is very easy to use after that. Its a nice touch. The few push buttons on it feel good and have a nice click, unfortunately the 4 way "hat" switch under the 8 way hat on the left handle feels kinda keep and has a lot of play ( i use it for elevator and rudder trim) and on the right the other 2 way hat switches are about the same. A lot of play but do have a click. Theres a 3 mode switch that could come in handy, i've never used it. The throttle is the same as the saitek pro flight and works and looks awesome. Its not the push throttle we all know and love but it'll do.Overall, for $200, this was a great investment, its worth the quality in my opinion and i'm a broke college student. I'm currently debating on getting the Saitek Cessna Rudder Pedals (thats next on the list).

First of all let me start by thanking all who have reviewed this product. I read all of the Amazon customer reviews prior to this purchase.To say that technology, flight simulation more specifically, has evolved is an understatement!This review is geared more to those who may be considering the purchase of one of the Saitek flight yokes and are "Standing on the fence" as to which yoke to buy.This IS NOT a comparison of other yokes available on the market.I have been fortunate in my life to fly various General Aviation (GA) aircraft (A/C); both single engine and multi-engine. Since my first "Right Seat" experience at the age of twelve (12), I've had the flight bug and have enjoyed flying and the "Real as It Gets" flight simulation. Unfortunately, flight simulation is about all I have time to do these days.As an avid flight simulation fan, I have used, and currently own, other manufacturers products. To date, I can report that the Saitek line of products I own have given me the most mileage for my buck! This Pro Flight Cessna Yoke System has replaced my regular Saitek Pro Flight Yoke after years (literally hundreds of hours) of dependable service. The yoke still works but the lighting has begun to fail; a possible sign of things to come. Although the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System is still available, I wanted Saitek's next generation in flight yokes.This Saitek Cessna Yoke is a variant of the regular Saitek Pro Flight yoke. The major difference is in appearance. The Cessna yoke is designed to more accurately replicate Cessna GA A/C and does not offer the clock/timer found on the Pro Flight control wheel. The configuration/layout of the programmable buttons on the grips is different while maintaining the same functionality. The Pro Flight Cessna control wheel turns 90 degrees on each side, whereas the regular Pro Flight yoke only turns 45 degrees. The larger turn radius is more in line with the actual Cessna yoke and resembling the Cessna 172.As with the regular Pro Flight yoke ...the Pro Flight Cessna Yoke System also comes with a detached throttle quadrant with three axis control levers, and three two-way programmable buttons allowing for six programmable commands. Additionally, the three throttle axis control levers have a separate "Reverse" position at the bottom of each lever (travel_full bottom position) which works as an additional programmable command. All the programmable buttons on the yoke grips and on the throttle quadrant are easily accessible and programmable.The Pro Flight Cessna Control yoke, just like the regular Pro Flight yoke, has a "Three Mode" switch for three separate modes of programming/use when using the Saitek programming software.*** NOTE: One important note for those who may already own the initial Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System and are considering the change like myself.There IS A DIFFERENCE I need to mention; The Cessna Yoke control wheel is mounted lower on the control shaft than the regular Pro Flight Yoke. As viewed from the side, the bottom of the Cessna control wheel is horizontally lower than the bottom of the component housing. That, with the fact that the control wheel rotates a full 90 degrees on each side, WILL RESULT in the control wheel sitting "Deeper In The Lap" than the regular Pro Flight Yoke at full turn. As a result, I had to modify my home Cockpit mounting configuration for the proper ergonomic changes.In conclusion, for the money, Saitek products give you your money's worth. This Cessna yoke I received I feel is a better product, the next step in the Saitek evolution. It costs a little more, but for me, I feel it is worth it.

I'm just a few days into using this along with the Pro Pedals and for now I'm not happy (I have no problem changing this review if things turn around). Combined with the pedals it was a significant investment for me. I'm using this with MS FSX v2 on Win 7 64. Here it goes:#1. I need to start with the fact that Saitek phone support is only open from 5am to 1pm pacific time. Really?#2. Saitek has shut down any new users on their forum because of spam!(See above REALLY!)#3. The config files for MS FSX and the Yoke/Throttle don't work effectively. The throttle (basic right?) on goes to 75% power and reverse doesn't work at all. The brakes programmed for button 1 don't work. I could go on but as you can see no fully working throttle and no working brakes or reverse thrust can make for a few disappointing flights! Most buttons are unprogrammed all together.#4. Sensitivity between the yoke and the rudder pedals see way off.#5. The yoke sticks in spots.I will try and search for solutions but.... sorry .... wtf! There needs to be a FSX software config as well as a significant profile config update. If I don't like the button sequence, I'll change it but give me something.I am extremely disappointed with this product and a company with those support hours and lack of forum administration doesn't seem very interested in support. Frustrating, especially at these price points.Again, I'll update this if there are changes.