Thrustmaster SOL-R review – A new challenger to traditional HOTAS systems

The Thrustmaster SOL-R Flightstick takes the idea of a cumbersome, desk-invading HOTAS setup and reduces the required area massively, and it does this with out main compromise. You continue to have throttle controls, 44 whole inputs, and a Corridor Impact joystick, however fairly than needing two separate models or one overly broad contraption, it’s all contained inside a 196mm x 196mm sq. that sits comfortably even on essentially the most crowded of desks.

The Thrustmaster SOL-R 1 Flightstick is among the many finest PC controllers for flight and area sims, though it isn’t restricted to simply these genres. As an remoted unit, I’ve had extra enjoyable and a greater general in-game expertise when utilizing the SOL-R in comparison with another joystick, HOTAS (Hand On Throttle and Stick), or HOSAS (Hand On Stick and Stick aka twin joystick) system.

Design and options

The SOL-R Flightstick is an all-in-one joystick and thrust system the place fairly than spreading out controls throughout a HOSAS controller, the whole lot could be accessed in a single way more condensed space. Ideally suited for players who’re tight on area, the SOL-R 1 Flightstick brings all of the added immersion {that a} HOTAS system does but in addition brings with it a way more easy format that’s simple to study and grasp.

From a consolation perspective, the SOL-R joystick matches naturally within the hand and doesn’t grow to be strenuous to make use of even over lengthy gaming classes. All inputs on the joystick are reachable with the hand you employ to grip it, so there’s no want to fret about overstretching and unintentionally steering your self astray.

As an added further, you possibly can double up on SOL-R flightsticks utilizing the SOL-R 2 in a HOSAS configuration, spreading out your inputs throughout two models and sharing your flight controls between two joysticks.

Thrustmaster isn’t attempting to reinvent the wheel with the SOL-R joystick design. Nothing about how this joystick and base is introduced is unnecessarily sophisticated and each enter is clearly marked with out ruining the sturdy two-tone design. The position of inputs can be sequential, which means you gained’t have to memorize the format past which method the numbers move, making it simple to regulate to this stick if you happen to’re transferring over from one other flight deck system.

Refined blue lighting pops to life when the SOL-R is plugged in, and it completely enhances the black-and-white design of the stick and base. There are 11 whole lighting zones on the SOL-R, all of which could be custom-made utilizing Thrustmaster Goal software program. The one different colour on the SOL-R sticks is the burnt orange inputs, numbered 35 and 39, located slightly below the 2 eight-way hat switches, and the first set off on the rear of the joystick.

Talking of inputs, there are 21 motion buttons, two triggers, two hat switches, one mini-stick, a thrust, and one thumbwheel per SOL-R unit. The joystick itself makes use of H.E.A.R.T, Thrustmaster’s proprietary Corridor Impact AccuRate Expertise throughout all axes. This implies there may be just about no likelihood that stick drift ever turns into a difficulty, and the same old deadzone of motion could be eliminated, which means the joystick is way extra responsive.

Every SOL-R joystick can be tailored, utilizing included elements, to be ambidextrous. For added consolation, wrist and thumb rests are included and could be added to every joystick.

On the underside of every unit is a route change, permitting you to set every unit so it may be acknowledged as a left or right-sided gadget. There are additionally some screw threads right here, must you want to connect the SOL-R to your desktop utilizing a mounting system.

The SOL-R Flightsticks are additionally plug-and-play, which means no further software program is required to get them working in-game however you possibly can obtain the Thrustmaster Goal software program to entry a deeper degree of customization and even group management profiles. There are firmware updates out there on the Thrustmaster web site to maintain the sticks updated, too. Updating them is a straightforward course of that simply contains loading the firmware file, plugging in every flight stick individually, and ready for the replace to be confirmed.

Efficiency

Thrustmaster nails the efficiency facet of the SOL-R Flightsticks, with the plug-and-play nature getting you into the gameplay shortly and default key bindings making plenty of sense throughout the video games that I attempted. Granted, there have been a couple of modifications wanted in Elite Harmful the place the sport failed to select up the triggers because the default weapon inputs, however this was a fast sufficient repair.

The joystick is tremendous responsive, due to the Corridor Impact know-how which removes the necessity for any motion deadzone and permits for even the smallest of changes to be registered in-game. I discovered this to be best in high-octane flight fight video games reminiscent of Star Wars Squadrons or Warfare Thunder.

Talking of aerial fight video games, I used to be initially involved that the comparatively gentle weight of the SOL-R would imply it could slide round on my desk within the warmth of battle as I’m making sudden changes, however this wasn’t the case. Solely 4 small rubber pads sit on the underside of the SOL-R, however these are greater than sufficient to create a powerful bond to my desk or mouse pad so the unit by no means shifts throughout gameplay. For those who do end up fighting holding the SOL-R in a single place, 4 further pads are included for every base that clip into the corners for further grip.

Sim video games reminiscent of Elite Harmful or Microsoft Flight Sim are the place the SOL-R has an entire shines although, because the 44 inputs per unit are sufficient to comfortably arrange a management profile that requires minimal to no keyboard utilization, particularly when utilizing the SOL-R 2 setup for video games that assist 6DOF (six levels of freedom) motion.

That being stated, the time required to arrange a twin joystick management profile is intimidating and fairly an earthly activity, however it could solely have to be completed as soon as for every recreation. Utilizing twin joysticks isn’t a massively widespread strategy to 6DOF video games, a minimum of in comparison with HOTAS, however there are those that want to unfold management of a ship or aircraft throughout two joysticks to keep away from probably awkward wrist maneuvers when navigating a number of axes on the identical time.

An enormous benefit of utilizing the SOL-R in a twin joystick setup, nonetheless, is the doubling of inputs, successfully elevating your whole to 88, and after a while spend managing inputs in Thrustmaster Goal, you could end up without having to have a keyboard on standby.

Nonetheless, it’s a disgrace that there isn’t presently any built-in recognition for the SOL-R 1 or 2 setup, which might make leaping into video games a lot simpler for players who’re new to utilizing joystick controls. Over time, group profiles will in all probability be out there to add into Thrustmaster’s Goal software program, however the preliminary launch window is perhaps fairly robust to navigate till these can be found.

The closest comparability I could make for the SOL-R is to the Turtle Seashore VelocityOne Flight Deck, which is a HOTAS system, that equally locations a giant concentrate on responsive joystick controls, provides a wealth of inputs, and is accessible sufficient to position on nearly any desktop.

Nonetheless, the SOL-R is in the end in a category of its personal proper now as a result of there are so few merchandise prefer it. I’m not offered on HOSAS but, however the SOL-R 1 Flightstick is definitely my favourite approach to play flight sim or fight video games now due to its tremendous responsive joystick and wealth of inputs contained multi function, easy-to-use controller.

As a footnote, the person joystick and base elements that make up every SOL-R unit are suitable with the remainder of the Thrustmaster ecosystem, which means you possibly can at all times swap and alter your setup at a later date, or if in case you have most well-liked joysticks and grips for sure video games.

Worth

A single SOL-R 1 Flightstick prices $219.99 / £159.99 whereas the SOL-R 2 HOSAS prices $399.99 /£299.99. Whereas it very a lot comes right down to your wants, the price of the SOL-R 2 HOSAS is kind of excessive, though it’s technically a reduction over shopping for two SOL-R models individually.

As for the SOL-R 1 Flightstick, at $199.99 this provides extraordinarily good worth, as soon as once more as a result of variety of inputs and the built-in throttle which means a whole HOTAS setup is considerably contained inside a single unit, best for players who’re quick on area. On condition that some premium joysticks alone can value north of $200, with no base included, the SOL-R 1 presents a implausible place to begin if you happen to’re interested by getting began with flight or area sim video games.

Options

Turtle Seashore VelocityOne Flight Deck

It could really feel somewhat like evaluating chalk and cheese, however Turtle Seashore’s premium HOTAS flight deck is a good various to the SOL-R. Each controllers are geared in the direction of creating an accessible place to begin for players new to flight and area sim video games, whereas nonetheless providing a deeper degree of element for individuals who aren’t any strangers to the style and want to deepen their immersion.

The worth is excessive on each for brand new starters, however the high quality is what seals the cope with no low cost plastic and a closely diminished danger of elements snapping or breaking within the joystick, because of the usage of Corridor Impact which makes use of magnets fairly than small, fragile elements.

Verdict

The Thrustmaster SOL-R Flightstick is a implausible joystick that’s extraordinarily comfy in your hand and comes with an enter format that’s simple to grasp. Whereas I’ve struggled to justify the elevated value and restricted compatibility of the SOL-R 2 HOSAS setup, as a single joystick, the SOL-R 1 Flightstick is just essential for any flight or area sim fanatic whether or not you’re simply beginning out otherwise you’re a hardened sim specialist in want of a controller improve.

The sheer worth on provide with the SOL-R 1 Flightstick is spectacular, particularly when so many HOTAS programs can value extra and provide much less by way of inputs, portability, and visible design. The SOL-R 1 or SOL-R 2 HOSAS is unlikely to transform long-time HOTAS customers, however for these beginning out, or searching for methods to enhance their immersion in sim video games from only a primary joystick, I imagine there is no such thing as a higher possibility on the market proper now than the SOL-R.