There are a plethora of options for flight simulation equipment flight simulation equipmentThey range from cheap products to expensive high-end accessories. To maximize your gaming experience and enjoyment, it is important to choose your equipment wisely, which is not an easy task. And there is nothing better than a practical throttle and stick configuration (HOTAS) to experience total immersion in a flight or space simulation.

That’s why we decided to take a look at one of the Hotas models that has made a lot of noise on the market: the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas. We have tested this joystick for you and we will tell you all about it in this article. We will draw up for you a list of its main characteristicswe will tell you to which type of player it is best suitedwhat are its its advantages and disadvantages, where to get it and at what price.

The characteristics of the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas

The T.16000M FCS Hotas is a mid-range mid-range flight simulation joystick from Thrustmaster from the brand Thrustmaster, created in collaboration with Frontier Development for the game Elite Dangerous.

Here is a list of the main features of this model:

• The T.16000M FCS Hotas includes the T.16000M FCS (Flight Control System) joystick and the TWCS (Thrustmaster Weapon Control System) throttle.

• This joystick offers 256 times greater accuracy than current systems and does not fade over time thanks to the H.E.A.R.T technology of the joystick.

• The coil spring (2.8 mm diameter) located inside the handle offers a firm, linear and fluid tension.

• The T.16000M FCS Hotas is equipped with the S.M.A.R.T. technology (Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Tracks), which uses an exclusive sliding rail system, ensuring perfectly smooth and precise throttle movement. The tightening screw allows users to adjust the friction level of the throttle to their liking.

• The T.16000M FCS Hotas from Thrustmaster features 4 independent axeswith rotary rudder (controlled by the rotation of the stick), 16 action buttons with physical identification of the buttons in “Braille language”, an 8-way viewpoint Chinese hat and an ergonomic trigger. Its orange accented dress and backlighting ensure that players experience an unparalleled level of immersion.

• The TWCS throttle has five axes and a rear RJ12 connector providing providing three additional axes via the optional TFRP external rudder pedal from the Thrustmaster flight simulation ecosystem.

• The Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas works with the T.A.R.G.E.T. software software, which allows you to load or create specific mapping profiles for each game.

• The T.16000M FCS Hotas is PC compatiblevia a USB connection, under Windows 10, 8, 7 and Vista (32-bit and 64-bit versions).

• This model is part of a range of flight simulation peripherals that can be combined with each other; a complete ecosystem including the FCS joystick, TWCS throttle, TFRP* rudder pedal and MFD* (Multi-Functional Display) cockpit panels.

For what type of player?

The T.16000M FCS Hotas from Thrustmaster has been designed and thought out for experienced pilots who need complete and realistic controls that can replace the mouse and keyboard. It is a model that can still be suitable for beginners who are looking for an immersive and quality joystick.

It is suitable for both right and left handed players.

The T.16000M FCS Hotas As it is only compatible with the PC, this model is not made for flight simulation players on console. And for VR gamers, we think it probably won’t be a good option.

Its advantages

Following our test of the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotaswe would like to tell you a little more about the advantages of this model.

One of the big advantages of the T.16000M FCS Hotasis first of all its very good quality-price ratio. This model offers us a rather beautiful design, in black plastic and with very nice finishes. The buttons are pleasant to the touch, the click and pressure under the fingers are perfectly adapted. The joystick itself is very comfortable to holdIt is smooth and responsive. It even comes with a hand rest to enhance your comfort even during long sessions. An additional detail that appealed to us was that you can change the orientation for left-handed people with a few simple modifications. For the price at which it is sold, this model is of very good quality, both in terms of design and rendering once in hand.

In addition, the T.16000M FCS Hotas from Thrustmaster has the advantage of being both accurate and stable. The rubber feet it comes equipped with keep it in place on the desk you’re using it on and combine with the overall weight to make sure it doesn’t move while playing. You can move around freely, you won’t lose any precision and you won’t risk seeing the base of the joystick move, which is really nice.

In fact, we were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the elasticity of the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HotasThis is a very satisfactory feature that allows us to bring the joystick back to the center with very little effort. Whether you twist it horizontally to tilt your ship or flip it left or right to avoid enemy fire, it’s really responsive and very satisfying.

Finally, the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas does not complicate your life in terms of installation, as this model is this model is entirely Plug And Play. Once plugged in, you just have to load the drivers and your joystick will work automatically. You can also use Thrustmaster’s T.A.R.G.E.T. software to make settings or create profiles.

Its disadvantages

If our test allowed us to discover the positive points of the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotasit also revealed the disadvantages of this model.

In our opinion, the biggest weakness of the T.16000M FCS Hotas from Thrustmaster is its its TWCS gas pedal. We found that it was not not really precise and above all, that it had no resistance and that it was much too sensitive. It doesn’t take much to get the throttle to full power accidentally. In addition, because it contains an impressive number of buttons in a fairly small space, it can pose problems for players with large hands. In this case, you may find yourself touching and pressing buttons without meaning to.

Even though these issues are encountered with virtually all gas pedals of this style, it is still a disappointment with this model.

Another disadvantage of the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas is that it is unfortunately only only compatible with the PC. For fans of new generation consoles, you will have to turn to another model. Same thing for those who use a cockpit at home, unless you are a good handyman, you will not be able to install this joystick or its peripherals which are not compatible with this type of equipment.

Finally, the T.A.R.G.E.T. configuration software configuration software that Thrustmaster offers for download to create custom profiles for the T.16000M FCS Hotas is certainly detailed and efficient, but it is not very not very user-friendly or easy to use for new users. We would have really appreciated a small tutorial, an integrated tutorial or at least some tooltips to make it easier.

Where to get it and for how much?

The T.16000M FCS Hotas is available for sale on the Thrustmaster’s official website at a price of 129,99 €.

You can also find this model on sale at retailers such as Amazonwhere it is also available at a price of 129.99 €.

You can also find this model on used product sales and purchase sites at attractive prices. However, be very careful of potential scams and check the conditions of the product before you decide to buy it.

In brief / Conclusion

For a joystick at such a competitive price, the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas is an excellent option for both beginners and veterans alike. There is an impressive amount of configurable buttons, the design is sober but of quality, as well as its quality of manufacture. This model was designed to last, it is really accurate and stable and works wonderfully with the best games of the moment.

Even though the throttle leaves something to be desired, it is unfortunately the same with most other models on the market.

In our opinion, the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Hotas is one of the most accurate mid-range joysticks on the market today.