- Description
- Specifications
- What's In The Box?
- Warranty
- Shipping
- 100 Day FREE Returns
- Why Buy From Us?
Description
Max Flight Stick MD500 Max
The Max Flight Stick MD500 Max is a complete set of MD500 combat helicopter controls for PC and Mac: a custom cyclic, a twist-throttle collective and anti-torque pedals on one aluminium frame. It is the fifth generation of Max Flight Stick MD500 combat model.
All 5 axes read through Hall effect sensors and a 12-bit analogue to digital converter. Six in-house pistons give the cyclic, collective and twist throttle a hydraulic feel, and travel on every control is modelled on the real aircraft.
This is the metal version, with the grips and collective front box printed in industrial-grade aluminium. It connects with a single USB cable and works with DCS, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and 2020, FSX, X-Plane, Prepar3D, FlightGear and War Thunder.
Key features
- Fifth-generation MD500 combat controls
- 12 configurable buttons on the custom cyclic
- 6 push buttons, a switch and a hat on the cyclic
- 10 configurable buttons on the twist throttle
- Hall effect sensors on all 5 axes
- 12-bit analogue to digital conversion
- 6 in-house pistons for hydraulic feel
- Solid metal pedals on Japanese-made ball joints
- Grips and collective printed in aluminium
- Plug and play over a single USB connection
A combat cyclic and collective
The custom cyclic carries 12 configurable buttons from 6 push buttons, a switch and a hat switch. The twist-throttle collective adds 10 more from 3 switches and a hat switch, giving you weapons, sensors and radios without reaching for the keyboard.
With travel on the cyclic, collective, throttle and pedals modelled on the MD500, the set feels right for the nimble, low-level flying the type is known for.
Hydraulic feel on every control
Six in-house pistons load the cyclic, collective and twist throttle, giving each a weighted, damped movement instead of a light spring. Hall effect sensors read every axis without contact, so there is nothing in the sensors to wear.
The rudder uses solid metal pedals running on Japanese-made ball joints and ball bearings, with two more pistons for resistance. Browse our helicopter controls for more rotorcraft hardware.
Our expert take
"The MD500 Max suits pilots who fly light attack and scout helicopters and want a cyclic grip with real combat functions. Piston loading on every control and Hall effect sensing make it feel and track like a serious piece of equipment."
"It is a floor-standing set that needs its own space, and the grips are built around the MD500 rather than a general-purpose layout. It works on PC and Mac only."
- Blake Sterling, Founder & CEO, Gamer Gear Direct
Frequently asked questions
Which helicopter does the MD500 Max replicate?
The MD500 in its combat configuration, with a custom cyclic and a twist-throttle collective. The axes are fully assignable, so you can fly other helicopters with it.
How many buttons does it have?
12 configurable buttons on the cyclic (6 push buttons, a switch and a hat switch) and 10 on the twist throttle (3 switches and a hat switch).
Is the frame included?
Yes. The cyclic, collective and pedals come on the aluminium frame shown, with several mounting options. See our flight simulator controls for the rest of your setup.
Is this the metal or resin version?
Gamer Gear Direct sells the metal version only. The grips and collective front box are made by industrial-grade powder metal printing in aluminium.
Which simulators does it work with?
Max Flight Stick lists DCS, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and 2020, FSX, X-Plane, Prepar3D, FlightGear and War Thunder, plus any PC flight sim that accepts a USB game controller.
Does it work on Xbox or PlayStation?
No. It is built for PC (Windows XP through to Windows 11) and Mac, connected with a single USB cable.
Specifications
Model: Max Flight Stick MD500 Max
Version: Metal, fifth-generation MD500 combat controls
Replicates: MD500 combat helicopter
Grips and collective front box: Industrial-grade powder metal printed aluminium
Sensors: Hall effect on all axes
Analogue to digital converter: 12-bit
Axes: 5 (cyclic X and Y, throttle, collective, rudder)
Cyclic controls: 12 configurable buttons (6 push buttons, 1 switch, 1 hat switch)
Collective controls: 10 configurable buttons on the twist throttle (3 switches, 1 hat switch)
Feel: 6 in-house pistons on the cyclic, collective and twist throttle
Pedals: Solid metal, Japanese-made ball joints, ball bearings, 2 pistons
Connection: Single USB, plug and play
Compatible platforms: Windows XP to Windows 11, macOS
Compatible sims: DCS, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and 2020, FSX, X-Plane, Prepar3D, FlightGear, War Thunder
What's In The Box?
1x MD500 Max cyclic
1x MD500 Max twist-throttle collective
1x Anti-torque pedal set
1x Aluminium mounting frame
Warranty
The Max Flight Stick MD500 Max is backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty from Max Flight Stick, supported by Gamer Gear Direct's dedicated Australian team.
This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, and every product is 100% genuine, sourced as an authorised Max Flight Stick dealer. If you need assistance, our local simulation experts are only a call or email away.
All Max Flight Stick products sold by Gamer Gear Direct are genuine, with full Australian support.
Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days and shipped via trusted Australian courier partners.
Estimated delivery times after dispatch:
- VIC: 2–4 business days
- NSW: 2–4 business days
- ACT: 3–5 business days
- QLD: 2–4 business days
- SA: 2–4 business days
- WA: 4–10 business days
- NT: 4–10 business days
- TAS: 4–10 business days
Click here to view our full shipping & handling policy
100 Day FREE Returns
Changed your mind? No problem! You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Better still, we'll cover the return shipping!
All Gamer Gear Direct products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
Why Buy From Us?
Authorised Australian dealer
Gamer Gear Direct is an authorised Australian dealer for every brand we sell and is trusted by over 20,000 customers nationwide.
This means every product is 100% genuine, sourced through approved channels, and supported locally.
Fast local shipping
We ship directly from Australian warehouses, with most orders leaving within 1–2 business days.
This ensures faster delivery times and reliable tracking from dispatch to your door.
Hassle-free 30-day returns
Changed your mind? Eligible items can be returned within 30 days provided they’re unused, unopened, and in original packaging. We keep the process clear and straightforward.
Genuine Australian warranty
Every product we sell is covered by a comprehensive Australian warranty, backed by both the manufacturer and Australian Consumer Law.
You won't be left dealing with overseas support channels.
Expert support you can trust
Whether you need product advice, compatibility guidance, or after-sales support, you’re dealing with people who know the sim and gaming gear we sell inside and out.
Our sim & gaming specialists are here to make things easy. With Gamer Gear Direct you’ll get:
- Expert guidance on choosing the right gaming gear for your goals and budget
- Personalised setup advice tailored to your space and gaming needs
- Smart gear pairing suggestions for PCs, consoles, monitors, keyboards, controllers and accessories
- Dedicated account representative for ongoing support
Call us on (03) 9961 0240, talk to our gaming experts on live chat or email us: support@gamergeardirect.com.au and one of our knowledgeable experts will help you.
Trusted by professionals
The brands we stock are trusted at the highest level of performance across motorsport, golf, and aviation. This includes elite professionals such as Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Bryson DeChambeau.
The same simulation technologies are used for training, preparation, and skill development at the top level — giving you access to pro-grade equipment built for accuracy, realism, and reliability.