Introducing the VKB Vintage Fat Black Mamba Joystick

[Jason_Williams]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Introducing the VKB Vintage Fat Black Mamba Joystick

 

(Shenzhen, China / Riverside, CA USA) - December 10, 2015 - VKB Industries and Stratojet Flight Controllers are proud to introduce the Vintage Fat Black Mamba joystick! 

 

Vintage Fat Black Mamba Limited Edition

 

Due to popular demand, the Limited Edition Fat Black Mamba Mk.III, which went on sale last month, sold out in just a couple weeks. With the planned phase out of the “Cobra” grip that was included with the Fat Black Mamba and with an overstock of Fat Black Mamba bases - VKB has developed the new Limited Edition Vintage Fat Black Mamba! The Vintage Fat Black Mamba includes a WWII style grip which will also be found on the upcoming Gladiator line of joysticks. By combining this vintage looking grip with the high-tech Fat Black Mamba base, which includes our next-gen gimbal, you get a very unique and powerful joystick! It’s perfect for all those WWII simulators like IL-2 Sturmovik, War Thunder or DCS WWII modules. With several rotaries, encoders and toggle switches you can control many aircraft systems right from the base, eliminating a large desktop footprint. 

 

The Vintage Fat Black Mamba is now available for pre-order! MSRP for USA addresses is $359.99 and shipping is available to Canada with an additional shipping surcharge. Quantities is extremely limited!

 

 

Gladiator Pro Update

 

The Gladiator Pro is nearing the production phase and will be available for pre-order before the end of the year with shipment in Q1’ 2016. The combination of the Gladiator form factor and our next-generation all metal gimbal is proving to be an awesome flying experience! We can’t wait for users to be able to try it for themselves.  Keep an eye out for more news soon.

 

 

The less expensive basic Gladiator joystick will follow into production after the initial batch of Gladiator Pro joysticks is completed. This will also be in Q1 2016.

 

Virtual Toe-Brakes Update

 

Work continues on the Virtual Toe-Brakes for the awesome T-Rudder pedals. Due to a heavy workload progress has been slower than anticipated and beta testing has been delayed, but work does continue. Here’s a pic from the current interface. We’ve added some additional capabilities to make your pedals even more amazing.

 

 

Please visit the official VKB forum at http://forum.vkb-sim.pro  to keep up to date on production and availability news for our upcoming products. Make sure to notice our new English language section managed by Stratojet. A new English language version of the official VKB website (http://vkb-sim.pro) will be coming soon. 

 

The VKB and Stratojet Teams

 

PR Contact for VKB and Stratojet

Jason Williams

jason@gostratojet.com

 

[JG27_Chivas]

That's a beautiful looking stick.  Since I only fly WW2 sims, I'm almost tempted to change my Black Mamba III preorder for the Vintage model.  BUT since I hope to fly primarily VR sims, it won't matter what the stick looks like, and I will probably need all the extra handle inputs on the more modern stick.

[GP*]

Do either of these sticks have the option for a twist rudder?

 

As unrealistic as it is, I can't stand any of the pedals that I've tried so far.

[dhillr]

I wish there were a VKB's sales partner for Asia market at the moment. The best looking stick I've ever seen.

[Sokol1]

Do either of these sticks have the option for a twist rudder?

As unrealistic as it is, I can't stand any of the pedals that I've tried so far.

 

 

No, twist rudder only in Gladiator "entry level" model.

A high quality twist rudder, with contact less sensors and metal mechanism with ball bearings will add inconvenient height to (desktop) joystick and increase the price significantly.

 

If you have throttle with mini-joystick (analog axes with return to center) in then, this provide a good alternative for rudder control.

In true your left thumb is more responsive to brain inputs that your foots, is matter of train your dragon... er, thumb. 

 

@ Dhillr

 

They have, contact Daisy in VKB (English) forum - link above.

Edited December 11, 2015 by Sokol1

[Jokili68]

Cant wait for Gladiator Pro and its throttle-unit 

[LukeFF]

Jason, on the order page, one of the toggle switches is described as being "with fixation." What exactly does that mean?

 

Also, what are the dimensions of the base?

[Sokol1]

"with fixation"  is ON-OFF-ON switch - like in Warthog throttle.

 

The "Toggle Switch (3 position) probable is momentarily - (ON)-OFF-(ON) - like in X-55 throttle. 

 

Pad size (for Mk. I/II): http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/download/file.php?id=1080 - That thing is small...

Edited December 11, 2015 by Sokol1

[dburne]

I will certainly be watching this progress with interest. I see much talk on these setups on the different flight sim forums, but not much actual user feedback from folks that actually have them.

 

I really like my Warthog setup and would take a lot for me to replace it, but all this talk of VKB has perked my interest...

[Jason_Williams]

I wish there were a VKB's sales partner for Asia market at the moment. The best looking stick I've ever seen.

 

You should be able to buy in Asia direct from VKB.

 

Jason

Do either of these sticks have the option for a twist rudder?

 

As unrealistic as it is, I can't stand any of the pedals that I've tried so far.

 

Not at the moment, but I am discussing with VKB about a way to add it as a mod. Might be possible.

 

Jason

[Jason_Williams]

I will certainly be watching this progress with interest. I see much talk on these setups on the different flight sim forums, but not much actual user feedback from folks that actually have them.

 

I really like my Warthog setup and would take a lot for me to replace it, but all this talk of VKB has perked my interest...

 

There will be more feedback once we ship the Fat Black Mamba Mk.3 LE. That has the next-gen gimbal that should make it the best feeling stick on the market. I'm waiting for my production sample to test myself. I love the current gimbal, so I can't wait to try the new one which is an all metal cam-based design. Meant to last and not get sloppy. Even the entry level Gladiator will have better internals than most other sticks on the market. This is why I have invested in working with VKB. Quality and innovation and it's been a joy to work with UIV and bring these products to the U.S. and Canada. Needless to say we have big plans.

 

Jason

[Jason_Williams]

Jason, on the order page, one of the toggle switches is described as being "with fixation." What exactly does that mean?

 

Also, what are the dimensions of the base?

 

Luke,

 

I'll get the exact dimensions for you. I should have added them to the website already. Good catch and question.

 

Jason

[LukeFF]

Luke,

 

I'll get the exact dimensions for you. I should have added them to the website already. Good catch and question.

 

Jason

 

Thanks man!

[Jason_Williams]

Luke,

 

It's about 8 5/8" x 8 1/8". Almost square.

 

Jason

[LukeFF]

Luke,

 

It's about 8 5/8" x 8 1/8". Almost square.

 

Jason

 

Cool, thanks!

[dburne]

There will be more feedback once we ship the Fat Black Mamba Mk.3 LE. That has the next-gen gimbal that should make it the best feeling stick on the market.

 

10/4, thanks for the feedback. I will be keeping an eye out for early reports...

[kestrel79]

Oh man those look great! As much of a fan as I am at the vintage ww2 look of this stick, still glad I got the Cobra grip on the mkIII because of it's extra buttons. And it still looks cool. Excellent work.

[GP*]

Have you tried the Crosswinds? They are really impressive and have adjustable tension as well.

 

I've been very tempted to buy them, but the price is pretty steep. I actually had a pair made for me, but was deployed when they were ready. I wasn't home to receive them, and Milan was very accommodating (he simply sold them to the next in line). 

 

I may soon try the VKB pedals -- while the input doesn't reflect how WWII birds' pedals functioned, I think they'd allow for nice rudder control at a relatively attractive price point.

[Sokol1]

 

 

I may soon try the VKB pedals -- while the input doesn't reflect how WWII birds' pedals functioned, I think they'd allow for nice rudder control at a relatively attractive price point.

 

 

Yes, they don't look like the "F-X537Z" pedals, or move "realistic" like "P-597" ones, but for what matter for games - control the rudder - work very well, in a comfortable and tireless way, just pressing foot tip down. Bonus: this is very good too for drive tanks. 

[GP*]

Yes, they don't look like the "F-X537Z" pedals, or move "realistic" like "P-597" ones, but for what matter for games - control the rudder - work very well, in a comfortable and tireless way, just pressing foot tip down. Bonus: this is very good too for drive tanks.

They are the ones I plan on buying .

[LukeFF]

Jason, will this stick have any mode-switching capabilities, or is it single-mode only?

[Jason_Williams]

Jason, will this stick have any mode-switching capabilities, or is it single-mode only?

 

Luke,

 

There is no mode switch on this one.

 

Jason

[JG27_Chivas]

That's to bad, a mode switch would be helpful while flying with a VR headset.  

[Sokol1]

There's no mode switch like in M5 grip on  Mamba, what turn the buttons 3 to 9 in other 14 virtual buttons (in 2 modes).

 

But with Njoy32 Configurator any of these switches in base of Vintage can be used as mode, like one do with CH soft in his joy's, as well as shift - for example this button in front of grip, for the little finger. NJoy32 Configurator store profiles in joystick EPROM memory, dont need soft running in background.

Edited December 13, 2015 by Sokol1

[LukeFF]

Pre-ordered!   

[dhillr]

You should be able to buy in Asia direct from VKB.

 

Jason

 

 

I sent a message to Daisy from the forum(http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/index.php) asking how to buy, but I haven't gotten any answer yet. 

[SCG_Tzigy]

I've been very tempted to buy them, but the price is pretty steep. I actually had a pair made for me, but was deployed when they were ready. I wasn't home to receive them, and Milan was very accommodating (he simply sold them to the next in line). 

 

I may soon try the VKB pedals -- while the input doesn't reflect how WWII birds' pedals functioned, I think they'd allow for nice rudder control at a relatively attractive price point.

 

MFGs are the best I have tried. u r welcome to swing by and try them...

[SCG_Space_Ghost]

Pre-ordered!   

 

I've got two kids... Trade ya! 

[LukeFF]

I've got two kids... Trade ya! 

 

I'll pass. 

[Sokol1]

I sent a message to Daisy from the forum(http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/index.php) asking how to buy, but I haven't gotten any answer yet. 

 

Try the email sales@vkb-sim.pro

 

See there: http://vkb-sim.pro/resellers/

[dhillr]

Try the email sales@vkb-sim.pro

 

See there: http://vkb-sim.pro/resellers/

 

I'll try it. Thank you~

[Libel]

Hey Jason, I've been awaiting the Gunfighter with baited breath. Can you tell me anything about it, and what'd be best to do for a throttle for it? 

[Jason_Williams]

Hey Jason, I've been awaiting the Gunfighter with baited breath. Can you tell me anything about it, and what'd be best to do for a throttle for it? 

 

The Gunfighter will be similar to the Mamba, but with a simpler base design, the new gimbal and the external "blackbox" software controller. The grip will be the one from the Gladiator, but we will sell different sticks like the KG12 that can be mounted on it. Eventually we will make a throttle unit that can be used in conjunction with the Gunfighter and plug into the controller etc. so the computer sees it as one device. But all that's down the line. VKB only now discussing with me what should the features of the throttle be. Much to do to get the current products made and shipping.

 

Jason 

[Sokol1]

Please do a throttle useful for WWII planes  - with plenty of levers for his specific functions -  not other DéJàVu "F-16'ist" throttle. 

 

The market already have the Warthog's, Cougar's, X-5/6x's "jet/spacecraft" throttles.    

[Jason_Williams]

Please do a throttle useful for WWII planes  - with plenty of levers for his specific functions -  not other DéJàVu "F-16'ist" throttle. 

 

The market already have the Warthog's, Cougar's, X-5/6x's "jet/spacecraft" throttles.    

 

We're discussing all options, but I'm sure we'll have something really useful and cool for WWII fans.

 

Jason

[SYN_Vorlander]

Evening Jason

 

is the gimbal in the Mamba not the same as the gunfighter? It's stated as a prototype?

 

Thnx.

Edited December 18, 2015 by SYN_Vorlander

[Jason_Williams]

No it should be the same unless minor changes are made after we ship the Mamba, but I doubt it.

 

Jason

[SYN_Vorlander]

Thank you.

 

 

Edited December 18, 2015 by SYN_Vorlander

[WWChunk]

We're discussing all options, but I'm sure we'll have something really useful and cool for WWII fans.

 

Jason

 This vintage stick looks amazing, but having to pair it with my CH Throttle would look a little goofy.  So, would you guys ever consider selling this stick with the above-mentioned WWII-style throttle, as a HOTAS package?

[Jason_Williams]

 This vintage stick looks amazing, but having to pair it with my CH Throttle would look a little goofy.  So, would you guys ever consider selling this stick with the above-mentioned WWII-style throttle, as a HOTAS package?

 

We'll eventually have a throttle. No ETA.

 

Jason