So guys, how is the VKB Gladiator?

[Luft1942]

Hello all.

 

I have been playing IL-2 off and on now for almost a year now. I started out when I learnt that IL-2 introduced mouse aim and I was super stoked because I was getting really sick of War Thunder RB at that point. Anyway, I soon learnt that mouse aim wasn't all that I was expecting it to be so I decided to purchase a 3D Pro.

 

It took me maybe 2-3 days of learning how to use a joystick before I finally felt comfortable enough to start playing MP. Guys let me tell you, my first flight I scored 2 victories before being shot down but it was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done in a game at that point!

 

After playing for abut 3 weeks straight and getting fairly decent, I decided I wanted a more precise and accurate stick. I chose to sell my 3D Pro and I purchased a T.16000M. Huge mistake! I instantly hated the stick due to how stiff it felt, the twist rudder was tight, and the button layout was atrocious. No matter what, I couldn't get use to stick and my aiming and maneuvering was sloppy as hell. I returned the stick and lost interest in the game.

 

Now, almost 3 months later, I read about the VKB Gladiator and pre-ordered one from Amazon. The stick seems very promising from what I've read and I really like the looks and layout of it. It meets all the criteria I need having a twist rudder and plenty of buttons on the base. Now I just have to wait 1-2 months according to Amazon before I receive the stick

 

So, to the main point of this topic, how is the stick to everyone's liking who owns one? Is it a very accurate stick and how much better is it than let's say my old 3D Pro haha! I'm super excited about getting back into this game along with purchasing TrackIR so I can be really immersed!

 

Thanks for reading my post guys and hope to hear some responses back soon! o7

[Cheebs]

I'm interested in hearing some feedback on this as well from fellow IL-2 players. So far the only reviews I have been able to find are random Russians fondling the joystick, but nothing showing & explaining how well it works in-game. An english or subtitled review shown with BoS gameplay would be great.

[Sokol1]

As you like of 3D PRO who use a one spring "piston" style gimbal (in some way similar to Saitek's and Warthog) that blending the forces in X and Y axis.

 

Example: If you move the stick for left 50% and hold this position you use a force - for illustrate, say 5N.

 

Now if you - holding the left deflection - want add 50% of elevator deflection, you don't need made additional force, because the spring is always compressed by the "piston".

 

free picture upload

 

If instead separated but sequential movements you do a diagonal movements the force will be the same 5N of above scenery.

 

In Gladiator, or CH joysticks, the gimbal use two independents springs for each axis.

 

In the same scenery above for add 50% of elevator deflection you need use 5N of force too - because the spring for Y axis is not expanded (this system use expansion instead compression).

If instead you do a diagonal only movement, the force will be more, because you are acting against 2 springs simultaneous.

 

T.16000M gimbal use only one spring too, but instead a "piston" use a oscillatory plate to compress the spring, who blend forces too but less, you will need use ~2,5N in above scenery, the spring is compressed but only in X direction, getting bent for left, why need additional force for bend forward but not full force, as in left side the spring is always compressed. And in diagonal only movement  the force will be the same for individual axis movement (5N in example).

 

image upload no compression

 

This maybe explain why you feel T.16000M stiff. Of course not considering more heavy spring in one or other joystick.

 

The guys around forums in their endless "Quest for the Feel Simulator" say that the 2 springs system is more close to real plane controls loads. 

 

As you maybe had see in some Gladiator videos, this joystick despite the gimbal system has little spring force around the center - he center slowly due grease damping -  what maybe make less "traumatic"  the transition for him.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhlZHE4ZY-I#t=10

 

Be concept Gladiator twist rudder require good amount of force, but this is to avoid involuntary rudder input when using only X, Y axis.

 

If your 3D PRO potentiometers are in good shape without cause spikes, when you change for contact less sensor you will not see increase in precision only due this change, but can see, or better fell  - if have very good sensibility in your hands - due the increase in joystick controller resolution, 10 bits (1024) in 3D PRO to 12 bits (4096) in Gladiator - above this only Aliens hands will for feel difference.

 

Bottom line: all this is "theory" what matter is what you will fell using the joystick.    

Edited August 16, 2016 by Sokol1

[Luft1942]

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation of the mechanial aspect of the Gladiator Sokol! This has me even more excited to receive my stick. The Gladiator seems to be the perfect stick for me and extremely promising. I'm hoping I will receive it by the end of September so I can finally get back to flying :D

[Lusekofte]

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it give a perspective of a guy receiving it

[Luft1942]

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Lucky guy! This makes me a tad bit jelly lol