Gladiator Pros are here!

[Guest deleted@103832]

Got mine in today. Used it only a few minutes but I can tell it feels and responds light years better than my CH Fighterstick.

[Luft1942]

Very nice! Been waiting on Gladiator for well over a month now but it appears I'll receive it next week :D I couldn't be more excited!

[FranzWolfert]

A fascinating joystick for the real Luftwaffe fans!

 

A little pity that it is made of plastic. However, despite its spring force much lighter than my HOTAS Warthog, it has a better handle than Warthog for the propeller age dogfights.

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

I'm ordering mine on Monday once my money arrive. Damn I cant wait for it to get to me. Can you later be so kind to do a review ? There were few already but its always nice to see more perspectives. 

[seafireliv]

HvB, you're in Europe aren't you; I was under the impression these were only available in N America? Might have to update my wish list if they are available in Europe.

 

Had a look, they don`t appear available here. Well Amazon shows it, but unavailable with no idea when they`ll be a new supply. They couldn`t have gone that fast, surely?

Edited September 3, 2016 by seafireliv

[Guest deleted@103832]

I'm in Texas. I pre-ordered in July. Jason Williams' emails to customers indicated that in August all pre-orders were shipped and the remainder went to Amazon. I looked on Amazon and they are for sale with the caveat "Usually ships within 1 to 2 months." It's likely all their inventory received from Jason are sold and they are waiting for a new batch from Stratojet. 

[Matt]

HvB, you're in Europe aren't you; I was under the impression these were only available in N America? Might have to update my wish list if they are available in Europe.

They are avaliable in Europe.

https://flightsimcontrols.com/store/joysticks/vkb-gladiator-pro-joystick/

[seafireliv]

Thanks Matt, phew, bit pricey, but I'll just go check my lottery ticket...

 

Yea, I`m sure it was a lot cheaper than that last I looked.

[6./ZG26_Gielow]

How much is it? ?

[BlitzPig_EL]

Looks like 233 Euros, or $262.96 US dollars at the current exchange rate...

 

The CH Fighterstick is currently $122 on Amazon in the US.

 

Edited September 4, 2016 by BlitzPig_EL

[Jason_Williams]

I'm in Texas. I pre-ordered in July. Jason Williams' emails to customers indicated that in August all pre-orders were shipped and the remainder went to Amazon. I looked on Amazon and they are for sale with the caveat "Usually ships within 1 to 2 months." It's likely all their inventory received from Jason are sold and they are waiting for a new batch from Stratojet. 

 

The Glad Pros sent to Amazon have been sent. Amazon is SUPER slow this time of year posting stuff for sale. It's taking the Gladiator basic 2 weeks to be "In Stock" even though they arrived at their warehouse over a week ago. Really annoying, but out of our control. I expect the Glad Pros at Amazon to be gone very quickly. They are not getting very many. 

 

Jason

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Looks like 233 Euros

21% VAT included it's 280€ for the Gladiator Pro. Too expensive for me.

 

Would have loved to support VKB

[Bommel]

21% VAT included it's 280€ for the Gladiator Pro. Too expensive for me.

 

Would have loved to support VKB

€ 295,24 including shipping in germany way too much for me.

[taffy2jeffmorgan]

I see that the Gladiator standard stick [with twist] is not yet available with Amazon UK, is anyone else selling it there ?

[BlitzPig_EL]

Well, we don't have a VAT here in the US (yet), but even without, that's twice what a CH Fighterstick costs.

 

As to durability, only time will tell.   I'm still using the same CH stick, throttle and pedals I got shortly after V1.4 of the original IL2, when "Forgotten Battles" became the new subtitle.

Long time ago in any case.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

The Gladiator Pro is designed to be modular with exchangeable cams and Grips as well as feauturing adaptor plugs for different hardware (T-rudder pedals and future VKB throttle unit). Hence why it's significantly more pricey than the standard Gladiator and similar standalone sticks. However, 300€ is asked too much considering the limited functions and the table desk layout of the stick.

[Guest deleted@1562]

As I feel the price of the Gladiator Pro is too high, I chose to order the Gladiator clone for the European market: Speedlink Airrrow. I got it on Friday and managed 1 hour stick time with it. My first impression is: it is a good, precise stick lacking some more buttons on the grip. Price is ok'ish.

 

On a side note: it seems this batch of sticks are relabeled Gladiators. All the connectors (for the T-rudder) are there and it shows a ghost axis in the control panel. Even the VKB tool seems to work with it (as I'm perfectly fine with the functionality, I didn't change any settings, just saved them to a file, recalibrated and started the button editor).

 

 

Edited September 4, 2016 by 1./ZG1_Wittman

[Sokol1]

The CH Fighterstick is currently $122 on Amazon in the US.

 

 

Well, to make this comparison more fair is need put "price" in this things:

 

CH use "Next Gen" all metal ball bearing CAM without "clunk-clunk"  center gimbal?

CH use contact less digital magnetic sensors or subject to wear/ spike potentiometer?

CH use ARM USB controller with 12 bits (4096 axis steeps) or obsolete 8 bits (256 axis steeps) - standard for 1999?

 

One get what he want pay.

 

My Aunt 1976 VW Beetle still lasting until now. Some things are make durable. 

Edited September 4, 2016 by Sokol1

[Sokol1]

The Gladiator Pro is designed to be modular with exchangeable cams and Grips as well as feauturing adaptor plugs for different hardware (T-rudder pedals and future VKB throttle unit). Hence why it's significantly more pricey than the standard Gladiator and similar standalone sticks. However, 300€ is asked too much considering the limited functions and the table desk layout of the stick.

 

 

The major difference is the "Next Gen" metal, ball bearings CAM gimbal*  - for Mamba this gimbal was sold for 160$ at end of last year.

 

Gladiator (plastic gimbal) = 90$ + "Next Gen" gimbal 160$ = 250$ Gladiator PRO.

 

* The only similar gimbal used in joystick until now is "UberNXT" for Cougar that cost around 400$ back in ~2003/4.

 

Anyway for 255$ one can buy Warthog (standalone) joystick with his 34+ HAT corners... and subject to stiction, mixed X, Y force "piston" gimbal. 

 

The good is having options. 

Edited September 4, 2016 by Sokol1

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

Well, it doesnt change the fact that Pro is a stick that with its price enters top market for sticks like Warthog, it also in theory can have extension and yet still receives a plastic bottom plate. I'm going for this stick, but for this price its a wannabe next gen that seem to miss the basics. 

[Jason_Williams]

Well, it doesnt change the fact that Pro is a stick that with its price enters top market for sticks like Warthog, it also in theory can have extension and yet still receives a plastic bottom plate. I'm going for this stick, but for this price its a wannabe next gen that seem to miss the basics.

 

No stick anywhere has a gimbal like the Glad Pro or our future Gunfighter. And price is a function of cost to the manufacturer and distributor. VKB is the only stick company innovating in this space. That innovation comes at a cost. As the company grows and supply can keep up with demand I am sure we can adjust pricing a bit.

 

Jason

[Sokol1]

Looks there you can buy Gladiator PRO for 220$ + ~40$ of shipping. If rush in pre-order:

 

"A small party is to be released in 1-2 weeks. Goes assembly.

The next batch will not be earlier than 1.5 months.

 

http://shop.vkb-sim.pro/items/gladiator-pro/

 

If not due local 107% taxes over import goodies (applicable over shipping cost too) and unfavorable 3.2+:1 exchange ratio, I will buy one.

But have 0 (zero) interest in pay 199$ in Warthog standalone  - brand new - available in Flash sales there years ago (normal HOTAS combo price there is 750$).

I just have not interest/need in "34+ HAT's corners" or "F/A_xy look".

Edited September 4, 2016 by Sokol1

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

Actually, that issue with plastic base plate made me think since I ordered one, what if I screwed it to some flat area ? My desk has old style sliding shelf right under desk top that is normally occupied by keyboard. It wouldnt be any issue to drill 4 holes in it since its about 1-1.5 cm thick wood and it would ensure stick stability but would that also solve the potential problem with the extension ? 

[Max_Damage]

I have a GlAD PRO + T RUDDER 4. Im satisfied with it. full metal gimbal without the need for lubrication and without gaps is what made it must have for me even for 230+200 $. it has holes for screwing if you re wondering. It is made for accuracy, durability, ability to keep its characteristics with time and long lasting. Time will tell.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Don't think the base plate itself is troublesome but the plastic frame holding the bearings and the cam mechanism instead. My X-52 sits solid on it's stand despite the plastic base plate. Yet I've noticed some slight calibration issues due to the sensors shifting slightly inside due to frame flexing with increased use.

 

Surely can be fixed by strenghening those parts if nessecary.

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

But I assume that any internal modifications would void the warranty, which I obviously would like to avoid.

[Sokol1]

Actually, that issue with plastic base plate made me think since I ordered one, what if I screwed it to some flat area ? My desk has old style sliding shelf right under desk top that is normally occupied by keyboard. It wouldnt be any issue to drill 4 holes in it since its about 1-1.5 cm thick wood and it would ensure stick stability but would that also solve the potential problem with the extension ? 

 

 

Gladiator base plate, the part with holes for bolts is not made in plastic but in metal, to add weight* on base and resistance for bolt the stick in some "cockpit" if user want.

 

When you say "extension" is need consider the intend length.

 

For Warthog - what was not projected for use extension and despite their base case by in metal the gimbal is plastic and can broken if the grip is twisted (always happen) or even in normal usage - people use third part made extension with:

 

5 cm

7,5cm

10cm

12cm

15cm 

20 cm (joystick loose ability to return to center).

 

VKB optional extension is 20 cm and their gimbal allow change the CAM profile for one  with more leverage (W CAM ) and spring for one with strong resistance for maintain the ability to grip return to center. Is a system projected for this (notice the difference?).

 

I know a case of a guy that in the "Quest for the Feel Simulator" damage VKB gimbal in Black Mamba by:

Install the extension, the "W" CAM, add the more strong spring, but not satisfied add other spring over this first, and goes online try maintain BoS Bf 109 nose in straight line... 

Result: the strong leverage with sudden movements damage the bearing case.

 

Why VKB don't advise use their 20cm extension in Gladiator PRO with plastic case - the leverage force can flex/deform the case.

 

But if some of this 3rd part extension makers or you DIY one extension with 7,5cm - 10 cm...  for use Gladiator PRO base at level of chair seat - wheres you can continue use base buttons?

 

I already think in Gladiator PRO "case mod" for use extension, with one  these.  Of course make modifications in products invalid their  warranty.

 

* In Thrustmaster T.16000M for add weight is used blocks of... cement.    

Edited September 5, 2016 by Sokol1

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

Well, I guess its not a quest for length, is it ? 

If 20 cm is not advised, I still assume there might be later some shorter 5-12 cm one designed which is safe and can add a lot to the feeling. Will see, for now I want to try the stick itself, once it arrives

[Lusekofte]

Personally I do not look at Warthog as high end in any way, it have issues, issues since its birth, never a effort done to solve them either. I have invested a lot in sim hardware last 4 years, and this hardware is cheap. 

Everything is expensive if you cannot afford it, sometimes I think beer is too expensive. It do not mean it is not worth it. My latest investment in sim control column cost me 1200 $ and 3 years before that 1600 Canadian $ . 

If I was in the marked for a desktop placed joystick , this would be the one I chose. Simply by looking at what you getting. If I cannot afford it right now I wait until I can

[xvii-Dietrich]

What are the physical dimension of the Gladiator Pro baseplate?  Are they the same as the normal Gladiator one?

[Sokol1]

Is the same, Gladiator PRO is Gladiator with "Next Gen" gimbal, the only other difference is the metal trigger in PRO. Base size:

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=44451

Edited September 6, 2016 by Sokol1

[Max_Damage]

pro also doesnt have twist. But its a good thing because pitch/yaw will sometimes induce rudder on joysticks with twist

[xvii-Dietrich]

Is the same, Gladiator PRO is Gladiator with "Next Gen" gimbal, the only other difference is the metal trigger in PRO. Base size:

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=44451

 

Hmm... seems to be a locked forum of sorts. And, I cannot read Cyrillic.

 

У вас нет для этого прав!

[#10171]

Вы не можете просматривать данный файл.

 

 

Could anyone with access take a look for me? I just would like the size of the base plate from the Gladiator.

[Sokol1]

You need login in http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru - is the same password from here. Anyway:

 

 

 

And, I cannot read Cyrillic.

 

https://translate.google.com/  - Can read... "more or less".  

 

 

[xvii-Dietrich]

You need login in http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru - is the same password from here. Anyway:

 

 

 

That image is absolutely perfect. It is precisely what I was looking for.

 

Thank you for recovering it and posting it here. It is really appreciated.

[Warpig]

For those bitching about the price...

 

I have the Black Mamba with the same gimbal unit as the Gladiator pro, and I'll tell ya, nothing else on the market even compares to the smoothness and accuracy of that cam and spring system. Nothing!

 

It's actually so smooth, that I had quite an adjustment period getting used to it. Coming from sticks that use plastic gimbals.

Edited September 8, 2016 by Warpig

[SimHog]

Ordered the Gladiator Pro yesterday from Amazon. Due to arrive 29-Sep to 04-Oct

 

Super excited

Edited September 11, 2016 by AirHog

[Dutchvdm]

Hi Guys,

 

Thinking about ordering both the Glad pro and the T-Rudder IV. Currently using the MSFFB2 and it's not getting better. Although i don't care about the Force Feedback, i do like the quiet strong centering force off the MSFFB2. Is the centering force off the PRO version combareble to the MSFFB2? 

 

Thnx

 

Grt  M

[Sokol1]

With Gladiator PRO you have two options of center "feel" - hard (30) or light (10), be changing the CAM profiles.

 

Edited September 13, 2016 by Sokol1

[=362nd_FS=Hiromachi]

Right, so which ones are installed by default (when it arrives to you) ?