Thrustmaster Warthog, worth it?

[ST_Pirato]

The metal gimbal seems the same as in the High End Gunfighter line of VKB. By the look of the plastic gimbal it coud be the same type as in CH Sticks where both axis have a noticable center. I'm not sure about this though.

[dburne]

I would definitely go metal gimbal if you can, that is the strong selling point from both VKB and Virpil and the gimbals are awesome!

[Finkeren]

Problem is, that all versions of the Gladiator Pro is out of stock at flightsimcontrols.com.

[CanadaOne]

I certainly can't afford a Warthog, but I just ordered the Thrustmaster TWCS throttle to go with my MS FFB2. I'm already programming all those the switches in my mind.

 

Can't wait for Monday!

[sniperton]

@CanadaOne: You can join them into one virtual joystick (though vjoy/ujr) and literally multiply the number of buttons you have (through Joy2Key). I use the hotas part of a T Flight X together with an MS FFB2, and I still have dozens of free assigments.

[CanadaOne]

I'll take a look at that. Thanks.

 

For the past several years I've been using a Saitek Cyborg flightstick as my throttle. At center rest it's at 50% power, 0% all the way back and 100% all the way forward. Makes for a decent throttle and it's good fun. But it's a bit light as far as buttons and switches go. The new throttle should cover everything.

[Finkeren]

If I had to make the choice between VKB Gladiator II standard edition and the T16000M, what would be the better choice?

Edited October 28, 2017 by Finkeren

[Sokol1]

I will prefer Gladiator MK.II, even costing a bit more, their "tick" gimbal is "copy" of CH sticks gimbal with individual spring in each axis, axis movement don't mix and their gimbal use grease damper to soft the return to center what help (in some degree) movements around center, wheres "tick" gimbal is more problematic - with pronounced center transition and audible "clunk" in CH gimbal.

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/EliTbOO9ZMo?t=507

 

T.16000M gimbal is just a low tech copy of Warthog gimbal (per si low tech), with only one compression spring for both axes what tends mix the axis inputs like in Saitek's - same gimbal principle but using cone to compress the spring instead the plate in Thrustmaster.

 

Could by said that T.16000M has 1 more button on grip (has 4), but in Gladiator one of his 4 buttons is "pinky" what allow use trigger, B-Knof and HAT as more 6 virtual buttons.

 

Electronics/sensor wise their are equivalent, but Gladiator Mk.II use contactless sensor in "twist" rudder.

 

May don't represent much, but the guys that did Gladiator are simmers and hear simmers (not that this always good idea ), T.16000M is just another product for mass, wheres the major concern is be the more cheap possible to manufacture.

 

VKB already talk in sell Gladiator PRO metal & bearing "Next Gen" gimbal as upgrade for Gladiator Mk.II gimbal (will cost around $140), but in that VKB... "two weeks, be sure"™ schedule.

Edited October 28, 2017 by Sokol1

[Finkeren]

Thanks for that Sokol. The videos did a lot to clarify the difference.

 

If I buy the T16000M from a Danish retailer, there is practically no difference in price between that and the Gladiator Mk. II.

 

Will be getting the VKB stick then. Thanks to all for your helpful advice.

Edited October 28, 2017 by Finkeren

[Sokol1]

The metal gimbal seems the same as in the High End Gunfighter line of VKB. 

 

Gunfighter gimbal is mechanically similar to Gladiator PRO (and Black Mamba Mk.III) "Next Gen" CAM gimbal, but is more reinforced for allow use two springs per axis, 20 cm extension plus the heavy (~1KG) grip of Warthog and has the adjustable "dry clutch" mechanical system for damper the springs effect.

 

Gladiator PRO "Nex Gen" CAM gimbal is for desktop use, Gunfighter is for extension use, but could be used in desktop.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

That's a big compromise.. If you only got a desktop, then the virpil with extension and its desk mount is the best option, especially since the mount has a fast spanner and can easily get pushed aside if you don't use it. You will have much more space on the desktop as well as no base would block it. And the Virpil guys have excellent support if anything doesn't work.

Good luck with vkb as European (you're Danish right) in case anything doesn't work properly.

Edited October 29, 2017 by 2./JG51_Fenris_Wolf

[TRRA15]

My findings are 4 months late due to the fact I couldn't use it until I got some renovations done. After the initial weird feeling of a new HOTAS set-up after 10 years of my familiar X-52, I must say I'm duly impressed: The movements require some degree of more heft, but this, and a feeling of "balanced fluidity" ( if there can be such a term ) became apparent after just a few minutes of flying time. I've found my shooting SO much more accurate: I can fire bursts into specific parts of an aircraft and maneuver better to remain on target with a precision that the ( comparative ) slop of the X-52 didn't allow. I'm so satisfied.

 

Concurrent with this is new rudder pedals to replace the twist rudder on the X-52...which were necessary due to no rudder axis on the TM Warthog. At first I used them with the X-52 just as a control experiment. An improvement to be sure, but I still missed shots I could have gotten. I can't get over the dramatic difference of the new setup compared to the old.

 

Misses? I miss is the X-52s thumb wheel on the throttle, which I used for the Bf109/Mc202 stab trim. Plus the Joystick "hat switch" is a bit far of a comfortable reach for my thumb...and so I only employ it in the pushing up axis for assignments.

[fiddlinjim]

I have used my Thrustmaster Warthog for approx 5 years and have never had even the slightest problem.

No stickiness- No malfunctions of any sort.  You won't be disappointed.

If it ever fails, I will buy a new one the same day with quickest delivery possible.