Stick and throttle recomendation

[malazan]

Hi there

 

I have been away from IL-2 plus other sims for quite some time and i'm looking to get back flying soon. I have a few options and £200 would be the top of my budget. I've picked out a few options, which would you guys reccomend, or do you have any other ideas? 

 

System. W10, Ryzen 2600, 16GB 3000MHZ, Vega 56. Gigabyte Auros 1440P.

 

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/logitech-g-saitek-pro-flight-x-56-rhino-h.o.t.a.s.-advanced-flight-control-system-pc-945-000059-gc-065-sk.html

 

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/logitech-g-saitek-x52-pro-flight-controller-and-throttle-joystick-pc-945-000003-gc-043-sk.html

 

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/logitech-g-saitek-x52-flight-controller-and-throttle-joystick-pc-945-000006-gc-031-sk.html

 

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/thrustmaster-t-16000m-fcs-hotas-pc-gaming-joystick-and-throttle-pc-2960778-gc-07b-th.html

 

Malazan.

 

 

 

[SCG_ErwinP]

7 hours ago, malazan said:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/thrustmaster-t-16000m-fcs-hotas-pc-gaming-joystick-and-throttle-pc-2960778-gc-07b-th.html

Stay away from t16000m, I recommend VKB Gladiator MK II.

[Hoss]

If the X56 is a twist stick I'd go with that, it's got plenty of buttons and axis, if you learn how to use the programming software you will probably be able to map a lot more functions to it with different profiles and Modes.

 

Good luck on your choice

Cheers

Hoss

 

Edited November 29, 2019 by 361st_Hoss

[THERION]

X56 isn't bad at all and for your budget you get most of it with this combo, twist stick as rudder function included.

[WallysWorld]

2 hours ago, SCG_ErwinP said:

Stay away from t16000m, I recommend VKB Gladiator MK II.

I recommend the VKB Gladiator Mk.II as well. Wonderful flight stick!

Liked it so much, I bought VKB's Mk.IV rudder pedals and combined both with a cheap Flashfire Cobra Accelerator throttle.

Edited November 29, 2019 by WallysWorld

[Sokol1]

For  £200 your best (quality) option is:

 

€69,42 - VKB gladiator Mk.II - sales price, normal is 80/90.

€20.00 - VKB grip adapter kit

€77,69 – €111,57 - VKB SCG  Kosmosima grip (Lite or Premium) Lite version is equals to Warthog grip in number of buttons, Premium version has one 5 way HAT more.

 

BTW - VKB gladiator original KG-12A grip worth €30 in sim forums, due their Luftwaffe grip appearance, an guy want one for use as shift knob in hot-hod.

 

In future you can expand this with VKB TECS  (not released yet) throttle and (optionally) rudder pedals.

 

So for €168 or €202 you have a desktop joystick with contactles sensor in X, Y and twist rudder axes, 32 or more buttons.

 

Don't be impressed by Saitek's HOTAS format or more axes or lights, their quality don't worth.

Edited November 30, 2019 by Sokol1

[Redwo1f]

7 hours ago, SCG_ErwinP said:

Stay away from t16000m, I recommend VKB Gladiator MK II.

 

What is wrong with the t16000m? VKB Gladiator Mk II is out of budget for me - damn shipping was also going to cost almost half again the price of the joystick. Was seriously looking at the T16000m (for me, it would be replacing my Saitek AV8R-01 that isn't working well anymore) - it seemed the best of the lower end sticks.

[Thad]

I consider the T16000m joystick as very good for its' price range. Its' twist rudder action will eventually start to deteriorate due to its' internal mechanics... but it depends on how much one uses the twist function.

 

Unlike the twist rudder, the T16000 joystick uses the same great hall sensors as its' more expensive brother the Warthog joystick. 

 

The T16000m can also be set up for left or right hand use. 

[Sokol1]

2 hours ago, Redwo1f said:

 

What is wrong with the t16000m? 

 

 

Not really wrong with T.16000M in their price range - up to $60, being best option than Logitech 3D PRO and Tm Hotas X/4.

 

Has pros - contact less sensor (Melexis Hall sensor 3D MLX90333, same or Warthog and X-56) and 16 buttons + POV HAT.

And cons - low cost/quality potentiometer in twist rudder ( and throttle), with good amount of complains about rudder issues.

Although count 16 buttons, only 4 are in grip, and grip don't have pinky button - what if available will double grip functions.

Six buttons on base is in the "wrong" side.

 

Thing is for $30 (or up to $90/100) more VKB Gladiator is a much more well engineered (twist rudder with contacless sensor), possibility to upgrade grip for SGG, is more durable... and has their own cons. But since their additional cost and shipping is issue, get T16000M.

[malazan]

Thanks for the imput guys, here's a few more things to throw into the mix, I have small hands and short fingers! Also for clarification, I can't see me flying jets much barring the 262 of course! the modern era doesn't do it for me, so probably won't need as many buttons or tons of functions. Also an accurate hat for looking around as I don't have TIR will be neccesary.

 

I'll be primarily focussed on IL-2 and I might throw some arcadey WOW or WT in there for a bit of fun. I've been away for quite a while so I don't want to get too bogged down with complexity right away.

 

I'm assuming i'll get pretty good performance in IL-2 with the rest of my system?

 

Malazan.

[Dukethejuke]

Went on Ebay and bought MS Sidewinder, Always used this stick. have two. has a little wing on it for throttle. But the Logitech  G pro Throttle Quadrent is a must, much more fun. I use two. also pedals. I am sure you can find these on Ebay for a steal.

 

Edited November 30, 2019 by dukethejuke

[malazan]

2 minutes ago, dukethejuke said:

Went on Ebay and bought MS Sidewinder, Always used this stick. have two. has a little wing on it for throttle. But the Logitech  G pro Throttle Quadrent is a must, much more fun. I use two also pedals. I am sure you can find these on Ebay for a steal.

 

 

Yeah, I'm not going to buy a 2nd hand MS stick at this point, I've had  three and two (1 new 20 years ago and 1 from EBAY many years later) were great while they lasted, but the third one didn't last long at all (EBAY), and from the outset it pulled to the left. Those left on EBAY etc will have been hammered over the years, time to move on.  It doesn't seem to make much sense pairing a 2nd hand stick for £20 with a throttle worth £60 either. Pedals are a possibility down the line but not yet.

 

Thanks for your input though it is appreciated.

 

[WallysWorld]

14 hours ago, Redwo1f said:

Gladiator Mk II is out of budget for me - damn shipping was also going to cost almost half again the price of the joystick.

Yep. With the exchange rate and shipping, buying anything from VKB is very expensive for us Canadians. But I have to say that the Gladiator Mk.II is the best flight stick I've ever had.

 

Then I spent a lot on the VKB Mk.IV pedals which are also very high quality.

Edited November 30, 2019 by WallysWorld

[Lupus]

I would always recommend CH Products.  I've had mine for more than 10 years and they still function very well.  The software is excellent and very versatile.  You can program and easily script a large number of functions, perfect for flight sims.  I don't fly modern jets sims either and I find the stick precision fantastic.

 

You can find them here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CH-Products-200-571-Fighter-Stick/dp/B00006B84X/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=CH+Products&qid=1575141000&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CH-Products-300-122-Pro-Throttle/dp/B00006B84Z/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=CH+Products&qid=1575141000&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CH-Products-300-111DIS-Pro-Pedals/dp/B005ILK092/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=CH+Products&qid=1575141000&sr=8-8

 

The pedals aren't currently available on Amazon in the UK, but the US site lists them still for $119 USD.

[Gomoto]

I like the X52 pro a lot.

[MasserME262]

I have the T16000M.

As some said, the twisting feature will make it deteriorate fast.

I have mine for almost one year and never used the twisting thing, always using mouse buttons for ruders (a crap yeah), but 2 weeks ago I started using the twisting of the joystick, and now I can hear or even feel from time to time springs inside of it making rare noises or "plastic" noises that makes me feel the joystick gonna collapse imminently.

 

So, if you have ruder pedals or some other option for ruders, then the joystick is cool I guess, just dont use the twisting thing.

[Alonzo]

On 11/29/2019 at 9:12 PM, Redwo1f said:

What is wrong with the t16000m? VKB Gladiator Mk II is out of budget for me - damn shipping was also going to cost almost half again the price of the joystick. Was seriously looking at the T16000m (for me, it would be replacing my Saitek AV8R-01 that isn't working well anymore) - it seemed the best of the lower end sticks.

 

There's nothing wrong with the T16000m. I had one and it was pretty good for the money. I'd say if you get that plus the throttle (I think that's the thing you linked) you will be good to go. Yes, the twist will break, but you'll want to add pedals before it breaks anyhow (twist is weird for rudder). For the hundred quid I'd go T16k + throttle, next logical step up is the Warthog, in my opinion. The X52 / X56 aren't much better than the T16k (arguably worse in some regards) so I think 'meh' to those.

 

For reference, I have owned the T-Flight HOTAS-X, The X52, a T16k, and now dual Virpil T50s. I've used a Warthog but not owned one.

 

For rudder pedals I've never found any cheap ones to be any good, others might chime in here. I had some Logitech ones that were hard to use skilfully, I upgraded to MFG Crosswinds and they are absolutely awesome.

[SeaW0lf]

Regarding pedals, the ones with pots are a pain (I have the G940). Nowadays I take care of the pot in the pedal, but nonetheless it is not that precise and it greatly affects my shooting. You can work a DIY pedal if you have the skills. The hardest part is to choose the hardware / arduino and set the controller. Page 3 has a good pedal with a hall sensor that seems to be as precise as any top of the line / custom pedal in the market.

 

 

Edited December 5, 2019 by SeaW0lf

[Sokol1]

Samples of DIY Rudder pedals:

https://uploads.mudspike.com/optimized/3X/2/f/2f31f2f2da2eb0c70fc46c067ba1178c1b6a149a_2_666x500.jpg

https://forums.mudspike.com/t/diy-rudder-pedals/5099/52

 

https://cdn.thingiverse.com/renders/4c/46/4c/ac/26/1347fd1fd595aff4db85d1cd5766e28d_preview_featured.JPG

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3475445/apps

[Redwo1f]

Thanks for all the input guys? - I find it useful as I was looking for a new stick too. After all my research into this, I think the bottom line is that price point just above the bare bottom level for sticks (call it mid-range or low mid-range) - the market is extremely lacking in that segment and I am finding flaws or significant longevity issues with pretty much everything in this price-point, to the extent that you are pretty much rolling the dice with anything you choose hoping to end up okay. ? 

 

My issue with my current stick (Saitek AV8R-01) is that it is getting some throttle creep and also the stick is tightening up a bit (which to me though is much better than loosening as I don't like really loose sticks at all). However, it isn't that bad and otherwise still performs great -- so I am just going to pick up a throttle (and just not use the throttle on the stick), I think, after Christmas instead. I also found my old Saitek Cyborg Evo in a closet -- and it actually still works really well in Windows 10 so it will serve as my "backup" I think.

[Lupus]

5 hours ago, Redwo1f said:

Thanks for all the input guys? - I find it useful as I was looking for a new stick too. After all my research into this, I think the bottom line is that price point just above the bare bottom level for sticks (call it mid-range or low mid-range) - the market is extremely lacking in that segment and I am finding flaws or significant longevity issues with pretty much everything in this price-point, to the extent that you are pretty much rolling the dice with anything you choose hoping to end up okay. ? 

 

My issue with my current stick (Saitek AV8R-01) is that it is getting some throttle creep and also the stick is tightening up a bit (which to me though is much better than loosening as I don't like really loose sticks at all). However, it isn't that bad and otherwise still performs great -- so I am just going to pick up a throttle (and just not use the throttle on the stick), I think, after Christmas instead. I also found my old Saitek Cyborg Evo in a closet -- and it actually still works really well in Windows 10 so it will serve as my "backup" I think.

 

I'm not sure what your budget is, and I certainly would not classify the CH Products HOTAS I fly with as low budget, but you can buy the parts all separately and so have a lower cost up front.  This all depends on what you need though.  They all run in the neighborhood of $100 for each piece.  The Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals, and The Fighter Stick.

[DD_Perfesser]

I started off with the (yech) X52(sorry, that sliding cone thing is just a fail)   Then bought a CH stick (solid, reliable if a bit clunky) and am using the X52 throttle and stick as buttons. You'll still need rudder so ... I dunno if you could use the X52 stick as rudder alone.....  

If the stick died I would look for something better but the X52 throttle works pretty damn well with plenty of buttons. If it died I would probably look for another used X52 on ebay for a throttle.

Rudder is pretty important. I started with CH for about a year, Saitek for 10 or so years, now with Crosswinds (wow!)

Edited December 5, 2019 by DD_Perfesser

[CanadaOne]

I have the Thrustmaster TM16000 throttle and it works well. I like it. It's definitely not high end gear, but it's fun and it works.

 

I use my beloved MS FFB2 stick with it.

[Trax_El]

Hi Guys (& Gals).

 

I’m new here and only because I have been searching for help with my joystick settings for IL2 COD, Tobruk, BOS, Bodenplatte, etc. that I stumbled in here.

 

I haven’t been able to play IL2 for years, as my old Joysticks didn’t seem to work right anymore.

 

Last year, I bought a Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X in hope that it will be okay, but I still can't get it to work properly.

Can someone help me with this topic? Maybe someone has the same hardware and can give me assistance.

 

Well, that's all for now. Thanks to everyone who may read this and help me.

 

Trax

 

Win 10 64-bit

AMD Ryzen7 3700X

64 GB RAM

[cardboard_killer]

48 minutes ago, Trax_El said:

but I still can't get it to work properly.

 

Could you describe what is and isn't working?

[1/JSpan_Wind75]

Having owned many clubs and sets of sticks, pedals and throttle my choice or the best club I have ever owned is the VKBSIM Gladiator plus a CH Products Throttle PRO 

 

https://vkbcontrollers.com/ https://flightsimcontrols.com/

[dburne]

4 hours ago, cardboard_killer said:

 

Could you describe what is and isn't working?

 

This. Should be able to map directly to buttons and axis in the game, please elaborate what you have tried and what it does.

[Dallas88B]

5 hours ago, Trax_El said:

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X

I used to have this Hotas. Tell us about the problem you having and someone here might be able to help.

 

Update: I added the button mapping schematic that I used. At the time I was flying just the LA5 FN and it worked fine for that. The zip file has a PDF and a .key file (.key files are the Keynote Apple Mac application. I don't have this in Powerpoint or something for the PC)

T Flight HOTAS X Config.zip

Edited May 25, 2022 by Dallas88B
Added Button Assignments Schematics