Joystick Recommended

[HorridoOrganlover1]

Hi. I am a newbie with IL2 Which Joystick controlier do you aces recommend? Thanks

Horrido

[SIA_Sp00k]

I am going to let you into the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS club with MFG pedals.  Its by far the best club. I extend this rare but prized invitation out to you.  I see you have potential. 

 

But there will be members from other clubs along here shortly to try to convince you differently.  They will tell you lies.  They will tell you, their reinforced plastic creations are just like the real thing.  They will tell you that they never calibrate, their centering is tight with a spring perfectly designed to bring you back on target.  That their software is so user friendly and that you will have no regrets! Remember, they lie.  Those are easy to spot.

 

Then there are the others.  They are the crafty ones. They will tell you the stick, throttle and rudders dont matter, its the pilot.  These threaten your future gaming experience and will cost you your digitalised pixel life, over and over and over. They lie.  Your gear does matter.  Gear is LIFE.

 

You may even hear from the group that combines bits of stick, stick base, mismatched throttles and levers.  They are a little easier to spot but just as dangerous.  You can identify them, because at least one of their number has and swears by CHPro pedals in 2020.

 

2020 !! CH Pro pedals !!   Even now, long after the dinosaur apocalyse, they repeat that cry.   Moses spoke of them...Moses lies.

 

Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS.  MFG Pedals.  These paragons of virtue, these tools of champions, the heart breakers and life takers are the only truth.

 

Take heed of what I say or you are doomed.

 

Doomed!

 

Doomed!!

 

Doomed!!!

Edited May 1, 2020 by TWC_Sp00k

[Zooropa_Fly]

Don't touch the Warthog with a barge pole.

I have x5 broken ones in the attic.

Yes there's plenty of metal, but it's all on the outside. Inside it's a marshmallow.

 

VIRPIL is 10x the stick the Warty is. And you'll find keeping WW1 planes flying level a lot easier as it's very low tension - if you desire it that way.

Alternatively the VKB sticks I would expect are as good, if not a little better than the VIRPIL, although I've never had one.

 

You won't do much better than the MFG pedals though.

 

This is all quite expensive kit of course, if you want something cheaper just now the Thrustmaster T1600 is usually recommended as the best entry level stick.

 

S!

[BMA_Hellbender]

The tragedy of this sim (WWI in particular) is that the best joystick ever made for it went out of production 17 years ago.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_SideWinder#Force_Feedback_2

 

 

For a more mainstream option still in production today, my vote also goes to the Thrustmaster T1600. It's the only other stick I own. I use it on my legacy PC for older non-FF games, most notably TIE Fighter. Another option is the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X, which I previously bought specifically to play Elite Dangerous, but have since given away.

 

As for pedals: I'm inclined to say that you don't need them. I did fine without them for 15+ years. After the initial learning curve (3-6 months), flying with pedals does make you a much more precise and coordinated pilot, though not necessarily a better AirQuaker. There's not really much choice here, though. You're either buying the absolutely perfect MFG Crosswinds, or you're throwing money in the bin.

 

 

The real future of flightsim controllers are extremely precise force feedback haptic controllers to be used with VR, but we're probably another 10 20 years away from seeing those (thanks, Corona).

[1PL-Banzai-1Esk]

I agree with Hellbender and present you with the best of two worlds.

 

My franken force feedback 2.

 

Works great in Flying Circus and Sturmovik.

 

A regular FFB is great also.

 

If you have funds and you think flight simulators is a hobby you will stick to Virpil joysticks are most likely the best 'mass produced' joysticks at the moment that you can buy new.

[Bartman]

I use a Virpil WarBRD joystick base with a Warthog stick on it, can't recommend it enough. The Virpil base is great, uses cams instead of springs in the base so feels great to use. I also have the Warthog throttle, lots of spare buttons and axis controls to bind things to.

Edited May 1, 2020 by Bartman

[Stumble]

Welcome to the forums!

 

Depends on your budget... for a cheap but good stick I'd suggest the Thrustmaster T16000m. It's worked perfect ever since I bought it, and it didn't break the bank either!!

 

However, you're a new player to IL2 but you already own almost every BoX module they have.... I think you're after something a bit more high end lol.

 

S!

Edited May 3, 2020 by Stumble

[Zooropa_Fly]

17 minutes ago, Bartman said:

I use a Virpil WarBRD joystick base with a Warthog stick on it, can't recommend it enough. The Virpil base is great, uses cams instead of springs in the base so feels great to use. I also have the Warthog throttle, lots of spare buttons and axis controls to bind things to.

 

Yes good point, I should have mentioned the Warty Throttle Unit is, I think as good as you'll get.

I'm still using it with my Virpil stick.

 

S!

[J5_HellCat_]

52 minutes ago, Bartman said:

I use a Virpil WarBRD joystick base with a Warthog stick on it, can't recommend it enough. The Virpil base is great, uses cams instead of springs in the base so feels great to use. I also have the Warthog throttle, lots of spare buttons and axis controls to bind things to.

 

Same here with a set of VKB MKIV Rudder pedals ...Great pedals fairly cheap

 

review here  

 

Edited May 1, 2020 by J5_HellCat_

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

Without adjustable curves I would not recommend heavy spring based joystick like T16000 for FC , would choose something less hand tiring  . For expensive one Virpil .

Btw I dump my MSFF2 for Virpil T50

Edited May 1, 2020 by 1PL-Husar-1Esk

[No.23_Triggers]

T16000m is what I use and it's a great entry-level, not too expensive, stick. Only comparison I have is an old Logitech though, so the others might be more clued up.

Edited May 1, 2020 by US93_Larner

[Mika_87]

If you are looking for something cheap I would recommend this https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U

 

I own both T16000m and Logitech and my opinion is that Logitech is better. At leas it "feels" better.

[US103_Baer]

11 hours ago, US93_Larner said:

T16000m is what I use and it's a great entry-level, not too expensive, stick. Only comparison I have is an old Logitech though, so the others might be more clued up.

 

@HorridoOrganlover1. If its good enough for Larner, one of the best pilots in the Sim...

The T16000m gives excellent performance for very reasonable price.

 

It uses contactless 'Hall Effect' magnetic sensors for the primary pitch and roll axis, and I found this gave vastly improved accuracy over the potentiometers in the Logitechs I had previously used. I believe the T16k delivers same accuracy as the Warthog. The twist function uses pots, and can cause issues after a while. 

It is center-sprung and i wouldn't disagree that the logitech springs might feel slightly better, however to me the accuracy more than makes up for that.

The VKB, Virpil and Warthog sticks also use contactless sensors but additionally provide much superior centering and stick length adaptability, for a cost of course.

 

You can buy a T16000m standalone or packaged with a HOTAS throttle  (recommended, but not necessary for WW1). There is also a TM pedal package, however those pedals are not recommended. Many of us who have tried them find them tpo close together, but my main issue was they didn't use Hall Effect sensors and therefore movement could become a bit jerky or sticky. 

 

Pedals however make a huge difference to immersion and accuracy, so using them is recommended.

VKB and MFG pedals both use mag sensors and are superb, but get pricey. I believe a lot of good pilots also use CH and other Logitech pedals and I'm sure you can find plenty of user experiences in the main Hardware section of Great Battles forum.

 

To sum up. I reckon contactless magnetic sensors are worth having on the 3 main axis. Which actual brand/product will probably depend more on your budget.

 

 

Edited May 2, 2020 by US103_Baer

[cardboard_killer]

I use my keyboard. (ducks and runs)

 

Seriously, I use the VKB Gladiator, which is VKB's entry level stick. If you aren't going to get rudder pedals, I recommend putting the money saved into a good stick as the difference to me is night and day between the thrustmaster 16000 and the VKB's joystick twist motion. JMO.

[Sokol1]

For newbie, the recommended joystick is VKB Gladiator MK.II (~$84)*, seconded by Thrustmaster T.16000M (~$60).

Both have twist rudder control and throttle slider, in  Gladiator twist is with contacless sensor.

 

Avoid joysticks all based in potentiometer like Logitech 3D PRO or  Thrustmaster HOTAS X/One.

 

And latter can by paired with standalone throttle, like Thrustmaster TWCS, CH PRO Throttle or even "high end" like Virpil T50CM2 throttle or Warthog throttle, .

 

A good analise of joystick market:

http://jaytheskepticalengineer.com/fathering-and-hobbies/flight-simming/flight-sim-gear-reviews/vkb-gunfighter-mcg-pro-mk-ii/

 

* Gladiator Mk.II can be upgraded with VKB SGG Kosmosima grip.

But  this week VKB teaser that "soon" will release a Gladiator "Mk. III" (?)version with this SCG grip already installed,

problem is that VKB "soon™" can means weeks, months or even years.

 

This "Mk. III" version will be similar to this picture, but probable with no removable grip, price around $150 (w SCG Lite grip).

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2020 by Sokol1

[WallysWorld]

The VKB Gladiator Mk.II with the VKB T-Rudders Mk.IV pedals is a great combination for me. No regrets at all with buying either. I combined that with a cheap Flashfire Cobra Accelerator throttle and I have everything I need for every flying game. If there is going to be a Mk.III, color me very interested!

 

But I think it's only the Gladiator Pro Mk.II that can be used with other grips. The plain Mk.II is not compatible to switch grips from what I've read, but I could be wrong.

 

I agree that the Logitech 3D Pro is a great entry level joystick, but with all of them I have owned over the years, the rudder twist slowly goes on it even after a few months.

Edited May 2, 2020 by WallysWorld

[Sokol1]

7 hours ago, WallysWorld said:

But I think it's only the Gladiator Pro Mk.II that can be used with other grips. The plain Mk.II is not compatible to switch grips from what I've read, but I could be wrong.

 

In theory yes, in practice no.  

 

VKB Gladiator PRO base has removable grip - but wrong type of connector (old 5 or 3 pin version) and for what worth Gladiator PRO is no longer produced - sales of this version were small.

 

VKB Gladiator Mk.II has no removable grip by default.

But can be upgraded for receive removable grip, e.g. SCG, with this adapter:

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gladiator-upgrade-kit-lite-w-mcg-bundle-2

https://youtu.be/x_LXh5LTJL4

 

And now VKB say that will sell this combo ready for use, with Lite and Premium SCG grips, right and left versions.

 

Edited May 3, 2020 by Sokol1

[Brendo]

Used warthog stick for a long time has served me well no complaints switched to virpil  absolutely love it .

I have no experience on vkb so can't pass judgement  good luck anyway you decide to go and enjoy 

[WallysWorld]

Thanks for that info, Sokol1. That makes it cleared about the Gladiator.

[SIA_Target]

VKB Gunfighter w/bigger and better grip, and Crosswinds peddals. From my understanding of VKB pedals they don't operate like the real deal, more like a car's gas and break pedal. Extension on the stick fits without monkeying with it, as my mate Sp00k had to do, much talk of doom during the time he was attempting to fix that major malfunction. Or maybe it was whining. A Pro stand is a benefit. I don't really have a desk, more like a station.

  With my stick purchase they sent me a nifty hat as a bonus, a fez w/a remove before flight tassel.

 

I had a twist stick a couple of times during my fledgling period, just be aware of the tendency to twist your wrist w/out really thinking about it. It can be a natural reaction when moving the stick.

 One more thing that's necessary, a squadron affiliation, such as TWC.

.

 

Edited May 3, 2020 by TWC_Target

[Algy-Lacey]

Over the years I have owned a Saitek Cyborg, a CH Products Flightstick Pro and a Thrustmaster T.16000m. The Thrustmaster is the best of these 3, no doubt. The Saitek had potentiometers that failed, the Flightstick Pro broke after a year or two, but the T.16000m is still going strong and has a good number of buttons you can map (16 + 8 way hat switch + Throttle slider).

 

But the main advice I would give is :  Buy a Saitek Throttle Quadrant - You get 3 lever axis and 3 rocker switch buttons (basically 6 buttons) 1 lever for throttle/boost, 1 for Propeller RPM/Prop Pitch and a lever for Mixture or Water Radiators. It's a great piece of kit.

 

Welcome to IL-2 Great Battles!

 

Algy-Lacey

[cardboard_killer]

5 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

Buy a Saitek Throttle Quadrant

 

I use a CH with 6 levers and 6 switches. If you're going to do a lot of twin engine flying they are not essential but close . . .

 

Edit: for a little bit more you can buy two of the Saiteks

Edited May 4, 2020 by cardboard_killer

[Sokol1]

19 hours ago, TWC_Target said:

 From my understanding of VKB pedals they don't operate like the real deal, more like a car's gas and break pedal.

 

Yes, is Up<> Down movement*, instead BACK <>Forth, but this provide a very fine control and is less tiresome for use with conventional office chair.

 

* With a customDIY support,  T-Rudder can be used like an helicopter pedal, moving back and forth.