VKB Gladiator Mk.2 and Gladiator Pro Mk.2

[DARIOcaptain]

Hi,

I am going to buy a VKB Gladiator, but I have a trouble with choosing between Standard and Pro version. Can someone tell me the difference between those two versions?

I would very appreciate it.

[WheelwrightPL]

Pro is mechanically better (in durability and probably in feel and precision too) because it has a metal gimball. That's very rare, even the expensive A-10 Warthog stick doesn't have it.

However: Pro has no handle-twist so you will need to buy separate rudder pedals. So if you're serious buy Pro, I own one and like it overall despite some problems such as springs easily breaking, switches losing clickability, the axis jitter and so on.

[Tarapatraptar]

There are several types of Gladiators, all with 14 buttons on the base and a mini-throttle:

- Gladiator Pro has metal gimbal, with swappable grips,  cams and springs, similar with the GunFighter system, but no dry clutch; it is out of production and won't get revived;

- Gladiator MKII has a fixed grip, the KG12 and plastic gimbal; it is also out of production, but is could still be found in some stores;

- Gladiator K comes standard with Kosmosima grip, but any other VKB grip could get installed (MCG/MCG Pro is not officially recommended though, being too heavy); has the same plastic gimbal as Gladiator MKII. The Standard version comes with Kosmosima standard grip and the Pro version comes with Kosmosima Premium grip, which has an extra trigger and comes with some swappable hats and buttons.

Edited June 12, 2020 by Tarapatraptar

[TWC_Ace]

I would just add that I switched from regular Gladiator to Gladiator pro mk1 and would never go back. The difference is night and day. Pro has metal gymbal mechanism, progressive resistance, "better feeling" and is more precise and durable. It comes with a few sets of springs each with different stiffness. There are also CAMs with different center detent.

Gladiator pro was succeeded by Gunfighter (Mk3 is actual model) but you can try to find used one (rare occasion). Gunfighter has a metal base and no buttons or throttle on the base (unlike Gladiator pro) so you must own/buy separate throttle also. Ofcourse pedals are must too.

So your option is to buy regular Gladiator K (mk3 with plastic mechanism) or Gunfighter MK3 (metal mechanism and base). You can also choose the grip you want with the Gunfighter base (during order). VKB Gladiator pro was unique stick with its metal gymbal mechanism, adjustable springs and cams and "all desktop solution" with buttons and throttle lever on the base. Only problem was its plastic base isnt strong enough for extensions and extra strong springs (which were advisable to use with it) so it wasnt suitable for simpit users who like to use joystick extensions.

Edited June 12, 2020 by =VARP=Tvrdi

[DARIOcaptain]

Thank you all for help and after research I decided to buy normal MK.2, because I found a new one, it's one of the last available in stock. The Gunfighter is to expensive for me, I can't afford 400 euros at this moment.

Edited June 13, 2020 by DARIOcaptain

[Sokol1]

20 hours ago, DARIOcaptain said:

I am going to buy a VKB Gladiator, but I have a trouble with choosing between Standard and Pro version.

 

Unless you are buying an used sample, Gladiator PRO is not produced/sold at several years ago. VKB say that this model has little interest.

 

Even Gladiator Mk.II is out of production actually - VKB priority now is Gladiator K; but still available in X-Plane.org store.

[dburne]

Still awaiting the much anticipated TECS throttle which they announced in Dec 2017 with pre-production images...

Love my VKB Gunfighter sticks, but with their products one certainly has to be quite patient.

 

 

[TWC_Ace]

5 hours ago, Sokol1 said:

 

Gladiator PRO is not produced/sold at several years ago. VKB say that this model has little interest.

That is unbelievable. It was the only "all metal gymbal mechanism" stick (with adjustable stiffnes and center detent) which had buttons and throttle lever on the base. An ideal stick for "hardcore simmer" who doesnt havbe a lot of space for separate throttle and it was cheaper than the Gunfighter is today.