Best Joystick/Throttle combo?

[Atlantia39]

Hello...Really getting into this game and loving every minute of it.

 

I've been using the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and having OK performance with it.

 

What would be the best combination to use for this specific simulation?

 

Thanks!

[Irishratticus72]

Just now, Atlantia39 said:

Hello...Really getting into this game and loving every minute of it.

 

I've been using the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and having OK performance with it.

 

What would be the best combination to use for this specific simulation?

 

Thanks!

I'm currently using a Saitek x52 Pro, it's good value for money, but the Thrustmaster t16000 is apparently even better value, albeit with less features. I'm upgrading to a warthog hotas at the moment, which is ridiculously expensive, but I rationalise it by the view that I'll have it for years to come. 

[cardboard_killer]

Best? Probably something costing south of an arm and a leg. I use and like my VKB Gladiator with CH six axis quadrant. The combination has upwards of 40 buttons and seven axes. The CH quadrant was used and cheap; the Gladiator was open boxed special. So for under $180USD I gots lots of buttons and axes.

[Irishratticus72]

2 minutes ago, cardboard_killer said:

Best? Probably something costing south of an arm and a leg. I use and like my VKB Gladiator with CH six axis quadrant. The combination has upwards of 40 buttons and seven axes. The CH quadrant was used and cheap; the Gladiator was open boxed special. So for under $180USD I gots lots of buttons and axes.

I was checking out the VKB models, either out of stock, or really crazy money from 3rd party sellers. 

[cardboard_killer]

1 minute ago, Irishratticus72 said:

I was checking out the VKB models, either out of stock, or really crazy money from 3rd party sellers. 

 

X-plane . org has the gladiator (their intro stick) for $99USD. I got mine open stock, though, so paid $65USD. The higher end products are much more and probably worth it if you can afford them. I cannot.

[Irishratticus72]

1 minute ago, cardboard_killer said:

 

X-plane . org has the gladiator (their intro stick) for $99USD. I got mine open stock, though, so paid $65USD. The higher end products are much more and probably worth it if you can afford them. I cannot.

I'm never showing the wife my credit card bill for the warthog. And I'll tell her noodles are really healthy food, that's why we'll be eating them 5 nights a week for the rest of the year. 

[PaladinX]

1 Thrustmaster Warthog Grip on a Virpil WarBRD Base. Smooth but still re-centring, perfect precision (Weapons, Flaps, Tailwheel)

2 Thrustmaster Throttle with a Ministick Modification (Engine Thrust, Starting, "Autopilot", lights, Airbrakes etc)

3 Saitek throttle Quadrant (Radiators, Mixture, RPMs)

4 Saitek Trim Wheel (Elevator Trim)

 

+ Ipad with Custom Panel App (Lights, Different Radiators from different Machines, Canopy, Map etc)

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by PaladinX

[cardboard_killer]

What I don't get about the throttles is how people do with so few axes. For flying the Yak, I have five axes mapped for engine management--rpm, throttle, mixture, water rad, and oil rad. That leaves one of my six on the CH unassigned (I use the vkb axis for zooming in and out). On twin engine planes, forget about it--rpm, throttle and mixture for each engine. Rads and cowlings have to go to buttons/hats.

[Mika_87]

I have same Logitech than you.

Bought Thrustmaster T16000M with throttle and without pedals https://stormbirds.blog/2019/08/13/thrustmaster-t-16000m-fcs-flight-pack-review/

After few hours of Il2 I didnt like stick at all and try my Logitech with throttle. It worked really well!

 

So what I am trying to say, if you think that your Logitech is ok ( and it is ) you can also "upgrade" it with thorttle.

[Sybreed]

I have a full virpil setup (throttle, grip and pedals) but started with something a bit (lot) more affordable like a x52. But, nothing comes really close to virpil except for vkb.

Edited June 18, 2020 by Sybreed

[SCG_ErwinP]

I had a T16.000 and I finally bought a VKB Gladiator MK II.

After using the VKB Device Config to calibrate it I can say that VKB is way better than T16.000.

Thrustmaster T16.000 use poor pots and pushs stick hard to center while VKB is smootly.

VKB's trigger is better as well.

Edit: both has twist to use as rudder pedals, but I didn't use as I have a CH rudder pedals.

Edited June 18, 2020 by SCG_ErwinP

[Lusekofte]

45 minutes ago, Atlantia39 said:

Hello...Really getting into this game and loving every minute of it.

 

I've been using the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and having OK performance with it.

 

What would be the best combination to use for this specific simulation?

 

Thanks!

Money talks. And taste if you got money to spend. 
A Ukranian make excellent throttles in hardware topic. 
That combined with a used msffb2 joystick will be the cheapest very best setup I can come up with. 

[DD_Arthur]

Just now, 216th_LuseKofte said:

A Ukranian make excellent throttles in hardware topic. 
That combined with a used msffb2 joystick will be the cheapest very best setup I can come up with. 

 

Thats exactly the combo I use.  Take your pick......

 

[AEthelraedUnraed]

"Best" is a relative concept. If you've got a million on your bank account, you might go for some fancy but expensive stuff.

 

If, however, your wallet looks like mine, I can recommend the Logitech Extreme 3d Pro. I bought it 4 or 5 years back for around €40 IIRC (today it's slightly more expensive at a little over €50) and have been using it for years without issues. It works pretty well and has a great ergonomic grip.

 

EDIT: Oops, read only just now that you already own the Logitech Extreme 3d Pro xD

Nevertheless, my remark about the relativity of "good" still stands. Please tell us more about what exactly you're looking for (what are you prepared to spend, do you want lots of buttons, lots of axes, force feedback, any other special features) and I'm sure some here can give you some great advice

Edited June 18, 2020 by AEthelraedUnraed

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

From oldest to newest

1. Logitech Attack 3

2. Logitech Extreme 3D pro

3. Saitek X52 Hotas

4. Thrustmaster Warthog Hotas

5. Virpil T-50 with 10cm extension and Warthog grip, Warthog throttle

 

I'm pretty satisfied with my current setup. The more money you use, the better equipment you get. I also have MFG Crosswind pedals, they are my first pedals ever and i couldn't fly without them anymore. But if you don't want to invest too much money on your equipment, i would probably buy the Thrustmaster T.16000M Hotas with pedals. My friend has the stick and he really likes it.  

[thrila]

CH fighterstick.  It is an accurate stick, but the stick throw is too ligth for some people.  There seems to be a quality and control issue with the CH fighterstic.  I returned my previous two due to faults. 

 

MFG Crosswind Pedals.  I cannot praise these enough.  These are accurate and highly configurable to suit your feet position and comfort.

 

There are people who recommend the Thurstmaster Warthog, however my experience has been an entirely negative one.  I spent a significant amount of money and time attempting  to fix the 'stiction' probelm inherent in the Thrustmaster Warthog design.  It is an overpriced and flawed product that cdoes not achieve the basic requirement of accuracte and precise joystick movement.  It was so bad that despite receiving two bad CH stick in a row I returned to it.

[Ribbon]

I'm on vkb Gunfighter (mcg pro), t-rudder pedals and twcs throttle until vkb TECS throttle goes out this year apparently!

[Raptorattacker]

2 hours ago, SCG_ErwinP said:

I had a T16.000 and I finally bought a VKB Gladiator MK II.

After using the VKB Device Config to calibrate it I can say that VKB is way better than T16.000.

Thrustmaster T16.000 use poor pots and pushs stick hard to center while VKB is smootly.

VKB's trigger is better as well.

Edit: both has twist to use as rudder pedals, but I didn't use as I have a CH rudder pedals.

I'm with you on that. Having had the T16000 and moving onto the VKB Gladiator II I can honestly say that there's no comparison. I still use my TWCS throttle to accompany the VKB and that works for me.

[Atlantia39]

Giving the Thrustmaster Airbus stick a serious look-see.  Anybody have it yet?

[Lusekofte]

I use maxflightstick. Hydrolic damped magnetic censors with a cf grip. 
Taste, preferences and money are your guidance. Warthog is not ideal for ww 2 aircraft. Can be better with extension but virpil and vkb offers much better gimbal.  

[Charlo-VR]

2 hours ago, thrila said:

CH fighterstick.  It is an accurate stick, but the stick throw is too ligth for some people.  There seems to be a quality and control issue with the CH fighterstic.  I returned my previous two due to faults. 

 

MFG Crosswind Pedals.  I cannot praise these enough.  These are accurate and highly configurable to suit your feet position and comfort.

 

Hi @thrila ,

 

I have an all CH setup, including the CH Pro pedals, and I use the CH Control Manager software for all of it.  How do you incorporate the MFG Crosswind pedals with your CH stuff? If you use Control Manager, does it recognize and allow you to program the MFG Crosswind pedals?

 

I ask because I have my CH Pro Pedals set up with toe brakes and want to keep using my Control Manager maps

[thrila]

30 minutes ago, Charlo-VR said:

 

Hi @thrila ,

 

I have an all CH setup, including the CH Pro pedals, and I use the CH Control Manager software for all of it.  How do you incorporate the MFG Crosswind pedals with your CH stuff? If you use Control Manager, does it recognize and allow you to program the MFG Crosswind pedals?

 

I ask because I have my CH Pro Pedals set up with toe brakes and want to keep using my Control Manager maps

 

I'm sorry, but I don't use CH Control manager for anything else other than for calibrating my stick, so I don't know.  I setup all my buttons, switches and stick scaling from the ingame menus.

 

I've just opened up ch manager and there doesn't seem to be a way for it to recognise my pedals.

 

 

[Bernard_IV]

Gladiator + x52 throttle.  150 dollars, very happy.

Edited June 18, 2020 by Bernard_IV

[=FEW=fernando11]

Hi all.

I'm currently using a CH combatstick CH pro pedals and CH throttle quadrant.

 

I think it's a very good product for it's price.

It's not flashy at all. But build quality is perfectly fine, specialy for it's price.

 

The stick is very, very nice to use, but arguably obsolescent because it uses pots instead of magnetic sensors.

On the other hand I'm quite surprised that more people dont use the CH throttle quadrant, it has 6 axis, and 6 "two way momentary switches"

Basicaly 12 buttons in the form of 6 switches. 

Also 6  "digital" buttons, that get pressed when you go below 0% on each axis.

I think this is particularly suited to il2, when many of the primary functions are operated by axis IRL

 

I have mapped most of my engine managment, for twin engines on this little quadrant.

 

 

[Alonzo]

9 hours ago, Atlantia39 said:

Giving the Thrustmaster Airbus stick a serious look-see.  Anybody have it yet?

 

It looks very similar to the T16000m. Google reviews of that to find out what you're getting. Basically it's a good stick, limited buttons on the stick top itself, very good sensors for the money, twist rudder will eventually fail, centering force on the stick may be a bit high. No-one knows about the throttle unit since it's new, but it's probably similar to their other entry-level throttle -- pretty decent for the money.

[Sokol1]

 

Quote

  20 hours ago, Atlantia39 said:

 

Giving the Thrustmaster Airbus stick a serious look-see.  Anybody have it yet?

For the price ~$150 of TCA you are getting a T.16000M with new color and grip format, and two axes and few buttons throttle.

 

For that price you get better quality (e.g. contactless sensor in twist rudder), functions in VKB Gladiator K.

Even Gladiator MK.II (available in X-Plane.org store) + Thrustmaster TWCS throttle is a better and funcional option.

 

So, if you are not in Airbus "business" too, no reason for get that combo for IL-2.

Edited June 19, 2020 by Sokol1

[robbiec]

Just throw a random pic in

 

[DarKcyde]

Brunner FFB joystick

https://www.brunner-innovation.swiss/product/cls-e-joystick/

€1.249,00

 

TM F18 grip

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-VG-18-Grip-Add-PC/dp/B07H1Z3L67

$288 USD

 

If you want to slum it with no FFB I'd say a Virpil T50 with an Alpha for about €480.00.

 

Kanttorin Kone throttle quadrant

https://www.kanttorinkone.com/console.html

€580.00

 

 

TM Pendular Pedals

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-TPR-Pedals-Windows-pc/dp/B07DQY8LVC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thrustmaster+pedals&qid=1592773567&sr=8-2

$570 USD

Brunner makes a nice set as well, for €1.749,00

 

Valve Index

Its showing my local currency, about $1000 USD.

 

Seriously guys, he asked for the best  ?

 

[Sokol1]

1 hour ago, DarKcyde said:

Brunner FFB joystick

https://www.brunner-innovation.swiss/product/cls-e-joystick/

€1.249,00

 

 

Problem with Brunner FFB is that is not a HID joystick, depends on software that - at moment; is not compatible with any game:

 

- "Direct support for X-Plane, FSX, FSX Steam edition, Prepare-3D with BRUNNER CLS2SIM SW, X-Plane Plugin for Windows, Linux."

[Dirt_Merchant]

On 6/18/2020 at 12:06 PM, Atlantia39 said:

Giving the Thrustmaster Airbus stick a serious look-see.  Anybody have it yet?

 

Hah, gross - that thing is a total ripoff.

 

get yourself a used MSFFB2 stick on the ebay - fantastic experience - and if you know whats up you can even mod yourself a new grip from Virpil onto the base.

 

the other option for me is a modded G940 setup (my current use) - fully rewired the throttle through a bodnar board, updated stick firmware with Fred41's modded version, and got a set of MFG crosswinds which are amazong too.

Edited June 26, 2020 by [_FLAPS_]Dirt_Merchant
actually contributing something this time.

[DarkTalon]

My setup is a FFB2 Stick Red Edition with Logitech G Flight Sim throttle quadrant with different handles and MFG Crosswinds rudder pedals. I'm running this on a Corsair One PC with a LG650 4k HDR monitor with FreeSync set on extended. With everything set to Ultra and Full 4K HDR this sim runs smooth and looks amazing. I don't know how i ever played this sim without the Crosswinds. Landings and takeoffs are a breeze now. Now I wish I could fly a real Bf109. 

Edited July 12, 2020 by DarkTalon
Added Pic

[vonduck]

On 6/18/2020 at 12:06 PM, Atlantia39 said:

Giving the Thrustmaster Airbus stick a serious look-see.  Anybody have it yet?

 

Yep, i just bought it and works well with an AIRBUS as it was specifically designed for that... not so good for WW2 sims, not designed or made for it...

 

I stick with my T16000 for IL2, much better

 

So, far from being a ripoff, if you are a commercial flight simmer, then its great for immersion...im getting the throttle as soon as it comes out as well...:)

[Atlantia39]

Had the Airbus controller for a few weeks.  Works very well for Xplane and not too shabby for IL-2.

[kestrel79]

If you can find an X-52 pro, that was a very solid hotas for me for years and worked well with a bunch of different sims.

 

If you want to take it to the next level, I love my VKB Fat Black Mamba III. Had it for 4-5 years now I think and still very smooth. Warthog Throttle is great too.

[GOA_AveFenix506*VR*]

To me VKB Gladiator and Saitek throttle quadrant... But before this setup i had X52 throttle and T16000 thrustmaster which work very fine.

[ACG_Smokejumper]

On 6/18/2020 at 6:14 AM, Atlantia39 said:

Hello...Really getting into this game and loving every minute of it.

 

I've been using the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and having OK performance with it.

 

What would be the best combination to use for this specific simulation?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Microsoft Force Feedback 2 FTW! You can find them second hand cheap if you look. I have 5 of them. I also have a warthog gathering dust.

 

Virpil throttle is what I want. Stay away from anything Saitek. They work for awhile but then axis functions get broken and buttons stop working withing the year. Really shoddy wire insulation and poor button quality and you are going to mash buttons with some force during a dogfight.

 

I've heard great things about Thrustmaster T1600 combo. The throttle looks good and is affordable.

 

On 7/12/2020 at 5:31 AM, DarkTalon said:

My setup is a FFB2 Stick Red Edition with Logitech G Flight Sim throttle quadrant with different handles and MFG Crosswinds rudder pedals. I'm running this on a Corsair One PC with a LG650 4k HDR monitor with FreeSync set on extended. With everything set to Ultra and Full 4K HDR this sim runs smooth and looks amazing. I don't know how i ever played this sim without the Crosswinds. Landings and takeoffs are a breeze now. Now I wish I could fly a real Bf109. 

 

 

I've got two of three of that setup. Crosswinds are badass. I use my shitty broken X55 throttle still....

On 6/21/2020 at 2:15 PM, DarKcyde said:

Brunner FFB joystick

https://www.brunner-innovation.swiss/product/cls-e-joystick/

€1.249,00

 

 

 

If you want to slum it with no FFB I'd say a Virpil T50 with an Alpha for about €480.00.

 

Kanttorin Kone throttle quadrant

https://www.kanttorinkone.com/console.html

€580.00

 

 

Seriously guys, he asked for the best  ?

 

 

 

Almost 2K Canadian for a stick base?!?!?!? WTF no!

Is it mechanical?!?!!?

 

Ouch.

 

https://www.irisdynamics.com/tag/magnetic-force-feedback/

 

Magnetic Force Feedback. I called a couple of years ago and they where not selling them directly yet. I just called and left a message. I'll see where it goes.

 

 

Edited July 13, 2020 by ACG_Smokejumper

[Sokol1]

On 6/18/2020 at 11:00 AM, SCG_ErwinP said:

Thrustmaster T16.000 use poor pots and pushs stick hard to center while VKB is smootly.

 

To be fair, T.16000M use Melexis 90333 Hal sensor (same used in Warthog, X-56)) in main axes; X, Y, and potentiometer in twist and throttle slider.

Gladiator MK.II and K use VKB MaRS sensor in X, Y and twist axes, and potentiometer in throttle disk, probable similar to the one in T.16000M.

[SCG_ErwinP]

1 minute ago, Sokol1 said:

 

To be fair, T.16000M use Melexis 90333 Hal sensor (same used in Warthog, X-56)) in main axes; X, Y, and potentiometer in twist and throttle slider.

Gladiator MK.II and K use VKB MaRS sensor in X, Y and twist axes, and potentiometer in throttle disk, probable similar to the one in T.16000M.

My T.16000M had problem with less than 3 months used.
I bought VKB has less than 3 months, but 3 friend of mine has VKB too and their hasnt problem, in the other hand, another friend of mine has T16.000M with same issue.

PS: My old T16.000m had problem with twiste and throttle pot.

After using VKB Device Config to calibrate it, I find Gladiator much better than T16.000m.

[Sokol1]

PS: My old T16.000m had problem with twiste and throttle pot.

 

My T.16000M twist goes south with ~6 mounts of moderated use.

 

Now in my Gladiator Mk.II, the unique potentiometer - in throttle disk, now with > 2.5 years of use, still working fine. 

 

T.16000M is good for their  price ~$60, being the only option for one with limited budget, since the others options in that price range, HOTAS X, Logitech 3D PRO use potentiometer in all axes, a headache.

[Sokol1]

@ OP

 

"Best" stick is subjective, but options with twist rudder and throttle control (considered "entry level") that worth:

 

- up to $60: Thrustmaster T.16000M or their Airbus version. Their twist rudder potentiometer will give you headache soon or latter.

- up to $100 Gladiator Mk.II  - production stopped, but still available in X-Plane.org store.

- up to $150 Gladiator K Lite - the thumb press button on left side (or right for left hand version) of grip make this version better for WWII fighters (IMHO).

- up to $180 Gladiator K Premium - the 5 way HAT on left side (or right for left hand version) of grip make this version better for modern JET fighters.

 

Above this prices options are few, with Thrustmaster Warthog stick only for ~$260, but since don't have throttle neither rudder control, the real cost may double double, even the HOTAS version (stick + throttle) will require dedicated rudder pedals (at least + $90 for TFRP).

 

The next level in sticks is:

 

- Virpil WarBRD base + WarBRD grip for ~$270

- VKB Gunfighter + SCG Lite grip for $340  

 

Both with twist rudder with contactless sensor, but both require a dedicated throttle, so their real cost is more (most cheap throttle available is Thrustmaster TWCS ~$90).

Both brands has other options with more features and high price.

 

Unless due lack of options in your local market or a real good price, scratch the "vintage" CH (obsolete electronics - Yes I know that is durable, have one since 1998 that still usable; but today is 2020 not early 2000's) and Logitech/Saitek's (Q/C is lottery) options.

Edited July 14, 2020 by Sokol1