CH Combatstick VS Gladiator MK II

[Talus]

I'm looking to replace my Logitec Extreme 3D Pro with either a Combatstick or a Gladiator Mk II.  They are roughly the same price.  Which will last longer and have fewer issues?  I realize that the Gladiator has more buttons, but what what I'm really looking for is quality after the Logitec crapped out on me quickly. 

 

Another question,  can I use the Logitec along with a new joy stick for the extra buttons?  Could I also use the roll axis for rudder control until I purchase pedals (the twist yaw is what crapped out on the Logitiec)?

 

The other option would be to buy pedals to use with the Logitec and buy a joystick later.  So many decisions and not enough disposable income!

[RedKestrel]

23 minutes ago, Talus said:

I'm looking to replace my Logitec Extreme 3D Pro with either a Combatstick or a Gladiator Mk II.  They are roughly the same price.  Which will last longer and have fewer issues?  I realize that the Gladiator has more buttons, but what what I'm really looking for is quality after the Logitec crapped out on me quickly. 

 

Another question,  can I use the Logitec along with a new joy stick for the extra buttons?  Could I also use the roll axis for rudder control until I purchase pedals (the twist yaw is what crapped out on the Logitiec)?

 

The other option would be to buy pedals to use with the Logitec and buy a joystick later.  So many decisions and not enough disposable income!

I have the combat stick. It’s pretty durable and it’s pretty precise. I went from the Logitech to that one and for me was a big improvement. It’s held up very well for three years. The way it moves takes some getting used to. It only needs a very light touch to move. It is an old design and really hasn’t changed in like fifteen years, whereas the gladiator incorporates more precise sensors and other tech. I believe the gladiator allows you to adjust tension where the CH does not. The gladiator has a twist axis I believe which the CH does not so if you have no rudder pedals that can be a big point in its favour

 

Hopefully someone who has tried both will chime in, you can’t go wrong for the money.

 

you would be able to use the Logitech for yaw and all its buttons as well, you just have to map the axes in the keybinding and you would be ready to go. The twist is the weakest bit in the stick it seems. If you were to get the gladiator I would use the twist axis for rudders on that and use the Logitech just for extra key bindings and axes. 

 

Pedals are more expensive than sticks but they really improve the experience, I would save up for them if you can.. I have the CH pedals that have also held up well, but the hard centre detente on them and the way they are setup makes them somewhat difficult to be precise and they can be uncomfortable for really long sessions. They are entry level pedals, the MFG crosswinds and VKB t rudders are more expensive but also better designs. That said with the situation currently availability is hit and miss for both of those types.

[Sokol1]

CH Combatstick (and Fightherstick) is the same stick since 1999, using an obsolete 8 bits (256 points of resolution) USB Controller, conventional potentiometer - but with better quality than ones in Logitech 3D PRO. But eventully cause spikes in axes response, example.

 

Their "pincer" gimbal has as very defined center position, tactile and audible.

 

Gladiator gimbal use similar gimbal, but have grooves in pivots filled damper grease, so the center position is less tactile and audible.

 

In mater of USB controller features, resolution (10-14 bits) , contacless sensor, VKB is miles ahead CH.

 

Twist rudder in VKB's (and VPC's) use contactless sensor, twist in Logitech/Saitek/Thrutstmaster use conventional low cost/quality potentiometer, hence complains about this axis is common for sticks of this brands.

 

Unless you find a Combatstick for half of price of Gladiator K, no reason for buy one. Have in mind that CH's have a hidden cost, they require buy a rudder pedal.

 

BTW - Yes, CH's is durable, I have a 1998 (gameport) CH Combatstick that still usable, of course I modernize for USB. I have two Combatstick, but now use VKB Gladiator Mk.II (KG-12A grip)

 

Quote

 

 can I use the Logitech along with a new joy stick for the extra buttons?  
 

 

 

Can, modern games recognize various controllers from different brands. Using Joystick Gremlin you can combine then in one virtual controller for old games, that recognize just one controller.

 

Including, with a bit of DIY you can remove spring from Logitech 3DPRO gimbal, add friction in Y axis and use as throttle.

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 2, 2020 by Sokol1

[Bernard_IV]

Get the VKB.  I went from the logitech to the Gladiator 2 and love it.

[WallysWorld]

Same as Bernard_IV. I've used the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro for years and it's a very good joystick, but the rudder twist tends to go wonky after a while. I bought the Gladiator Mk.II last year and it's wonderful. No regrets at all. When it goes, it will be the Gladiator-K with no second thoughts. I like the Gladiator so much, I bought the VKB T-Rudders Mk.IV pedals.

 

I still use the Logitech for Wings Over Flanders Fields though as it does very well for that game's flight models.

Edited July 1, 2020 by WallysWorld

[Bernard_IV]

My logitech had a huge dead zone.  I can't remember if it came like that of if it was just worn out.  Anyways the VKB is awesome for the price.