Thrustmaster Warthog Throttle opinions...

[=TBAS=jamesirjames]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a Thrustmaster Warthog Throttle.  I already have a joystick, so no need for the HOTAS bundle.  The Virpil is too rich for my budget, unfortunately.  If you've owned one, please comment.  Thanks for the input!

[dburne]

4 hours ago, jamesirjames said:

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a Thrustmaster Warthog Throttle.  I already have a joystick, so no need for the HOTAS bundle.  The Virpil is too rich for my budget, unfortunately.  If you've owned one, please comment.  Thanks for the input!

 

I used one for many years prior to getting the Virpil CM3 recently.

It did fine for me.

[kissTheSky]

I would like to have one to replace my old Saitek X-45, but the recent prices are not really palatable to me. My local micro center seems to have quite a bit of X-52 Pro in stock, on the other hand. 
 

if I can figure out how to use the x52 hotas with its “shifted” (or mod buttons or whatever Saitek/Logitech calls it), I may try to use that in coordination with a VKB gladiator stick.

 

And there’s also the option to buy Leo Bodnar board and make my own.

 

@jamesirjames, I don’t mean to derail your question, but I feel like you and I are in the same boat, and wanted to put in some (what I thought to be) viable alternatives, other than the Leo Bodnar and/or DIY options. 

[Bremspropeller]

7 hours ago, jamesirjames said:

If you've owned one, please comment.

 

Buy it. It's a good investment.

[unlikely_spider]

I have had one for about two years. It's great. I have it mounted to my chair with a monster tech mount.

For WW2 planes, you can use with no detent obviously, but I didn't like the included afterburner detent where you have to lift the throttle. So I had a friend 3d print me one where you just push through a bump. If you use planes with afterburners ever, I think that's a good improvement.

Also some people upgrade the slew axis so that it's more like an xbox controller stick but I haven't done that.

Edited March 20, 2021 by unlikely_spider

[=TBAS=jamesirjames]

On 3/20/2021 at 5:28 PM, kissTheSky said:

23 hours ago, unlikely_spider said:

I have had one for about two years. It's great. I have it mounted to my chair with a monster tech mount.

For WW2 planes, you can use with no detent obviously, but I didn't like the included afterburner detent where you have to lift the throttle. So I had a friend 3d print me one where you just push through a bump. If you use planes with afterburners ever, I think that's a good improvement.

Also some people upgrade the slew axis so that it's more like an xbox controller stick but I haven't done that.

 

Right on, man.  Do the detents get in the way in your opinion?  Guess that's a yes, since you had your buddy print another smooth one.  

 

@jamesirjames, I don’t mean to derail your question, but I feel like you and I are in the same boat, and wanted to put in some (what I thought to be) viable alternatives, other than the Leo Bodnar and/or DIY options. 

No worries, man.  We are definitely in the same boat.  Probably gonna wait awhile longer since the prices are so high.  Also, something I found on the cheap is the Logitech Throttle Quadrant.  It's around 80 usd and would be a very simply/economical alternative.  Have you seen this one?

 

 

[kissTheSky]

47 minutes ago, jamesirjames said:

No worries, man.  We are definitely in the same boat.  Probably gonna wait awhile longer since the prices are so high.  Also, something I found on the cheap is the Logitech Throttle Quadrant.  It's around 80 usd and would be a very simply/economical alternative.  Have you seen this one?

 

 

Yup. My local micro center has several in stock for $60. My Saitek x45 is still (somewhat) functioning. Recently having switched to VR, I need more hands on controls so perhaps the simplest solution is to just buying the virpil throttle, or the vkb Teac TECS if it ever gets released. For “boutique” products, they’re (shockingly) cheaper than acquiring a warthog at this time.

 

As I mentioned, I am also tempted to buy a Bodnar board and start building my own, knowing full well with all the switches, boxes, cabling included (not to mention my time) it will cost just as much as a virpil/vkb in the end. I think I’ll keep using my X45 until it dies, and wait to see what VKB comes out with. In the meantime more IL-2 time will let me know what I actually need versus “ooooh look! A shiny Hotas shaped object!”...

Edited March 21, 2021 by kissTheSky

[Varibraun]

1 hour ago, kissTheSky said:

the simplest solution is to just buying the virpil throttle, or the vkb Teac TECS if it ever gets released. For “boutique” products, they’re (shockingly) cheaper than acquiring a warthog at this time.

 

Yep...the current price of the Warthog throttle is exactly what pushed me to the Virpil when my X55 died earlier this year.  I never had a Warthog to compare, but @dburne review of the Virpil compared to his Warthog gave me the final push I needed.  

 

I have been very happy with the Virpil so far, but it is honestly probably more than I really need since I don't fly DCS/Jets, especially since I already take full advantage of Voice Attack in VR.  That said, I just ordered a Virpil joystick base too, so I think I am a convert.

[dburne]

1 hour ago, Varibraun said:

 

Yep...the current price of the Warthog throttle is exactly what pushed me to the Virpil when my X55 died earlier this year.  I never had a Warthog to compare, but @dburne review of the Virpil compared to his Warthog gave me the final push I needed.  

 

I have been very happy with the Virpil so far, but it is honestly probably more than I really need since I don't fly DCS/Jets, especially since I already take full advantage of Voice Attack in VR.  That said, I just ordered a Virpil joystick base too, so I think I am a convert.

 

Yeah I think you will be pretty happy and set for a long time in the HOTAS department.

[Gambit21]

I have to be a bit budget minded - looking at the Thrustmaster Airbus in combination with a VKB Gladiator. Seems to have everything I need for now with regard to WWII, or even the F-14.

 

Warthog throttle is still a possibility, but will stick with the Gladiator in any case.

 

I’ve been using a Saitek Cyborg stick.

[kestrel79]

I've had my Warthog throttle now for maybe 5 years. Still works great. The thumb hat on the throttle feels a little loose and is sometimes hard to push in the right direction, but overall still pretty good. Same with the metal pinky switch on the far left, it is a little loose but works.

[von_Tom]

 

 

It's a good mid-range thing and you'll get the value back.  For Il2 the toggle switches are superfluous because you have to faff around to get them working, but the rest is solid and simply works.

 

If you can, save up for the Virpil otherwise get the Warthog and you'll be happy.

 

von Tom

[jollyjack]

modded my throttle with another Z-axis button for jaw, as i don't want pedals ... works fine

[Soilworker]

I used the Warthog throttle for a while as an upgrade to my G940 and it was a definite improvement. 

 

However. 

 

I found the latching toggle switches annoying, the TARGET software is a bit clunky IMO but I figured out how to use it and it was a solution of sorts. 

 

Also the number of switches was a tad lacking for me (I have a cockpit and don't used a keyboard). 

 

Additionally the location of many of the switches are annoying to get to. 

 

None of these issues are major but I upgraded to a Virpil T-50 throttle a couple of years back and it was an amazing improvement, like going from the G940 to the Warthog and then some. More well positioned momentary buttons/switches and axes than you can shake a joystick at. 

 

My 2c: Skip the Warthog (it's had its day IMO) and invest in a good throttle, you won't regret it. 

 

(Having said that I have a Warthog throttle for sale if anyone's interested. ?) 

[kissTheSky]

@Soilworker, I might have taken your offer if shipping from Germany to US wouldn’t be horrible ?. I’ll probably take you advice and save for either the Virpil or VKB TECS. 

[Capt_Hook]

A bit late to the discussion, but another endorsement for the Warthog throttle.  A bit shocked at current prices... I think I paid less for the whole kit when I first bought it the year it came out.  Serial #1667.  Works as well today as they day I got it, with hundreds (thousands?) of hours of time on it.  A bit overkill considering I pretty much only fly Warbirds today, both in IL2 and DCS - I don't use most of the base-mount buttons.  The only knock is a lack of sliders, and I fixed that by scoring a cheap used CH Throttle Quadrant on eBay 4 or 5 years ago to mount beside it for slider-based controls (trim x2, prop, mix, rads x2).  

 

Considered getting a GVL throttle that would be more fit for purpose (just enough sliders and buttons, and all even correctly labeled for how I'd use them), but it would be $400 or so for the exact same functionality I have now, just in a newer, more compact package.  If the 'Hog fails, I'll order a GVL 5 minutes later, but it's just tough to beat a Hog if it's working well.

[jollyjack]

I am still happy with it for my limited use; momentarily i am more interested anyhow in the ME business and understanding how that works ...

f.i. there are some joystick functions there i don't get, as all the camera operator setting options

Edited April 1, 2021 by jollyjack

[SCG_Tzigy]

I got Warthog Hotas when it came out like 100 years ago. Since then picked up 2 more (for a second setup and a backup - was on sale for like 375 for the combo! 5 years ago)

 

I love it, they have served me well! in the 15+ years, i replaced one switch, and got one throttle replaced under warranty (think was spiking, forgot details)

[jollyjack]

On 3/23/2021 at 5:00 PM, kestrel79 said:

I've had my Warthog throttle now for maybe 5 years. Still works great. The thumb hat on the throttle feels a little loose and is sometimes hard to push in the right direction, but overall still pretty good. Same with the metal pinky switch on the far left, it is a little loose but works.

Write to the factory, they sent me parts, even free ...