High-End Joystick Recommendations

[=TBAS=jamesirjames]

I currently have a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro that is decent, but I'm looking to upgrade.  I prefer the twist-stick option for yaw as I don't plan on using pedals.  Currently looking at the VKB Gunfighter MKIII 'WWII Edition' or the Virpil VPC WarBRD grip with base.  Does anyone have any experience with either of these sticks or have any alternate suggestions?  *I've backordered the Virpil Mongoose 50cm3 Throttle.  Also, I don't want to go Thrustmaster Warthog.  Thanks in advance!

[dburne]

5 hours ago, jamesirjames said:

I currently have a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro that is decent, but I'm looking to upgrade.  I prefer the twist-stick option for yaw as I don't plan on using pedals.  Currently looking at the VKB Gunfighter MKIII 'WWII Edition' or the Virpil VPC WarBRD grip with base.  Does anyone have any experience with either of these sticks or have any alternate suggestions?  *I've backordered the Virpil Mongoose 50cm3 Throttle.  Also, I don't want to go Thrustmaster Warthog.  Thanks in advance!

 

VKB Gunfighter Mk III with the Ultimate Metal grip is an awesome stick setup! 

I personally went with the Mk III Pro L which is the 200mm extension version and love it. Been using it for 15 months, and the Ultimate Grip since it's first release, about 4 months or so. Ultimate Grip has the twist axis option also. Mine has it but I locked it down as I don't currently have a need for the twist axis.

Edited April 16, 2021 by dburne

[Sokol1]

An consideration, you want a stick for use in desktop or in deskmount or "cockpit"?

 

VBK is more optimized for use in Desktop, VirPil is too tall for this use.

 

Gunfighter WWII Edition KB-12B grip has limited buttons,

is trigger, 2 press buttons and POV HAT (with bad ergonomics, since in real grip are a press button in their place).

But using lower button (pink) as "shift" you have more 6 virtual buttons (4 in POV HAT).

 

Other consideration, this WWII version don't have twist rudder, like you are used in 3D PRO, so may consider the version with SCG grip instead, with more buttons and HAT's, plus embed contacless twist rudder on grip.

Edited April 17, 2021 by Sokol1

[jollyjack]

Tried a twist stick (rudder) once .... could not work with it.

[=420=Syphen]

I've been running a WarBRD base with Thrustmaster Warthog grip on a drop mount on my desk. Love the setup and the stick & base have been rock solid. 

 

I can only assume VKB would be similar.  Once you want to get serious about simming, either option is worth it's weight in gold.

[cardboard_killer]

1 hour ago, =420=Syphen said:

Once you want to get serious about simming, either option is worth it's weight in gold.

 

I keep balking at buying something high end; the price is just so high. I am wondering, through, which is more valuable, a high end joystick or rudder pedals?

 

For comparison, I use a VKP Gladiator I, Crosswinds, and a CH six throttle quadrant.

[Charlo-VRde]

1 hour ago, cardboard_killer said:

 

I keep balking at buying something high end; the price is just so high. I am wondering, through, which is more valuable, a high end joystick or rudder pedals?

 

For comparison, I use a VKP Gladiator I, Crosswinds, and a CH six throttle quadrant.

 

My 2¢, rudder pedals are more important, and if you have Crosswinds you have one of the best rudder pedals available

[dburne]

32 minutes ago, Charlo-VR said:

 

My 2¢, rudder pedals are more important, and if you have Crosswinds you have one of the best rudder pedals available

 

Especially if you add the damper kit MFG is now offering for the Crosswinds.

Hey if ya gonna go high end go for the gusto. It is awesome!

[Gambit21]

3 hours ago, cardboard_killer said:

 

I keep balking at buying something high end; the price is just so high. I am wondering, through, which is more valuable, a high end joystick or rudder pedals?

 

For comparison, I use a VKP Gladiator I, Crosswinds, and a CH six throttle quadrant.

 

I purchased the VKB Gladiator recently...haven't set it up yet but will soon.

I couldn't justify the cost of the higher end stuff, and I've decided that I'm not working with anything older than the Tomcat, so I don't need as many buttons.

Also I'm accustomed to a twist rudder from years and years of using my Saitek Cyborg...no use for pedals.

2 hours ago, Charlo-VR said:

 

My 2¢, rudder pedals are more important, and if you have Crosswinds you have one of the best rudder pedals available

 

Nah...you learn to have control just as fine with a good twist stick...I've done very well with it.

[=FEW=fernando11]

Well. My 2 cents...

I always upgraded rudder before joystick.

Originaly I had an xbox 360 controller.

Then added the CH pro rudder (boy was that a change! Went from using the triggers on the gamepad to using my feet! And on RoF of all things! Wich as many would know, is VERY rudder intensive.!),

And later the CH combat stick and even later the 6 axis CH throttle quadrant.

 

Then I went for the MFG corsswind, nothing wrong with the CH rudder peddals, but oh my...! Definitely an upgrade.  The feeling  is somewhat similar to going from using a toy to using a high end tool.

 

And last year I went for the vkb gunfighter mk3 with 200mm extension and MCG grip.

Again nothing wrong with the CH joystick... Both do the same job. BUT, for me the main diference is on the overall setup.. I went from a very smooth, light, desk mounted joystick to a Center mounted, heavier, with a bigger throw (distance of travel) joystick... And that's the biggest diference. That the VKB joystick is super precise, and has extra buttons and HATs is nice. But having a Center mounted, long joystick made me change the way I "feel" while playing, somewhat like it did when I went from a gamepad to rudder, joystick and trhrottle...

 

If you are going to keep it desk mounted, I Guess a VKB gladiator/NXT with a SCG would be my choise.

[56RAF_Roke]

Ideally, you need folks who have owned and used Virpil and VKB both for a truly informed comparison... And I don't think there are too many who fit that category. 

 

As a VKB user, I can only say I can't really envisage a better joystick being available for remotely sensible money. I'm sure virpil is about as good...but probably not better. I'd recommend the MCG or SCG with twist, if twist is what you need. It's pretty much impossible to be disappointed with either (although the SCG is smaller, which might better suit desktop use). 

 

Roke

 

[LukeFF]

I've owned almost everything VKB has to offer and I've used Virpil sticks too, and IMO for overall build quality and features, VKB is the better choice. Not that Virpil's stuff is bad, but long-term VKB is the better choice. 

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

I think all VPC v2 products are the best. Virpill is the one.

[Gambit21]

8 minutes ago, 1PL-Husar-1Esk said:

I think all VPC v2 products are the best. Virpill is the one.

 

A meaningless statement without context.

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

32 minutes ago, Gambit21 said:

 

A meaningless statement without context.

personal opinion ,plus others reviews , both VPC and VKB are close so there is not a clear winner 

Edited April 17, 2021 by 1PL-Husar-1Esk

[dburne]

2 hours ago, LukeFF said:

I've owned almost everything VKB has to offer and I've used Virpil sticks too, and IMO for overall build quality and features, VKB is the better choice. Not that Virpil's stuff is bad, but long-term VKB is the better choice. 

 

Yep agreed, I have both as well and currently prefer my VKB Gunfighter Mk III Pro with Ultimate grip for stick, and I do love my newer Virpil CM3 Throttle.

Now I have not tried Virpil's newer CM2 stick, I have their original T-50 Mongoos stick.

 

Both companies are very good and supply quality joysticks, just when it comes to the stick I think VKB is a small notch ahead of Virpil. And VKB is way ahead with their metal grip option - the Ultimate Grip. Though I would lay dollars to donuts Virpil will be bringing one out as well.

Main problem with VKB is waiting to be able to get in on a run of their product.

 

So currently I run a VKB stick and Virpil throttle, love them both and use them both on a daily basis - pretty heavily.

Edited April 17, 2021 by dburne

[Varibraun]

On 4/15/2021 at 11:51 PM, jamesirjames said:

*I've backordered the Virpil Mongoose 50cm3 Throttle.  Also, I don't want to go Thrustmaster Warthog. 

 

I am sure you can't go wrong either way between VKB and Virpil, but I now completely agree about the Warthog base.  I just received the Virpil T-50CM2 base that I ordered to use with my Warthog grip simply because I was so pleased with the new Virpil Throttle.  After using it for about a week, I have been amazed at the improvement over the Warthog base (I should have listened to the all the wisdom here on that subject long ago, but the Warthog was providing faithful service). 

 

I personally like a metal grip, so as @dburne notes, VKB now has that option, and he has commented in another thread that he prefers the VKB Ultimate grip to the Warthog grip.  So, if that is important to you, I would go VKB simply for that reason.  That said, the T-50CM2 base with my Warthog grip has been a great upgrade for me.

[=TBAS=jamesirjames]

Thanks for all the feedback.  I'm definitely leaning towards the VKB Space Combat Edition (as I desire twist stick and more buttons will be nice if I want to play DCS etc).  I forgot to mention I would be desktop only.  The WWII variant although period specific, simply wouldn't be wise as I see getting into more sims than just IL-2.  Rudder pedals would be great to have, especially after checking out the MFG Crosswinds.  Wow!

[kissTheSky]

2 hours ago, jamesirjames said:

Thanks for all the feedback.  I'm definitely leaning towards the VKB Space Combat Edition (as I desire twist stick and more buttons will be nice if I want to play DCS etc).  I forgot to mention I would be desktop only.  The WWII variant although period specific, simply wouldn't be wise as I see getting into more sims than just IL-2.  Rudder pedals would be great to have, especially after checking out the MFG Crosswinds.  Wow!

If you’re comfortable with the twist, that’s ok, but when I switched from twist to rudders (2nd hand ch pro pedals) I instantly realized how much I was missing when I was without them ?. I don’t think I use rudders as effective as many here, but still wouldn’t want to go back to twist action.

 

I’m quite set in my decision to get the VKB with a long extension and the ultimate grip, but the price of WWII grip is tempting enough that I may just get it for posterity ☺️.
 

In fact, if it was metal as ultimate grip is, I’m pretty sure I would have gotten the WWII grip and be quite happy. I don’t play modern flight sims, and I’m sure I’m going to have trouble remembering all the key bindings on the ultimate since I seem to have a fish’s memory.

 

Good luck on your decision, and please let us know what you end up with and how it feels, we need more enablers to push us on new purchases. ??

 

 

[dburne]

1 hour ago, kissTheSky said:

If you’re comfortable with the twist, that’s ok, but when I switched from twist to rudders (2nd hand ch pro pedals) I instantly realized how much I was missing when I was without them ?. I don’t think I use rudders as effective as many here, but still wouldn’t want to go back to twist action.

 

I’m quite set in my decision to get the VKB with a long extension and the ultimate grip, but the price of WWII grip is tempting enough that I may just get it for posterity ☺️.

 

 

Smart move...

[kissTheSky]

Yikes! I’m at my local microcenter and they have warthog throttle in stock ($329)!  
 

must. Walk. Out. Must. Resist. 
 

I want the VKB or the GVL!  

[dburne]

2 hours ago, kissTheSky said:

Yikes! I’m at my local microcenter and they have warthog throttle in stock ($329)!  
 

must. Walk. Out. Must. Resist. 
 

I want the VKB or the GVL!  

 

Virpil CM3 is pretty darn good too. No telling when VKB will come out with theirs.

[kissTheSky]

10 minutes ago, dburne said:

 

Virpil CM3 is pretty darn good too. No telling when VKB will come out with theirs.

Absolutely! The reason I’m not mentioning that one is because it’s the one one can get the fastest! VKB TECS is not out, and there’s no ETA, GVL has a solid 2-3 month wait list, CM3 is in stock and ready to ship (at least it was when I last checked)! 
 

So in my younger than juvenile mind, I’m playing the game of “if I don’t mention it, it doesn’t exist, so I don’t have to immediately go home and buy it!” ?

 

If my throttle wasn’t functioning though, I would have brought that warthog throttle right home.  Bit of an unexpected news though, as a “just in case”, I asked one of the micro center guys to check if they had the stick & base in stock, he checked the computer and said “no, and it looks like it’s not going to come anytime soon, it has a ‘discontinued’ notation next to it”. ??

[dburne]

2 hours ago, kissTheSky said:

Absolutely! The reason I’m not mentioning that one is because it’s the one one can get the fastest! VKB TECS is not out, and there’s no ETA, GVL has a solid 2-3 month wait list, CM3 is in stock and ready to ship (at least it was when I last checked)! 
 

So in my younger than juvenile mind, I’m playing the game of “if I don’t mention it, it doesn’t exist, so I don’t have to immediately go home and buy it!” ?

 

If my throttle wasn’t functioning though, I would have brought that warthog throttle right home.  Bit of an unexpected news though, as a “just in case”, I asked one of the micro center guys to check if they had the stick & base in stock, he checked the computer and said “no, and it looks like it’s not going to come anytime soon, it has a ‘discontinued’ notation next to it”. ??

 

I think CM3 currently running around 4-6 weeks to get.

You place an order and they won't charge until about a week prior to shipping.

[kissTheSky]

2 minutes ago, dburne said:

 

I think CM3 currently running around 4-6 weeks to get.

You place an order and they won't charge until about a week prior to shipping.

Got it! That’s probably why there are several on the bay for almost BNIB prices. 
 

[dburne]

7 minutes ago, kissTheSky said:

Got it! That’s probably why there are several on the bay for almost BNIB prices. 
 

 

I am still trying to convince myself I really do not need Control Panel #2. After all I fly in VR and how would I ever be able to remember all those assignments much less reach out and flip the right switch/button. But that landing gear lever just looks so dang sexy...

I am still resisting though.

 

 

[kissTheSky]

1 hour ago, dburne said:

 

I am still trying to convince myself I really do not need Control Panel #2. After all I fly in VR and how would I ever be able to remember all those assignments much less reach out and flip the right switch/button. But that landing gear lever just looks so dang sexy...

I am still resisting though.

I have more of a visual memory, and the fact that Vitaly labels buttons/axes/toggle for what they are appeals to me for that reason. I’m really waiting to see what VKB comes up with the TECS. 

[cardboard_killer]

The honeycomb throttle quadrant is just in stock at x-plane.org for $250. If it had more trim wheels, I might buy it.

 

[=TBAS=jamesirjames]

23 hours ago, cardboard_killer said:

The honeycomb throttle quadrant is just in stock at x-plane.org for $250. If it had more trim wheels, I might buy it.

 

I like this one, but prefer the Virpil Mongoose 50CM-3 as it's what I ordered.  This would definitely be a cheaper alternative.

[Capt_Hook]

I have an old CH Quadrant mounted next to the Warthog throttle - the sliders are perfect for trim (have them set for two trim axis, pitch, mix, water and oil.)  The lack of analog sliders is my only gripe about the Warthog throttle - it's only got one, and I use it for gunsight adjustment.

 

When something breaks I'll get a GVL.

Edited April 25, 2021 by Capt_Hook

[Jaws2002]

On 4/16/2021 at 12:13 PM, Sokol1 said:

An consideration, you want a stick for use in desktop or in deskmount or "cockpit"?

 

VBK is more optimized for use in Desktop, VirPil is too tall for this use.

 

 Virpil's space Sim controller Constelation Alpha is much more compact than their jet version and it's a good choice for desktop.

 I wish they made a more compact version of the Monguse.

Edited May 6, 2021 by Jaws2002

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

I have become so much better with the Thrutsmaster T1600M Flight Pack it is ridiculous. My control is now so much more precise!

[Gambit21]

I’m absolutely loving my VKB Gladiator NXT. I can’t believe the difference from my old Saitek.

 

My Thrustmaster Airbus throttle is also making me very happy. It’s perfect for older Jets like the Tomcat and before, or WWII etc. I live the 2 engine start switches. For something like the Viper I’d be missing the extra buttons, but that’s not my bag. Great combo for me.

[CUJO_1970]

Another enthusiastic vote here for VKB Gladiator NXT.