Which joystick and throttle to buy?

[Siavash]

 

Hi guys!

I have Saitek X55 right now. But from last week the throttle was stopped working, because I did not have time for a while to use them. Now I have some time to spend for IL2 and DCS. so I have plan to change it to something better.

I was thinking to buy Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog, but I saw VKB and Virpil. I didn't know about them. 

I mostly fly with WWII fighters.

I also have Saitek Pro Flight Combat Rudder. I don't know if I need to change them also or not!

What is your suggestion for budget around 500 euro?

[Hoss]

That's roughly $580.00 American.... Have you been shopping around and seeing what the prices are?  I know Thrustmaster Warthog was stupidly expensive, Right now they are running $549.99 to $599.99.  They were running around $700.00 and up, a few weeks ago.  Virpil looks to be having a sale too.. https://virpil-controls.eu/. You can get WinWing Orion Throttle for $349.00 US https://wwsimstore.com/STORE.  and they have the F/A-18 stick too.  If just your throttle is bricked, you could always just get the throttle now that you REALLY want, and then put some scratch away for the Flight Stick of your choice.  But it looks like everyone is having some kind of sale right now. Crap, LMAO, I need to go see if the things I wanted are cheaper.. before they are Out of Stock. Now looks like a prime time to at least get the throttle of your dreams.  There should be sales again before Christmas and close outs afterwards.  There is talk Thrustmaster is coming out with some type of new controllers in 2022, don't know if it's true or not.  But good luck with your search and purchase, let us know what you got.

 

Cheers

Hoss

[cardboard_killer]

I would get the Gladiator NXT basic ($120 USD) (I use the prior generation and am very happy)

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gladiator-nxt

and the VKB rudder peddles ($215 USD)

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=vkb-t-rudders-mk-iv

 

That comes to $335 USD plus shipping. That will give you about $160 USD to spend on a throttle. A lot of people are happy with the Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle. I actually don't use a HOTAS, but the old CH six throttle, which you can find used for less than $100 USD.

 

Okay; now, if you are satisfied with your rudder pedals, that gets you a lot more money you can spend on the stick/throttle. The three most recommended manufacturers are VKB, Virpil and Winwing. However, you will be spending a lot on a stick, and won't have much left over for a high end throttle, so you're back to something like the TWCS above.

 

The cheapest high end stick right now seems to be Winwing at $300 USD on sale. The VKBs Gunfighter III range from $310 to $575 depending on extension and grip choice. And the Virpil costs about 260 Euros for the cheapest option (WarBRD base and grip) to 440 Euros for the most expensive option, plus extensions if needed (Mongoose T50 base and Constellation Alpha stick).

 

Or, if you are happy with your stick, and just want a high end throttle to replace the one not working, then Virpil or the warthog throttles are the most recommend I think. Also, there are boutique manufacturers here that will make one for you (search this folder).

[Hoss]

17 minutes ago, cardboard_killer said:

I would get the Gladiator NXT basic ($120 USD) (I use the prior generation and am very happy)

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gladiator-nxt

and the VKB rudder peddles ($215 USD)

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=vkb-t-rudders-mk-iv

 

That comes to $335 USD plus shipping. That will give you about $160 USD to spend on a throttle. A lot of people are happy with the Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle. I actually don't use a HOTAS, but the old CH six throttle, which you can find used for less than $100 USD.

 

Okay; now, if you are satisfied with your rudder pedals, that gets you a lot more money you can spend on the stick/throttle. The three most recommended manufacturers are VKB, Virpil and Winwing. However, you will be spending a lot on a stick, and won't have much left over for a high end throttle, so you're back to something like the TWCS above.

 

The cheapest high end stick right now seems to be Winwing at $300 USD on sale. The VKBs Gunfighter III range from $310 to $575 depending on extension and grip choice. And the Virpil costs about 260 Euros for the cheapest option (WarBRD base and grip) to 440 Euros for the most expensive option, plus extensions if needed (Mongoose T50 base and Constellation Alpha stick).

 

Or, if you are happy with your stick, and just want a high end throttle to replace the one not working, then Virpil or the warthog throttles are the most recommend I think. Also, there are boutique manufacturers here that will make one for you (search this folder).

yeah, I've got a CH HOTAS, Pro Throttle, Fighter Stick and pedals, you pay shipping and they are yours.. LOL wife will be happy they are out of he top of the closet. 

 

sorry for the hijack CK..

Hoss

[Boomerang]

1 hour ago, 352nd_Hoss said:

LOL wife will be happy they are out of he top of the closet.

Is that where you hid them from her Hoss? 

2 hours ago, Siavash said:

What is your suggestion

Hi,

Started purchasing parts to build my own via this fantastic information, (from one of our very own community members). 

LINK: https://authentikit.org/

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthentiKit/videos

 

 

[Hoss]

14 minutes ago, Boomerang said:

Is that where you hid them from her Hoss? 

 

 

 

No, she sees them all the time, and gripes about it.. "What are you going to do with your toys up there".. I hate to throw away anything useful to someone else.  I want them to go to a good home. 

When I wanted to hide stuff from her, I'd have it delivered to my buddies house, unpack it and bring it home.. "Hey look what my friend gave me, said he couldn't use it".................... She would give me the stink eye for a few seconds, and a hmmmph..  well, I hijacked it again.  Saivash, did you make up your mind on what you are going to get?

 

Hoss

Edited September 1, 2021 by 352nd_Hoss

[cardboard_killer]

3 hours ago, 352nd_Hoss said:

wife will be happy

 

Again, I see your problem.

[=IRFC=NakedSquirrel]

The Thrustmaster T16000M is a nice, affordable setup as well, uses Hall sensors which are very reliable, so they shouldn't wear out and you won't get the spiking like you do with the Saitek.  (Never owned this setup, but heard great things about it)

 

CH uses normal optical sensors, but I've never noticed any spiking in them.  Very rugged plastic construction.

 

The Thrustmaster Warthog has a much different feel than other sticks do to the heavy spring and metal grip.  Used it for ages and really enjoyed it, but it eventually fell apart on me from 5+ years of heavy use.  After several repairs I switched to Virpil.

 

Virpil has a very nice metal construction and great sensors, been using it for a couple years now and really enjoy it, ended up getting some extensions and set it up to be floor mounted.  I was using it with the warthog grip, but eventually swapped for the constellation because the metal frame on the TM grip began to crack, and some of the buttons were wearing out, so I replaced it with the constellation.  

 

MFG also sells very good rudder pedals for an affordable cost.  Great sensors, customizable, feel great.

 

Currently using Virpil stick, TM Warthog Thrtottle, and MFG Pedals

 

Hope this helps.  Flight gear can be a money pit.  There are lots of options out there, I'm sure you'll be happy with any of them, I think all of the ones mentioned will be a step up from a Saitek

[Hoss]

Yes, Thrustmaster Warthog is a great HOTAS, I've had mine for seven, eight years, I use TARGET software to program functionality, I have Crosswind rudder pedals. Going from CH HOTAS and Pedals to TMWH along with the crosswinds was like night and day.  I finally hoodwinked the wife and moved my set up into the smallest bedroom and got a new gaming desk.  Bought Monstertech table mounts and finally put the 10mm extension on the stick and it's another big improvement.  Recently purchased a BlackHog explorer, it has four slider axis, two rotary axis and six buttons and four 3-way momentary switches, moved all the cowl shutters, and water & oil radiators from the stick to the explorer sliders.  The four red buttons on it I dedicate to SRS, waiting for the fuel management systems to be modeled, and I'll have the explorer full.  Decide what it is you really want, whats going to fit your needs (available space, ergonomics) what you can afford and go from there.  Save some money, order some stuff have it delivered to your NON FLIGHT SIM buddies house and yer in like Flint.

 

Cheers

Hoss

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

I recommend Virpill with extension,  you can look for VKB gunfighter, other joystick are old les reliable tech now compared to those. 

[Props]

There's a lot of good input here and we all have are favorites, so here's my input to confuse you even more!-) I used a total CH setup for years and was very happy with it till the sensors started getting a little worn and wonky after about 7 years of hard flying. Then after a 5 year hiatus from flight sims I built a new PC and went with a Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS stick and throttle for about a year - the throttle has been great, but though I liked the feel of the grip and button locations, I have to admit I have had a bunch of mechanical issues like a worn rubber gasket that kept deteriorating and bunching up causing the stick to feel crappy, and an ever increasing amount of play (i.e knocking, looseness, etc) in the grip interface with the column, as well as interior issues with loose stanchions due to bottomed out threads that would not tighten down. I've had to open it up and try to fix things so often even the screws are getting raggedy. I also received less than stellar responses from Thrustmaster when I have tried to talk to them about fixes for this (I never once asked for a warranty or replacement as I am an ex-pro bicycle technician and as such pretty good with small nuts, bolts and screws, torque limits, etc.) so while I wouldn't rule Thrustmaster out as my experience is not necessarily the norm and many folks have had great experience with them, I cannot recommend the Warthog joystick.

 

So I ordered a Virpil VPC Mongoos T50CM2 grip and base. Though it was on backorder the order was fulfilled in less than 2 weeks and arrived within 5 days to the States at what I considered a great shipping rate for how far it travelled. I've been using this for about a month and half now, with my Thrustmaster Warthog throttle and MFG Crosswind pedals and I really like this setup a bunch. We'll see how it holds up, but right now it is solid out of the box (I did change to the lighter springs since I am not using an extension) and feels great.

 

Though I haven't used them I did consider the VKB products and don't think you'd be making a mistake by ordering those either. LOVE my MFG Crosswinds!

[Soarfeat]

GVL Throttles

For a throttle, look through the plethora of designs  he has. I have not bought one from him " yet ", however I would in a heartbeat. I believe you can get a good

basic throttle from him for a reasonable price for the quality you will be getting. You can send him  preferences of what type throttle you would like and he will make it.

A tailored  to fit deal. Maybe something worth considering.

Cheers and good luck ! 

[Beazil]

I can vouch for GVL.  He can make any design you want from his collection or make something specific to your needs.  All for a very reasonable price.  He's only got better at it since I bought mine.

[BladeMeister]

GVL is building this Trim Console for me now. Vitaly can build most anything you design. The only possible con is the production time, usually about 3 months for custom builds. I am in no hurry, so this works fine for me.

 

S!Blade<><

Edited September 1, 2021 by BladeMeister

[Hoss]

I wonder if he ordered something already? 

 

Hoss

[Beazil]

3 hours ago, BladeMeister said:

GVL is building this Trim Console for me now. Vitaly can build most anything you design. The only possible con is the production time, usually about 3 months for custom builds. I am in no hurry, so this works fine for me.

 

S!Blade<><

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Siavash]

21 hours ago, 352nd_Hoss said:

That's roughly $580.00 American.... Have you been shopping around and seeing what the prices are?  I know Thrustmaster Warthog was stupidly expensive, Right now they are running $549.99 to $599.99.  They were running around $700.00 and up, a few weeks ago.  Virpil looks to be having a sale too.. https://virpil-controls.eu/. You can get WinWing Orion Throttle for $349.00 US https://wwsimstore.com/STORE.  and they have the F/A-18 stick too.  If just your throttle is bricked, you could always just get the throttle now that you REALLY want, and then put some scratch away for the Flight Stick of your choice.  But it looks like everyone is having some kind of sale right now. Crap, LMAO, I need to go see if the things I wanted are cheaper.. before they are Out of Stock. Now looks like a prime time to at least get the throttle of your dreams.  There should be sales again before Christmas and close outs afterwards.  There is talk Thrustmaster is coming out with some type of new controllers in 2022, don't know if it's true or not.  But good luck with your search and purchase, let us know what you got.

 

Cheers

Hoss

Yes I checked the prices, here in europe Thrustmaster Warthog is 500 Euro. I have flexibility on my budget right now and I am looking for something good enough. 

I was at work whole day and now I can see a lot of options! Virpil is seems a good option for me, also I saw https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gunfighter-mk-ii-wwii-vintage-edition  this, it looks more realistic to WWII fighter sticks. 

[Hoss]

Awesome Siavash, when you get it, let us know how you like it, are you looking at pedals too, or are you going with a twist axis stick?

 

Cheers

Hoss

[dburne]

43 minutes ago, Siavash said:

Yes I checked the prices, here in europe Thrustmaster Warthog is 500 Euro. I have flexibility on my budget right now and I am looking for something good enough. 

I was at work whole day and now I can see a lot of options! Virpil is seems a good option for me, also I saw https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gunfighter-mk-ii-wwii-vintage-edition  this, it looks more realistic to WWII fighter sticks. 

 

I have a Virpil CM3 Throttle and VKB Gunfighter Pro stick with their Ultimate grip and could not be happier I think. I use the stick center mounted to my desk with a 200mm extension.

Both Virpil and VKB make excellent flight sim hardware. Both also have excellent customer service. You really can't go wrong with either one of them and they are very high quality.

 

[kissTheSky]

On 8/31/2021 at 7:38 PM, 352nd_Hoss said:

yeah, I've got a CH HOTAS, Pro Throttle, Fighter Stick and pedals, you pay shipping and they are yours.. LOL wife will be happy they are out of he top of the closet. 

 

sorry for the hijack CK..

Hoss

He seems to be in Europe so the shipping might be prohibitive, but there’s always this option to offer it up in the pay it forward thread… ?

 

 

@Siavash, my recommendation would be to replace one component at a time as you seem to be thinking. If it’s only the throttle you need right now, also take a look at GVL. his stuff seem to get a lot of praise. Also kantonin (?), seems to buy GVL parts and make his own version of custom throttles. 
 

I myself am waiting for VKB TECS to be released so I can decide what to get, but if I was in your situation, I’d look at GVL, Virpil, and kanttonin, in that order.  Good luck with your search.

Edited September 2, 2021 by kissTheSky

[Siavash]

Thanks guys for great information. 

I am thinking to buy https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gunfighter-mk-ii-wwii-vintage-edition, and 200mm extension to mount it to my desk. I can see VKB has also mount. 

But I am not sure still about the throttle! I find one used Thrustmaster Warthog! So I am thinking to by it to use the throttle. Or instead of it buy Virpil throttle. I will also try with GVL. 

About the pedal right now I am not thinking to change it. It seems it will be expensive to change all of them! So still I will use my old saitek combat pedals.

 

 

[farley]

Siavash this probably does not apply to you, but if you ever plan on flying twin engine planes you might want to figure that into your equation and consider a throttle quadrant that has more sliders.

i have a CH throttle (that I really like), but switched it out for two Saitek throttle quadrants so I now have two of each of throttle, prop pitch, and mixture and it really adds to the immersion.

 

Probably not anything you need to consider but just thought I'd throw it out there.

 

Hope you enjoy whatever you choose!

[nickj123]

Can't really go wrong with the Warthog Throttle, only downside is the ON-OFF toggle switches - you can get round this in DCS by customising lua files, not so good for Il-2.

 

I also had a Warthog joystick but wasn't too keen on the heaviness of it, settled for a Virpil WarBRD base and a Mongoos joystick which work well.

[Customizer171]

20 hours ago, Siavash said:

Thanks guys for great information. 

I am thinking to buy https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gunfighter-mk-ii-wwii-vintage-edition, and 200mm extension to mount it to my desk. I can see VKB has also mount. 

But I am not sure still about the throttle! I find one used Thrustmaster Warthog! So I am thinking to by it to use the throttle. Or instead of it buy Virpil throttle. I will also try with GVL. 

About the pedal right now I am not thinking to change it. It seems it will be expensive to change all of them! So still I will use my old saitek combat pedals.

 

 

 

Hello, I am a complete newbie on flightsims and have no previous experience from gaming equipment, so keep that in mind when I share my thoughts.

I just bought  a Gunfighter mkIII with a KG12 grip. I am sure the base or gimbal is great, but I must say that the KG12 grip feels very "cheap" and plastic to me, a little bit disappointed I must say. I also think the trigger feels like a toy (which it actually is) but I expected a more "tactical" feel to it.

 I have not used it yet (waiting for my computer to arrive), so maybe my mind will change later on.

I am also looking for a throttle and GVL is at the top of my list, just cant decide what model??

[Beazil]

The kg12 is a very minimal grip.  You can map the pinkie button to shift in the software for double the buttons, but it's not a lot.  It's for someone who wants the classic feel of a kg12 or typical WWII style stick.

I have one but went with the McG pro model.  I'd consider a kosmosima grip or McG pro for general flight sims, but that's me.

[Siavash]

Today I fixed my X55 throttle. So I don't have rush to buy throttle and I will go with GVLs Throttles.

About I am so series to change my stick. And it seems I need to reconsider about Kg12! 

Now I need to look more, I have to go for something like Mcg Pro or go for Virpil grips. It is hard to decide! 

 

2 hours ago, Customizer171 said:

 

Hello, I am a complete newbie on flightsims and have no previous experience from gaming equipment, so keep that in mind when I share my thoughts.

I just bought  a Gunfighter mkIII with a KG12 grip. I am sure the base or gimbal is great, but I must say that the KG12 grip feels very "cheap" and plastic to me, a little bit disappointed I must say. I also think the trigger feels like a toy (which it actually is) but I expected a more "tactical" feel to it.

 I have not used it yet (waiting for my computer to arrive), so maybe my mind will change later on.

I am also looking for a throttle and GVL is at the top of my list, just cant decide what model??

 

Thanks to share your experience about KG12. I like the style of it. But you have it then you know better than me.

 

 

2 hours ago, JG51_Beazil said:

The kg12 is a very minimal grip.  You can map the pinkie button to shift in the software for double the buttons, but it's not a lot.  It's for someone who wants the classic feel of a kg12 or typical WWII style stick.

I have one but went with the McG pro model.  I'd consider a kosmosima grip or McG pro for general flight sims, but that's me.

 

The point is there I want KG12 because of WWII style. But on other side you say right it hasn't so much buttons. 

I will try to see more about McG pro also. 

 

 

21 hours ago, farley said:

Siavash this probably does not apply to you, but if you ever plan on flying twin engine planes you might want to figure that into your equation and consider a throttle quadrant that has more sliders.

i have a CH throttle (that I really like), but switched it out for two Saitek throttle quadrants so I now have two of each of throttle, prop pitch, and mixture and it really adds to the immersion.

 

Probably not anything you need to consider but just thought I'd throw it out there.

 

Hope you enjoy whatever you choose!

 

You are right, but I do not need double throttle too much. But right now I fixed my old X55 throttle, so I will use it until I buy something from GVL.

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2021 by Siavash

[kissTheSky]

I’d gone through several fixes for my X45 trigger button and some other buttons on the throttle over the last year or so. Finally at the beginning of summer I purchased a VKB Base and Ultimate stick. Like you, I was considering the KG12 grip, but flying (attempting anyway) in VR, I opted for maximum number of buttons. As I wrote after a couple of days with it when i first got it, “It is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny”. Being in Europe, I feel for you that you may have to add VAT on it, but I recommend it as far as sticks go.

 

VKB, is apparently close to releasing what they call side extension modules within their budget series NXT (also gets quite good reviews), which is reported to have 3 axes and 5(?) buttons, so that might be a stop gap till you find a good throttle setup. 

[dburne]

30 minutes ago, kissTheSky said:

I’d gone through several fixes for my X45 trigger button and some other buttons on the throttle over the last year or so. Finally at the beginning of summer I purchased a VKB Base and Ultimate stick. Like you, I was considering the KG12 grip, but flying (attempting anyway) in VR, I opted for maximum number of buttons. As I wrote after a couple of days with it when i first got it, “It is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny”. Being in Europe, I feel for you that you may have to add VAT on it, but I recommend it as far as sticks go.

 

VKB, is apparently close to releasing what they call side extension modules within their budget series NXT (also gets quite good reviews), which is reported to have 3 axes and 5(?) buttons, so that might be a stop gap till you find a good throttle setup. 

 

Fully agree - the VKB Ultimate grip is truly the ultimate. What a work of art.

[Dagwoodyt]

I bought a VKB Gunfighter Pro with MCG grip and 200mm extension two years ago and am still happy with it. I stopped using the Virpil stick I had been using as I found that in certain instances I would inadvertantly place enough torque on it to loosen the stick from its' base. I decided that the phenomenon was inherent in the stick's design and I couldn't see a way to mitigate the problem.

Edited September 4, 2021 by Dagwoodyt

[Siavash]

So finally I decided to order VKB Gunfighter Mk.III base + KG12 with 200mm extension and VKB UCM mount Combo set center. I think KG12 is enough for me right now, it is also cheaper for me now, maybe in future I will upgrade to VKB Ultimate grip. I will make order during this week. And I hope I can have them before next weekend!

 

I was thinking to go for VKB ultimate but because I have to also upgrade my VR, so I have to save some money for next project also! Right now I have Oculus Quest (first generation) and I am looking for HP reverb g2 or HTC Vive Pro 2. But I do not now which is best option for me! As I have IPD 72mm and as I know HP reverb G2 is support until 68mm! 

 

[dburne]

2 hours ago, Siavash said:

So finally I decided to order VKB Gunfighter Mk.III base + KG12 with 200mm extension and VKB UCM mount Combo set center. I think KG12 is enough for me right now, it is also cheaper for me now, maybe in future I will upgrade to VKB Ultimate grip. I will make order during this week. And I hope I can have them before next weekend!

 

I was thinking to go for VKB ultimate but because I have to also upgrade my VR, so I have to save some money for next project also! Right now I have Oculus Quest (first generation) and I am looking for HP reverb g2 or HTC Vive Pro 2. But I do not now which is best option for me! As I have IPD 72mm and as I know HP reverb G2 is support until 68mm! 

 

 

If you can make the Reverb G2 work with your IPD it would be certainly the most economical. Might be difficult though.

[kissTheSky]

I agree with Don. A 4mm mismatch between your IPD, and what G2 can provide would be quite difficult to overcome. 

[BladeMeister]

8 hours ago, Siavash said:

So finally I decided to order VKB Gunfighter Mk.III base + KG12 with 200mm extension and VKB UCM mount Combo set center. I think KG12 is enough for me right now, it is also cheaper for me now, maybe in future I will upgrade to VKB Ultimate grip. I will make order during this week. And I hope I can have them before next weekend!

 

I was thinking to go for VKB ultimate but because I have to also upgrade my VR, so I have to save some money for next project also! Right now I have Oculus Quest (first generation) and I am looking for HP reverb g2 or HTC Vive Pro 2. But I do not now which is best option for me! As I have IPD 72mm and as I know HP reverb G2 is support until 68mm! 

 

You should absolutely love the 200mm extension. The GF MkIII is the best addition to my Hotas since my MFG Crosswinds were added. Now when Vitaly of GVL gets my Trim Console done I will just need to set him upon building my Dual Throttle and that will complete my dream Hotas. By the way Siavash, plan on just opening the GF base upon arrival and adding/changing springs. The factory installed springs are simply WAY to weak IMHO. I think I added #50 springs on both axis at first, and then I went back and added # 20 springs also. So currently, # 50 + # 20 on both axis. Have fun, you are in for a treat SIr!

 

S!Blade<><

Edited September 13, 2021 by BladeMeister

[dburne]

8 hours ago, BladeMeister said:

You should absolutely love the 200mm extension. The GF MkIII is the best addition to my Hotas since my MFG Crosswinds were added. Now when Vitaly of GVL gets my Trim Console done I will just need to set him upon building my Dual Throttle and that will complete my dream Hotas. By the way Siavash, plan on just opening the GF base upon arrival and adding/changing springs. The factory installed springs are simply WAY to weak IMHO. I think I added #50 springs on both axis at first, and then I went back and added # 20 springs also. So currently, # 50 + # 20 on both axis. Have fun, you are in for a treat SIr!

 

S!Blade<><

 

Indeed fully agree.

Gunfighter Mk III with 200mm extension is an awesome stick assembly!

[[Warship]MidnightLightnin]

On 9/4/2021 at 6:20 PM, Dagwoodyt said:

I bought a VKB Gunfighter Pro with MCG grip and 200mm extension two years ago and am still happy with it. I stopped using the Virpil stick I had been using as I found that in certain instances I would inadvertantly place enough torque on it to loosen the stick from its' base. I decided that the phenomenon was inherent in the stick's design and I couldn't see a way to mitigate the problem.

I came across a fix for this in a review today. The op had a hole drilled through and tapped and used a grub screw to keep it securely fastened.