Joysticks – Best Value For Performance

[Feldgrun]

Many of the high-end joysticks appear to be modeled after modern warplane control sticks (A-10/F-18). In your opinion/experience, what joystick holds the best value (best bang for your buck) for playing IL-2 GB? Do you get what you pay for in performance? Does a better stick make you a better pilot, or have a better aim?

 

Note, some of the poll choices include HOTAS with throttle, but this poll is only for the joystick.

[Zinovy_Kolobanov]

Logitech G940 FFB

[Gambit21]

17 hours ago, Zinovy_Kolobanov said:

Logitech G940 FFB

 

He wants bang for the buck. The VKB Gladiator is in another class - Logitech just doesn’t compare.

[BladeMeister]

I used the Saitek x52, then x52pro for many years, then the T160000 for the last 5 years or maybe more. Both work well and the T160000 is the best bang for the low dollar buck and any entry level simmer just starting in flight sims. After all of these years I finally bought a VKB Gunfighter with a 200mm extension. I wish I had bought this 20 years ago, if it were available then, because this stick is the best stick I have ever used. The long throw of the stick makes flying these planes much more accurate and fun than a short throw joystick. You just have to experience it, there really is no justice in trying to describe the differences and the feel.

My 2 cents. ¢

 

S!Blade<><

[Retnek]

VKB and Virpil - with extensions especially - are another league. Get one, a professional craftsperson uses good tools because of reason. Repeat and underline: "You just have to experience it, there really is no justice in trying to describe the differences and the feel."

Edited December 14, 2021 by Retnek
typo

[DakkaDakkaDakka]

I happily used a T.16000m for six years and felt it really made a difference compared to the Logitech g940 that it replaced. I thought I would miss the FFB, but I did not, and the accuracy of the T.16000m was orders of magnitude better than the g940, which was cursed by something the Logitech engineers called "hysterisis", and which was included on all of the control surfaces for reasons only they understood (I think it was just poorly made, tbh).

 

Last year I got a Virpil Constellation Alpha and, once I got a Foxx Mount desk mount for it, I could not be happier. Maybe someday I will get a different base and use an extension, but for now, this is so much better than any desktop setup I've used, it's no comparison.

 

I only bought Virpil after it was clear that flight simming was a longterm passion of mine, and that it made sense, once my T.16000m was finally worn out, to replace with something that would give me long life. I have every expectation that my Virpil stick will give me years of service, it seems to be very well made. They are very expensive, but IMHO, worth it.

[BladeMeister]

The VKB sticks can be very expensive also, but again as you said, well worth it. The quality of my Gun Fighter completely impressed me as I put it together, and once I tried it out, I was sold that my money was well invested. From WWI to modern jets and everything in-between, I am having a blast flying and fighting with my GF. I feel sure Virpil is of an equal qaulity.

 

S!Blade<><

[JG7_X-Man]

Well I use to have the MS FFB2 and it was awesome! However, since we now have an API that allows the Gametrix JetSeat to receive the same vibrations transmitted to the MS FFB2 I finally upgraded to the VPC MongoosT-50CM2(with the Secretlab Titan gaming chair). Note: If you plan on this joystick - the base selection is critical.

• If using a b/w leg setup, go with the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base
• if using the side setup, go with the VPC WarBRD Base

This setup has rendered the MS FFB2 obsolete in my book.

[DD_Crash]

I agree about the stall buffet. It does make the MS FFB redundant, but the MS stick has had a very long run.

[Talisman]

On 12/15/2021 at 2:21 AM, JG7_X-Man said:

Well I use to have the MS FFB2 and it was awesome! However, since we now have an API that allows the Gametrix JetSeat to receive the same vibrations transmitted to the MS FFB2 I finally upgraded to the VPC MongoosT-50CM2(with the Secretlab Titan gaming chair). Note: If you plan on this joystick - the base selection is critical.

• If using a b/w leg setup, go with the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base
• if using the side setup, go with the VPC WarBRD Base

This setup has rendered the MS FFB2 obsolete in my book.

No way!  MS FFB2 still king and not obsolete.  Loved my old Gametrix JetSeat and now even more my new JetPad with Simshaker Wings software. 

Still need FF joystick or the feeling is dead.  Need feedback to hands for best control and feedback to body via JetSeat/JetPad to fly by the seat of your pants!

Need both for fuller immersion; also haptic feedback earphones good.  But add VR to all of this and there is much joy! 

 

Happy landings,

 

Talisman

Edited December 16, 2021 by ACG_Talisman

[JG7_X-Man]

@ACG_Talisman Dude! You are nuttier than a fruit cake! I guess your dream would be a mild electric shock when one gets shootdown? 

Edited December 17, 2021 by JG7_X-Man

[Talisman]

19 hours ago, JG7_X-Man said:

@ACG_Talisman Dude! You are nuttier than a fruit cake! I guess your dream would be a mild electric shock when one gets shootdown? 

 

I am nuttier than a fruit cake that also has nuts in it, lol.  

 

Electric shock might be going a bit too far old fruit, but I love the JetPad kick in the pants and the MSFF2 giving it max 'wibble' when belly landing and rumbling along the old terra firma; then all goes quite apart from those damn dogs barking or, if you are lucky, a skylark ascending.

 

Enjoy the link below:

  

 

 

Happy landings,

 

Talisman

 

[Norz]

Guys. Microsoft FF2 is only 2 words that you should know.

[Eisenfaustus]

Thanks for this thread. My beloved TM 16000 FCS broke and this thread convinced to get the vbk gladiator nxt - I‘m very happy with the upgrade!

[jollyjack]

TM1600 set is very OK for the price, them flappers work great if you don;t have pedals .. just buy another set?

or spend 3 to 4 times on a warthog the price still needing a hardware mod for the rudder function and fixing a badly designed wire that usually breaks after 2 years in the joystick base.

Edited January 21, 2022 by jollyjack

[Feldgrun]

It's interesting that the VKB Gladiator is by far in the lead for preferred joysticks.

Edited January 22, 2022 by Feldgrun

[jollyjack]

Yep, but now who did really try them all out and is not trying to convince the wife that he spent the money on the right thing. 

[THERION]

1 hour ago, jollyjack said:

Yep, but now who did really try them all out and is not trying to convince the wife that he spent the money on the right thing. 

 

Even to think about convincing your wife for such a matter will be a fail... it's nearly impossible. It's like persuading a big cat to
be a vegan...

I never get into this lost cause, if I start this I will definitively loose the fight... and not to mention the torments for months. There
is only one solution for me: Smuggle, smuggle, smuggle and the complete destruction of any proof of purchase... and always pay
cash if possible or with a hidden PayPal account.

[jollyjack]

Bet your wife doesn't know you are Therion. Only your concubine does?

[THERION]

8 hours ago, jollyjack said:

Bet your wife doesn't know you are Therion. Only your concubine does?

 

How do you know?

[Pikestance]

I bought my initial stick for about 50 euros. it lasted a few years. I thought it was good. It broke and I was in search for a new stick. I "settled on the Gladiator. Wow, what a game changer. I think it was under 100 USD. It was worth every penny and then some. 

[Kurfurst]

It might worth to check out the Ravcore Javelin. Its basically a Polish clone of the VKB Gladiator, looks exactly the same, same HAL sensors. Its well made, accurate and quality piece and I had zero issues with it. 

It also comes at about 2/3s of the price, but more importantly its more available than the VKB that is always out of stock for some reason.

 

The trigger is finnicky plastic but you can change it to a metal one. The base is metal. 

[Yogiflight]

I, like others use the Gunfighter with 20cm extension. Before I was flying with the Europe version of the Gladiator, which was a big step forward to the Thrustmaster                T Flight X HOTAS, I had used before. But with the extension the flying gets even more sensitive and I definitely find it worth the money. Second advantage, I use the KG12 grip for IL-2, but when I fly a modern jet, I can exchange the grip to a modern style one.

[w00dy]

On 12/23/2021 at 7:54 PM, Norz said:

Guys. Microsoft FF2 is only 2 words that you should know.

 

Totally agree, had my Microsoft FF2 for over 20 years and still have no plans to replace it. I have looked looked at the current Joysticks and they didn't seem to offer anything better. Though if my MS FF2 did break, I would replace it with a VKB.

 

How many of these joystick will still be working great after 20+ years of use? Just shows the excellent build quality of the MS FF2.

[Chris65]

Me too, my MS FFB2 was purchased in the 90s and still going strong.  Nice heavy base and the springs and such are still rocking.  Can you even buy the FFB2 anymore?

[hsthhsth]

For IL-2 (FC): KG12 on Gunfighter base. But looking forward to VRSimpits SopGrip MKII, can't wait for production to startup.