Best Value for Performance?

[Feldgrun]

In a series of polls, I've been interested to see the following results for best value for performance:

 

Joystick:              VKB Gladiator

Throttle:              Thrustmaster Warthog

Rudder Pedals:   MFG Crosswind

VR:                       HP Reverb G2 (2160x2160)

 

Is this what you would recommend for a new player looking for the best value for performance in playing IL-2 (or any other flight sim)?  The votes are overwhelming in all polls except the Throttle.

[PaladinX]

Joystick: WarBRD base with a Warthog Stick

Throttle: Warthog Throttle

Pedals: MFG Crosswinds

VR: HP Reverb G2, but only version from October 21 with the improved tracking and cable etc...not the first version.

[PatrickAWlson]

I think that is pretty high end.  If you can afford it - great.  

 

My setup is not dissimilar.  I have a VKB stick and HP G2.  Both are great. 

My throttle is a home built one.  I like it but it is not applicable for this conversation.  TM is sort of the standard.   Be aware that when you are flying VR you are pretty much blind.  Make sure you can find the buttons by feel.  I use Voice Attack for voice commands to limit key presses.  Great product and is free for limited, only $10 for full.

My pedals are old CH pedals.  Crosswind would be a definite upgrade over what I have.

[Eisenfaustus]

I think this setup values performance over price. 

[BlitzPig_EL]

As to best value I'd have to say my CH gear has been an incredible value for money spent.  I am still running the same stick, throttle, and pedals I purchased back in 2003ish for the original version of IL2.  They just keep going.

 

I'd like to try some of that high end gear, like mentioned in the original post, but I just cannot justify the cash outlay at this point in my life.

[AEthelraedUnraed]

1 hour ago, Feldgrun said:

best value for performance

Which is extremely subjective. If you're a pensioner of above-average wealth, as many in this community seem to be, your list might be spot on. If you're a millionaire, the "value" part is worth less than "performance". If you're a student like me, it's much too little performance difference to warrant the extra money.

 

I use a T.16000 stick+throttle+pedals set and an Oculus Quest 2. Performance wise a bit less than what you've got there, but for someone in my situation I'd rate it as the absolute best value for money.

[Gambit21]

2 hours ago, Feldgrun said:

In a series of polls, I've been interested to see the following results for best value for performance:

 

Joystick:              VKB Gladiator

Throttle:              Thrustmaster Warthog

Rudder Pedals:   MFG Crosswind

VR:                       HP Reverb G2 (2160x2160)

 

Is this what you would recommend for a new player looking for the best value for performance in playing IL-2 (or any other flight sim)?  The votes are overwhelming in all polls except the Throttle.

 

Wait, so you consulted polls...now you're taking a poll on the results of the polls?

Dude just pull the trigger on the VKB...you won't be sorry. After finally getting one I wish I had switched years ago.

[Guest deleted@83466]

My 2 cents, I think that it pays off in the long run to spend a little more to get what you want.  It’s just as easy to waste money upfront, buying the “budget” item thinking it will be good enough, but then you get Crosswind envy, and end up wishing you had just got the better item from the start.   

[J2_Seya]

Wait for the next generation of VR I would not buy a G2

[Feldgrun]

3 hours ago, Gambit21 said:

Dude just pull the trigger on the VKB...you won't be sorry. After finally getting one I wish I had switched years ago.

I already did (before the polls) and am really happy with it. 

[spreckair]

I have all but the Thrustmaster Warthog throttle; I use the Thrustmaster TWCS throttle.  I am very happy with all of the items except the TWCS throttle, which is okay but not great.  If VKB ever offer their proposed new throttles for sale, I will likely give one a try.  Because VR limits the ability to use keys and buttons with ease, I use the Voice Attack software for items that only happen one or twice in a flight, like turning on lights or lowering/raising landing gear, as well as commands for my fellow flight; I will probably expand my use of Voice Attack as time goes on.  But per your questions, I think it is a nice list per value/performance.

[PatrickAWlson]

5 hours ago, BlitzPig_EL said:

As to best value I'd have to say my CH gear has been an incredible value for money spent.  I am still running the same stick, throttle, and pedals I purchased back in 2003ish for the original version of IL2.  They just keep going.

 

I'd like to try some of that high end gear, like mentioned in the original post, but I just cannot justify the cash outlay at this point in my life.

 

You make a good point about CH.  If you don't have the $1500 to spend on the OP's proposed setup, CH can be had for less than half.  CH works well and lasts beautifully.  I still have my CH stick and throttle.  They work just fine. 

 

My VKB definitely has a better feel than the CH and is much more precise.  My throttle also has a better feel with more/better buttons and switches.  That said, the CH is still good stuff and more than adequate for this sim. 

[BlitzPig_EL]

I have thought hard about the VKB stick, but it is quite a bit larger than the CH Fighterstick, so with my limited desk real estate it just won't work for me.

[javelina]

7 hours ago, PaladinX said:

Joystick: WarBRD base with a Warthog Stick

Throttle: Warthog Throttle

Pedals: MFG Crosswinds

VR: HP Reverb G2, but only version from October 21 with the improved tracking and cable etc...not the first version.

^^^^ This

[cardboard_killer]

Start cheap and keep an eye on the used market, where I got my Gladiator II, Crosswinds and CH throttle.

[1Sascha]

On 2/22/2022 at 1:08 AM, PatrickAWlson said:

You make a good point about CH. 

Speaking of CH Products:

 

Are they even still in business?

 

I currently have most of my PC stuff in storage and thus am thinking about upgrading all my HOTAS. I was looking at CH just to see if they had finally put a Hall-sensor into their throttle (my own Pro Throttle has had spiking issues for most of its life), and found that CH Hangar seems to have been dead for years and that their official website looks like it hasn't been re-vamped since at least the early 2000s.

 

Plus the only offers for the Pro Throttle I can find here in Germany (tried some other European sites as well) were insanely priced (some around €250 or so, around €10 more expensive than a stand-alone Warthog throttle ?). Amazon.de still has their stuff listed, but it's all "out of stock". When I bought my throttle back in 2015, 2016 I bought direct from Amazon.de for ~120 Euro.

 

Thing is: We're not spoiled for choice when it comes to throttles. VKB don't seem to be getting anywhere with the one they announced years ago, the Virpil one is a dream but ridiculously expensive and then there's a huge gap between the Warthog for ~€240 and the TWCS for €80 or so. And the WCS just looks too flimsy for my taste. That's why I was hoping for an updated CH Throttle, because I really like the unit (for around $/€100-120, mind you) if it weren't for those spiking problems.

 

Am I overlooking an alternative here? As far as I can tell, there really isn't much else around when it comes to throttles and no: I don't want to go WinWing or RealSimulator... ?

 

S.