Where to get a Throttle?

[Pikestance]

So, I bought the VKB Gladiator stick and I like it. However, the VKB throttle is in a state of perpetual development. I looked around and I can't seem to find a stand alone throttle unless it is over 400 dollars. I have spent hours looking. Any help would be helpful. 

[jollyjack]

Cheapest IMO that was fine is the Thrustmaster 1600TM set, the flippers were great to address for yaw instead op pedals.

[FTC_Woop]

If you're lucky you can probably find a good used one on E-Bay; I found my Warthog for under 200 euro and it was a good bargain! Be sure to look only at things shipping from Europe though.

 

Waiting for that 109 replika throttle from VKB though to sell the Warthog!

 

 

[F19_Haddock]

This is what I went for after a long time looking: Left-handed VKB Gladiator NXT. Remove the x-axis spring, and add a home-made base for extra comfort (optional). And it also doubles as a collective for helicopters.
 

 

Just keep in mind VKB are working on a new stick (NXT Evo) specially designed to be used as throttle, with adjustable dry clutch and lockable x-axis. It could be coming out quite soon: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=6290

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by F19_Haddock

[354thFG_Leifr]

The EVO is launching in Europe tomorrow, shipping next week.

 

[Pikestance]

I kind of had my heart set on the announced throttle. http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5054

 

   

 

 

This was said in the announcement

Quote

- STOP it, too. 2020 wasn't the best of all years. No one needs explanation, or does anyone? VKB had our share of losses, some irreparable. We're keeping our bereavement private; please spare us from prodding. For more than a year some of our key engineers cannot come to China, and not everything can be done online. China cancelled many previously issued working visas. Still, we are pushing ahead. TECS is coming. Next announcement will be about the official launch of the so long awaited throttle. When time comes.

I was in China during the early days of Covid (left this past August). There was a lot of fellow employees who ran into the same issue. So no lie there. I do not watch their forum for announcements so I do not know what the statement would indicate as far as time is concerned. 

 

The Next alternative I can find without requiring buying a stick is this Thrustmaster

My first stick was a Thrustmaster. It was fine with it until I purchased my Gladiator. At 84 Euros, it is a bargain to have temporarily if need be. 

 

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by ACG_Pike

[dburne]

Virpil CM3 is an excellent throttle. 

[=LD=Bulldog*]

The Saitek X-52 works for me. I have the sliders and rotaries for trims, fuel mixture, etc. I also have the Saitek throttle quadrant for the Ju 88 for rudder trim, cowl flaps, prop pitch and so on. The stick is a MS Sidewinder 2. 

 

Bulldog

 

[=FEW=fernando11]

Ok. So you got a gladiator, and whant to pair it with the, still in development, TECS?

Thats a $350-$450 from memory, and no release date yet...

 

Wouldn't a VKB THQ (maybe with the unreleased wwii grip) or even a gladiator EVO with omni throttle adapter be more in line with your joystick selection?

 

Nothing wrong pairing a sub $200 joystick with a $400 throttle, just a bit unusual.

[Pikestance]

Fallout said that the expected cost of the throttle (basic unit) is about 200. 

Given that only the thrustmaster is about 100 USD I doubt i find one much cheaper than that. 

[HankCzinaski]

There are new Warthog Throttles available in my country for about 285 USD plus shipping. I know they ship inside EU.

[Picchio]

@ACG_Pike PM'd.

[cardboard_killer]

[duko]

Cheapest option until u want something more advanced

Logitech Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant

 

Edited March 11, 2022 by duko

[Sokol1]

On 3/10/2022 at 3:18 AM, ACG_Pike said:

Given that only the thrustmaster is about 100 USD I doubt i find one much cheaper than that. 

 

GNX THQ cost $70

GNX USB Controller(HID main) - optional if want a standalone throttle $15.

The Fw 190 like throttle grip for THQ may cost $30

Total $115.

Edited March 15, 2022 by Sokol1

[1Sascha]

On 3/8/2022 at 9:44 PM, ACG_Pike said:

I kind of had my heart set on the announced throttle. http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5054

 

From what I gathered in various forums, that thing is having a difficult ..err... birth. Been announced for years now and they still don't have a tentative release date. I have eliminated it from my wish-list for that reason.

 

 

I found a (German) retailer offering the whole 16000 TM set (stick, throttle and pedals) for €130. In case you also need pedals... they don't look spectacular, but I'm sure they'll do their job. Or you could buy the set if you can get it at a low price, keep what you need and put what you don't need on ebay.

 

As for the TWCS: I just bought it for €80 and I'm pretty pleased with it so far (for the price).

 

The way I see it, there are only a few viable options if you want a HOTAS-setup and not some sort of general aviation/Cessna three-lever quadrant.

I would've recommended the CH Pro Throttle for an entry-level throttle, but it seems pretty hard to find these days at a non-ludicrous price - at least in Europe. I would also stay away from all things Saitek/Logitech, but that's just me. So that leaves us with:

1. TM TWCS 16000 - cheap and cheerful with quite a lot of functions for the money. It's not even that flimsy feeling. The CH Throttle feels sturdier to me and its buttons are certainly of higher quality, but the TM's overall quality seems alright (again: for its price point). Con: uses a potentiometer which will probably cause maintenance issues down the road.

2. TM Warthog throttle stand-alone - costs around €240 - 250 where I live and is a massive step-up in quality and functions... but also in price.

3. Virpil throttle - super premium looking product with lots of functions and a price-tag to match. Including shipping, import tax etc, it would cost me well over €400.

 

 

All that said: IMO, the stick is more important than the throtte. As long as it has a reliable, non-spiking throttle axis and some hat-switches and buttons, it beats having to use the keyboard or a slider on your joystick handily.

 

S.

Edited March 15, 2022 by 1Sascha

[Sokol1]

6 hours ago, 1Sascha said:

2. TM Warthog throttle stand-alone - costs around €240 - 250 where I live and is a massive step-up in quality and functions... but also in price.

3. Virpil throttle - super premium looking product with lots of functions and a price-tag to match. Including shipping, import tax etc, it would cost me well over €400.

 

In this "league" fit the WingWing Orion Throttle FA-18 for $235.96

 

[1Sascha]

8 hours ago, Sokol1 said:

In this "league" fit the WingWing Orion Throttle FA-18 for $235.96

 

Crap... I forgot about WinWing... or rather: I'm not familiar enough with their lineup and assumed that they would be way more expensive than that.

 

 

S.