Joystick

[fergal69]

After years of faithfully service, my Saitek Cyborg 3d Gold joystick is starting to show signs of wear.

 

I'm not looking for a HOTAS joystick, as in my opinion having to take you hand of the throttle/joystick to flick a switch is more realistic to what WW2 pilots had to do, rather than just flick a switch with your little finger without removing hand from controller, but I understand if you fly in VR you've no option ?

 

Searching for WW2 joysticks, I came across old form topic on the VKB joysticks, & I've found the European website that will ship to the UK, being flightsimcontrols.com

 

Particularly interested in the GLADIATOR NXT EVO ‘WWII COMBAT EDITION’ as not too expensive for the use that it will get as don't have much time like I used to at the moment to justify a large sum on a joystick.

 

Does anyone use this flight stick, & what are your comments on it?

 

Cheers  

 

[FTC_Davies]

I personally do not own this but I plan on buying it. A friend has it and he likes it a lot.

Overall it is considered to be the best joystick for the money right now. High quality with a lot of nice to have features for a decent price. VKB is considered to have good quality control and support from what I can tell.

[Russkly]

I've been tracking this joystick too for a while now, as VKB have been experiencing supply chain issues.

 

Reviews are generally very good, at least in terms of the product itself, but perhaps take a look at the forum on the VKB Europe website before proceeding.

 

Be aware that:

1. You may have to pay UK VAT at the point of delivery, not purchase, so the courier may charge you VAT prior to delivery plus whatever costs they deem appropriate (see VKB forum posts).
2. There will also be a WWII throttle quadrant available soon that looks like a 109 quadrant, so that may be a nice adjunct to the Gladiator EVO WWII stick: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=6912&sid=93402eca0d60e6f94760d57025da615e

You could look at this post for more info on what's out there, although I appreciate that you're not after a bona fide HOTAS:

 

 

[76SQN-Minimayhemtemp]

I know you said you are not looking for a HOTAS setup, but I'd like to recommend the Saitek X-56.  Coupled with pedals this setup is incredibly immersive and suited to flat screen/VR players alike.  Plenty of toggles, axis, switches, so you dont have any problem running out of controls to map to.  

[JG13_opcode]

7 hours ago, fergal69 said:

After years of faithfully service, my Saitek Cyborg 3d Gold joystick is starting to show signs of wear.

 

I'm not looking for a HOTAS joystick, as in my opinion having to take you hand of the throttle/joystick to flick a switch is more realistic to what WW2 pilots had to do, rather than just flick a switch with your little finger without removing hand from controller, but I understand if you fly in VR you've no option ?

 

Searching for WW2 joysticks, I came across old form topic on the VKB joysticks, & I've found the European website that will ship to the UK, being flightsimcontrols.com

 

Particularly interested in the GLADIATOR NXT EVO ‘WWII COMBAT EDITION’ as not too expensive for the use that it will get as don't have much time like I used to at the moment to justify a large sum on a joystick.

 

Does anyone use this flight stick, & what are your comments on it?

 

Cheers  

 

 

My wingman has the Gladiator and really likes it.  I've used his and it's very nice but I like the grip of the Gunfighter better, which is what I have.

[Sokol1]

16 hours ago, fergal69 said:

GLADIATOR NXT EVO

 

In Reddit/r/HOTAS Gladiator NXT EVO is considered by many the best non "high end" joystick, including the version with SCG grip more functional than Warthog stick. 

 

The "WWII Version" with the lookalike KG-12A* grip is OK for WWII era planes, and up to MiG-21 in DCS World, but for modern jets os cosmosim things buttons became a issue.

 

* Using one of buttons KG-12A (e.g. middle finger button) as "shift" for other buttons, you have 4 physical buttons + 4 virtual button of the physical + 4 virtual buttons of POV HAT NSEW positions. E.g. if you use POV HAT for camera (pilot head) control, can use + "shift" button for trim elevator, rudder.

[rieper_420]

Hello,

 

I upgraded from a low budget Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X to the VKB Gladiator NXT and the difference was mind blowing.

I can fully recommend that one.

 

Now I am only using my Frankenwinder FFB2 (sidewinder FFB2+ FLCS F-16 Stick) as flying without Force Feedback feels very weird to me.

(my VKB NXT is collecting dust in a drawer...)

 

My recommendation: buy a used Sidewinder FFB2 on ebay for ~50-60 Euros - that has all the buttons you need for ww2 + FFB which is awesome in IL2 GB.

 

I can't go back to fly in 2D after seeing VR, I cannot go back to fly without FFB after feeling it... The stick shaking in stall gives me a feeling of pure panic ?

 

 

UPDATE:
Your post inspired me to built my second Frankenwinder using the VKB Premium grip.

Took me about 3h. You only need some basic cable-soldering skills)

 

All I had to do was to remove the VKB grip, extend the cable and make and adapter for the FFB2 base.

The adapter is actually the grip part of a screwdriver with a hollow compartment I found lying around which had the right size (15mm inside)

You can see the colored cable going into the side of the NXT base - that is the extended cable going to the VKB grip.

4 wooden screws fixed the grip

FFB2 base has resistor mod to compensate increased weight of grip.

(like the stronger FFB2 on my FLCS Frankenwinder better - but the NXT grip is just much better quality and feel)

 

I still need to use the VKB base to get the button presses registered.

(I covered the hole for the VKB grip with tape to prevent dust and stuff falling in...)

It can be used as a mini throttle extension to control radiators next to my x-56 throttle ?

 

Has 2 USB - registers as 2 joysticks: a MS FFB2 (for axis) and a VKB NXT (for buttons)

 

It would be easily possible to replace this with a KG-12

 

The coolest part is:

All can be rebuilt back if needed - I did not cut/modify any parts of the VKB NXT base or grip!

I just have to disconnect the cable extension I quickly soldered and pair the VKB grip with the VKB base again and I will have my original VKB NXT joystick back (if I ever get bored of the FFB haha)

 

 

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions in building your own Frankenwinder (big thanks to Milopapa from the "other game" forum who wrote a complete guide)

 

Cheers

Rieper

Edited August 24, 2022 by rieper_420

[Sokol1]

On 8/21/2022 at 5:22 AM, fergal69 said:

Searching for WW2 joysticks, I came across old form topic on the VKB joysticks, & I've found the European website that will ship to the UK, being flightsimcontrols.com

 

Other option (for UK) is buy from Aliexpress VKB Sim, the delivery time will be longer.

 

There NXT EVO "KG12 WW II Combat Edition" is  ￡106.60 plus ￡35.28 of shipping (for UK) = ￡139.85 - a ￡ 2,03 discount is applied on cart, may find promo code for additional discount. When arrive in UK you need pay UK VAT  ~20%, as when buy from EU.

[1Sascha]

On 8/21/2022 at 10:22 AM, fergal69 said:

Particularly interested in the GLADIATOR NXT EVO ‘WWII COMBAT EDITION’

Good choice. I use that exact one and I couldn't be happier with it. I don't think I'll ever need another stick, unless I'll upgrade to something like the Gunfighter or Virpil T50. Due to its design, it's not the best choice for my preferred setup (central mount), but even that works with this stick, using VKB's UCM-S Gladiator mount. It's a bit tight around the crotch (giggity!), but it works.

 

I put up a way too lengthy post/thread with my thoughts and experiences with this stick right here:

I used to use the VKB with a TM TWCS throttle which I'd consider a very decent entry- to mid-level HOTAS combo. Upgraded to a TM Warthog throttle a few weeks ago since I wanted something nicer with a smoother, more precise throttle axis and more modern sensors.

 

What I will say though about the KG-12 is that if you fly other sims that need more functions on the stick, you should probably look at the space-grip they offer. It's a little more expensive and doesn't look as cool and fitting for a WW2-title, but both versions (premium and non-premium) do offer lots more buttons/hats. Yes: You can swap/upgrade grips on the Evo but they're not really meant to be swapped on a regular basis (unlike the Gunfighter) and I wouldn't recommend doing it every time you want to switch from, say, IL-2 to DCS. Basically, you're "stuck" with the grip you choose.

 

https://flightsimcontrols.com/product/gladiator-evo-space-combat-edition/

 

 

 

 

 

S.