Joystick/throttle upgrade recommendations, please

[Russkly]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been using the Saitek X52 Pro HOTAS, throttle and rudder pedals for the last 10 years, and they been excellent products lasting thousands of flight hours.

 

They are used for Il2 GB & FC primarily, but also for CloD and MSFS.

 

I feel like it's time to upgrade to something of a higher grade now that I've proved to myself that flight sims are worth the investment for the enjoyment rendered.

 

I've been looking at the following options:

 

1. Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS joystick and throttle
2. VKB GNX WWII Throttle + Gladiator NXT EVO ‘WWII Combat Edition’
3. Virpil combinations (not sure which are most appropriate for WW1 & WW2 flight sims)

 

Any guidance, ideally based on experience, of any of the ablve options for use with Il2 GB & FC, or indeed any other recommendations?

 

It will need to be a 'simple' desktop option, as I'm not going to go full-on flight sim set-up with mounts, etc. and something around the £400-500 (€450-550, $500-600) mark (so the VKB Gunfighter range is a bit spicy).

 

I'll probably keep the Saitek combat rudder pedals, as I don't see that it's worth spending another £400 or so on new 'premium' pedals (unless someone can convice me otherwise ?).

 

I'm based in the UK btw, so importing from outside the UK is a thing duty- and VAT-wise.

 

I was all set on the Warthog, now that prices have finally come down to 'reasonable' levels, but I've read some less-than-glowing reviews based on the way the throttle switches work (i.e. on or off with no toggle option) and also based on the joystick's centring force.

 

All input gratefully received.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[cardboard_killer]

1 hour ago, Russkly said:

I'll probably keep the Saitek combat rudder pedals, as I don't see that it's worth spending

 

Funnily, the pedals are what I would suggest changing out first. Nothing was a bigger upgrade to me than heavy duty pedals. (Well, actually going from a really cheap stick to the Gladiator II was a huge deal, but the cheap stick sucked so badly that I'd have quit simming rather than use it.) However, I don't play modern plane sims so get away with an old, used CH throttle quadrant.

 

I have heard the same thing about the Warthog HOTAS/stick, but have no direct experience with it, or the VKB NXT for that matter. I did use the VKB Gladiator II, and thought it a great stick, especially for what I paid for it. Currently use the Gunfighter w/extension.

[Guest]

I used the Warthog stick and throttle but the stick was centrally mounted for years, desktop use was next to impossible due to the force needed to move it. And as you've mentioned, the throttle switches etc were somewhat limiting, even for a WW2 plane.

I have no experience with the VKB stuff.

A couple of years ago I upgraded to a Virpil stick and throttle and the TM pendular rudders and all of it is top notch. It's all mounted in a pit but the stick, due to its configuration options (different strength springs mainly) make it ideal for mounting on a desk (I believe you'd need to use the optional base-plate to mount it directly to the desk surface with screws or buy the bit of kit that allows it to be mounted to the edge). I watched an extensive video comparison of the Virpil and VKB and the overall impression was the Virpil came out ahead but not much in it functionality-wise. But Virpil has a solid EU location and top-notch support and I don't see you could go wrong with it. Reasonably priced too for the quality (top notch).

Edited April 30, 2023 by Hetzer-JG51

[Russkly]

Thanks for the input, guys. Very helpful.

 

I can't mount a stick, as my desk is used for other tasks besides flight sims, so the base would need to be robust enough to use in a desktop environment.

 

@cardboard_killer Which Gladiator II stick did you go for, and would it require mounting in your view?

 

@Hetzer-JG51 Interesting thoughts about the Warthog and in line with what I've read. Looks like that's not the solution for me. Which Virpil stick and throttle did you opt for, given that they have quite a range?

 

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

I would stay away from your number 3.  Have a throttle and joystick from them.  The throttle lost a main axis right off the bat.  Other dials have jitter.  The joystick has a cheap plastic secondary flip up trigger that broke without much stress.  They finally sent me a replacement after documenting it with several pictures, etc. for a piece that probably cost less than a penny to make.  Then it broke again and after going back and forth with their support wanting more and more photos I just gave up and said forget it.

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Russkly said:

Thanks for the input, guys. Very helpful.

 

I can't mount a stick, as my desk is used for other tasks besides flight sims, so the base would need to be robust enough to use in a desktop environment.

 

@cardboard_killer Which Gladiator II stick did you go for, and would it require mounting in your view?

 

@Hetzer-JG51 Interesting thoughts about the Warthog and in line with what I've read. Looks like that's not the solution for me. Which Virpil stick and throttle did you opt for, given that they have quite a range?

 

I have the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 base and Warbird grip. The VPC WarBRD-D Base is the one you want for desktop use.

VIRPIL EU - VPC WarBRD-D Base (virpil-controls.eu)

Edited April 30, 2023 by Hetzer-JG51

[cardboard_killer]

5 hours ago, Russkly said:

Which Gladiator II stick did you go for, and would it require mounting in your view?

 

There was only one version Gladiator II (I think). It was the prior iteration of the Gladiator NXT EVO ‘WWII Combat Edition’ (which is improved and consequently more expensive). I did not mount it and had no problems. However, the desk I used it on had one of the keyboard cutouts that could be lowered, and that made it sit at a better height IMO.