VKB Joysticks - New Favorite

[pmanhart 176]

Hi all, I've been using joysticks since the early days of Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer (probably ran at 3 FPS on our old Apple IIGS... ) I've owned multiple CH, Thrustmaster (F-16 model), Logitech (remember the Wingman series?), MIcrosoft (FF2), and Saitek models over the years.

Recently, my CH Fighterstick finally starting having finicky travel on the X-axis so I went shopping for a replacement. We truly are in a blessed time for flight simulation, with sticks from Thrustmaster, CH Products, Logitech, etc. available at all levels of pricing.

I receive the X-Plane.org newsletter and was caught off guard by a joystick they were advertising, the VKB Gladiator, so I decided to check it out.

I ended up purchasing the VKB Gladiator Pro Mk II and plan on getting the MCG Pro when it is released to replace the WW2 replica handle that it has right now. The VKB Gladiator Pro has metal gimbals for added life and accuracy, and has replaceable handles (albeit their options right now are limited to just the WW2 style until September...). They also have a Gunfighter model for those building cockpits where they want their base on the floor (akin to the Thrustmaster Warthog base without any buttons), with a long stick between the actual joystick handle and the base. They also have other products in the pipeline.

I have to say I absolutely LOVE the feel of the Gladiator. The resistance is perfect (it comes with 2 other sets of springs to customize), and dead-on accurate, and has a slew of accessories like an adapter for the Thrustmaster Warthog joystick handle.

If anyone is considering on getting a new joystick, I highly recommend checking out VKB, this is without a doubt the best joystick I have ever owned.

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product_cat=vkb-controllers

[SimonC 116]

Same here! Coming from MS FF2, this really means something: I was looking for the MSFF2 replacement, and I decided to get the Gunfighter (tabletop).

Just wow. This thing is so smooth and precise it's insane. Played E:D too with it, also want to get the MCG-Handle when it's out, and also other parts, the ECP and the twist. And then the TQ.

IMO, it will be the most versatile and extendible HOTAS System out there. And all that while maintaining extremely high quality build ( you can really see and feel it once you take the thing apart, to adjust cams or springs for instance).

[odourboy 1,289]

Anybody using in Windows 10? (My Saitek X-55 HOTAS is a pretty finicky in W10/P3D - currently running with the default Plug n play drivers). Is there a software manager for profiles/curves/mapping keystrokes and macros etc.?

[SimonC 116]

I am using the Gunfighter in Win10.

There is a software, VKBDevCfg. Good: does a lot of things, really VERY programmable (including macros, profiles, keystrokes, button-configurations, various axis tweaks, hysteresis, response curve...).

Bad: there is no manual. (Couple of hours of trial and error and couple of posts on the forum are usually what it takes to understand it).

[odourboy 1,289]

Thanks for the reply SimonC. I'm interested in these guys - I'm going to keep an eye on them and see what their throttle looks like. I want a high-end, modern fighter solution, like maybe the MCG + base and throttle. I'll see how their complete package stacks up against the warthog once it becomes available and the kinks get worked out.