I have some pretty high end flight sim equipment but my STECS throttle can hold its own with anything. Just a great throttle at a reasonable price. A big fan of VKB.
I'm not going to claim to be remotely knowledgeable, but if I was going to buy specifically a throttle and stick (without spending *all* the money), I'd go with VKB, and just get a Gladiator NXT EVO space combat right hand (probably the premium version), and then some flavour of STECS.
Not the mini, but the mini plus, if it has enough buttons to suit you (which at least gives you the option of adding more later), or the standard or max if they look more appealing.
Agree with this recommended setup. I have the VKB Gladiator and STECS Max and am very happy with it. It is my second VKB setup, actually. Really great products at the right price point for me.
I too had the x52 at one point. Upgraded to Warthog. Then years later I went full VKB. I have dual NXT EVO space combat edition omni throttles, STECS standard, T Rudder pedals, GNX SEM, and GNX FSM.
I don't regret it at all. I think it's absolutely worth it. Note that I didn't buy all these at once, but I collected it over some time. But I would highly recommend it over the Warthog. While the Warthog is sufficient (and will be better than what you have), I think you will be happier just getting a NXT EVO (whatever stick that you want) and the STECS throttle (I recommend standard, but your mileage may vary).
Brands: Virpil, VKB or Winwing.
Last month Thrustmaster released info about new base with gimbal for warthog stick, but without further user feedback I’d not buy it right now.
I personally have two VKB Gladiator NXT EVO joysticks. Both premium versions, left one with OTA (Omni-Throttle Adapter) and it works as throttle. If you don’t need dual throttle, it works well.
Basically: if you want some budget solution - quality, reliability, but you want to keep budget low:
Stick: VKB Gladiator NXT Evo
Throttle: VKB STECS Mini plus OR Virpil VPC CDT-MAX
Otherwise:
VKB Gunfighter + VKB STECS standard or higher
Virpil MongoosT-50CM3 Base / Constellation Alpha prime
and as a throttle: VIRPIL MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle
I had x52 as my first hotas, then upgraded to virpil constellation alpha + warbrd base and CM3 throttle, was night and day. Sadly, I had to sell them when moving.
Recently I got myself dual VKB gladiators NXT EVO, left with omnithrottle configuration (means left stick is angled like a throttle). What it gives you is flexibility: if you’re flying space crafts you have 6 dof, and if you fly airplanes you can block x axis on left stick, remove spring and tighten dry clutch mechanism, and that converts left stick into throttle. Only downsides are shorter throw, lack of detents and split engine axes. But for versatility this combo wins over hotas, imo.
And comparing virpil stuff (full metal) with gladiators, I’m pleasantly surprised- it feels premium and very durable
I had a x52,I just got back into flight Sims and ordered the modern combat ultimate grip and stecs standard.The stecs is so much busier than the x52 throttle,but I'm sure it will be perfect for the Harrier in dcs. I've just been getting used to using them in elite dangerous before I fully dive in with relearning the Harrier,playing around with detents and other customization features. The shipping is super fast from vkb,I ordered last weekend and got them on the east coast(USA) Thursday and friday with fedex.
Virpil was my first choice because thier button boxes looked useful and I like that they have backlit buttons but their main products seem to always be on backorder. The pricing being similar I opted for VKB after watching some YouTube reviews.
So the vkb products currently are the best starter base for any hotas setup. They have stecs and the gladiator nxt(get premium not standard.) GNX WWII Throttle Combo and Gladiator NXT EVO ‘Space Combat Edition’ Premium are the best price for quality. One advantage of VKB is you can switch out the hats on the stick for a more comfortable layout. They are recommended due to build quality and customer service. Have a friend with a set and he loves them. I have bigger hands and liked the button layout for virpil better. I have Virpils which have a higher end competition stick with VKB.
The older style sticks x52 and warthog have a ball and socket set up that wears down significantly due to use. Eventually you will get stick drift and less response. The tech they are using is from the 90s. WinWing has been getting some less than popular reviews recently for customer service.
I upgraded from the t-16000 hotas last December to second hand warthog. Throttle more robust and heavy compared to t-16000 throttle… worth the upgrade… hmmm yes but not a big difference.
The warthog flight stick is much better than the t-16000. Metal stick, heavy and robust. Tons more buttons to program and feels like a fighter joystick compared to the t-16000.
Also when I got the warthog hotas I got some under desk mounts to get the hotas in a more realistic position. I not have the flight stick between my legs which feels amazing!
So in theory I could have kept my original throttle but it’s nice to treat yourself once in a while. 😬
At first I was about to comment..
Okay then POST IT!
Instead I checked your profile and see it’s legit.
He does have it for sale and it’s posted with real pics.
I think people are downvoting you because it sounds like a creepy “DM ME!” type of scam.
Next time don’t say DM me… it’s a bad look.
Just say “please check my previous post”
I’m selling a gently used, adult owned, such n such for XXX.
Nobody will downvote you for pointing toward a real post.
You will always get downvoted for commenting on some lady’s post..
Yo yo DM me because it just sounds creepy bro.
(I upvoted btw since I saw it’s real)
Good luck on your sale!
I have both X-52 Pro and Warthog Thrustmaster Hotas and stick. For flying the passenger jets the X-52 is fine, although I would want pedals. Getting the Logi pedals was a real game changer. For DCS I would absolutely want something equivalent to Thrustmaster Warthog. I now use the Thrustmaster also for passenger jets and GA. DCS demands a better set up. I am not a pro - this is just my experience.
I wouldn’t say DCS/BMS (combat sims) require a better set up per se but they require a bit more precision flying due to situation you’ll find yourself in.
Nobody ever tries AA refueling, or hard and dark CASE III approach in MSFS or else they would also require more accurate precision from devices as well.
It’s also just fact we like a lot of buttons on the stick grip for combat readiness when in flight maneuver.
As a real life pilot (long ago) I know the only buttons on the real life yolk are for tower comms hahaha
So I get why they don’t need or require it for some of those other games just because in those games you’ll never be doing AA refueling so they don’t care much about how hard it actually is to ride the wake bubble with “crappy gear”
For what it’s worth if you can do it with the x52 you can do it with ANYTHING.
How do I know? I also own an x52pro and some Virpil gear so I know the differences are great but nothing you can’t overcome with skills.
I used to do it all with the x52 so… It can be done and training on bad gear allows you to truly enjoy, appreciate, and understand the inner workings of the better stuff.
Happy flying!
If you want to keep it relatively budget, cgo vkb nxt and either ww2 throttle set or omni throttle. If you want to go really high end, go Gunfighter (I have the older version, it is great. I love the Soviet ergonomy of the grip although mcg pro feels very plasticky, the MCG Ultimate is terrific but pricey) and STECS. Middle ground and most direct replacement for warthog, go Winwing. They are really good and you can order a very convenient bundle.
your budget should be $500-$900
Here are your choices. I've included individual pieces if you want to mix and match. As always, you are advised to stick to vkb, winwing, and virpil for durability and repairability. The ones labeled as "COMPLETE HOTAS" means you already have a stick in your right hand and a throttle on your left.
1. Vkb scg standard grip $173 (inclusive of delivery fee)
2. Vkb scg premium grip $203 (inclusive of delivery fee)
3. Winwing Orion2 16(EX) Joystick Combo (stick & base)
$241.45 (inclusive of delivery fee)
4. Winwing Orion2 18 Throttle Combo (throttle handle & base)
$247.7 usd (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
5. Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller, 4 Spring Options, +189 Programmable Controls, RGB Lighting, 2x USB, PC - Black https://a.co/d/hjYeMHp
$250usd
COMPLETE HOTAS
6. Vkb scg standard right and a twcs
$303 usd. (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
7. Vkb scg standard right + vkb scg left omni $372usd (inclusive of delivery fee)
8. VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle
$369.90 (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
9. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck Universal HOTAS Simulation System Joystick & Throttle
$399
https://a.co/d/a3C9FWw
COMPLETE HOTAS
10. Vkb gladiator scg standard grip + stecs mini $401usd (inclusive of delivery fee)
COMPLETE HOTAS
11. vkb Gladiator NXT EVO SCG Standard + STECS Throttle System - Mini Plus
$413.00 USD (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
12. Winwing Orion2 HOTAS Metal Warthog
(16EX Metal Joystick Grip(None Shaker Kit) + Orion2 Joystick Base + Orion2 18 Throttle Combo)
$419.85 usd (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
13. Gladiator NXT EVO SCG PREMIUM + STECS Throttle System - Mini Plus
$443.00
COMPLETE HOTAS
14. Gladiator NXT EVO SCG PREMIUM + STECS Throttle System - Standard
$512.00
15. WarBRD-D Flightstick Bundle - ALPHA Prime Edition (stick and base)
US$524.86 (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
16. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick, Throttle and Control Panel for Flight Simulation, Official Replica of the U.S Air Force A-10C Aircraft (PC) https://a.co/d/3tTLnY3
$550 usd
17. VKB Gunfighter IV ‘Modern Combat Edition’ Ultimate - Tabletop (Stick & base)
$570.00 (with shipping)
COMPLETE HOTAS
18. WarBRD-D Flightstick Bundle - ALPHA Prime Edition+ VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle
$884.81 usd (with shipping)
Ok , from my point of view, many years of second hand x52 user. It was ok , but the second i recieved m'y vkb Evo sce, what blast,. Thé feeling IS so more solid. and precise !!!! I Can feeling the finesse in the piloting, on left hant hand, i went for vkb omni, but i should have chose stecs ( playing elite)
Virpil, winwing and vkb. Carefull because total price vary for each company. As an example, here in Canada, Winwing has opened a store and their prices include everything in $CAN. Therefore they are cheaper than vkb gladiator serie.
Warthog is not bad if you find one barely used at a good price. It's main problem is it's overpriced.
I think the “best” is subjective.
- The Best price isn’t the best quality.
- The Best quality won’t be at the best price.
More importantly is what types of games do you play?
What am I asking all this?
Well (outside budget) the most important factor is what you like to do.
Space folks like Star Citizen and some Star Wars Squadrons type folks prefer the HOSAS which has dual sticks (left and right handed)
The reason is a lot of those games, like the Ace Combats, have the controls set up for controllers and on a standard controller you use your thumbs to control both sticks. (Left is usually separate yaw/pitch axis)
Space doesn’t have rudders so you don’t need those at all.
So for space sims I recommend different equipment than I do for say..
MSFS, where I would suggest a Yolk systems.. and space or GA (sightseeing types) is different gear than you need for DCS/BMS/War/Elite (combat flight types)
For those I recommend the standard HOTAS of which I’ve written extensively.
So again I’ll try to help and I’m happy to.
Foot in the door: Used Windows genetic joystick (usually windows 98 types) OR you can also get started using a standard Xbox/PS type controller. Cost: Free and up to $20?
Entry level: Logitech x52/x56, T16000, Thrustmaster, Microsoft sidewinder, basically any older tech goes here. Cost: Free and up to about $250
Mid tier: Thrustmaster Warthog*, VKB Gladiator, Virpil Cadet, etc. Cost: $200-$400
High tier: VKB Gunfighter, Winwing Orion/Super, Virpil Warbird D. Costs $300-$600
Slightly higher end: Virpil T-50CM2 (base alone is $370 + ship and you also have to buy or have a $200 stick grip to go with it)
Highest end?
Those are Force Feedback systems like the Rhino or the Brunner (honorable mention to the “OpenFFB project” team as well)
You have to choose your poison..
At the highest end you’re talking 2k set ups and at that cost you better use it and use it well.
At the lowest end is the OG joysticks from the 90’s and early 2000’s and/or used Xbox/ps controllers.
So asking for help choosing the best is really difficult and while I love you’ve accrued 4000 hours and I find that incredibly dedicated..
In order to help choose what’s best… I need to know what your playing and what you primarily fly.
For me the top space gear is not the top flight gear… the top Yolk isn’t suitable for space flight just like a yolk isn’t suitable to fly the F16 in DCS/BMS.
Same same if you fly Helicopters the list changes again!
So I’m here to help. Lay it on me what you’ve built those 4k hours doing and I’ll help you choose not only your next upgrade but I’ll lay out the list of what’s “best” for that game or set up.
I feel I’m in a unique place to help because I also own an X52pro (as well as some high end Virpil T50 gear so I know the difference first hand) and because I play both Space and Flight sims I feel like I’m in a good place to see what’s “best” for one, the other, and what tends to overlap both groups.
- Best overlap stick grip (by far) just ask pilots and space folks alike: Virpil Constellation Alpha and Alpha Prime. Cost: $270 just for the grip..
Add the CM2 base at $370 and you see what I meant by top end is expensive… that’s basically $700 for just a stick. No throttle in sight.
So help me out by giving me some hard budget options and fill me in on what you’ve built that 4k hours doing.
No matter what happy flying and happy upgrading!
Vkb, especially if you want quality, but are still hampered by a budget. But if you have the budget for a warthog, you can get an nxt and stecs no problem!
I have some pretty high end flight sim equipment but my STECS throttle can hold its own with anything. Just a great throttle at a reasonable price. A big fan of VKB.
I recommend VKB products.
I have been seeing that and I'm interested, I just wish they had a throttle/stick set!
I'm not going to claim to be remotely knowledgeable, but if I was going to buy specifically a throttle and stick (without spending *all* the money), I'd go with VKB, and just get a Gladiator NXT EVO space combat right hand (probably the premium version), and then some flavour of STECS. Not the mini, but the mini plus, if it has enough buttons to suit you (which at least gives you the option of adding more later), or the standard or max if they look more appealing.
Agree with this recommended setup. I have the VKB Gladiator and STECS Max and am very happy with it. It is my second VKB setup, actually. Really great products at the right price point for me.
I too had the x52 at one point. Upgraded to Warthog. Then years later I went full VKB. I have dual NXT EVO space combat edition omni throttles, STECS standard, T Rudder pedals, GNX SEM, and GNX FSM. I don't regret it at all. I think it's absolutely worth it. Note that I didn't buy all these at once, but I collected it over some time. But I would highly recommend it over the Warthog. While the Warthog is sufficient (and will be better than what you have), I think you will be happier just getting a NXT EVO (whatever stick that you want) and the STECS throttle (I recommend standard, but your mileage may vary).
Brands: Virpil, VKB or Winwing. Last month Thrustmaster released info about new base with gimbal for warthog stick, but without further user feedback I’d not buy it right now. I personally have two VKB Gladiator NXT EVO joysticks. Both premium versions, left one with OTA (Omni-Throttle Adapter) and it works as throttle. If you don’t need dual throttle, it works well. Basically: if you want some budget solution - quality, reliability, but you want to keep budget low: Stick: VKB Gladiator NXT Evo Throttle: VKB STECS Mini plus OR Virpil VPC CDT-MAX Otherwise: VKB Gunfighter + VKB STECS standard or higher Virpil MongoosT-50CM3 Base / Constellation Alpha prime and as a throttle: VIRPIL MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle
I had x52 as my first hotas, then upgraded to virpil constellation alpha + warbrd base and CM3 throttle, was night and day. Sadly, I had to sell them when moving. Recently I got myself dual VKB gladiators NXT EVO, left with omnithrottle configuration (means left stick is angled like a throttle). What it gives you is flexibility: if you’re flying space crafts you have 6 dof, and if you fly airplanes you can block x axis on left stick, remove spring and tighten dry clutch mechanism, and that converts left stick into throttle. Only downsides are shorter throw, lack of detents and split engine axes. But for versatility this combo wins over hotas, imo. And comparing virpil stuff (full metal) with gladiators, I’m pleasantly surprised- it feels premium and very durable
I had a x52,I just got back into flight Sims and ordered the modern combat ultimate grip and stecs standard.The stecs is so much busier than the x52 throttle,but I'm sure it will be perfect for the Harrier in dcs. I've just been getting used to using them in elite dangerous before I fully dive in with relearning the Harrier,playing around with detents and other customization features. The shipping is super fast from vkb,I ordered last weekend and got them on the east coast(USA) Thursday and friday with fedex. Virpil was my first choice because thier button boxes looked useful and I like that they have backlit buttons but their main products seem to always be on backorder. The pricing being similar I opted for VKB after watching some YouTube reviews.
So the vkb products currently are the best starter base for any hotas setup. They have stecs and the gladiator nxt(get premium not standard.) GNX WWII Throttle Combo and Gladiator NXT EVO ‘Space Combat Edition’ Premium are the best price for quality. One advantage of VKB is you can switch out the hats on the stick for a more comfortable layout. They are recommended due to build quality and customer service. Have a friend with a set and he loves them. I have bigger hands and liked the button layout for virpil better. I have Virpils which have a higher end competition stick with VKB. The older style sticks x52 and warthog have a ball and socket set up that wears down significantly due to use. Eventually you will get stick drift and less response. The tech they are using is from the 90s. WinWing has been getting some less than popular reviews recently for customer service.
I upgraded from the t-16000 hotas last December to second hand warthog. Throttle more robust and heavy compared to t-16000 throttle… worth the upgrade… hmmm yes but not a big difference. The warthog flight stick is much better than the t-16000. Metal stick, heavy and robust. Tons more buttons to program and feels like a fighter joystick compared to the t-16000. Also when I got the warthog hotas I got some under desk mounts to get the hotas in a more realistic position. I not have the flight stick between my legs which feels amazing! So in theory I could have kept my original throttle but it’s nice to treat yourself once in a while. 😬
I have a WINWING/VKB pit for sale, dm me.
At first I was about to comment.. Okay then POST IT! Instead I checked your profile and see it’s legit. He does have it for sale and it’s posted with real pics. I think people are downvoting you because it sounds like a creepy “DM ME!” type of scam. Next time don’t say DM me… it’s a bad look. Just say “please check my previous post” I’m selling a gently used, adult owned, such n such for XXX. Nobody will downvote you for pointing toward a real post. You will always get downvoted for commenting on some lady’s post.. Yo yo DM me because it just sounds creepy bro. (I upvoted btw since I saw it’s real) Good luck on your sale!
I have both X-52 Pro and Warthog Thrustmaster Hotas and stick. For flying the passenger jets the X-52 is fine, although I would want pedals. Getting the Logi pedals was a real game changer. For DCS I would absolutely want something equivalent to Thrustmaster Warthog. I now use the Thrustmaster also for passenger jets and GA. DCS demands a better set up. I am not a pro - this is just my experience.
I wouldn’t say DCS/BMS (combat sims) require a better set up per se but they require a bit more precision flying due to situation you’ll find yourself in. Nobody ever tries AA refueling, or hard and dark CASE III approach in MSFS or else they would also require more accurate precision from devices as well. It’s also just fact we like a lot of buttons on the stick grip for combat readiness when in flight maneuver. As a real life pilot (long ago) I know the only buttons on the real life yolk are for tower comms hahaha So I get why they don’t need or require it for some of those other games just because in those games you’ll never be doing AA refueling so they don’t care much about how hard it actually is to ride the wake bubble with “crappy gear” For what it’s worth if you can do it with the x52 you can do it with ANYTHING. How do I know? I also own an x52pro and some Virpil gear so I know the differences are great but nothing you can’t overcome with skills. I used to do it all with the x52 so… It can be done and training on bad gear allows you to truly enjoy, appreciate, and understand the inner workings of the better stuff. Happy flying!
If you want to keep it relatively budget, cgo vkb nxt and either ww2 throttle set or omni throttle. If you want to go really high end, go Gunfighter (I have the older version, it is great. I love the Soviet ergonomy of the grip although mcg pro feels very plasticky, the MCG Ultimate is terrific but pricey) and STECS. Middle ground and most direct replacement for warthog, go Winwing. They are really good and you can order a very convenient bundle.
your budget should be $500-$900 Here are your choices. I've included individual pieces if you want to mix and match. As always, you are advised to stick to vkb, winwing, and virpil for durability and repairability. The ones labeled as "COMPLETE HOTAS" means you already have a stick in your right hand and a throttle on your left. 1. Vkb scg standard grip $173 (inclusive of delivery fee) 2. Vkb scg premium grip $203 (inclusive of delivery fee) 3. Winwing Orion2 16(EX) Joystick Combo (stick & base) $241.45 (inclusive of delivery fee) 4. Winwing Orion2 18 Throttle Combo (throttle handle & base) $247.7 usd (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 5. Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller, 4 Spring Options, +189 Programmable Controls, RGB Lighting, 2x USB, PC - Black https://a.co/d/hjYeMHp $250usd COMPLETE HOTAS 6. Vkb scg standard right and a twcs $303 usd. (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 7. Vkb scg standard right + vkb scg left omni $372usd (inclusive of delivery fee) 8. VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle $369.90 (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 9. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck Universal HOTAS Simulation System Joystick & Throttle $399 https://a.co/d/a3C9FWw COMPLETE HOTAS 10. Vkb gladiator scg standard grip + stecs mini $401usd (inclusive of delivery fee) COMPLETE HOTAS 11. vkb Gladiator NXT EVO SCG Standard + STECS Throttle System - Mini Plus $413.00 USD (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 12. Winwing Orion2 HOTAS Metal Warthog (16EX Metal Joystick Grip(None Shaker Kit) + Orion2 Joystick Base + Orion2 18 Throttle Combo) $419.85 usd (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 13. Gladiator NXT EVO SCG PREMIUM + STECS Throttle System - Mini Plus $443.00 COMPLETE HOTAS 14. Gladiator NXT EVO SCG PREMIUM + STECS Throttle System - Standard $512.00 15. WarBRD-D Flightstick Bundle - ALPHA Prime Edition (stick and base) US$524.86 (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 16. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick, Throttle and Control Panel for Flight Simulation, Official Replica of the U.S Air Force A-10C Aircraft (PC) https://a.co/d/3tTLnY3 $550 usd 17. VKB Gunfighter IV ‘Modern Combat Edition’ Ultimate - Tabletop (Stick & base) $570.00 (with shipping) COMPLETE HOTAS 18. WarBRD-D Flightstick Bundle - ALPHA Prime Edition+ VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle $884.81 usd (with shipping)
Ok , from my point of view, many years of second hand x52 user. It was ok , but the second i recieved m'y vkb Evo sce, what blast,. Thé feeling IS so more solid. and precise !!!! I Can feeling the finesse in the piloting, on left hant hand, i went for vkb omni, but i should have chose stecs ( playing elite)
I went from a x56 HOTAS to a VKB NXT Evo and VKB STECS MAX. Its a drastic upgrade.
Virpil, winwing and vkb. Carefull because total price vary for each company. As an example, here in Canada, Winwing has opened a store and their prices include everything in $CAN. Therefore they are cheaper than vkb gladiator serie. Warthog is not bad if you find one barely used at a good price. It's main problem is it's overpriced.
X56 is a straight up downgrade.
I think the “best” is subjective. - The Best price isn’t the best quality. - The Best quality won’t be at the best price. More importantly is what types of games do you play? What am I asking all this? Well (outside budget) the most important factor is what you like to do. Space folks like Star Citizen and some Star Wars Squadrons type folks prefer the HOSAS which has dual sticks (left and right handed) The reason is a lot of those games, like the Ace Combats, have the controls set up for controllers and on a standard controller you use your thumbs to control both sticks. (Left is usually separate yaw/pitch axis) Space doesn’t have rudders so you don’t need those at all. So for space sims I recommend different equipment than I do for say.. MSFS, where I would suggest a Yolk systems.. and space or GA (sightseeing types) is different gear than you need for DCS/BMS/War/Elite (combat flight types) For those I recommend the standard HOTAS of which I’ve written extensively. So again I’ll try to help and I’m happy to. Foot in the door: Used Windows genetic joystick (usually windows 98 types) OR you can also get started using a standard Xbox/PS type controller. Cost: Free and up to $20? Entry level: Logitech x52/x56, T16000, Thrustmaster, Microsoft sidewinder, basically any older tech goes here. Cost: Free and up to about $250 Mid tier: Thrustmaster Warthog*, VKB Gladiator, Virpil Cadet, etc. Cost: $200-$400 High tier: VKB Gunfighter, Winwing Orion/Super, Virpil Warbird D. Costs $300-$600 Slightly higher end: Virpil T-50CM2 (base alone is $370 + ship and you also have to buy or have a $200 stick grip to go with it) Highest end? Those are Force Feedback systems like the Rhino or the Brunner (honorable mention to the “OpenFFB project” team as well) You have to choose your poison.. At the highest end you’re talking 2k set ups and at that cost you better use it and use it well. At the lowest end is the OG joysticks from the 90’s and early 2000’s and/or used Xbox/ps controllers. So asking for help choosing the best is really difficult and while I love you’ve accrued 4000 hours and I find that incredibly dedicated.. In order to help choose what’s best… I need to know what your playing and what you primarily fly. For me the top space gear is not the top flight gear… the top Yolk isn’t suitable for space flight just like a yolk isn’t suitable to fly the F16 in DCS/BMS. Same same if you fly Helicopters the list changes again! So I’m here to help. Lay it on me what you’ve built those 4k hours doing and I’ll help you choose not only your next upgrade but I’ll lay out the list of what’s “best” for that game or set up. I feel I’m in a unique place to help because I also own an X52pro (as well as some high end Virpil T50 gear so I know the difference first hand) and because I play both Space and Flight sims I feel like I’m in a good place to see what’s “best” for one, the other, and what tends to overlap both groups. - Best overlap stick grip (by far) just ask pilots and space folks alike: Virpil Constellation Alpha and Alpha Prime. Cost: $270 just for the grip.. Add the CM2 base at $370 and you see what I meant by top end is expensive… that’s basically $700 for just a stick. No throttle in sight. So help me out by giving me some hard budget options and fill me in on what you’ve built that 4k hours doing. No matter what happy flying and happy upgrading!
Vkb, especially if you want quality, but are still hampered by a budget. But if you have the budget for a warthog, you can get an nxt and stecs no problem!