General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Morpheus on January 26, 2026, 09:52:17 AM
Title: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 26, 2026, 09:52:17 AM
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/892897008 A late Christmas present to myself! What do your critics think about this setup? Brand, durability, construction of...
<S> Morph
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Animl-AW on January 26, 2026, 11:11:36 AM
Well, that's all well and good as far as what you like... With VKB set, you're looking at $250.00-$300.00 for stick and throttle. If the times were for me right now were like they were 5 years ago, back when I was the Job foreman, where all I did from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm with no weekend was framing for a new house, then we'd get on to the finish work, as far as the interior trim went. My income was really too much, so I bought a new Harley Springer Softail. I was a BIG fool with too much money, and my bills weren't really squat. The bike ended up taking my life, and the devil took me and threw me on a gurney, where it took a little more than 2 years for me to be "saved" by the real King of creation, Jesus Christ! After all the years of actually flying this game, I would go with those VKB hotas. But as things stand for me right now (reality), the cost of your HOTAS setup is just too much for me to take on. I have to act responsibly and pay the real bills first.
<S> Morph.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: hazmatt on January 26, 2026, 01:59:45 PM
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/892897008 A late Christmas present to myself! What do your critics think about this setup? Brand, durability, construction of...
<S> Morph
Since I have some experience with this I figured I'd throw my opinion out there for a different perspective.
If it were me I would buy the Winwing Ursa Minor for around $130( I paid around this for the two I have shipping included) and put the $40 you save toward a throttle.
I had one of these and within a year the twist and throttle both got twitchy. From what I've seen there are videos on how to fix it and it' doesn't seem to involve anything other then cleaning. Based on my experience I'm done with TM. I've switched to buying Winwing as it the Ursa minor is affordable and feels much more precise and better made.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: CAV on January 26, 2026, 04:11:18 PM
My Christmas present to me was this ...
https://us.mozaracing.com/products/ab6-bundle
works well right out of the box in other flight sims, but a little bit of a fight to set up in AH, but I think I got it now.
CAV
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Animl-AW on January 26, 2026, 04:47:57 PM
Well, that's all well and good as far as what you like... With VKB set, you're looking at $250.00-$300.00 for stick and throttle. If the times were for me right now were like they were 5 years ago, back when I was the Job foreman, where all I did from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm with no weekend was framing for a new house, then we'd get on to the finish work, as far as the interior trim went. My income was really too much, so I bought a new Harley Springer Softail. I was a BIG fool with too much money, and my bills weren't really squat. The bike ended up taking my life, and the devil took me and threw me on a gurney, where it took a little more than 2 years for me to be "saved" by the real King of creation, Jesus Christ! After all the years of actually flying this game, I would go with those VKB hotas. But as things stand for me right now (reality), the cost of your HOTAS setup is just too much for me to take on. I have to act responsibly and pay the real bills first.
<S> Morph.
Absolutely understand. I was just providing options with info to ponder. You gotta do what you gotta do. Most important thing is what gets you in the game.
I already had my x52 throttle so I didn't buy a throttle, but after I said that I thought about that. You need both.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Animl-AW on January 26, 2026, 04:52:39 PM
It's great other companies are getting into the competitive game with better gimbals. When we all bought sticks when dirt was invented no one thought we'd still be trying to use it for 20-30yrs. They were never made for that. Sims weren't even old enough to be in it that long. SO they were kinda made to throw away 2-3 yrs later. The newer more robust gimbals are a selling point.
But in this case, it's what is affordable.
IF he wanted to, and had to replace the TM stick, he could still use the TM throttle with a new stick again. But TM is good enough for sure to get him in the game now. It's not a bad stick. More options these days. I think he has decided and just need confirmation it will be fine, it will be fine.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: RichardDarkwood on January 26, 2026, 05:03:03 PM
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/892897008 A late Christmas present to myself! What do your critics think about this setup? Brand, durability, construction of...
<S> Morph
I had this gifted to me for the cost of shipping. I still use the throttle and pedals. I swapped the joystick out for a turtle beach velocity one. It has a mouse pad on top of it.
You can also for affordability get a setup off of Amazon and use Affirm to make payments on it.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Eagler on January 26, 2026, 05:39:31 PM
I use that throttle in my hotas..
I think that combo is the best bet for the buck $ today and as the stick is a twisty stick you can get by without pedals..
Good price for that combo too! :aok
Hazmatt idea is an option too, I don't have experience with that stick..and have peds so don't twisty stick..
I think I am gentle on mine than some might be with theirs so there is that..
Eagler
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 26, 2026, 08:22:56 PM
Eagler, this stick is as good as a paperweight in the garbage can! Selected the wrong link address! MY fault :rolleyes:
Can't fight without rudders!!!
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Randy1 on January 27, 2026, 10:02:17 AM
Thrustmaster quality has took a turn for the worst. The joystick is okay with the weak point being the trigger. The throttle is really bad. My last two both had problems with the sliding throttle. One had a broken wire inside, and short button life. The other just had short button life.
For just a few bucks more you can go VKB if you go WW2 joystick and throttle. both are expandable without using another usb port.
look through their entire product line including combos. They have several different types of throttles, some cheap, and some expensive.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on January 27, 2026, 10:18:31 AM
I wouldn't buy or recommend another Warthog but the other TM products may be okay. The gimbals in my Cougar and Warthog sticks wore after 2 or 3 years. I just can't use a stick with "play" in the center.
Virpil for me now though I may try VKB or Winwing should I need to replace my Virpil.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 27, 2026, 01:06:51 PM
This may sound like a dumb question, but where would be the best place to shop for a new CH set of HOTAS?
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: The Fugitive on January 27, 2026, 01:18:36 PM
Ok, what is it about them that makes you refer to CH as Junk?
My last set was far more than a decade old, and my memories were nothing more than fantastic with them.
CH was bought by Logitech a few years ago. You had the original CH stuff before Logitech buy out.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Spikes on January 27, 2026, 03:08:27 PM
CH was bought by APEM in 2008. I don't believe they actively produce flight sim stuff anymore.
Saitek was bought by Logitech.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Shuffler on January 27, 2026, 03:12:36 PM
CH was bought out and they quit making controls for individuals. CH controllers are all 8 bit.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 27, 2026, 03:37:59 PM
SO IT SEEMS that there currently is no HOTAS that is worth a SH. Light plastic twist stick...
Here's another question for you guys. Is there a Thrustmaster stick that doesn't have a twist stick?
And I'd like to keep my new stick at $100.00. FYI
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 27, 2026, 03:51:59 PM
I THINK I FOUND ONE! https://www.amazon.com/Windows-PC-10-8-7-Vista/dp/B01KCHPRXA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EJ7ILI0O2NX2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VhGAGFQy0dCEvaRiOLg6J0PeQBo9hfjITJ3bmaR5CKhi9TLT7Gl7k0rvLSAvPK54rjMU9ZMRmzbwQ017nuukTTEv7215g51aCSMZl8dVaaGSppj6kCBPkpmXQqzNLtSYirMnoZNtyiFvVeNmmnEgdd-pbP5-rUC-R2xpoDI0wA3w5FGvW1iM944Afmja7qhGSnqxMRkRR_109bVSQPs3mAPKfj3Z0e0eZWV8qvg-7K0.fwGZiiKALugUXXmWVBwDEvV9PimNVe3Hv3BzxMwYn9c&dib_tag=se&keywords=Thrustmaster%2BT.16000M%2BStick%2Band%2BThrottle%2BPack&qid=1769550638&sprefix=thrustmaster%2Bt.16000m%2Bstick%2Band%2Bthrottle%2Bpack%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1&th=1
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Spikes on January 27, 2026, 04:00:59 PM
There are plenty of HOTAS setups that are fantastic and reasonably priced, as well as some higher priced ones like Virpil and higher-end VKBs.
Unfortunately, there isn't a huge low to mid range market anymore and the T16000M is probably the only HOTAS under $150. Logitech is commanding, in my opinion, too high a price since for not much more VKB is leaps and bounds better.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Eagler on January 27, 2026, 04:52:07 PM
I THINK I FOUND ONE! https://www.amazon.com/Windows-PC-10-8-7-Vista/dp/B01KCHPRXA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EJ7ILI0O2NX2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VhGAGFQy0dCEvaRiOLg6J0PeQBo9hfjITJ3bmaR5CKhi9TLT7Gl7k0rvLSAvPK54rjMU9ZMRmzbwQ017nuukTTEv7215g51aCSMZl8dVaaGSppj6kCBPkpmXQqzNLtSYirMnoZNtyiFvVeNmmnEgdd-pbP5-rUC-R2xpoDI0wA3w5FGvW1iM944Afmja7qhGSnqxMRkRR_109bVSQPs3mAPKfj3Z0e0eZWV8qvg-7K0.fwGZiiKALugUXXmWVBwDEvV9PimNVe3Hv3BzxMwYn9c&dib_tag=se&keywords=Thrustmaster%2BT.16000M%2BStick%2Band%2BThrottle%2BPack&qid=1769550638&sprefix=thrustmaster%2Bt.16000m%2Bstick%2Band%2Bthrottle%2Bpack%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1&th=1
That's the lowest price I have seen on that combo..$119
You can add pedals to it down the road if the twisty stick doesn't do it for you..
Eagler
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 27, 2026, 08:31:46 PM
OK here's a good question to you pros... Is there any new stick that DOES NOT TWIST that won't fall apart from it's cheap POS plastic trash make... Doesn't cost $150.00-$200.00 out there in this world today?
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Animl-AW on January 27, 2026, 11:44:02 PM
OK here's a good question to you pros... Is there any new stick that DOES NOT TWIST that won't fall apart from it's cheap POS plastic trash make... Doesn't cost $150.00-$200.00 out there in this world today?
TM is known to break. Haven’t heard that about others.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Eagler on January 28, 2026, 06:54:09 AM
OK here's a good question to you pros... Is there any new stick that DOES NOT TWIST that won't fall apart from it's cheap POS plastic trash make... Doesn't cost $150.00-$200.00 out there in this world today?
I think in that price range your gear will be plastic..
https://ea.winctrl.com/mobileview/goods-details.html?id=557 that looks similar to the tm1600 and you can lock the twisty but do you have pedals if you do.. :joystick:
I have used the tm1600 combo but need more buttons on the jstick so I use a warthog for that..
There's a mod on yt to help with the throttle if it gets sticky but my latest one doesn't have that issue.
I don't yank and jerk my hotas around so I might not be the best on its toughness
Good luck with your decision
Eagler
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on January 28, 2026, 09:16:47 AM
Virpil has plastic handles but they feel solid. You aren't going to break or bend them. More importantly the gimbals are not plastic.
You can use a Warthog grip with this Virpil base but I don't. I would lose buttons and axes.
I think in that price range your gear will be plastic..
https://ea.winctrl.com/mobileview/goods-details.html?id=557 that looks similar to the tm1600 and you can lock the twisty but do you have pedals if you do.. :joystick:
I have used the tm1600 combo but need more buttons on the jstick so I use a warthog for that..
There's a mod on yt to help with the throttle if it gets sticky but my latest one doesn't have that issue.
I don't yank and jerk my hotas around so I might not be the best on its toughness
Good luck with your decision
Eagler
I have used the Winwing URSA MINOR and the tm16000 and in my opinion this one (the Winwing URSA MINOR linked in the quote above) is much better. It is much more precise and does feel cheap like the TM to me. I've had one going on 2 years now with no issues. Like Eagler said, I'm not hard on my stuff either so I can only just from my usage.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Eagler on January 28, 2026, 09:59:00 AM
Wow $314 just for the base puts it out of my price range...
Eagler
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: SIK1 on January 28, 2026, 11:01:26 AM
You can get a VKB Gladiator NXT for $120, https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/gladiator-nxt-evo-space-combat-edition-right-hand-us?variant=42354440339574 ,
or a Virpil CDT Aeromax for $220, https://virpil-controls.us.com/cdt-aeromax-r-flightstick.html. You can add a "Throttle Module" to the side of the Virpil CDT stick for $20. https://virpil-controls.us.com/cdt-aeromax-throttle-module.html
The Virpil has an all metal gimbal. I'm not sure what the gimbal on the VKB is made of. They do say on their website that it has ball bearings.
I think either one of these two sticks would be head and shoulders above every other stick you have mentioned.
I don't Personally have any experience with the VKB sticks, but everyone that has one of their sticks is happy with it. I have been a Virpil fan from the very first Mongoos stick, and can attest to the high build quality of the Virpil gear.
:cheers:
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on January 28, 2026, 11:11:53 AM
You can get a VKB Gladiator NXT for $120, https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/gladiator-nxt-evo-space-combat-edition-right-hand-us?variant=42354440339574 ,
or a Virpil CDT Aeromax for $220, https://virpil-controls.us.com/cdt-aeromax-r-flightstick.html. You can add a "Throttle Module" to the side of the Virpil CDT stick for $20. https://virpil-controls.us.com/cdt-aeromax-throttle-module.html
The Virpil has an all metal gimbal. I'm not sure what the gimbal on the VKB is made of. They do say on their website that it has ball bearings.
I think either one of these two sticks would be head and shoulders above every other stick you have mentioned.
I don't Personally have any experience with the VKB sticks, but everyone that has one of their sticks is happy with it. I have been a Virpil fan from the very first Mongoos stick, and can attest to the high build quality of the Virpil gear.
:cheers:
The video link I posted way above goes into the mechanics of each brand.
VKB base is medal with ball bearing gimbal. Any stick that uses it is probably very smooth and long lasting.
I’m a non-owner Virpil fan. They are just top notch on every level. Also expensive.
I only play one sim. So I both VKB according to what I thought the game justified, and affordable.
I think buying a cheap but good stick will get him in the game and can shop a better stick further down the line. As soon as a separate throttle is included its a hard find under $200.
A used stick may get him better quality. Would I buy a used TM, x52 or x56? The plastic wears out. Nope. Would I buy a used VKB, being a metal bearing base, probably. A used throttle doesn’t wear out as much.
Just a thought
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on January 29, 2026, 10:17:58 AM
Ball bearing gimbals and hall effect sensors will last.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on January 30, 2026, 05:54:50 PM
It's sad when someone on the "outside" observes the poor, lonely, sad, hairy men sitting in front of their monitors, hoping to get a funny, warm feeling from the rest of their friends. Sad to me because after all of my adolescent days, I look back on and I am SO thankful to God for helping me to become a responsible young man.
<S> Morph :salute
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Bruv119 on January 31, 2026, 08:30:38 AM
They are all metal and I have the dampener kit which was easy to install, all metal construction and they feel like they will never break. Very precise and smooth.
I had a killer black friday deal and a $100 EURO discount thanks to placing runner up in a sponsored dogfighting tournament (DCS). The guy that won ($200) was like 50wins for 2 losses which were me, rusty as hell but still destroyed everyone else. Spitfire mk IX FTW.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on January 31, 2026, 08:46:50 AM
Would love to watch video from that competition. Got any links?
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Bruv119 on January 31, 2026, 09:04:00 AM
PMed
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on January 31, 2026, 09:06:55 AM
Thanks much.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Eagler on January 31, 2026, 10:41:37 AM
It was down to $106 when I ordered it a couple of days ago..
Just got done adding velcro to the bottom of it so it can be attached to a spare warthog plate for extra weight..it's light compared to the metal warthog..
Gonna see if it is smoother than the warthog in the 5th wheel as that is so tight around the center it's hard to make precise adjustments..
Let you know how it goes...
Eagler
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: AKIron on February 01, 2026, 12:06:41 PM
Someone "asked" about my splitting an axis video for pedals without toe brakes so I just made this in response. There is more than one way to add toe brakes. If I used them more I might unlock the twist on my Virpil stick and use that for toe brakes.
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on February 03, 2026, 12:07:11 PM
Thank you for all your help and educated opinions! Got the deal made! So soon, I hope to add to your cannon fodder! My stick OTW https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/gladiator-nxt-evo-space-combat-edition-right-hand-us
My Throttle OTW! https://eshop.thrustmaster.com/en_us/twcs-throttle.html?srsltid=AfmBOopQBIUaHAeysLbxamIIVGmwzh9LE5A6cxeOFANdzaZC4FE0D6ay At least I can Die in style this way, :rock :cheers: right???
VERY big thanks to my Buddy, The Fugitive! We've known each other for the past 2 decades! This man knows a thing or two about quality, good old American sturdiness, and what I value!
Cheers!
<S>Morph
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Animl-AW on February 03, 2026, 12:57:12 PM
Thank you for all your help and educated opinions! Got the deal made! So soon, I hope to add to your cannon fodder! My stick OTW https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/gladiator-nxt-evo-space-combat-edition-right-hand-us
My Throttle OTW! https://eshop.thrustmaster.com/en_us/twcs-throttle.html?srsltid=AfmBOopQBIUaHAeysLbxamIIVGmwzh9LE5A6cxeOFANdzaZC4FE0D6ay At least I can Die in style this way, :rock :cheers: right???
VERY big thanks to my Buddy, The Fugitive! We've known each other for the past 2 decades! This man knows a thing or two about quality, good old American sturdiness, and what I value!
Cheers!
<S>Morph
Good choices. Been a long road, can’t wait to see ya flyin
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Eagler on February 03, 2026, 01:17:10 PM
Wtg Morph!
That looks like a great combo!
:cheers:
Eagler
Title: Re: My new plan on HOTAS. What do you think?
Post by: Morpheus on February 04, 2026, 11:29:00 AM
Thanks It's really just a fancier setup for you all to shoot down in! :rock :airplane: :bhead :bolt: