New VKB HOTAS news

[caldera]

Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen VKB before.

Their entry level stick, $85 Gladiator, seems like pretty decent quality, a great value! I Like the WW2 style grip far better than my X52 pro D handle. Also prefer the arrangement of switches around the base. X52 pro works nicely but feels out of place in this game, a bit too jetfighterish. Doesn't really do much to enhance my WW2 combat vibe!

Would really like to see the VKB throttle, no pics on the website yet. But if it matches their sticks It should be pretty cool! What the Hell, I have wasted more than $85 before, think I'll give the Gladiator a go. The more I see, the more I like it!

I have noticed that some players mix and match stick and throttle units from different manufacturers. I gather that if the unit has it's own USB connection, and if W10 will recognize it, AH3 will map it?

I bought a Gladiator since my X-52's hat switch conked out.  Have to say from an ergonomics standpoint, the X-52 is light years ahead. 

The hat switch on the Gladiator is dished, surrounded by a raised ridge and too close to the main body, causing interference between your thumb and the stick.  I ended up gluing on a small plastic piece that is more like a traditional cone shape, allowing much less cumbersome performance.

There is a large assortment of buttons but unlike the X-52, they are all on the base of the stick.  This is very awkward if you use a separate throttle, as it requires you to release either the stick or throttle to press one of these lower buttons.  There is only one button, one hat, a pinky switch and the trigger on the stick, while the X-52 has a two stage trigger, two hats, four buttons and pinky switch.  Space Age or not, it is far more useful and I'm not looking at my stick when playing anyway.

The Gladiator overall seems like a quality piece, except for two buttons that are dead, one of them being the pinky switch, which limits mine to a single working button on the stick.  As a stand alone unit, it is decent but very limited if also using a throttle. 

[OldNitro]

I bought a Gladiator since my X-52's hat switch conked out.  Have to say from an ergonomics standpoint, the X-52 is light years ahead. 

The hat switch on the Gladiator is dished, surrounded by a raised ridge and too close to the main body, causing interference between your thumb and the stick.  I ended up gluing on a small plastic piece that is more like a traditional cone shape, allowing much less cumbersome performance.

There is a large assortment of buttons but unlike the X-52, they are all on the base of the stick.  This is very awkward if you use a separate throttle, as it requires you to release either the stick or throttle to press one of these lower buttons.  There is only one button, one hat, a pinky switch and the trigger on the stick, while the X-52 has a two stage trigger, two hats, four buttons and pinky switch.  Space Age or not, it is far more useful and I'm not looking at my stick when playing anyway.

The Gladiator overall seems like a quality piece, except for two buttons that are dead, one of them being the pinky switch, which limits mine to a single working button on the stick.  As a stand alone unit, it is decent but very limited if also using a throttle.

After getting the Gladiator Mk2, my X52pro seems like a pogo stick with a dustbuster handle!
I like the vintage replica form far better. No contest!

[caldera]

After getting the Gladiator Mk2, my X52pro seems like a pogo stick with a dustbuster handle!
I like the vintage replica form far better. No contest!

To each their own.  I hated the X-52 Pro.  The regular X-52 is much better IMO.

By the way, do all your buttons work?

[OldNitro]

To each their own.  I hated the X-52 Pro.  The regular X-52 is much better IMO.

By the way, do all your buttons work?

Yeah, definitely a matter of personal preference.

Yep, everything works. I use TrackIR5 too, so the hat means even less. Besides that, the X55 throttle that I paired it with, has 2 8way, and 1 4way hats anyway. The combo has more hats buttons switches and rotaries than I would ever need.

I'm happy jack!

But I still have the X52pro on the shelf in case something breaks.

[JimmyC]

That pinky switch works..its a mode switch..press it in conjunction with another switch..equals new switch to map..I use mine all the time

[Gman]

Quick FYI, the Gunfighter, base only, and adapter for the Cougar/Warthog sticks are available for pre order, and will ship in March sometime.  Not cheap, the Gunfighter with the adapter and WW2 stick, shipping to Canada, is over $400 USD, not including duty or tax, which means it'll be around $600 CDN to my door.  Hopefully it'll be worth it, some of the QC issues with the Gladiators I've read about has my a little concerned, but my VKB pedals were excellent, so I'm hoping the same will be said of the higher end Gunfighter. 

[OldNitro]

After using the Gladiator Mk2 for a week or so, I like it even more . Has rid me of the gunsite bouncing issue when trying to take a shot, allowed me to decrease stick damping settings immediately. And now after a little more time, I have narrowed the dead bands a bit too. As compared to settings for my springy X52pro, this has been a major improvement in control. At least to MY feel and senses. Reliability has been 100%, no twitches, no stumbles, no sloppyness, nothing.

I was concerned after reading some online comments about the original Gladiator stick, that I had bought a lemon in the Mk2. Happy to say, that my Mk2 functions perfectly, (so far). If there were issues before, I'm not seeing them in my sample. I give the company extra points for making improvements in a timely fashion. Will be taking a stab at the VKB throttle as soon as it is available.

NO FUN being a Guinea pig for new products, especially when the ticket gets high!
But I guess it's kinda like the title of the book, "No Guts, No Glory".

[Gman]

Good to hear Nitro , thanks for the review/report.  I'm getting the throttle as well, I'm very interested to see what they do with that.

[38ruk]

I've been in love with my gladiator stick since i got it in Dec. of last year . It totally smoothed out my gun site bounce . Mine is a MK1 but haven't had many issue with it except the hat switch has a sticky spot which vkbusa has promised to replace when he gets his first parts shipment in .  Cant wait for the Gladiator pro upgrade kit they have on the website to go live .... i will be camping out for that release.

[steely07]

Got my order in, can't wait for that tracking number

[OldNitro]

Oh baby, Check out the new "Multifunction Combat Grip" or "Modern Combat Grip". at VKB! 2 contactless mini sticks with center push button, 2 triggers, Contactless MARS brake lever. External twisty adapter available soon.

Replica of the newest Sukhoi fighter sticks. Looks Purty Snazzy!

I like these VKB guys, they seem to be WAY out front!

 

[Gman]

Yep, only 100$ too.  Can't wait to see the throttle, that's what I'm waiting for.  I have the Gunfighter on order, plan on using the Warthog or Cougar stick on it, until this new top end comes out.

[Ack-Ack]

I like the new grip, just what I was looking for to replace my CH Combat Stick.  Has enough buttons and hat switches to satisfy my needs and along with the gunfighter base looks like my Combat Stick's days are numbered.  If the upcoming VKB throttle is going to be a dual one, my PT's days will be numbered as well.

[Joker]

I like the looks of the MCG. 
I wonder if that will be offered with the extended base like the Gunfighter, or only as a replacement handle.
I'll order the MCG and the throttle when they're available.

My CH gear has served me well for a very long time but lately some of the buttons don't always work, and it isn't real steady when aiming......of course, it might have something to do with the old fart driving the plane. 

Joker

[flippz]

slight review:  received my vkb mkII stick several months ago, and I love it.  like jimmy said the precision and feel is awesome.  the wwII styling for the handle is nice and better feeling than the x56 that I use.  being new to this, the stick seems to have enough buttons for flying and gving for me.  I don't use the pinky switch as I have enough programmed now for my liking. 
as for customer support: I have had no issues at all with mine as of today, but I was wanting the upgraded metal trigger and a bit stiffer springs as I tend to pull or jerk the stick when engaged with a enemy.  the web site was shown to be out of stock right now so I emailed customer support for a eta on the triggers.  Less than 5 min later I got an eta and directions on the spring questions.  that is rare in todays service ideas. 
kudos to vkb na branch, very pleased on the stick and service