Author Topic: It looks like Virpil is off the table.  (Read 3986 times)

Offline Mayhem

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It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« on: June 05, 2020, 02:25:41 PM »
Today I tried to purchase the Virpil VPC flight gear (for 4th or 5th time) I have been trying to get for months.

I waited over an hour (I started before 1800 GMT)  to get into the webstore for the planned restock and once I did OMG was it messed up!

Every time I get an item or two in my shopping cart I get 502 bad gateway error and my shopping cart gets completely emptied, I can't order anything I tried 3 browsers on 3 systems no plug ins so its not a problem on my side.

Eventually I was able to get the items I wanted into my shopping cart  However I could never get my order through and shipping cost would not calculate lastly 3 of the items which where critical to my build went out of stock WHILE THEY WHERE IN MY SHOPPING CART BEFORE I COULD COMPLETE MY ORDER!

This has to be one of the crappiest online shopping experiences I have ever had!

This is so damn frustrating I think I'm just going to hang it up and Go buy some VKB or Thrustmaster gear. No sense in waiting for products I'm never going to get.

Personally I think Virpil does this just to drive the price up on their products.

Their web-store and ordering process is a FRACKIN NIGHTMARE! Go check out their forums. 1500+ complaints in one of many threads.

Honestly No product is worth this level of BS I don't care if it comes with a Free hot night of lovin with my favorite porn star! Getting a damn Tesla is easier than this!
« Last Edit: June 05, 2020, 03:03:34 PM by Mayhem »
"Destination anywhere! So Far Gone, I'm almost There."
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S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning In A Bottle)

Offline whiteman

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2020, 04:56:44 PM »
Yea, figured that out quick lol. Wasn’t going to wait for them and went with VKB.

Offline BoilerDown

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2020, 05:29:13 PM »
The obvious response is to raise prices even more to reduce demand and use the profits to increase production.  I'm not sure why they haven't done this... someone is going to exploit the arbitrage, it might as well be the company themselves.
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Offline Mayhem

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2020, 06:12:33 PM »
Virpil is suppose to be increasing their prices by 10% and changing their ordering system.

https://forum.virpil.com/index.php?/topic/1860-virpil-controls-webstore-update-2/

As Per Cypher on the Virpil forums wrote ....

" Hello VIRPILs!

We’ve heard you loud and clear.

As many of you know, we’ve been discussing closely with the community regarding the ordering experience - what’s happening behind the scenes and what’s changing.

We had recently made some large backend changes to our store which allowed for higher traffic than usual before the issues occurred but ultimately the changes were unsuccessful in resolving the issue. The store load had still further exceeded the estimated demand by as much as 3-4 times.

We have been reviewing the situation internally after reading community suggestions on alternative ordering processes. There have been a wide range of different suggestions made on how people want the process handled.

We are currently in discussion with our partnered developers and payment gateway processors (PayPal and their card processor Braintree) to enable a new streamlined ordering process based on what we believe is the most requested method moving forwards. Our goal is now to allow orders to be created for any VIRPIL Controls products at any time, however this will not be completed as a presale/pre-order as payment will not be taken up front. Rather payment will be taken before the order is expected to dispatch.

To facilitate this new ordering process, it is clear that we will need to aggressively expand our production even further to handle the demand of unrestricted ordering. While we have already grown quickly over the last few years, our current pricing cannot support the new ordering process requested by the community. We are reviewing an increase of around 10% to achieve this.

There is significant work and further discussions behind the scenes necessary to achieve this. Please note that we are expecting to complete the next one or two restocks in early/mid June using the existing store system while work is being completed on the new process. A further announcement will be posted in the near future confirming the launch date and specifics of the new process!

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to discuss this with us and we appreciate everyone’s support! Stay tuned for more news soon!

Regards,
VIRPIL Controls Team"

"Destination anywhere! So Far Gone, I'm almost There."
The Damned! (Est. 1988) Damned if we do - No fun if we don't!
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Offline Drano

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2020, 06:35:51 PM »
I need a throttle but will wait for VKB to get theirs to market. Virpil makes good stuff too as I've read but they've also changed the design of their throttle a few times. I liked the layout of the first one but it had some mechanical issues so rather than fix that they changed the whole thing. Then there's this checkout cluster which ain't new to them.

FWIW, whenever I've ordered something from VKB, it's processed right thru and once it ships, its at my door generally in about 5 days. Not bad coming from about as far away in the world as you can get! They do have similar problems with stock but it's the same problem all of these companies have. They're tiny companies to begin with. But that's a good thing for us. They're flight sim  enthusiasts like we are and appreciate what's needed. I'm just glad somebody is out there making this better gear for us.

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Offline MORAY37

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2020, 06:56:17 PM »
Today I tried to purchase the Virpil VPC flight gear (for 4th or 5th time) I have been trying to get for months.

I waited over an hour (I started before 1800 GMT)  to get into the webstore for the planned restock and once I did OMG was it messed up!

Every time I get an item or two in my shopping cart I get 502 bad gateway error and my shopping cart gets completely emptied, I can't order anything I tried 3 browsers on 3 systems no plug ins so its not a problem on my side.

Eventually I was able to get the items I wanted into my shopping cart  However I could never get my order through and shipping cost would not calculate lastly 3 of the items which where critical to my build went out of stock WHILE THEY WHERE IN MY SHOPPING CART BEFORE I COULD COMPLETE MY ORDER!

This has to be one of the crappiest online shopping experiences I have ever had!

This is so damn frustrating I think I'm just going to hang it up and Go buy some VKB or Thrustmaster gear. No sense in waiting for products I'm never going to get.

Personally I think Virpil does this just to drive the price up on their products.

Their web-store and ordering process is a FRACKIN NIGHTMARE! Go check out their forums. 1500+ complaints in one of many threads.

Honestly No product is worth this level of BS I don't care if it comes with a Free hot night of lovin with my favorite porn star! Getting a damn Tesla is easier than this!

I tried to purchase Virpil products for 4 months.  I came to the same conclusion as you did, and bought a full VKB setup.  I had it all in two weeks, after ordering the stick separately from the mounts and the rudder pedals.

I bought a new warthog throttle from Dell when they had it on sale to hold me until VKB markets their throttle assembly.

I have been been very please with the construction and quality of all the products I purchased.

Just waiting for my new computer and monitor to get here, and I'll be back. I'm working on finishing off the Ki in the meantime, lol.

"Ocean: A body of water occupying 2/3 of a world made for man...who has no gills."
-Ambrose Bierce

Offline Mayhem

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2020, 08:39:47 PM »
I currently have a full CH Products set up with Fighterstick (x2),Pro Throttle, Throttle Quadrant, Flight Sim Yoke, and Pro Pedals (x2).

My original rudder pedals have a bad toe brake wire that keeps breaking every so often and my original Fighterstick's POV Hat is failing in the 6 oc so I purchased new ones and I'm keeping the old ones for spare parts.

I also have 2 Thrustmaster MFDs and an Old Xkeys SE 64 Key (being replace with new version) a Razer Nestromo, and a few game pads (TM, PS4).

The virpil product I'm interested in the most is the New "VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Throttle" I like more than the older one and it seems to have all the features I love from the Warhog Throttle and the CH Pro Throttle. Dual Throttle axis, lots of buttons at least 1 eightway POV hat and 3 Fourway Hatts and a thumb stick.

I like their stick but its not as high up on the "Must have list" and I can go with some one else or keep using my CH fighterstick at least until I find something better. With the Rudder pedals I'm even more flexible .... Slaw Device Company RF Dora V2 Rudder Pedals, Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder Pedals, MFG Crosswind V2, and the Virpil VPC Ace 2 Pedals where the ones I'm looking at.

I turn 50 this year I will probably make it into my late 60s early 70 when I keel over. My current CH USB Gear has lasted for 18 years and most of my kit still works great other than a POV HAT and Toe Break wire.

I figured I could spend a little extra money on a better Hotas and well capable of spending around a grand to make sure I get a really good set that's going to last me the rest of my life. Thats one reason I'm willing to blow around $600 for the  Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder Pedals as they are suppose to be really heavy extremely tough and damn near bullet proof.

The Hotas kit I wanted to set up was .....

VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Grip
and
VPC WarBRD Base
or
VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base with VPC Desk Mount V3 - S
and
VPC ACE-2 Rudder Pedals or Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder Pedal (Really leaning towards the TM pedals depending how tough they are)

I managed to eventually after much frustration get all the items that where stocked today (everything minus the rudder pedals) into my shopping cart however BEFORE the shipping calculator could do its job (It never finished even after 20 minutes of watching the wait icon spin) The Throttle, Grip and one of the Bases went out of stock, all that was left was a base and a mount. I'm not buying anything from virpil unless I can get the throttle.
 
I'm going to wait and check out their new upgraded online store and order process when they roll it out in like a week or two. If I'm not happy and I can't get what I want I'm just going to pass on them once and for all.

Of course the new system there will no longer be a sale on the throttle or discount on purchasing a grip and base together Oh and a 10 percent markup.

I'm not big on VKB designs but I hear they really care for and take care of their customers.

So if I can't get the Virpil Throttle, I'm looking at the Winwing F/A18 Super Taurus Throttle or Thrustmaster's warthog throttle ... Unless VKB can get theirs out soon. I still prefure the grips on the Virpil Throttle and haven't seen anything with the same grip layout. I would really like to get a peak at VKB's throttle design so I can decide if its worth waiting for.
"Destination anywhere! So Far Gone, I'm almost There."
The Damned! (Est. 1988) Damned if we do - No fun if we don't!
S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning In A Bottle)

Offline Easyscor

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2020, 04:43:23 AM »
I received my Virpil Throttle 3 weeks ago. It wasn't easy, it took three(?) tries to figure out what was going wrong. It was worth it, justified my time spent in research and perseverance through a frustrating experience. IF I didn't feel I needed one for VR, it would not have been justified. I didn't want to depend on Voice Attack for quick response times.

1st issue was that I disable cookies as a policy. Thought I fixed that by allowing Virpil, but no, must always enable cookies from "Unvisited Sites". I almost bailed right there, but dang that's a nice looking Throttle.

Without registering on the site, all attempts still fail even when they were "in stock" momentarily. Seriously, MOMENTARILAY. This ain't Logitech mass producing Saitek inventory.

So I registered.

Got the email, "We're instock."

Clicked the add to cart. The little icon showed 1 item in the cart.

Tried to go to the cart, but hadn't enabled all those cookie permissions this time. It failed and by the time I caught my mistake, "OUT OF STOCK."

Now I thought I knew what I needed to do.

Next time I got the 'In stock' email, the first thing I did was enable those cursed cookies in FireFox. All except the "Cross-site and social media trackers."

Clicked add to cart or whatever, went to the cart and completed the purchase. But NO.

The procedure hung!

I couldn't figure out what was happening!

Suddenly my cell phone started buzzing, annoyed, I almost ignored it.

My bank was telling me that a suspicious transaction was taking place and I should text a code to my bank (thankfully the link was in the message).

I didn't hesitate, bam, done and went back to check the results.

The transaction moved on the 'Thank you for your purchase' or whatever.

A bit later I got an email from my bank essentially saying the same thing. If I'd had to wait for that email, and clearing with the bank, I've no doubt I'd have missed out on the purchase again.

Then came the waiting. At $371 USD, I'd just spent a 'ton' of money by my reckoning and I wanted to see some action. Frankly, I was also experiencing some buyer's remorse. It didn't happen quite the way I wanted.

It took a day or two after the item 'shipped' before the tracking number showed movement. I guess it's to be expected in the middle of a pandemic.

Finally FedEx started responding.

What I didn't know at the time was that my bank still had to do the exchange rate business. As a side note, I think the bank ripped me off with the fee. Somehow, the transaction had something to do with Amzn.com. I guess they have their fingers into everything.

Anyway, the confirmation was 8 May and I have an email stating the status as complete on 15 May. I guess I've had the throttle for 3 weeks.

Not everyone is going to think they need to spend almost $400 on a game controller, but I can comfortably state that the tech and quality of this hardware justifies the expense, even if a gaming hobby can't justify it.

I still haven't felt the need to install the eprom/driver. A good third of the features are as yet unused but I've downloaded the driver to future proof my investment.


I will admit I went with a VKB Kosmosima Premium (SCG) Space Combat Edition Joystick because it's so close to the CH FighterStick USB grip I'm used to in VR.



Now, you've heard from Mayhem and me about what we went through trying to purchase from Virpil. Having the Throttle on my desk, I would go through it again if I had it to do over. Also, Virpil is the only manufacturer that supplies a high quality controller base that also accepts some high end joystick grips. I think Thrustmaster grips are one of them, but you must do your own research and comparison. I've seen several YouTube videos praising the Virpil base and the Thrustmaster joystick grip combo.

To Mayhem, my experience isn't that much different to your's. I hope you can stick with it if you see value in the effort.

 :cheers:
Easy in-game again.
Since Tour 19 - 2001

Offline Gman

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2020, 08:02:44 PM »
Mayhem, that was the first time I got stiffed @ Virpil as well - I have 8 total orders there, and always got through before, but not this time.  There is 3 dozen complaint posts on their forums about yesterday's event.  I wanted a couple more Alpha sticks and had them in the cart right away, but the payment system failed on me 4 times.

Just wait, don't write them off yet, as they are changing the entire ordering system this week, and it should be much, much better then next time. 

Offline WpnX

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #9 on: June 07, 2020, 12:42:56 AM »
Today I tried to purchase the Virpil VPC flight gear (for 4th or 5th time) I have been trying to get for months.

I waited over an hour (I started before 1800 GMT)  to get into the webstore for the planned restock and once I did OMG was it messed up!

Every time I get an item or two in my shopping cart I get 502 bad gateway error and my shopping cart gets completely emptied, I can't order anything I tried 3 browsers on 3 systems no plug ins so its not a problem on my side.

Eventually I was able to get the items I wanted into my shopping cart  However I could never get my order through and shipping cost would not calculate lastly 3 of the items which where critical to my build went out of stock WHILE THEY WHERE IN MY SHOPPING CART BEFORE I COULD COMPLETE MY ORDER!

This has to be one of the crappiest online shopping experiences I have ever had!

This is so damn frustrating I think I'm just going to hang it up and Go buy some VKB or Thrustmaster gear. No sense in waiting for products I'm never going to get.

Personally I think Virpil does this just to drive the price up on their products.

Their web-store and ordering process is a FRACKIN NIGHTMARE! Go check out their forums. 1500+ complaints in one of many threads.

Honestly No product is worth this level of BS I don't care if it comes with a Free hot night of lovin with my favorite porn star! Getting a damn Tesla is easier than this!

Ha, my purchase went pretty smooth, just flew to Lithuania and picked mine up from the owner. Hassle... what hassle?
Elvis
The Flying Circus

Offline Gman

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #10 on: June 07, 2020, 02:03:14 AM »
Ha, my purchase went pretty smooth, just flew to Lithuania and picked mine up from the owner. Hassle... what hassle?

I remember that, it was some of your posts that got me interested in Virpil products. 

Offline pelota

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #11 on: June 16, 2020, 06:57:32 PM »
Thank God I have mine.  It took me three times last year to get my Virpil gear, but I have two of everything, as well as the springs for the joystick :banana:.  I have been thrilled with their products and I had the following prior to Virpil: CH, Thrustmaster, Saitek, among others....  There is just no comparison: they have precision products that are meant to last.

-Owl

Offline TequilaChaser

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #12 on: June 17, 2020, 01:46:10 AM »
Ha, my purchase went pretty smooth, just flew to Lithuania and picked mine up from the owner. Hassle... what hassle?

There's your answer, Mayhem! Just get Elvis (WpnX) to fly over and pick one up for ya.....

Hey Elvis, hope you're doing good....help my longtime squaddie out :D

:rofl

TC
"When one considers just what they should say to a new pilot who is logging in Aces High, the mind becomes confused in the complex maze of info it is necessary for the new player to know. All of it is important; most of it vital; and all of it just too much for one brain to absorb in 1-2 lessons" TC

Offline SIK1

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #13 on: June 17, 2020, 08:34:54 AM »
Hopefully Virpil's new ordering system will help alleviate the issues they have struggled with from the beginning. I really thought that when they moved manufacturing in house that they would get a grip on the demand but they haven't seemed to be able to do that.

They do make nice gear, and it's a shame that people are passing them up because it's impossible to get an order through.

 :salute
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Offline Gman

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Re: It looks like Virpil is off the table.
« Reply #14 on: June 17, 2020, 05:18:29 PM »
Virpil moved assembly in house, much of the actual manufacturing of components is from China, like VKB and everyone else.  VKB reps always pass off issues of stock/etc with the "when VKB "HQ" responds/answers/etc", and that VKB HQ is China, not Russia or whatever.

Both of these companies are at their Chinese manufacturers mercy when it comes to getting stock in.  VKB IIRC ships directly from China complete, I got my last 2 Gunfighters, a second MK2 and one new MK3, directly from China.  Virpil gets the Chinese made parts shipped to their new building/business, and assembles/tests them there.