VpR81

The X-52 was of significant better quality as the X-55. If you want something new and way better, i think the best way to go right now is a combination of different manufactors. I.e. i use a Virpil WarBRD base with a Warthog grip attached, wich is a great combination imo. If you aren't in a hurry for a new throttle, the VKB TECS might be interesting for you. But it is still under developement and i'm not aware of any release date https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=199002 Also i would still go for a Virpil base instead of a VKB one, as VKB has different connectors and aren't compatible to Virpil, TM and Realsimulator grips. This would limit your choice of grips, if you wan't to get additional grips one day. If not, VKB is a good, but rather expensive choice. There are adaptors, but these demand disassembling of the grip and replacing the connectors. Also these adaptors are almost impossible to get, as they're always out of stock. I've never seen them available. Nonetheless VKB is high end quality, their bases and their grips. For Virpil i would consider the base, not so much the grips. Their bases are excellent, especially the WarBRD, but their grips can't compete with those of Thrustmaster IMO. Especially button response/quality. If i were you, i wouldn't take MFDs or button boxes out of account. I've seen a lot of great solutions for VR. Some ppl use small silicone knobs on a few MFD buttons to make it easy to feel if they got the right one. And muscle memory will also help after a while. I'm still scared off from VR due to the bad performace and the numerous issues in DCS, but would have no concerns about using my mounted MFDs in VR. On a desk it may be a bit more difficult, but not so much i guess. Also button boxes are a good way to get more buttons and especially more axis. I wouldn't rate using them in VR too difficult and there are some interesting options out there. DSD would be the first coming to my mind. Their quality is said to be excellent, the prices are reasonable, they offer a huge variety of different button controllers and it's not made in China. Most ppl don't care, but i appreciate when companies stay at home to keep the jobs in their country. One of my RL friends owns two DSD Button Boxes for simracing in VR and according to him, purchasing those was one of the best investments in his hobby. He's absolutely happy with them and has no issues using them in VR. https://derekspearedesigns.com/button-controllers.html

I'm currently running - Warthog base/Hornet grip - Warthog Throttle - Virpil WarBRD base/Warthog grip - 3 Cougar MFDs - TM TPRs on a single TP-Link UH720 7 USB 3.2 Hub without any issues. Bought this originally a couple of years ago to prevent my old Saitek X-55 from ghosting. Can't tell it's power cap right now, but the power supply was stable enough to prevent the X-55 from ghosting what not every powered USB Hub is capable of. Even with other devices plugged into the hub, it did the job. Your VR headset propably needs too much power for all your devices plugged into one hub, but this is the best USB hub i ever owned. And i had a few ones over the years. Build quality is good and it's running for like 5 or 6 years without any issues now. Price was something around 35€ back then.

I'm not flying civilian flight simulators, but will try to help you out at least a little bit as i had the X-52, the X-55 and switched to the Warthog 2 years ago. The X-55 has very poor quality when it comes to electronics/internals. It suffers from ghosting as power supply isn't stable. Some people could solve that by plugging it into a powered USB Hub, but that doesen't work for everyone facing this issue. I had a few buttons stopped working right after warranty ended. Another issue is the throttle friction wheel. If you tight the friction too much, it somehow causes issues with buttons. Means, at certain throttle positions some buttons won't work anymore. I had this problem as well. The X-55 isn't produced anymore, there is only the new X-56 wich is literally the same HOTAS. Saitek/Logitech hasn't solved any of these problems and some ppl say quality got even worse compared to the X-55. I'd highly recommend not to purchase the X-56, no matter what you want to use it for. The Warthog has it's flaws, but is a complete different world to the Saitek/Logitech plastic products. Starts with the metal housing and ends with the much better button quality/response of the Warthog. The crappy slew control on the throttle and the plastic gimbal of the Joystick base are the things that have to be mentioned when talking about it's flaws. The gimbal needs regreasing from time to time and can break if used too much force on it. The stock slew control is pretty much useless, at least for me. But there are replacement mods for it available wich work great and are easy to install. This is also another huge advantage over the X-55/56, the Warthogs options for customisation and modification. Also the compatibility to other manufactors, like Virpil and Realsimulator as they all share the same PS2 connectors for the Joystick bases and grips. In terms of buttons number, i'd say the Warthog throttle is on par with the X-55/56 with a slight advantage for the X-55/56. Until some buttons stop working on the X-55/56. If you want something better than the Warthog, it gets pretty pricey. A good alternative to the Warthog throttle is the Virpil T50CM2 throttle. For me a no-go as it lacks afterburner detents, but providing excellent quality, metal housing and a lot of buttons, switches and a 5(?) mode selector switch. It's only a bit more expensive than the Warthog, but hard to get as Virpil is very boutique and has low production numbers. These throttles are regulary sold out a few seconds after shop restock. Virpils WarBRD base is also a great alternative to the Warthog base, providing a metal gimbal and easy to switch cams and springs. VKB offers excellent Sticks as well, but no throttle yet. Any other throttle/HOTAS set providing equal or better quality is significant more expensive, such as the WinWing F/A-18 Hornet HOTAS replica wich almost hits the 1000$ mark. edit: As you are looking for as much buttons to map as possible, have you though of getting a additional button box or TM cougar MFDs? I think that would solve your button problem with any HOTAS you'd purchase... I hope that helped a bit. Cheers

I've always recieved a confirmation email, containing the hint that i can check the status of my order by logging into my Virpil account etc. When the order got shipped, i recieved a second email, containing the shipment number.

The Supercarrier is a separate module that was planned to enter early access this month. It models several ships of the Nimitz class with animated deck drew, lower deck hangar, realistic ATC radio calls and other new features. Owners of the Hornet will get a discount on it, but the Hornet itself only comes with a pretty good, but very basic carrier missing the stated features.

100% agree. That is exactly the reason why i choosed the TPR's over the Slaw Viper RX pedals. Price wasn't an issue, just didn't want to have central pivot pedals but pendular and the TPR's are the best option in that price range IMO. Their not much cheaper than the Slaws anyways, like 80€-100€ or so over here. But as tintifaxl mentioned, theyre not suited for under a desk use.

The X-52 had throttle detents? I had this thing more than 10 years ago... Maybe it's just me, but i can't remember any physical throttle detents...

Me neither as a jet driver, but for helicopter pilots it's ok. I'd say it depends on what the OP is aiming for. If he's primarily in helos, the VKB T-Rudder pedals are a great option. If he's more into jets, the MFG Crosswinds are propably the best shot in his price range.

It's originally a SimRacing rig i purchased a flight sim kit for. I had to drill holes to attach the Warthog base center mounted and i'm still in the process of building a DIY mount to attach my cougar MFD's. And the TPR pedals didn't match perfectly so i had to drill 2 extra holes, but that's all. Not self constructed at all, just a bit customized.

Hmmm.... Since you've been overwhelmed by the amount of different servers, i assume it would be helpful to explain a few basics about server types in general. This might help you choosing one that suits best for you. Basically there are two types of servers ingame (DCS and other games). PvE (Players vs. Envroinment) and PvP (Players vs. Players). These can vary in submodes like Dogfight, Aerobatics, Base capture etc. Sadly, DCS does not provide a user friendly server browser, having a very basic (and mostly useless) server filter. So you'll propably need to scroll a bit down the list to find one that you might like. For someone beeing new to MP, i'd suggest starting with a PvE server, as there are no enemy players looking for "easy to kill" newbies online and you can get into MP pretty relaxed without getting killed all the time. I'm in MP from day one i installed DCS and still like PvE servers the most. Not only in DCS, in general i like cooperative servers/missions much more than Team Deathmatch or similar team based PvP modes. I'm playing both, but prefer scripted PvE... It might also be worth to mention, that your Ping should be below 100 for a good connection. With a Ping above 200, you'll suffer from desync issues. Most servers will kick you having a ping above 300 i think, as you would slow down the server and disturb game experience for other users connected. Just in case you didn't know. A very good, on western high-fi airframes focused PvE server i regulary join is: "[iTA] Banshee PersianConquest PvE" Most of the ppl there are regulars, playing every weekend or even every day on this server. The regular users are friendly and the admins (as well as the visitors) are always helpful to new ppl. No children (at least very few, but they are realy rare) freaking out bc of accidential team kills or other stuff that can happen in the heat of the battle. So there is a chance to meet ppl you can play regulary with. SRS or Discord is not realy necessary to have fun there. There are always ppl on SRS online, but everyone who wants is welcome to join spontaneous strike formations, no matter if using SRS or text chat. The server also contains various A-G, A-A and anti ship missions with some suit for lone wolfs and others demand teamwork. The missions are lovely scripted, range from easy (i.e. cargo ships) to hard skill (i.e. carrier battle group) and can be spawned by players via the F10 radio submenu. Besides these, there are random spawned defense missions as well and also some type of base capturing is included, where you have to clear any base from enemy ground units and then escort a friendly C-130 to that base. Once it has landed and unloaded friendly troops, you can refuel and rearm at the specific base preparing to take on the next one of your choice. Beeing located in central europe, the ping is way below 100 (30-60 for me, depending on number of players) and the server is not too crowded. I think 25 players at once was the highest number i ever saw on it, wich i think is great for ppl not too familiar with MP. This is just an example, but there are a lot of servers providing interesting and challenging content, without demanding ppl to be experienced online pilots. Don't give up, there are definately servers out there you will highly enjoy and SRS is easy to use once you got behind it! Good luck and hf

I'd say that it depends on the attached grip. I use the WarBRD base with heavy springs installed and TM Warthog grip attached, no extension. Still the stick is very flippy. With an extension (Tested VPC 7,5cm and 10cm), it struggles to (7,5cm), or does not (10cm) perfectly recenter. I own the extra heavy springs as well, just haven't tested them yet as i like the current setup very much. But i realy doubt that they will make an extension significant better to use. Maybe the 5cm/7,5cm one, but anything longer is pretty much useless on the WarBRD base IMO. Not to talk about realistic extensions, the comparable stiff Warthog base is unable to recenter correctly with. Never tested it, but i assume if i'd attach the extension set of my Warthog base (5cm + 10cm + 20cm S-type + Hornet grip, needed Sahajs blue spring to recenter) the WarBRD base would be unable to stay in center position without holding it in place. Not to talk about recentering on it's own. So IMO, the WarBRD base is a great sidestick base, but not realy suited for to use extensions with it...

If you realy enjoy DCS and you're willing to stay with flight sims, IMO there is no way around decent pedals and on the long term, a good HOTAS as well. For helicopter use, the VKB T-Rudders and the Virpil WarBRD Rudders are some great pedals within your price range. Especially the VKB Rudders have a great reputation. Just be aware, that both are primarily aiming towards helicopters, as they don't have a toe brake axis wich can be annoying when flying jets. If you want a toe brake axis, the MFG Crosswinds are propably the best you can get for your budget. The Virpil ACE-1 pedals are probably in your price range as well (300€ excl. shipping, don't know what this is exactly in UK £), but as stated before Virpil rudders are all the time sold out and difficult to get. I'd recommend the the MFG Crosswinds, as you seem to like both helos and jets.

It just looks as if. Actually the Warthog grip is slightly angled forward, but along it's complete length. The Hornet grip is more angled forward, but only half the grip. Together with the Warthogs "nose", this makes the difference. Tbh, i wasn't sure until after i held both next to each other, like FoTwo did on his pictures. I was surprised as well...

Switch the straight extension for a S-type extension and/or reduce ingame axis length. I reduced mine to 50% (X and Y) and still got 15mm space between stick and seat at full ingame axis deflection. Also i'm sitting comfortable and have still way more precision than a stock Warthog.

Not a problem, you're welcome.

Should not be a problem. The Hornet grip just has a different shape, but the size is pretty much the same and the Warthog grip has this long "nose". I'd say you rather hit your desk mount with the Warthog grip, than with the Hornet grip...

+1 Would also be great for ground units.

I own the TPR's for like 15 months now. In terms of quality, used materials and precision, they are definately worth their price, but if they're worth getting them depends on how you want to use them. They are definately not suited for "under a desk use" due to the angle of the paddles, but as BuzzU assumed, mounted to a simrig or a cockpit, they work great. I had them under my desk for about half a year before getting a simrig and they were a pain tu use. This completely changed as soon as they have been mounted onto the simrig, where they are almost lined up with my knees. If you have a simrig, cockpit or similar with a low seat height, they are definately a great piece of flight controls totally worth their money. If you're flying at a desk, the VPC ACE-1 or ACE-2 rudders might be the better choice, providing equal quality, precision and materials. Those are on the other hand, propably less suited for simrig/cockpit use, but i'm just assuming here.

Also the base would not work flawless in the windows controller screen and the issue wouldn't appear in game only. This sounds more like a software issue than a hardware fault.

The landing gear works fine for me. I had the X-55 before switching to the Warthog few years ago and both, the X-55 and the X-56 are known for massive ghosting issues. I could solve that problem partially (but not completely) by plugging my X55 throttle into a powered USB hub. If you haven't done so yet, maybe give that a try. But be aware that this, iirc, doesen't seem to solve the problem for every X-55/56 owner having that problem. Just be sure to get a good hub, as not every USB hub provides enough power.

Couple of days ago i was ground pounding with the Hornet and came under AAA fire. I killed a few ground units and was glad to get away without any hits by enemy AA as there were all systems operational and nothing was damaged. I thought. A few miles away from the target i saw my fuel running as if i had fuel dump activated. I switched to the fuel DDI page and checked F2 and realised these Shilkas had perforated my internal fuel tanks as there were bullet holes splattered all over the aircraft. Haven't experienced this before so i guess the damage model has been improved. At least a little bit.

Try a installation repair, maybe this helps. If not, i'd try to map a few buttons and switches in Target and look if the input via the virtual controller is recognised in DCS.

I use the WH grip on the WarBRD base with heavy springs installed and i think it works great, a bit floppy yes, but overall realy good. The soft springs were much too floppy and iirc the stick didn't recenter correctly, leaning a bit forward. Also own the extra heavy springs. But i haven't tested them yet, as i'm pretty happy with the current setup. It needs some time to get used to the softer base with the heavy TM grip on top, but i'd never go back to the WH base as sidestick w/o extensions.

I think getting faulty products from Virpil and then fighting their customer support is a secondary problem, even while beeing annoying. I got all the extensions from Virpil + the WarBRD base, everything came in good condition and i'm absolutely happy with it. This risk with the T-50 base wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. But the non-symetrical cam behavior isn't a quality issue, but a pure design flaw. The WarBRD base does not suffer from it, most likely because it has mirrored cams instead of "one sided" cams. And that's what making the T-50 CM2 a no-go for me. I don't want to use significant more force rolling to the left, than for rolling to the right.

That is actually a pretty good idea!