Warthog is worth it

[Trailer]

Just broke down and bought a Warthog HOTAS for Christmas, and I have to say that it's worth every penny. DCS is a completely different simulator with this flight stick.

 

I was going to get the X55 but I saw a deal on Amazon for just 100 bucks more for the Warthog, so I got it. At first I had a bit of buyer's remorse due to spending so much money (I got it on sale, however...320 euros, shipping included), but now that I've put it through its paces, it's a godsend. The sensitivity in the stick is perfect; it feels like a part of my body, like an extra appendage.

 

I highly recommend this flight stick, even if it doesn't have as many buttons as the X55 and no radials. It's completely worth it. Completely.

[javelina1]

Great selection, and welcome to the club! you'll love it! :thumbup::joystick:

[nervousenergy]

It's another $100 on top of what you've already spent, but if you extend it 10cm or so (simpit sells 8cm to 15cm extensions) you'll love it even more, especially if you fly the WWII birds.

[cichlidfan]

It's another $100 on top of what you've already spent, but if you extend it 10cm or so (simpit sells 8cm to 15cm extensions) you'll love it even more, especially if you fly the WWII birds.

 

... and or helicopters.

 

Yes, an extension is the best thing you can do for your Warthog.

[Exorcet]

I highly recommend this flight stick, even if it doesn't have as many buttons as the X55 and no radials. It's completely worth it. Completely.

As someone in a similar situation, I have to say you may really miss the radials. I feel that they might be better for radar control. I am adjusting to their absence though.

 

It's another $100 on top of what you've already spent, but if you extend it 10cm or so (simpit sells 8cm to 15cm extensions) you'll love it even more, especially if you fly the WWII birds.

I would recommend this too. I don't like adding curves to my inputs. My current set up doesn't let me bolt down my stick and it can cause some problems when I need to make really fine adjustments.

[tintifaxl]

To extent or not depends on where the stick is situated, too. Mine is simply sitting on the desktop and is a little bit too high even without an extension.

[javelina1]

To extent or not depends on where the stick is situated, too. Mine is simply sitting on the desktop and is a little bit too high even without an extension.

 

if you fly F-16 style, exactly. Could be an issue too.

[dburne]

Just broke down and bought a Warthog HOTAS for Christmas, and I have to say that it's worth every penny. DCS is a completely different simulator with this flight stick.

 

:thumbup:

Congrats!

 

I have been using mine for a number of years now and fully agree, I love it as much as the day I got it.

[jcbak]

I have a 7.5 cm extension and highly recommend it.

[jimcarrel]

I've got a WH coming, but until about an hour ago, it really didn't register that there were no radials.

 

So if anyone had used a stick with radials, how did you adjust to not having them.

I've not needed radials so much in DCS, but in P3D that will be a different story. I use them for prop pitch and fuel mixture.

 

How do you manage those adjustments with WH?

[jcbak]

I've got a WH coming, but until about an hour ago, it really didn't register that there were no radials.

 

So if anyone had used a stick with radials, how did you adjust to not having them.

I've not needed radials so much in DCS, but in P3D that will be a different story. I use them for prop pitch and fuel mixture.

 

How do you manage those adjustments with WH?

In XPlane, I mapped prop pitch, mixture control to my WH joystick TMS, DMS buttons.

[DD_Crash]

Prop pitch on the grey lever by the throttles?

[dburne]

Also can use the second throttle as well, I have used the gray slider lever and the second throttle for this in WWII planes.

 

Some guys that really want more sliders will also add the CH Throttle Quadrant as well.

http://www.chproducts.com/Throttle-Quadrant-v13-d-718.html

 

I have one, but personally have found I really do not need it that much and rarely use it anymore.

[Steel Jaw]

Nice HOTAS yes but mondo overpriced.

[jimcarrel]

So, I'm assuming that "buttons" configured as prop and mixture adjustment can be refined in for precision. (?)

 

I'm sure that if a person can manage to coax an old German warplane off the runway, surely finding a new way to utilize buttons for prop and fuel mixture should be do-able.

[Endy]

There is one more thing that people rarely take into account. Very expensive controllers, like WH or MFG rudders can be treated pretty much as a temporary cash freeze, not money spent never to be recovered. What I mean by that is that these things can be still sold after years of usage for the price very close to the price of a new one.

 

Used TM Cougars go for even more than a new WH and used Warthogs sell for a price just slightly lower than new ones. I can bet that years from now you will still be able to sell used stuff like MFG Crosswinds for a really nice price since this stuff is close to indestructible. Not so with cheaper, plastic joysticks but they can still get a decent price too.

 

Anyway, I treat this is as a sort of investment into my hobby but I'm also pretty sure that if I ever want to sell it I'll be able to and for a good price. So you not only have a lot of fun with better gear but it's also money that is not totally lost and does not lose value like for example cars do.

Edited December 20, 2015 by Endy

[Sokol1_br]

So, I'm assuming that "buttons" configured as prop and mixture adjustment can be refined in for precision. (?)

 

I'm sure that if a person can manage to coax an old German warplane off the runway, surely finding a new way to utilize buttons for prop and fuel mixture should be do-able.

 

In German planes represented in DCS, propeller pitch is controlled be rocker push buttons in throttle knob and not be lever, and mixture adjust is not done manually.

 

 

From practical point of view the HAT on right side of Warthog throttle is well suitable for control Bf 109/Fw 190 Propeller Pitch in similar way as in real planes. :joystick:

[jvanhoog]

Like triple screens and track ir, once tasted I can never go back!

[jimcarrel]

In German planes represented in DCS, propeller pitch is controlled be rocker push buttons in throttle knob and not be lever, and mixture adjust is not done manually.

 

 

From practical point of view the HAT on right side of Warthog throttle is well suitable for control Bf 109/Fw 190 Propeller Pitch in similar way as in real planes. :joystick:

 

Thanks for that tip, will gladly use it.