Warthog vs MS FFB2 - new stick advice

[Reflected]

Hi All,

 

I'm currently using a MS FFB2 stick with Saitek rudders and a Saitek Throttle quadrant. This latter one is spiking badly already, so I'm planning to buy a Warthog throttle instead.

 

My FFB2 is also pretty old, some of the buttons don't work anymore, but I just love its feel, and the Force Feedback. Still, I'm thinking about going for the combo, and buying the Warthog stick too - so many hat switches and buttons!! :joystick: I'm afraid it would be a step back from the FFB though.

 

Wouldn't I miss the Force Feedback? Should I perhaps find a place where they could repair my MS FFB2? Is there such a place? Any advice please?

 

Thanks,

Greg

[PicksKing]

[...]

I'm afraid it would be a step back from the FFB though.

[...]

 

 

The Warthog is actually the top of the hotas evolution ladder. Maybe you will miss the force feedback but a hotas with such precision will reimburse everything. I use the warthog with a 10cm extension and I never want miss that again. Its far and away the best I ever had.

So if you don't have any problem with the costs, take the warthog! :)

 

The emotional factory might be the biggest problem. If somebody loves his gear, its hard to replace it.

Edited May 9, 2016 by PicksKing

[Penshoon]

I bought the Warthog hotas but barely use it tbh, missed FFB too much. If you want the best precision the warthog might be better but FFB is just way more immersive & fun for me (using G940 stick now & MSFFB2 before).

I use the throttle next to my main x55 for some extra buttons & axes but it lacked a good easy to use zoom slider and the buttons on the base only work good in the a-10 unless you edit a lot of input files for each module.

 

I wouldn't recommend the x55 either, it's slowly dying with spiking axis and buttons that stop working.

VKB had a cheap but nice looking throttle on their store before but can't find it anymore :(

[Tom Thomsen]

In my opinion, you better listen to an advise from people who know both joysticks (I not the one :)).

I bought my MSFFB2 (restored one) from Mr Dalkowski in Germany. He's also offering his service to refurbish/restore your faulty sidewinder joystick.

Here's the link : http://www.ebay.de/itm/Microsoft-Sidewinder-Force-Feedback-2-Precision-2-Rep-/200516556387?hash=item2eafb7d663:m:muTwPJGoDIY2nUNhuI0HMwg

 

:joystick: Oh, i just saw, that he is offering his service for european union countries only. No other states, only EU.

Edited May 9, 2016 by Tom Thomsen

[Penshoon]

I bought my MSFFB2 (restored one) from Mr Dalkowski in Germany. He's also offering his service to refurbish/restore your faulty sidewinder joystick.

Here's the link : http://www.ebay.de/itm/Microsoft-Sidewinder-Force-Feedback-2-Precision-2-Rep-/200516556387?hash=item2eafb7d663:m:muTwPJGoDIY2nUNhuI0HMwg

 

:joystick: Oh, i just saw, that he is offering his service for european union countries only. No other states, only EU.

I too bought my msffb2 from Mr Dalkowski a few years ago (2013), no problem what so ever and works just as good as new.

[Reflected]

Thanks everyone, I will contact Mr Dalkowski and have my FFB2 repaired, then.

[Sokol1_br]

Some people install Warthog/Cougar grip on MSFF2 base, run grip buttons through Warthog controller, MSFFB2 handle only axis, and have both. :)

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_11_2015/post-5243-0-48461700-1447587173.jpg

 

BTW - Tm F22PRO grip is more appropriated for this due his less weight.

[BSS_Sniper]

I used a MSFFB for years and couldn't fly without it. I didn't want anything else....until I got my TM Warthog. It's just a better stick and throttle by a huge margin. As much as I loved the FFB, it's a low end stick compared to the Warthog.

[Milopapa]

Some people install Warthog/Cougar grip on MSFF2 base, run grip buttons through Warthog controller, MSFFB2 handle only axis, and have both. :)

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_11_2015/post-5243-0-48461700-1447587173.jpg

 

BTW - Tm F22PRO grip is more appropriated for this due his less weight.

 

Reporting in:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=152723

 

[KLR Rico]

^ I did something similar with a MSFFB2 and a Saitek X52. FFB + HOTAS is definately the way to go. Talk about getting your cake and eating it too!

[Sporg]

An alternative option could be to get your FFB through the seat instead, with a Gametrix seat pad:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=134704

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2430581&postcount=182

 

This way you get FFB from the airframe rather than through the stick.

 

And then you can use the Warthog for precise stick and throttle.

 

I use this setup, and it is awesome.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2437849&postcount=212

 

I did try some FFB stick long time ago (not DCS), but this is on another level..

[Sokol1_br]

An alternative option could be to get your FFB through the seat instead, with a Gametrix seat pad:

..

 

The detail is that Gametrix will work only for DCS and Warthunder.

 

Is not supported by IL-2 BoS and IL-2 CLoD - in this might possible, but need write code like Andre did for DCS, for the first the dev's say that dont worth add support because the low number of device owners (is restrict to Russia/CIS market), and this kind of "hardcore" is not their target audience. :joystick:

[Scooternutz]

A Warthog with a Buttkicker.

[Sporg]

The detail is that Gametrix will work only for DCS and Warthunder.

 

Is not supported by IL-2 BoS and IL-2 CLoD - in this might possible, but need write code like Andre did for DCS, for the first the dev's say that dont worth add support because the low number of device owners (is restrict to Russia/CIS market), and this kind of "hardcore" is not their target audience. :joystick:

Well, it works in F4.0 BMS which is a quite major sim, and the developer web page claims that it should work with FSX and IL-2 CloD as well.

(Have not tested the last two ones myself though.)

 

http://dreamsimteam.blogspot.com/p/trick-1-if-youd-like-to-make-gametrix.html

[Sokol1_br]

Good to know, thank you.

 

I did that observation of possible JetSet limitations because know that OP is used to WWII sim's. ;)

[trigen]

Using a cougar handle on the ffb2 also and find it to be fantastic. I wish it wasn't that heavy though but if you stick some tape around the ffb shaft (so it fits) and remove the Base from the cougar handle and place it on the ffb, it will still be quite strong.

 

Just be real careful with the wiring if you do, almost killed my stick with a short

[Sporg]

Good to know, thank you.

 

I did that observation of possible JetSet limitations because know that OP is used to WWII sim's. ;)

You're welcome. :)

 

I tested it in Clod, and it actually works. ;)

However, the Clod effects seem to be limited to gunfire (which works fine), but no airflow/AoA/buffeting effects like you get with SimShaker in DCS.

[Reflected]

Thanks for all the advice. I sent my FFB2 to Michael for a repair, and placed an order for a Warthog Throttle. Oh boy, it's like waiting for Christmas :)

[313_Nevo]

maybe it will be better idea (money wise) to buy the WH HOTAS and then sell the unwanted part imho ;)