Introducing the VKB-Sim ‘Modern Combat Grip’ (MCG)

[Soundwave197]

I think i will buy the Gladiator MK2 Pro "Modern Combat Edition" with MCG Pro if it gets available in the EU-store, im from germany, and a adapter for my WH-stick to put it on the G MK2 pro. I expect a pricing around 350-400$ with the mcg pro at 160$ and the G MK2 pro base at 200$. Its pretty useless to buy a new expensive flightstick to get a better slew stick and not been able to use it to its full potential. Also the G MK2 pro has some really useful buttons and a lever.

 

edit:

I got the info the MCG will be open for ordering in Januar and will be shipped in February. Baybe with preordering starting in december(EU-Store at flightsimcontrols.com)

400$ = ~340€ + 21% vat = 410€

I think ill get the G. MK2 Pro with a adapter for my WH-stick until i can order the MCG Pro

 

Thank you both for the quick answers!

Edited September 28, 2017 by Soundwave197

[lucky-hendrix]

Guys, I couldn't find info in the thread, but will the stock be replenished in the EUrope shop at some point ?

 

Also will you have a lot of stock in future ? or will the production continue to be by batch ?

Edited September 29, 2017 by lucky-hendrix

[Sokol1_br]

Just "rumor":

 

Production of new batch of Gunfighter are on the running, foreseen for end of September - if

that Chinese National Day (~7 days) holiday don't cause delays.

MCG final design will be finalized in "2 weeks", and then production start.

Probable ETA on re-sellers (USA, EU): end of October, early November - due logistics generally USA receive first than EU.

 

So, if don't believe in "rumor" await for official announcements, "soon"™. :)

Edited September 29, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[rrohde]

Well said, Sokol!

 

Here's the final production sample (without labels) of the MCG (non-Pro) mounted on a Gunfighter base. You can see that the grip's head received some texturing, and the spots to receive label inscriptions have been spared and raised.

[StandingCow]

Nice!

[Mars Exulte]

Hype train in station and standing by.... FINAL COUNTDOWN

[Hoffster]

Looks like the gunfighter and grip will be my next purchase when available in EU. Waiting for VKB pedals to arrive next week. Had enough of TM WH stiction now. Looks like it will be worth the wait.

[Baz000]

I'm looking for a stick and base option for both flying helicopters (no spring, and easy to swap) and flying fixed wing... I currently have Thrust master Warthog. Any suggestions? I liked the idea of having my controls desk mounted like the drop down mounts from Virpil and adding stick extensions.

 

I was looking at either the VKB stick and base or the Virpil one, Ideally I would like 1 base and just have the modularity to install new stick grips as time goes on IE: Must work with the new F-18 grip from thrustmaster coming out for example.

 

I want an american fighter stick grip (f/a-18, warthog [already have])

 

Russian fighter stick grip (for flying SU-27, and Migs and KA-50, etc...)

 

WW2 stick grip (for flying stick and rudder WW2 planes)

 

Any suggestions? Must be as cost efficient too other than buying the individual grips to fit onto the very functional base.

[Soundwave197]

...as the Gladiator Pro's plastic housing does not support the forces of the extension.

 

 

Does that mean if i mount only the gimbal without the plastic housing of the Gladiator Pro MK.II on a custom made steelplate it would be fine with a extension? Of coure with a acrylic cylindric housing to protect the gimbal against dust but been able to see it and access it easily. The housing with the buttons gets the place besides my throttle unit.

[Sokol1_br]

Does that mean if i mount only the gimbal without the plastic housing of the Gladiator Pro MK.II on a custom made steelplate it would be fine with a extension?

 

If you already had a Gladiator PRO MK.I or II, seems doable. If not buy a Gunfighter.

 

But don't try use extension + 1KG Warthog grip + 2 heavy springs per axis like someone did and ending bending the gimbal - what leads VKB to develop the more reinforced Gunfighter gimbal... that someone already manage to break - an screw, with that nasty combination in their "Quest for Real Feel". :joystick: :D

 

https://s26.postimg.org/ps2wme1nd/VKB_broken.jpg

Edited September 30, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[Davee]

Well said, Sokol!

 

Here's the final production sample (without labels) of the MCG (non-Pro) mounted on a Gunfighter base. You can see that the grip's head received some texturing, and the spots to receive label inscriptions have been spared and raised.

 

I will be placing my order tomorrow but . . . . . I have to say that I prefer the smooth finish. The rough "metal" look gives me a crude image feel. Unfinished if you will. Also, a dust collector in which we do not need. :)

 

Cats . . .

[Mars Exulte]

@sokol

I think they said that it's basically ok to use the Gladiators, they just don't recommend it for extensions because of those special few at the back of the bus who managed to destroy them. If you're not overly abusive or going crazy it should be ok no matter what you're doing.

 

My dad always snapped the triggers off his joysticks and cried shoddy design, but oddly I never have that problem even with the flimsy ones lol

[Akatsuki]

On the EU website it is announced for January 2018:

 

MCG production is still being finalized. Sorry that it takes longer than expected but we cannot afford to issue any product on the market with known flaws until everything is fixed and polished as much as possible. It is expected to start offer it for EU customers in January 2018. All models will be available supporting sockets of Black Mamba, Gunfighter (rev.A and rev.B) and, even, Thrustmaster Warthog base. For some older sockets it may require pre-ordering but it is not yet needed. More information will come by the end of the year.

https://flightsimcontrols.com/2017/09/gladiator-mk-ii-is-now-available-for-eu-gunfighter-and-mcg-news/

[aaron886]

My dad always snapped the triggers off his joysticks and cried shoddy design

 

Was that back when they were made of wood? :smilewink:

[Sokol1_br]

Is that case, "people being people" always find a way to broken something supposed "bullet proof" :)

[RUS38]

Well said, Sokol!

 

Here's the final production sample (without labels) of the MCG (non-Pro) mounted on a Gunfighter base. You can see that the grip's head received some texturing, and the spots to receive label inscriptions have been spared and raised.

 

IMHO label spots should be recessed not raised just like on the real grip. Looks better as well.

[Bourrinopathe]

IMHO label spots should be recessed not raised just like on the real grip. Looks better as well.

 

Agreed. I would have preferred it that way too. But maybe there's a very good reason for that (at least the material is not weakened in the process).

Still, the MCG looks stunning and we have the best of both worlds with plenty of multi-directional hats, a pinky/ring finger button, and a very nice palm rest.

 

I can't wait to get lost in programming all that to make it trigger crazy things. :D

Edited September 30, 2017 by Bourrinopathe

[Fri13]

I'm looking for a stick and base option for both flying helicopters (no spring, and easy to swap) and flying fixed wing... I currently have Thrust master Warthog. Any suggestions?

 

As I found out in this thread, with VKB you can remove the spring effect and add friction so that stick stays where you leave it. So it is great for helicopter as it is next best thing after FF cyclic.

 

BUt it ain't so fast to do the change so you don't want to swap in flight the setting. After all you as well want to have the long extension for helicopter cyclic and short/none for fighter jet.

 

liked the idea of having my controls desk mounted like the drop down mounts from Virpil and adding stick extensions.

 

I was looking at either the VKB stick and base or the Virpil one, Ideally I would like 1 base and just have the modularity to install new stick grips as time goes on IE: Must work with the new F-18 grip from thrustmaster coming out for example.

 

I want an american fighter stick grip (f/a-18, warthog [already have])

 

Russian fighter stick grip (for flying SU-27, and Migs and KA-50, etc...)

 

WW2 stick grip (for flying stick and rudder WW2 planes)

 

Any suggestions? Must be as cost efficient too other than buying the individual grips to fit onto the very functional base.

 

Wouldn't then the best choice simply go for a base that supports TM grips, and then get this MCG-TM variant that is as well compatible with the TM base. You lose the change to use analog axis on two in grip as TM base doesn't support so many.

[Fri13]

Agreed. I would have preferred it that way too. But maybe there's a very good reason for that (at least the material is not weakened in the process).

Still, the MCG looks stunning and we have the best of both worlds with plenty of multi-directional hats, a pinky/ring finger button, and a very nice palm rest.

 

I can't wait to get lost in programming all that to make it trigger crazy things. :D

 

The VKB has done great job for adapting the Su-57 grip and then giving them enough creative permissions to add more features for it than in the real thing, only to create a more flexible choice for many simulations.

 

I have now two favorite "HOTAS manufacturers" (neither one released the throttle yet) and they are VKB and Virpil.

 

It is like something that bigger and older companies should have listened long time ago, but it was only the Logitech that tried to do something "general"and with FF even, with their G940 (but failed somewhat with the quality and capabilities).

 

While Saitek has had nice HOTAS systems, they somewhat has lacked the buttons, but offered the axis.

 

My recommendations are currently these two manufacturers for different kind people, depending now even more when the F-18 comes out that does someone want TM grip for it?

[tintifaxl]

Still hoping for a better gimbal from TM for the Warthog - maybe when the F/A-18 grip comes out.

[WindyTX]

I will say from.my experience I would not advise using the warthog sticktop for Helo flying, you have to put the friction up too high due to the weight of the stick top.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Hoffster]

I will say from.my experience I would not advise using the warthog sticktop for Helo flying, you have to put the friction up too high due to the weight of the stick top.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

With a long extension i guess?

[WindyTX]

Yep sorry should have added that but evwn without it wants to lean so i am waiting for the Pro, it cants forward about 10 degrees.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Hoffster]

Yep sorry should have added that but evwn without it wants to lean so i am waiting for the Pro, it cants forward about 10 degrees.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

Interesting, what kind of cam and springs are you running? I was thinking about getting the gunfighter and use the wh grip before eventualy buying the new grip.

[rrohde]

Pre-ordering went live a day early... :thumbup: