TM Warthog vs MS FFB 2

[Reflected]

I have a very ,very old Microsoft Sidewinder 2, and really love it. It’s starting to develop some spikes and at times I wish it had more buttons. I already have a Warthog throttle, and I’m really playing with the thought of buying the stick too. I have this feeling though, that no matter how cool it is, I will really miss the feeling of flight the FFB 2 is giving me. I’m a glider pilot and an analog guy in general, and I love to feel the airflow over the conrol surfaces. Is there anyone who tried both with DCS? Any advice please?

[Abburo]

Me, tried both, and also a Logitech G940. Warthog is more precise of course, MSFFB2 and G940 more immersive for WW2 planes and helis.

 

For your case I would recommend you wait until autumn and buy a Gunfighter with MCG Pro handle. Warthog have some strange behavior on centering, so that transition through middle requires some extra forces to be applied (I am not very happy with this) .

 

FFB should be a must have, unfortunately not available on any new product.

[Quadg]

i had a sidewinder2 back in the day.

i threw it away..

dont ask.

 

now i have a warthog.

 

the warthog is a good stick but its a little too A10c specialised.

its stiff so you dont keep knocking autopilot off looking down into the cockpit.

its stiff because most of the time you will trim the a10 rather than fly it.

its stiff because most of the time you will be using the joystick buttons, rather than the joystick.

 

so yeah its stiff.

 

getting an extension or taking the return spring out are two ways to reduce the stiffness for aircraft that need you to actually fly them.

like most of the aircraft in DCS.

 

 

so your hand wont go numb after 40 minutes of cruise in the huey.

and small accurate movements become possible.

 

the warthog with the spring removed actually feels like a sidewinder2 on a game with no FFB support.. probably why i have stopped here and not got an extension.

[Abburo]

So, as Quadq emphasize here... you better wait for Gunfighter with MCG which seems to be the best allrounder joysitck platform nowdays. Better then Warthog also.

[Reflected]

Wow, the Gunfighter MCG looks awesome. But it's still not FFB, right? Wouldn't I miss it?

[Abburo]

No FFB ... and nothing official to be released .

But there is a topic for a DIY FFB functionality (programming and hardware build) that is currently evolving in this forum. I also hope one day to have a Gunfighter with FFB.... until then I am sure that VKB have the best joystick option in the market... at least for now.

[BitMaster]

I own both and a few more and the MS is no comparison to the TM gear tho it misses the FF functions.

 

Depending on what airframe you play that makes a BIG difference or none at all.

 

If I had to buy again I would buy the VKB stick/base tbh. have a look at their gear.

[BitMaster]

 

 

so your hand wont go numb after 40 minutes of cruise in the huey.

and small accurate movements become possible.

 

the warthog with the spring removed actually feels like a sidewinder2 on a game with no FFB support.. probably why i have stopped here and not got an extension.

 

 

 

For 5 days now my right arm is damn sore since I played too long that one night, Mi-8 for hours.

 

The springs are killer, even more if the setup is such that you dont have the most comfortable way of placing them for you..aka desk instead of true placing and extension.

 

When you buy, think about the extension right away...I need to get that and replace my gear so I dont ruin my right arm. ALmost cant do anything for days cuz of that :(

[Quadg]

taking the spring out takes 5 minutes and is totally reversible.

my arm loved me for it :)

 

and because there is no change to dimensions, you don't need to change anything else.

 

i use a racing seat and sit on the warthog base between my legs.

making it longer would ruin this position.

i have all my other controls on three coffee tables that perfectly fit my seat.

 

so a fix for the warthog that does not break other things, is why the spring removal beats the extension. for me.

 

its also the free option :)

 

as abburo said though. the MCG does look like a good alternative if you are in the market.

less buttons than the warthog but a much better base system.

so reflected, go for that if you can afford it :)

 

i may try the base with the warthog stick in future. (if they make the adaptor they were talking about)

[Reflected]

When is the MCG coming out? Is it likely to be sold out immediately?

[Quadg]

as to FFB,

it was essential in the old days. because ffb gave you cues that the sim could not give you in any other way.

 

that's not the case in dcs.

with flow sounds and cockpit vibrations, head movement, levels of breathing and blackout.

you get lots of cues as to what state the aircraft is in.

so FFB is not as essential as it used to be.

and I don't miss it as much as i thought i would.

 

yes it would be nice :) riding the edge of a stall is easier with stick shake..

[Nooch]

I had a FFB2 until it broke last fall and frankly I would say go for a Warthog. The force feedback provides unmatched realism, it's true but having such a small amount of buttons is very annoying when flying modern aircrafts. It was a big deal for me. Had to rebind every hotas function to an awkward, non-intuitive keyboard key combination...

[eekz]

Depends on aircraft you fly.

I had both Warthog and FFB2. FFB2 is good (imho better feeling and all) for WWII era and Helicopters, Warthog fits well for modern jets. For older jets (like Mig-15 or F86) it's a matter of taste. I prefer FFB2.

 

Considering the fact that I'm stick to WWII era I stopped at FFB2 and sold Warthog. If I was modern jets guy, would do vise versa.

 

Also, depends on FFB2 condition. I have well used one and almost new one, and it's tremendous difference in accuracy around the center.

 

So, summarizing i would advice the following:

1. If you fly WWII or Helicopters mostly - go for FFB2 and chose one in good condition.

2. If you fly modern jets mostly - go for Warthog

3. If you fly A10C mostly - there should no be a single question :)

Edited May 25, 2017 by eekz