What are the benefits of grip extension?

[p6889k]

I'm thinking about upgrading from Microsoft Sidewinder joystick (without FFB) to either VKB Gunfighter or Gunfighter Pro. The Pro version comes with built in 8" grip extension. I fly only WWII airplanes at the moment. The 8" extension seems interesting as I can imagine it providing more precise flight control. The only thing steering me away from it is the fact that I would no longer be able to simply sit the flight stick on my desk and instead would need to figure out some alternative means of mounting to floor, chair, etc, which I would prefer not to do, unless the benefits of the extension are that significant. So what are your thoughts? How much difference does grip extension make for you?

 

Thank you.

[Phantom453]

I have a 9 cm extension for my Warthog stick and find it makes heaps of difference (use to it now I guess, as I've had it for quite a while 5+ years). I got it for two reasons:

 

1. Greater precision without the need to change curves etc. I found this particularly advantageous when learning to AAR with the A10-C. This was the main driver as to why I got it

2. I wanted to mount my Warthog throttle and joystick on platforms attached to either side of my chair. The extensions brought the grip up to the desired height.

 

The extension you are talking about is much longer than mine, so you probably will want to centre mount it in front of you. Something to work out but worth it (IMHO) in the long run.

 

I've enclosed a picture of my old set up (2014) with my first Warthog and my old chair, but my new chair/ HOTAS arrangement is very similar.

Edited January 31, 2018 by Phantom453

[molevitch]

I would say the difference is transformative, especially for ww2 planes. I have a TMWH which I extended by 20cm, using one of the techniques on the forums many years ago. I also made a pillar so it could be floor mounted between my knees using a floor plate made from MDF and a 40cm or so length of 150mm plastic pipe from a plumbers merchant. The pipe I fixed using 2 pipe end screw-off inspection hatches glued in and filed down to flat surfaces. Removed the heavy metal plate from the WH and drilled four matching holes in the top inspection hatch to mount the WH, and four holes in the hatch below to screw to the floor plate. Steady as a rock.

 

I am now all about the helos and cyclics, and my WH is gathering dust in a corner.... but its an easy enough mod to do yourself.

[dburne]

Agreed with the others, once I started using an extension center mounted I could not go back.

 

I have the Virpil setup with their own desk mount which works great.

Also have a Gunfighter Pro just waiting on being able to get the MCG Pro grip for it, I have a Monster Tech Mount coming for it.

[Mango]

+1 the extension makes landing WWII planes so much easier! In general, flying is just more fun.

 

Molevitch, can you post pictures of your mounting solution? I'm struggling to find one that is convenient and stable enough.

[p6889k]

Thank you all for your feedback, seems like it's worth it.