TM Warthog or Virpil

[Ifikratis]

Hi all,

 

I would like to invest on a good HOTAS system. I'm between the TM Warthog and the new Virpil flightstick and throttle. I am aware that the Virpil has metallic base design and thus seems of higher mechanism quality however I'm not a fan of Russian jets, and thus their Russian joystick design is a little annoying to me as I do not fly Russian jets. Also the TM joystick is metal versus plastic from Virpil.

 

However, the Virpil solution will cost me double the money of the TM HOTAS. So I would like to ask you guys if you think that the cost is justifying for what you get compared to the TM system.

 

Thank you very much for your time!

[dburne]

It is definitely a large step up from the Warthog.

Once I got my Virpil stick, my trusty Warthog stick got retired. I am still using the Warthog throttle.

 

Be aware the Virpil T-50 setup is designed to be mounted, not desk top use.

Their new WarBRD stick is designed for desk top use.

 

One advantage is it uses the same pin layout and connector type as the Warthog, so if you can get your hands on a Warthog grip you could easily use that on the Virpil base. You would however lose the axis on the paddle that the Virpil grip has.

[thrustvector]

gotta ask, everyone seems to want the hog stick on the other base why, if youre paying that much is the stick rubbish?

[sea2sky]

Hi all,

 

I would like to invest on a good HOTAS system. I'm between the TM Warthog and the new Virpil flightstick and throttle.

 

 

I was debating that too, but eventually got Virpil base for my TM stick. I believe that is the best combo, enjoying it big time. Virpil stick looks cool too, but to be honest nothing feels as good as the metal TM stick. The first thing that got to my mind when I tried it - it feels like holding a real gun. And of course there is a huge difference in the bases. Warthog's base is just an awful product all the way thought.

 

 

[Buckeye]

gotta ask, everyone seems to want the hog stick on the other base why, if youre paying that much is the stick rubbish?

 

Because the design of the base (i.e. the gimbal) of the Warthog is awful :thumbup:

 

The grip is fine.

[BitMaster]

The TM stick is not optimal around center if you like Helicopters.

 

 

I do not own the other ones but would not buy the TM again because of this and a few other things that I think are better done on the others.

The statements I have read lead me to that conclusion, from Pilots who own both usually.

 

 

edit: A stick extension is a solution to fix some of the TM's shortcomings with smoothness and precision around center. I think I should get one too once I mount my joystick, which is LONG overdue

Edited July 31, 2018 by BitMaster

[dburne]

gotta ask, everyone seems to want the hog stick on the other base why, if youre paying that much is the stick rubbish?

 

Not everyone really, there are several of us running the Virpil grip on the Virpil base. And the grip I certainly would not consider rubbish.

I personally really like it after getting adjusted to it, and especially like having that paddle as an axis also.

 

Granted after using the Warthog for several years, then going to the Virpil with the plastic grip it just does not have that "feel" of cold hard metal. But I adjusted to it fairly quickly and have not been tempted to throw my Warthog grip on my T-50 base.

 

The only thing I really miss - with the Warthog grip I would use the paddle as a modifier button. That I really liked. The paddle on the Virpil is larger and forward leaning more, so would not be comfortable using that as a modifier - but I gained an axis instead. Virpil grip really does not have to me a button that would be that comfortable for me in using as a modifier as I had with the Warthog paddle. I can and do use the pinky button, but the way it is oriented to the left makes it a little awkward trying to hold it in and reach the buttons on right hand side of grip.

 

But even with that, still I would not change out my Virpil grip.

Edited July 31, 2018 by dburne

[Ifikratis]

Thank you very much guys. Seems like I will go with the Virpil option. Thanks for the very useful input.