Should I get Warthog stick with FSSB R3 mod, Gunfighter, or Mongoose?

[ElCuco68]

I've already got the TM Warthog throttle, and I want to get my last stick; the one I'll be happiest with for the duration, cost not being a big factor. Which of the 3 is the best choice, considering performance, most precise, most fun to use, most versatile, etc. I've heard really good things about the FSSB R3 mod: http://www.realsimulator.com/html/fssb_r3_lighting.html

Or, should I try to get them to sell this: http://www.realsimulator.com/html/fssb_r3_warthog.html

, if there's even a difference?

[Ssnake51]

Betwee those two better to get the lighting. It is basically an updated warthog.

[Stingray 537 Mongo]

If I'm seeing that link right, for the lightning, it requires you to already have a wa rthog stick right?

 

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[Lobinjaevel]

Yes, but the Virpil T-50 grip works aswell

 

Edit: You don't need the base, only the grip itself

Edited August 1, 2018 by Lobinjaevel
Clarifying!

[sea2sky]

From my own experience - I can only tell that TM base is a terrible product. Buy a hog stick with a broken gimbals and a brand new T-50 base - you will love that setup.

[Ranma13]

You can only buy the FSSB R3 Lighting version, the Warthog version is intended for commercial customers. As far as I can tell, there's no difference between the two. As for the sticks you can use with the FSSB R3, you can use either the Warthog stick or the MongoosT-50. Because it's a force sensor, a lot of stress is applied to the stick, and the Warthog stick holds up a bit better. The plastic of the MongoosT-50 will flex on the FSSB R3 base when you really start putting some force on it.

[ElCuco68]

So I could get the lightning and the T-50 grip and be all set? I don't need the bottom plate, or I can just machine one (I've got a milling machine) ? Or better yet, a Warthog stick, due to the plastic issue you mentioned with the Mongoose? Does TM sell just the sticks?

Edited August 1, 2018 by ElCuco68

[ElCuco68]

From my own experience - I can only tell that TM base is a terrible product. Buy a hog stick with a broken gimbals and a brand new T-50 base - you will love that setup.

I've heard that about the gimbals, and that the TM stick is more solid than the T-50 stick. I'm wondering if the Lightning base or the T-50 base would be better with that stick?

[Ssnake51]

I've heard that about the gimbals, and that the TM stick is more solid than the T-50 stick. I'm wondering if the Lightning base or the T-50 base would be better with that stick?

 

What kind of simming do you do? Do you only fly jets? Or do you also fly helis or space sims? The lighting is best for jet sims. If you play a wide variety of sims then the T-50 would be a better choice.

[ElCuco68]

Mainly jets, but i can always use an old Sidewinder, or a yoke for the non-shooting planes (x-plane, FSX) .

[BaD CrC]

Flying with the FSSB R3 will require you to learn again how to fly your aircraft. It is awesome to use but for a few weeks/month, expect to get back to noob level.

[Ranma13]

So I could get the lightning and the T-50 grip and be all set? I don't need the bottom plate, or I can just machine one (I've got a milling machine) ? Or better yet, a Warthog stick, due to the plastic issue you mentioned with the Mongoose? Does TM sell just the sticks?

 

You will need to mount the FSSB R3 base somehow. Given the forces involved, there is no way to use it as a table-top joystick, and even a table mount is iffy (though possible). It uses the Warthog plate's inner mounting pattern, so you can mount it to whatever supports that pattern. Thrustmaster will sell you just the stick by itself, but you will have to contact them through their customer support to do so (which is how I got mine). I suspect that they're selling refurbished sticks though, as mine came with some minor cosmetic damage. Though you can use the T-50 stick with the R3 base, I would recommend lowering the required force to reach 100%. At the default setting of 8.50 lb for pitch, I can definitely feel the plastic flexing once I'm near the limit.

[Boris]

In my opinion, from a realism standpoint, the only reason to get the FSSB R3 is if you want to fly aircraft that have a force-sensing stick in real life (the F-16 comes to mind).

 

All of the current aircraft in DCS have flight sticks that are moved physically and are mounted between the legs.

 

I would recommend the Mongoos T-50 base, as it's easier to obtain than the VKB-Sim base, offers a similar level of high quality and offers plug and play support for Thrustmaster sticks (Warthog & hopefully Hornet). It also allows the use of extensions and is centrally mounted with the use of the separately sold desk-mount or a custom solution.

The base and stick can be bought separately.

 

The Mongoos stick is made of plastic but is of very high quality. The fact that it's plastic is only a potential problem on a force sensing base where excess force is applied.

 

Thrustmaster has been know to sell stand-alone Warthog grips upon request.

[Supmua]

I can’t say enough good things about FSSB R3 Lighting. This and Warthog grip is my preferred gear for flying jets. I did not have much learning curve to go through compared to gimbal stick and I find the control to be very precise. Actually the force I have to apply to FSSB at default setting is greater than what’s required to move the plane with my VKB Gunfighter II.

 

 

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Edited August 3, 2018 by Supmua

[chief]

I had the Saitek x65 and loved it. Wish Saitek never discontinued it

[chief]

Just taking a look at pricing. 450 euros for the Lighting? Do you get the stick too or just the base cause that's bloody pricey!

[Ranma13]

It's just the base. It uses a force sensor, which is why it's so costly.

[chief]

Well my x65 was 400 but and I got the throttle and stick with it! 625 Cdn for just a base is crazy! Virpil it will be!

[ams999]

It definitely is expensive but to me, it is worth it. I have both the FSSB R3 and the Gunfighter 2 with MCG Pro and if I could have only one I would go with the FSSB.

[norbot]

I'm also thinking about buying an FSSB R3. But somewhere I have read that the force-sensor is very sensitive to shocks and can be easily damaged. Can anyone confirm this from those who already have an FSSB R3? :huh:

[ams999]

I just know that it has a max allowed pressure and you can destroy the sensors if exceeded.

It has the settings 6 lbs and 13 lbs, max allowed force 20 lbs. Stock is 6 lbs, which I use. Also, don't use extensions as the longer lever may exceed allowed force more easily.

Don't know about shock and it's not mentioned on their website so I guess you have to reference that 'somewhere' for that.

So, yes, you can destroy it but I guess that goes for everything on my desk...

[ElCuco68]

Sounds like the Lightning is the one to get. I want to buy my last stick, so I'd might as well get the best right off the bat. So, the FSSB R3 Lightning with the Warthog stick for jets, my old Microsoft Sidewinder if I ever decide to play with space sims (doubtful), a yoke for X-Plane.

 

By the way, Ive been looking at different things for expanding cockpit control without going too crazy initially. I'll probably eventually get the TM MFDs and some inexpensive displays, but in the meanwhile, is there something i could use that would allow me to use my android phones, touchscreen laptop, or a separate touchscreen monitor to control the MFDs, CDU, various other buttons like the one set right below the HUD in the A10C? I've heard of Helios and a couple others, but I'm having trouble determining what these programs actually do, and how to use them.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I've got all 3 sticks, and you're not going to go too far wrong with any of them. I would say it's very much down to personal preference as each have their advantages.

 

• FSSB R3: very precise and great for jets. As has been said it will take time to get used to. Less suited for helis and prop planes, but still works. Mine was fixed, never tried it desk mounted. Never use an extension with it.
  
• Gunfighter: My current favourite. The tiny base is well made and has a good throw. Springs can be swapped to adjust force, but it can be a fiddle. Best out of the 3 for helis. I find the dry clutches useful too (see below).
  
• Mongoost: X and Y stick forces easily adjusted independently with a screw driver. Variety of cams to adjust force profile. Large base can make mounting difficult. I found the movement a little less smooth than the gun fighter.
  

 

I prefer high stick forces. The damping provided by the gunfighter dry clutches is useful in smoothing things out when making big movements.

 

Any questions let me know.

 

I'm also thinking about buying an FSSB R3. But somewhere I have read that the force-sensor is very sensitive to shocks and can be easily damaged. Can anyone confirm this from those who already have an FSSB R3? :huh:

 

Used mine for years with no issues.

[ElCuco68]

What would you say would work best for landing the Harrier, for example? That seems like something that demands the most from a stick (and, of course, skill).

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I’d say the gunfighter is best for harrier. The mongoost isn’t bad, but IMO there isn’t any reason to pick it over the gunfighter.

 

The exception is of course, if you particularly want to use a different grip, as the mongoost gunfighter requires adaptors.

Edited August 6, 2018 by Flamin_Squirrel
I'm an idiot