Equipment recommendation for noob

[Frapeforte]

Ok,

I just bought the F-18. Can anybody recommend the equipment (joystick/throttle/pedals)?

 

 

I currently have a MS Thrustmaster force feedback . I like this stick, but I want to have the best setup for the F-18.....

 

Thank you

 

Frapeforte

[whaaw]

I use the Thrustmaster Warthog, like it very much also for the f18

 

If you want to go full F18 maybe you should look into these threads:

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=235433

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=209079

 

but i think the best "Base" is the Warthog

 

 

For Pedals https://mfg.simundza.com/products MFG Crosswinds are very good, i bought them for Helo's they are very precise!

Edited April 16, 2019 by whaaw

[norbot]

That depends on how much money you want to spend. In any case you should buy a HOTAS system, else it won't be fun.

 

 

1. Cheaper: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-T-16000M-FCS-Hotas-PC/dp/B01H6KXGDY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=thrustmaster&qid=1555410448&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

2. Mid-range: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-Hotas-Warthog-Joystick-Throttle/dp/B00371R8P4/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=thrustmaster&qid=1555410546&s=gateway&sr=8-10

 

3. Higher quality: https://vkbcontrollers.com/ or https://virpil-controls.eu/ or http://mfg.simundza.com/blog/mfg-crosswind-graphite-color-option/ or http://realsimulator.com/html/fssb_r3_lighting.html

 

 

It's just about $$$ :D

[98abaile]

Cheap: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Joystick-PS3/dp/B007TL3GP4/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tflight%2Bhotas&qid=1555616175&s=gateway&sr=8-2&th=1

 

Mid range:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-T-16000M-FCS-Hotas-PC/dp/B01H6KXGDY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=thrustmaster&qid=1555410448&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

The warthog is high range (although it's really showing its age and design flaws now) but requires you to buy pedals. VKB and Virpil are very high end boutique pieces.

 

If money is no object, get the Virpil CM2 base with the T50CM2 grip and either get the Virpil throttle or try and get a warthog throttle and mod it with the replacement slew control (https://deltasimelectronics.com/). You'll then need to get pedals, either the new thrustmaster ones, preorder the virpil ones or order some from from MFG or Slaw.

 

If money is an issue however, my advice for new starters however is get the Tflight first (you never know, you may not like the hobby after a few weeks) and if you're not doing VR, your very next upgrade should be some sort of head tracking! Fancy joysticks beyond your first HOTAS won't make nearly as much of a difference as head tracking; it cannot be understated how much of a game changer it is to be able to look around (after you get used to it at least). You can but trackIR5 if you want an off the shelf solution, but for something cheaper, try trackhat or delanclip. You can also make your own if you want.

[A2597]

Depends on price.

Having used the HotasX on the F-18, I don't reccommend it. The T16000 stick and throttle will serve you much better, or a CH Fighterstick + TWCS.

 

 

Then head tracking for sure, Either make a freetrack setup or buy TrackIR.

 

 

 

And rudder pedals for immersion and toe breaks / ground steering. Way more immersive than twist stick.

[CBStu]

I am using the vkb Gladiator and think it is a great piece of equipment. Bought it from XPlane. The only downside was it's throttle is too small and hard to make fine adjustments w/ for carrier landings. So I bit the bullet and got the TM Warthog dual throttle. Someday I may try pedals but the twist grip on the vkb works well. I strongly second (or third?) TrackIR. No need for the supposedly better head piece since the basic reflector works just fine.