Recommendations on new stick base?

[pchRage]

I've had my warthog stick for many years and its starting to develop some play, especially from a "yaw" perspective.

 

 

I just put on the TM F-18 grip and re-using 7mm extension and its great...but...

 

 

I center stick with the F18grip for flying the f18 (occasional p51 and f15), and move it to side stick for f16 with the original warthog grip (I may just get a force-based side stick...but not to derail this thread!)

 

 

Ultimately, I like a strong center with zero play and no need for deadzones or curves in the axis tuning. No preference (I don't think) on either a linear or progression spring from 0 to full deflection.

 

 

 

I've read a bit about the Warbrd, T50, and VKB offering, but unsure what direction to take, if any.

[Gladman]

Virpil

[crash test pilot]

I second that. Love mine!

[Bob_Bushman]

Virpil t50 should be right up your alley, only option below the expensive FFB stuff that all your grips fit as well.

 

Been using mine, no play, no curves no additional deadzones.

No adjustment needed since I settled on my cams and spring setup.

Which was sometime summer 2018.

 

Only reason I have recalibrated since was due to changing grips and updating firmware.

[dburne]

VKB also has a nice offering with the new Gunfighter III that has just come out, and appears they still have some in stock. They also now offer two extension lengths, the original 200 mm curved which I use and love, and a 100mm straight extension.

 

I have been using a MK I Gunfighter with the 200 mm extension for some time now and love it, also just got the new Mk III with 200mm extension but have yet to set it up.

 

 

However one advantage you would have with Virpil would be able to fairly easily use your TM grip with their base, as they have the same pin out.

Edited January 2, 2020 by dburne

[imacken]

I have 2 Virpil WarBRD bases. One for my Warthog stock and the other for my Hornet stick. Chalk and cheese compared to the original TM base.

[VpR81]

Definately Virpil. VKB bases are very nice as well. But first of all they don't offer separate bases, you will have to buy the complete stick what directly disqualified them for me. Also they have different connectors as stated above and you won't be able to use your TM grips. Unless you install a VKB-TM adaptor into your grips, but these are difficult to get as they're always sold out. Also this willl void the warranty of your new F/A-18 grip, as the grips have to be disassembled.

 

For sidestick use i'd recommend the WarBRD base, as it is meant for desptock/sidestick use while the T-50 base has less deflection and is suited for center mounted use with extensions. The WarBRD base has about the same deflection as the TM base has, just with softer springs and center. I use the WarBRD base with the original WH grip side mounted as well as the TM base with extension and F/A-18 grip center mounted. If my TM base starts to show some play or even breaks i will definately get a T-50, no doubt. I'm absolutely happy with the quality of the WarBRD base and the T-50 is said to be even better.

Edited January 2, 2020 by VpR81

[BlacleyCole]

Replace the spring with a heavy one

[pchRage]

thanks for the feedback. I see some recommend the warbrd, some the T50, some "virpil" and some VKB. hmmmm. :-)

 

 

 

Something new I learned with that the Virpil bases require an adapter.

[streakeagle]

For the record, I use my Warthog and F/A-18C grips just fine with the VKB base, but you have to buy and install the adapters that bolt on and replace the Thrustmaster connector. So the Virpil might be more convenient/cheaper with separate bases that are natively compatible with the Thrustmaster grips, but the VKB is awesome hardware with great supporting software.

 

I have two Gunfighter MkII bases that I just upgraded to MkIII bases and have every single grip I could possibly use with them: MCG Pro, SCG Pro, KG12, adapted Warthog, adapted F/A-18C, and I have the VKB F-14 grip on preorder. The "feel" and precision of the VKB can't be beat. There are cams, springs, and dampers to meet most people's preferences. I personally like harder springs and soft detent cams when using the extensions. It centers well, but the stick forces are still light enough for precision movements: no Warthog "stiction" or bumps crossing the axis centers.

[VpR81]

Something new I learned with that the Virpil bases require an adapter.

 

They don't. VKB bases do and it's basicaly a different connector, making it necessary to remove the original connector and wire the new one to your TM grips. It's not that kind of adapter you just install between grip and base. And these adapters are difficult to get as stated above, since they're all the time out of stock. If you're willing to do so and comfortable with buying base+grip in a bundle, VKB is propably a better choice than Virpil. If you want uncomplicated compatibility to your TM grips and purchase a base only, Virpil is.

[javelina1]

a long while back, I swapped out the original TM base with the WarBRD. It's been a great, solid, and very responsive addition. would highly recommend.

[pchRage]

Thanks for clarifying all that VpR81.

 

 

 

Does anyone have both the WarBrd and the T50 base that can comment on their relative centering/cams?

[Durham]

Virpil - the base is excellent, the desktop mounting system works well, and the ability to hotswap the two TM sticks (Warthog, Hornet) with their own stick closes the deal.

[imacken]

Virpil - the base is excellent, the desktop mounting system works well, and the ability to hotswap the two TM sticks (Warthog, Hornet) with their own stick closes the deal.

 

I was very concerned about the long term effects (on the connectors) of 'hotswapping' my Hornet and Warthog sticks, so I bought 2 WarBRD bases!