Alpha or MongoosT Grip?

[Ram69]

Howdy. Now that I'm getting back into DCS, I'm looking to upgrade my trusty ole' X-52 Pro and start building a bit of a Virpil collection. Longer term, I'll be looking toward an AH-64D set up if they end up producing grips for that one. 

For now, I'd like to start with something that can serve me as a more all-around option for things like the A-10C II, the KA-50, Huey, that I have already and some jet or another in the future (F-14/16/18). 

I'm waffling a bit between the MongoosT or Alpha Grip. Which do you think might be the better all-rounder option? For anyone who has used both or made a decision one way or the other, what are your feelings on either or both of these grips in this context? 

 

I'll also pick up the CM3 Throttle when I make this initial purchase, and will look to pick up the collective side of things down the line once I can wait and see if they do anything AH-64D specific. 

The only other thing I'm waffling on right now is whether to go desktop (warbird base) for now, or go ahead and get go the desk-mounted option with an extension arm, etc. 

 

Thanks for any opinions and observations in advance

[speed-of-heat]

I use the Alpha; it’s a. Wry good stick and I would happily recommend it

[Boosterdog]

I have an original T50CM Grip which I like very much and which replaced a warthog and a sidewinder.  The CM2 has considerable functionality in the number of hat switches with a press function and is highly flexible in terms of what it can cover as a result.  

The T50CM grip IS NOT designed for desktop use. I cant remember if the warthog base would further limit it but, between the two bases (used both in a long stick manner), like the Virpil more as, to me, its a little more tunable with interchangable cams, springs and tension adjustment. 

The T50 feels big in the hand (o er missus) compared to other sticks and I would say its probably not a ergonomic as as US inspired grip but it does offer a lot in terms of available buttons and is not uncomforatable to use.  

On balance however, if I were to upgrade I would choose the Alpha is it offers enought switches to cover targeting, trim and countermesures (especially if used with a decent throttle) in a slightly better ergonomic package.  

[Ram69]

Really appreciate your opinions. 

I'm considering the cm2 base, but not sure if that'll come at some point in the future or as part of this purchase. Just wrestling with the idea of then needing a desk mount, adapter, and extension along with it. I want the extension, personally, especially later when I plan to spend all of my time in the AH-64D. 

I have a sit/stand desk that I can take from 25" on up. If I did go with the CM2 grip and warbird base, it might not be ideal, but I think I can get around it, so long as I can still get my knees under the desk  

I don't have real beefy or large hands, so ergo is attractive on the alpha. I'm curious if you have any opinions on which one might have the better options for buttons and hats/sticks? I'm also looking for a good zoom option to use along with my Trackir, as I've wrestled with that and never had something that felt seamless for zooming with my current set up. Was curious if that brake lever on the CM2 would be a good/workable option for that, or what you think on that front between the two grips? 

Finally, if I go the CM2 base route, do you feel the upgrade is worth it in terms of the play of the stick with an extension on this base, vs desktop w/ the warbird? Is the short v4 mount and short extension enough, or would you recommend the long mount and long extension, if you have any experience with either? 

 

Thanks, again. 

[Boosterdog]

@ram69 .You havent mentioned rudder/ anti torque pedals - only the Alpha has a twist axis so that may be your deciding factor (although Id personally say get some pedals if you are able financially and physically able to)  You get a few more buttons on the CM2 but there are enough options to cover the bases of DCS on the alpha I think plus you get the option of a x/y axis thumb stick which is useful (although this is a feature of a lot of throttles too).

Zoom. The brake lever is much more useful as a brake lever IMHO since if its assigned to zoom, you'll have to hold it there whilst you may alos be trying to press other buttons. A good few modules in DCS do not have rudder pedal braking as an option so the granular analog action is a useful thing. Having to think about the way a function on a button performs between modules is a road to madness. The more conmon definates you can use, the better. 

You can use the Z axis of the TIR to fulful the zoom function (in axis settings) but you loose "TrueView", thats the off centre neck movment as you look over your six, if you do. Ive gone back to using Stick buttons for zoom as its a lot more conforatble that constantly leaning forward, adjusting cruves and carefully setting the TIR graphs so as not to push you face through the HUD. Range of movment in the cockit is also greater if you keep TIR as per its default in the game.  The scroll wheel on the Alpha would seem to be a good zoom option leaving 3X4 axis plus push Hats for the important stuff and a 3 buttons for the other stuff (designate, weapons release and a knock it off switch).  DCS can also add modifiers from the stick. I use the flip trigger as modifier in certain circumstances to increase the functionality of buttons/hats for less common/once per mission actions.

The base and extension will be a great upgrade for helos and WW2 aircraft especially with its optional cams to make the stick more cyclic like (i still prefer a definate centre as I used to the trim and centre method in the game). Its not impossible to fly helos with a short sticks, I did for a couple of years and Im sure many still do very well but a longer throw will give you finer control without the need for curves or dimished saturation in the axis to complicate things. The big but here comes with the F16 and other FBW jets where a long throw can feel a little odd (but not totally immersion breaking).

If you love Helos, you wont say with the Apache for long anyhow.........The glorious and oddly beautiuous Mil8 will lure you away and you will never return..........came for Hellfires- Stayed for the Heavy Lift 

Edited November 25, 2021 by Boosterdog

[Ram69]

Thanks for that. I have some old CH pedals that'll hold me over for now on that front  

I may just go with the Wardbird base for now and look to get the cm2 one with extension, etc later on down the line, if/when Virpil do some AH-64D grips and I decide to add that to my kit. I'll end up spending 50% more as a result, but it may be a decent idea to have two bases longer-term, from what I've read, so I can more easily go from a heli set up to a jet one, when desired. 

[Ram69]

If interested, I opted for the t-50 base and alpha grip, along w the v4 L desk mount, adapter, and extension stick, and the T-50 throttle. 

Now, the waiting game begins

[Buhli]

Alpha here, love it!

[HC_Official]

I own both grips , I would recommend the CM2 grip over the Alpha grip IF you are using a mount , for desktop use Alpha is shorter and better suited to that

Edited December 3, 2021 by HC_Official

[imacken]

I have owned both sticks, and couldn’t get on with the CM2 grip. Levers and switches just seemed awkward compared to the ergonomically pleasing Alpha grip. I have my Alpha on a Virpil desk mount and it is a joy to use. 

[Baldrick33]

How does the brake lever function as an axis compare between the VPC Contactless Sensor in the Alpha and the analog version in the CM2? Thinking of the experience in the Mosquito and Spitfire. I prefer the design of the Alpha Prime but just want to be sure the brake lever works reasonably as a progressive lever.

[imacken]

Well, the Alpha brake lever always worked nicely for me for brakes on the Spitfire, and now, the Prime lever works even more nicely for me!

[Baldrick33]

50 minutes ago, imacken said:

Well, the Alpha brake lever always worked nicely for me for brakes on the Spitfire, and now, the Prime lever works even more nicely for me!

Brilliant! Thanks for the prompt reply