F/A-18 grip is $140.82 before tax and free ship for prime but is it worth it?

[neoshi]

Posted this in hardware sub originally because i forgot we have a TM sub.

Saw the TM F/A-18 grip show up on woot here: https://computers.woot.com/offers/gaming-thrustmast-f-a-18-grip-add-on-1?utm_medium=share&utm_source=app

 

$140.82 before tax and free shipping for Amazon Prime members. 

 

Think it's worth it at this price? I do have the Hornet module... But I've seen a lot of posts about issues with switches.

[Mr_sukebe]

I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and really like it.  Have tried the TM F16 grip and didn’t really rate it in comparison 

[Dunx]

I have had mine for around 2.5 years and still prefer it to the original A-10 grip.

Likes

• Extra weight provides more accuracy
• Prefer layout and types of buttons and switches
• Ability to fly (cruise/formation) with hand resting on top of the stick

Issues

• Grip had mechanical y-axis movement (slight wobble), I rejected TM's RMA request - solved: tightened screws, added wooden wedge
• Trigger switch second detent is "sticky" on release - unresolved
• Castle switch "push" action lacks feedback - unresolved
• Paint degrading under where palm rests to reveal grey metal - unresolved: I like the look and feel
• Red weapon release button out of reach - unresolved (currently desk mounted, needs proper mount)

The TM base is not so good. It has approximately 4 degrees of mechanical rotational movement which I have not been able to resolve. Will replace with Virpil base when I build simpit.

I paid £189.00 (approximately $260.00).

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

As usual you only read issues on forums, none starts a thread saying "I'm happy with this stick".

I like the stick, it's also the replica for Harrier, F15C and f15e. 

It also fits quite well the f14. 

[Supmua]

No issue with mine.  At that price it is really a great deal.

[rob10]

It's my go to grip.  Seems like there are some issues with a current batch or two judging by the posts here, but I've had mine since they came out and it works great.  I like the feel of it over the A-10/F-16 grip personally.

[Hempstead]

$142, USD? Mind you, Amazon is selling it for USD$299!

I pre-ordered and paid something like $225. My only gripe was it’s too expensive for a plastic body stick. I would be happier if it were about USD $150. Guess you got a good deal.

[BuzzU]

It depends on what plane you fly. It's a Hornet stick and it's perfect for flying the Hornet. It's one switch short for flying the Viper or Hog.

Going the other way the Hog grip work perfect for the Hog and Viper and I like it for the Hornet too because it has the extra switch which works perfect for zoom.

 

So, it's a personal choice. If all I flew was the Hornet i'd want the Hornet grip. Although the WinWing Orion is a much better choice than the Warthog HOTAS with Hornet grip.

[Steel Jaw]

I hear that it is not good for desktop flying due to the angle of the stick, bit great if mounted between the legs.

[Hempstead]

7 hours ago, Steel Jaw said:

I hear that it is not good for desktop flying due to the angle of the stick, bit great if mounted between the legs.

It’s not that bad. I even used it for mining in Elite Dangerous, that tedious bit of grind, placed on my desk. You just have hold your stick lightly instead of death grip like a lot of noobs would. Death grip would indeed make you “feel” the wrong angle.  But I have to admit that I bought two sets of TM flying clamps for it in a side stick configuration (for both F16 and F18, and no the center is occupied by Boeing yoke).

 

[Steel Jaw]

From this thread there appears to be quality control issues.

[neoshi]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess i might just keep it and give it a try, though my wife keeps asking when I'm going to return it lol. Fingers crossed the wcs will be ok.

[Cerulean]

Just personal preference, but I prefer the A10/F16 grip.  I like the three larger 4 way hats.

[Baldrick33]

Another one returned due to a sticking WSS here.

I didn’t feel it was as well constructed as the A10/F16 grip and found the switches a bit too “clacky”

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

On 1/24/2022 at 10:30 PM, Baldrick33 said:

Another one returned due to a sticking WSS here.

I didn’t feel it was as well constructed as the A10/F16 grip and found the switches a bit too “clacky”

In my case the second stage trigger feels clacky, other than that, very happy. 

[Burt]

Was wondering if anybody get one of these and if it’s legit.

Thx

Edited February 7, 2022 by Burt

[Cab]

On 1/16/2022 at 10:56 AM, Steel Jaw said:

I hear that it is not good for desktop flying due to the angle of the stick, bit great if mounted between the legs.

Exactly this.

I have one and love it, but I have it mounted as a center stick on my chair, low enough that my right arm lightly rests on my leg. I would not use it mounted too high such as on a desk, or as a side stick. 

[Mr_sukebe]

No issues with mine. Love it.  Very very tactile 

[Papercut]

Mine has been excellent, and is the grip I like the best of those I own (the Warthog grip, two Virpil grips and the RS Viper grip). The buttons and switches feel fantastic. The grip is great for the Hornet, Harrier and the upcoming Mudhen, and works well with all the older aircrafts. For the Viper and the Hog an F-16 style grip is better suited though. It does deserve a better base than the WH, and upgrading the base to a Virpil is something I would recommend doing first (assuming you have a WH grip), as that will make a much bigger difference. 

[BuzzU]

I thought about it when flying the Hornet. However, I like the extra 4 way switch on the Viper stick. It's perfect for zoom.

[Baldrick33]

13 minutes ago, BuzzU said:

I thought about it when flying the Hornet. However, I like the extra 4 way switch on the Viper stick. It's perfect for zoom.

They have the same number of switches, the small up,down,push switch is a pretty good alternative for zoom.

[BuzzU]

Did they improve it? I read early reviews on the grip and a lot of guys weren't happy with that switch.

[Burt]

Yeah I’m one of them guys and sent 2 back. It’s a hit and miss I guess. The TM warthog/viper grip buttons are pure solid.

[Cab]

52 minutes ago, BuzzU said:

I thought about it when flying the Hornet. However, I like the extra 4 way switch on the Viper stick. It's perfect for zoom.

Yes, there is that.

Mine is paired with a Virpil CM3 throttle so plenty of switches there.

[BuzzU]

24 minutes ago, Cab said:

Yes, there is that.

Mine is paired with a Virpil CM3 throttle so plenty of switches there.

Because of an advanced cataract I have to zoom in on everything in the cockpit to see what i'm doing. The TMS switch is perfect for zooming. I can use without a modifier in the Hornet. My left hand is usually busy doing something else to use the throttle. Like freezing Trackir. I use an easy to reach keyboard press for that.

In the Viper/Hog I use the paddle as a modifier and then still use TMS switch for zoom.

We're all different and that's what works best for me. I really like the Hornet the best because no modifier is needed.

I know someone will say to have the cataract operated on. Not so easy in my case. I'm blind in my right eye. Doctors won't operate on my left eye to remove the cataract because they say if something goes wrong I could end up blind. They tell me to just live with the cataract but it's getting pretty hard to do now. It looks like it's always foggy to me and i'm wearing the wrong prescription glasses. Zoom is the only way I can still fly. Not very well but better than nothing.