HOTAS recommendation wanted

[ventrue]

I'm looking for a new HOTAS system. Is this the right place to ask? Sorry if it isn't

Currently, I have a Saitek X-55 which I'm not too fond of. Broken axes, crappy drivers, sticky surface - the longer I have it, the more I don't want it.

So, bottom line:

1. I don't want a replica for any particular aircraft, but rather something slightly generic. In DCS, I'm interested in the Eurofighter, F/A-18, F-16, A-10C and F-14 in that order. I also do space sims. I haven't touched a helicopter yet but might try one at some point. I will probably not fly anything Soviet (nothing political - I'm simply not interested).
2. I do want all the electrical/mechanical functions to be suitable at least for the first few aircraft in that list. That means: Throttle detents (the absolute bare minimum is a notch for afterburners, adjustable finger lifts would be better), a really good, precise mouse knob usable for AA radar, LITENING, Maverick and stuff like that (so it absolutely must be depressable!), a two-stage trigger, all the usual hats on the stick and throttle. I'd rather have a few buttons too many than be forced into using modifiers for basic functions because some hat isn't depressable or something like that.
3. A bit of repairability or moddability would be a bonus. Swapping parts or even whole sticks later on and maybe even between manufacturers is definitely an interesting option.
4. I want to put the system onto my desk, left and right of my keyboard, which rules out some heavily bent sticks and probably the replica F/A-18 stick. The X-55's size is perfect except for the hand rest, which is a centimetre too low, but the base shouldn't be any thicker. I do like a soft touch, no centre detent but I need a dust cover (cough cough.. desert in here).
5. I'd prefer a stick with a (lockable!) Z axis over getting pedals (which I don't have).
6. Something other than plastic would be really nice, but I'd rather have a solid interior than garbage enclosed in metal.

I'm willing to spend a few hundred Euros and I know about a few manufacturers (Thrustmaster obviously, VKB, Virpil, Winwing), but none of them really look like an obvious choice.

A throttle that looks interesting to me is the Virpil VPC MongoosT-50CM3 (whatever that name means!), but there seem to be much fewer options for the throttle than stick. For sticks I have maybe the Warthog F/A-18 stick, the VKB Gunfighter Mk III MCE (not sure if Ultimate or not) and the Virpil VPC Constellation Alpha on my scope.

Any recommendations?

Thank you!

Edited March 15, 2022 by ventrue

[Hiob]

The Virpil stuff is a solid choice. There is only one throttle, but it’s perfect as a generic two engine multiple knobs and buttons option.

Can 100% recommend.

[dburne]

Virpil CM3 Throttle and VKB Gunfighter with twist grip would be a great combo. I have it with the VKB Ultimate grip which is metal and has twist. They also have the MCG Grip which is plastic and available in twist as well. Lots of buttons on both devices.

Absolutely love this combo.

Edited March 15, 2022 by dburne

[ventrue]

Totally forgot about this thread. Thanks for the answers!

For anyone who's interested: I did indeed end up up buying the Virpil CM3 throttle, but held on to the X-55 stick for a while. The throttle is absolutely fantastic, just like everybody says, and I'll get one of their sticks as well, I think they're worth the money.

[Hiob]

44 minutes ago, ventrue said:

Totally forgot about this thread. Thanks for the answers!

For anyone who's interested: I did indeed end up up buying the Virpil CM3 throttle, but held on to the X-55 stick for a while. The throttle is absolutely fantastic, just like everybody says, and I'll get one of their sticks as well, I think they're worth the money.

Have a look at VKB as well. The build quality is basically the same. I can’t remember the exact reason anymore, but I opted for the VKB base back then (also using a Virpil throttle).  No regrets.

[ventrue]

I did, but for some reason, the Virpil sticks just appeal to me more. Maybe being so positively surprised by the throttle has generated some sort of brand loyalty

 

Edited March 20, 2024 by ventrue

[Richi]

Dinosaurs have Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. .....

[Dragon1-1]

These days, Winwing is an interesting option. Their sticks are based on real aircraft, but also have enough extra functionality to be truly multirole (and besides, those real aircraft happen to have great ergonomics).