New CM3 owner looking for stick suggestions

[Smashy]

My awesome GF just got me a CM3 to replace my trusty CH Pro Throttle and I'm now looking to get something of similar capability and quality to replace my CH Fighterstick.  I'm looking at the VKB MCE and MCE Ultimate along with the Virpil Alpha, Alpha Prime and MongoosT-50CM2.  I'll be using these controller on the desktop for now until I can figure out a good mounting solution for my room.

I'm looking for suggestions or things to look for when shopping for a new high-end stick.  Thanks!

[Tshark]

You can't go wrong with Virpil WarBRD base and Constellation Alpha grip.  It is expensive, but you will be hard pressed to find a better built HOTAS.  I have owned their joystick base for seven years and first iteration of throttle for five years.  Both are still working flawlessly and have not required any maintenance.

By going with Virpil, you only need to learn one software suite since you already have a CM3.  If you are in the US then you can order through the US store.  Faster and cheaper shipping.

Edited August 30, 2022 by Tshark

[MAXsenna]

48 minutes ago, Tshark said:

You can't go wrong with Virpil WarBRD base and Constellation Alpha grip.  It is expensive, but you will be hard pressed to find a better built HOTAS.  I have owned their joystick base for seven years and first iteration of throttle for five years.  Both are still working flawlessly and have not required any maintenance.

By going with Virpil, you only need to learn one software suite since you already have a CM3.  If you are in the US then you can order through the US store.  Faster and cheaper shipping.

 

Honest question. Why would you choose the Warbird base over their new one? 

[Smashy]

1 hour ago, Tshark said:

By going with Virpil, you only need to learn one software suite since you already have a CM3.  If you are in the US then you can order through the US store.  Faster and cheaper shipping.

 

After firing up Virpil's software and feeling a bit overwhelmed, I was thinking the same thing about sticking with a single brand. 

I am in the US so that's another big nod for Virpil.

edit:  the one thing I like about the VKB is the ability to have four hats on the stick.  That makes sense for modules like the the A-10C and Viper.

Edited August 30, 2022 by Smashy

[Elf1606688794]

14 minutes ago, Smashy said:

After firing up Virpil's software and feeling a bit overwhelmed, I was thinking the same thing about sticking with a single brand. 

I am in the US so that's another big nod for Virpil.

I've only used the Virpil software to update the firmware and calibrate the axis.

Here's a tutorial that is simple and easy to follow. 

 

Dang....I forgot to answer the question in the OP. lol

I bought the Constellation Alpha R grip to go with my Virpil throttle (CM3) and have been very impressed with the quality of the gear. I'd highly recommend both items (and a set of rudder pedals) to anyone that wants quality gear that will last years.

[imacken]

1 hour ago, MAXsenna said:

Honest question. Why would you choose the Warbird base over their new one? 

Well, there are 2 good reasons.  Firstly, price. The new CM3 base is approximately 400 Euros plus shipping and the WarBRD base is about 240 Euros.  Secondly, the CM3 has to be mounted, whereas the WarBRD can be used on a desktop.

(I am speaking as a WarBRD owner with the CM3 on order.)

[Smashy]

9 minutes ago, imacken said:

Well, there are 2 good reasons.  Firstly, price. The new CM3 base is approximately 400 Euros plus shipping and the WarBRD base is about 240 Euros.  Secondly, the CM3 has to be mounted, whereas the WarBRD can be used on a desktop.

(I am speaking as a WarBRD owner with the CM3 on order.)

Hey @imacken - are you using the WarBRD on the desktop?  What grip are you pairing it with?  If it's the Alpha, do you find the lack of a fourth 4-way hat limiting?  I'm guessing I could find homes for the A-10/F-16 trim, DMS, TMS, CMS hats between a stick and my CM3 throttle.

Sorry for the flood of questions, new owner of the throttle and trying to decide on what stick to pair it with is big decision.  I'm considering the Alpha Prime + WarBRD base.

[golani79]

I'm using a cm3 throttle with a mongoos T50-cm2 grip on a t-50 CM2 base - loving it.

I'd go with the new cm3 base if I were you and a t-50 grip

[Mr_sukebe]

If you have the space for an extension, go for the CM3 base, which is better suited to extensions than the Warbird base.

Grip is upto you.  The Virpil bases are compatible with not only their own grips, but also the TM F16 and F18 grips.  For all that, I've tried both of the TM grips and now use an Alpha.

[MAXsenna]

Well, there are 2 good reasons.  Firstly, price. The new CM3 base is approximately 400 Euros plus shipping and the WarBRD base is about 240 Euros.  Secondly, the CM3 has to be mounted, whereas the WarBRD can be used on a desktop.
(I am speaking as a WarBRD owner with the CM3 on order.)

Thanks. Didn't consider the desk thing.

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[imacken]

1 hour ago, Smashy said:

Hey @imacken - are you using the WarBRD on the desktop?  What grip are you pairing it with?  If it's the Alpha, do you find the lack of a fourth 4-way hat limiting?  I'm guessing I could find homes for the A-10/F-16 trim, DMS, TMS, CMS hats between a stick and my CM3 throttle.

Sorry for the flood of questions, new owner of the throttle and trying to decide on what stick to pair it with is big decision.  I'm considering the Alpha Prime + WarBRD base.

No, I’m using with a Virpil desk mount, but initially I had it on a desktop and it was fine. My current preferred stick is the Alpha, and there is a 4th 4-way hat as the analogue mini stick can be used as buttons if you want. DCS allows both buttons and axes on the mini stick, so it’s win-win!

[Tshark]

I am using the CM3 throttle and an Alpha stick.  I just mapped the A-10 and here is what I had left over:

As you can see, I still have quite a few buttons I can map to other items.

[Sciacud]

... hummm .. nobody told Smashy something about VBK Ultimate. ...hummm....

[imacken]

Maybe because they didn't rate as highly as the Alphas, or maybe no one has tried VKB Ultimate.

I owned the VKB MCG with GFIII non-ultimate, and it just didn't feel as good in the hand as the Alpha.  Buttons/hats were much more difficult to reach and that wouldn't change with the Ultimate.

[Sciacud]

37 minutes ago, imacken said:

Maybe because they didn't rate as highly as the Alphas, or maybe no one has tried VKB Ultimate.

I owned the VKB MCG with GFIII non-ultimate, and it just didn't feel as good in the hand as the Alpha.  Buttons/hats were much more difficult to reach and that wouldn't change with the Ultimate.

Thanks for the feedback

[Smashy]

11 hours ago, imacken said:

Maybe because they didn't rate as highly as the Alphas, or maybe no one has tried VKB Ultimate.

I owned the VKB MCG with GFIII non-ultimate, and it just didn't feel as good in the hand as the Alpha.  Buttons/hats were much more difficult to reach and that wouldn't change with the Ultimate.

I went with the Alpha Prime and CM3 base.  The only thing I liked about the MCG over the Alpha Prime was the swappable ministick and hats.  I would like to have 4 hats on the stick.  I did try configuring the ministick on my CM3 throttle to send button presses and that will conceivably be a suitable workaround on the Alpha.  The Alpha's ergonomics did look better to me and that's important since I have medium-ish hands.  I also envision the scroll wheel encoder being pretty useful in a videogame context.  Finally, while it's a generalization and personal preference, I like Western HOTAS designs over their Russian counterparts and the fictional but Western-looking (IMO) Alpha did speak to me louder than the MCG or T50CM2 grips.  Oh, also finally, since I already have a Virpil throttle it'll be simpler for me to learn a single management software tool vs two tools.  And lastly finally, Virpil might be a better option for the US guys in terms of support with the opening of their physical store here.  At least that's the hope.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

On 9/3/2022 at 3:36 AM, Smashy said:

I like Western HOTAS designs over their Russian counterparts

It all depends on which modules you fly and personal preference: personally I'm very happy with the CM2 grip since I find that "Russian controls" work better with Western modules than "Western controls" do for Russian modules.

[DocSigma]

Vkb MCG Ultimate. There is no better stick: best base; cams and springs are easily swapped out; dry clutches; swappable HATs ( comes with 2x swappable HATs)


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