Kageseigi Posted January 29, 2023 Posted January 29, 2023 I've been looking to upgrade to a new flight stick, and I really like VKB's F-14 Combat Edition, so I was going to get the Gladiator NXT version. But after flying the Tomcat more with a Thrustmast T.Flight Hotas 4, I've really noticed that it's difficult for me to hold a sustained turn without bleeding most of my energy because of the... what would you call it... short length of pull? So I have to be extremely gentle to get the stick to pull just the right amount. In turn, that has made me reconsider my decision, and just save up for the Gunfighter Mk.III. So my question is this: does anyone know the length of the actual F-14 flight stick? Basically, how long of a "lever" is it? And which of the Gunfighter versions would simulate it the best? The Tabletop (doubtful), the Pro-S (100mm extension), or the Pro-L (200mm extension)? I'm leaning toward the Pro-L for the extra length for more precise control (and it's so pretty). But maybe it's too long to be accurate? Thank you!
IronMike Posted January 29, 2023 Posted January 29, 2023 (edited) 8 minutes ago, Kageseigi said: I've been looking to upgrade to a new flight stick, and I really like VKB's F-14 Combat Edition, so I was going to get the Gladiator NXT version. But after flying the Tomcat more with a Thrustmast T.Flight Hotas 4, I've really noticed that it's difficult for me to hold a sustained turn without bleeding most of my energy because of the... what would you call it... short length of pull? So I have to be extremely gentle to get the stick to pull just the right amount. In turn, that has made me reconsider my decision, and just save up for the Gunfighter Mk.III. So my question is this: does anyone know the length of the actual F-14 flight stick? Basically, how long of a "lever" is it? And which of the Gunfighter versions would simulate it the best? The Tabletop (doubtful), the Pro-S (100mm extension), or the Pro-L (200mm extension)? I'm leaning toward the Pro-L for the extra length for more precise control (and it's so pretty). But maybe it's too long to be accurate? Thank you! The longer the better, really, because it gives you more travel, but I would not concern myself with the length of it in the Tomcat, as the seating position will vastly differ from yours (most likely). I use the tabletop version, simply because I need to move it in and out of the way constantly, and I can just slide it aside, pull in the keyboard and vice versa, and I can assure you that it is precise enough. But it makes you fly more out of your wrist. While a desk mounted stick with extension, makes you fly more out of your shoulder, which is generally considered to be better. On my virpil stick I use the maximum possible extension, which is quite nice. But in the end, consider your seating (a deskmount will have you likely move a tad further away from the table than a tabletop, so what about throttle? do you need to reach further for it? or likewise pedals? how often do you need to get it out of the way? and lastly what do you believe will be most comfortable to you, etc.) Edited January 29, 2023 by IronMike 1 1 Heatblur Simulations Please feel free to contact me anytime, either via PM here, on the forums, or via email through the contact form on our homepage. http://www.heatblur.com/ https://www.facebook.com/heatblur/
Kageseigi Posted January 29, 2023 Author Posted January 29, 2023 13 minutes ago, IronMike said: The longer the better, really, because it gives you more travel, but I would not concern myself with the length of it in the Tomcat, as the seating position will vastly differ from yours (most likely). I use the tabletop version, simply because I need to move it in and out of the way constantly, and I can just slide it aside, pull in the keyboard and vice versa, and I can assure you that it is precise enough. But it makes you fly more out of your wrist. While a desk mounted stick with extension, makes you fly more out of your shoulder, which is generally considered to be better. On my virpil stick I use the maximum possible extension, which is quite nice. But in the end, consider your seating (a deskmount will have you likely move a tad further away from the table than a tabletop, so what about throttle? do you need to reach further for it? or likewise pedals? how often do you need to get it out of the way? and lastly what do you believe will be most comfortable to you, etc.) Thank you so much! Yes, that makes sense. While the proper stick is priority for me, what you said about comfort is what I'm afraid of, haha! I guess I'll have to wait to find/design a good chair with a proper cutout until I find out which rudder system I'm going to get, so I'll know the angles/reach I'll need. P.S. And also, I want to say thank you to you and your team for making dreams come true! Tomcats Forever! ♥ 1
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