Warthog hotas been around for 13 years...

[Toastfrenzy]

I remember when these first came out.

Having dropped serious flight sim a number of years ago now starting out again, fired up DCS a few days ago for the first time.

Looking for a hotas but favouring the Warthog set up - mainly due to price can pick up, new, for the price of a FOTM stick etc.

 

Are they still well revered as 13 years ago?

Would I regret not choosing from the likes of Virpil, VKB and Winwing or are they pretty much similar, build quality etc?

I'll mainly be in a prop. 

I do plan to get a VR head set during this year later on I should think.

[GPatricks]

I've been using a WartHog for the past 5 years, modded the throttle from almost Day 1 with Deltasims slew/AB Detent (push through) mod, changed the stick base to a VPC WarBrd (100x better quality), performed perfectly ever since. I use a TARGET Dx128 script (simply assigns all switch/hat/button positions on the throttle a DX#), you just need to assign the Virpil base the same PID/VID as the OEM base and TARGET sees it as TM.. all explained online in various places. I also used the TM calibration routine to eliminate seeing the travel behind the Lift up/pull back area so it starts at 0 at the spot before the lift up and goes to 100% at full travel (after AB detant). The "Idle" (pull up) area is for jet sims and I simply use the KB command to achieve this. For prop sims this way is much better (for me)...

 

Edited March 23, 2023 by =LD=Icer

[Toastfrenzy]

Yes, the stick base is putting me off - very old ball and socket joint lol

[rob10]

I'd say it's definitely not as revered as it used to be.  If you can't afford more than TM it's a good entry level, although doing the Deltasim slew upgrade used to be essential -- apparently they have changed it, so might not be necessary any more.  If you're using it desktop you'll also likely want to change to a softer spring (i.e. Sajah green).  All of which adds to the base cost of TM.  Having said that, a Virpil or one of the others is a massive upgrade to the TM in terms of precision flying.  Going from CH Pro to TM was a massive upgrade.  But going from TMWH base to Virpil WarBRD was equally massive.  I like the TM grips, just not the rest of it.

[Toastfrenzy]

Yes, I think I'd not be using my money effectively if I went with a TMWH setup at this stage - I'm not a beginner but no expert. Already I'm wanting to chuck my TM 16000m out the window as I PIO down the runway!

I don't have a separate throttle at the moment either so cross hands and mouse at the moment. I have a razor optical keyboard where you can slowly press to get less but it's not as good etc.

Looking at both Virpil WarBRD, cm2 base ( I like the idea of the desk mounts), their throttle (nice!) with pedals is 1157 euros all in...

But would I be happy with the warbird if I wanted to fly jets?

 

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by Toastfrenzy

[lesthegrngo]

Interested to see this thread, since I recently had issues with my own TM Warthog base, resulting in TM saying I have to send it overseas to them to fix. That will end up costing the price of a new one.

As it is the base that is the issue, and seeing for the first time that there is the VPC WarBrd base that is apparently compatible with the TH Warthog stick, I am absolutely interested - especially as it will cost less that the replacement TM Warthog!

I see that the baseplate is removable, which would be helpful as I have an in-seat mounting for my sim rig. I imagine I would just make an adapter plate that bolts directly to the bottom of the base.

I have a 140mm extension, would the heavy springs that come with the standard base be good enough for that, or would I need stronger springs?

Cheers

Les

[Toastfrenzy]

The warbird base is not recommended for extensions as the deflection forces put components too close so they interfere. Just read this and now can't find the page, typical.

 

Found the page, copied the text. So the base itself is fine, just the clearance of grip to desk using their mounts, but the lack of warranty would be an issue for the base its self.

 

From the WarBRD product page:

Using Extensions with the VPC WarBRD Base

While it is possible to use extensions on the VPC WarBRD base, it is primarily designed for non-extended use. Due to the large deflection angle it is possible that you may encounter clearance issues between the grip and the VPC Desk Mount. During certain maneuvers it could be possible to damage your grip by hitting the desk mount. The included cams and springs are also tailored for non-extended setups.

Using any extensions on the VPC WarBRD is at the user's responsibility. Any damages caused to VPC devices (grips) by using an extension on the VPC WarBRD base will not be covered under warranty.

Edited March 24, 2023 by Toastfrenzy

[lesthegrngo]

ok, thanks for the fast answer - if you come across the page I would certainly be interested. I would need the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base then, if I read correctly

Another question, I noted on one video I briefly looked at that there appears to be a grip twist like you would see for rudder use, is this correct for this or the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base? For me it would not be desirable due to using separate pedals, so I would at least like the ability to lock the grip to stop the twist. 

Cheers

Les

[Toastfrenzy]

You can choose either twist adaptor or no twist for some of their sticks - check out the product order page and the choice will be there or not.

 

edited my earlier post with warbird info

Edited March 24, 2023 by Toastfrenzy

[lesthegrngo]

So if I understand it the base does not have the twist feature, that is on the grip - in which case if I use my TM Warthog grip it will not have it?

Let's just hope they ship to Qatar..... that has been my downfall for getting stuff, like for instance Fanatec, who refused to ship here

Les

[_Hoss]

Mine is 10 years old, replaced the Slew on throttle, put curved 10 cm extension on the stick. Works great, use both TARGET GUI (IL2) & SCRIPT (DCS). they are on Monstertech table mounts. Wouldn't trade em for the world. I adher to the idea of "Give into your wants and you will soon be selling your necessities".

Edited March 24, 2023 by 352nd_Hoss

[Lange_666]

On 3/23/2023 at 11:12 AM, =LD=Icer said:

I've been using a WartHog for the past 5 years, modded the throttle from almost Day 1 with Deltasims slew/AB Detent (push through) mod, changed the stick base to a VPC WarBrd (100x better quality), performed perfectly ever since. I use a TARGET Dx128 script (simply assigns all switch/hat/button positions on the throttle a DX#), you just need to assign the Virpil base the same PID/VID as the OEM base and TARGET sees it as TM.. all explained online in various places.

I went this road also, replacing my old trusty U2 modded Cougar 3 years ago. I bought a refurbished one directly from the TM webshop (they are sometimes available) at 60% of a new one. Coming from a U2 modded Cougar, the THWH stickbase was just a horrible experience (but better then original Cougar one). Tried a Sajah green spring + sanding and regreasing which helped a lot but still. Then went for the Virpil WarBRD base but used the Warthog base plate because it's a lot heavier and more stable then the Virpil starform base that comes with the WarBRD. Sold off my Warthog base without base plate (you need to drill new holes for the WarBRD base but the old ones are covered by the new base. And then the TARGET DX120 (not 128) mod makes it complete.  The WarBRD gimbals are 100 times better then the TM ones!!!

[GPatricks]

6 hours ago, Lange_666 said:

I went this road also, replacing my old trusty U2 modded Cougar 3 years ago. I bought a refurbished one directly from the TM webshop (they are sometimes available) at 60% of a new one. Coming from a U2 modded Cougar, the THWH stickbase was just a horrible experience (but better then original Cougar one). Tried a Sajah green spring + sanding and regreasing which helped a lot but still. Then went for the Virpil WarBRD base but used the Warthog base plate because it's a lot heavier and more stable then the Virpil starform base that comes with the WarBRD. Sold off my Warthog base without base plate (you need to drill new holes for the WarBRD base but the old ones are covered by the new base. And then the TARGET DX120 (not 128) mod makes it complete.  The WarBRD gimbals are 100 times better then the TM ones!!!

I considered the "Green Spring" mod and a good smoothing/re-greasing with a top quality lubricant, along with the new teflon top bushing, then saw the cost was going to be almost 1/2 of what the WarBrd base would cost so went that way.. Night and day difference in quality.