Can't decide on Winwing HOTAS or Thrustmaster?

[maverick90]

I fly mostly the F14, F16 and F18 in DCS and wanted to upgrade to a HOTAS setup. I have a few questions and concerns.

1. Will I need to buy seperate HOTAS for each of the planes I want to fly or is it universal? (Example: If I bought a HOTAS for F18 will I also be able to use it to fly the F16, F14,etc.?)
2. Should I go with Winwing or Thrustmaster?
3. I don't own a flight sim rig so how what would be the best way to mount my throttles and flight stick to my desk? (I don't use my computer strictly for DCS but also for work, so I can't have a dedicated flight rig or anything)

[xoxen]

I own the Orion 2 with the F-15EX grips and believe this is usable in a good way for a lot of planes because of the amount of switches and knobs. Coming from the Warthog I find this superior. I don´t know the Winwing bases, have the Virpil CM3 one, which is definitely better than the Warthog base. Combined with the A-10C/F-16C Thrustmaster stick this is the perfect combo for me. So generally I would put Virpil into the account as well, the throttle is good based on posts I read. The Orion 2 is more flexible in regards to grips.

Desk mount wise have a look for monstertech, they have very good desk mounts.

Edited April 19, 2024 by xoxen

[Nightdare]

If you're going Winwing

The Orion2 18 would suffice F14 and 18 almost perfectly, but the F15EX gives you a bit more options for other planes

The F16 throttle isn't much of an option for dual engine planes, whereas Orion2 could probably stand in for an F16 throttle (it's also a little more expensive than the F15EX)

For the stick I'd suggest the 16EX stick for more controls for the F16, again, it can stand in for other planes (It's also a little cheaper than the 18 stick)

[Jeb]

owned the TM throttle for around 3 weeks just to use it  with the A10c, it was used but in perfect condition, sold it when the F15e handles showed up for the orion2 , the thrust master is serviceable but the lack of buttons on the base really sucked, the handles felt cheap and plastic. I got some 2060 aluminum from amazon and a toggle to move the mounts out of the way when I use my desk. just got the virpil throttle but have not used it for more then 20 minutes. got it used also for a great price local

Edited April 20, 2024 by Jeb

[J4ckson]

Ypu will be fine with Winwing. The stick base is much better than the Thrustmaster.
I also own the Orion 2. The Throttle Base is always the same and not airplane-specific, the grip is airplane-specific, choose the one you like the best or which you fly the most.
When it comes to the stick and base, the Stick is the only thing that is "replica", base is also the same.

i also have a desk i use for other games or work and made a cheap mount. Maybe its useful to you.