Just unpacked my TM Warthog!

[Mad Dog 7.62]

After a lot of frustrating delays, my TM Warthog from BLT just arrived!!!

 

I haven't fired up DCS with it yet, but some quick initial impressions.....

 

1. Weight.....WOW! I knew the reviews said it was heavy, but I was still shocked at just how big and heavy this thing is...especially the throttle! If you ran out of bombs, you could drop this thing on the enemy and do significant damage. Until you hold one of these, you simply will not appreciate the size and mass of them. Put the throttle on your desk, and it ain't going anywhere. The joystick is also heavy, and extremely stable due to the big metal base.

 

2. Switches....very nice!! Obviously quality parts were used. Switches are firm and positive. The only ones I have some doubts about are the pinky on the throttle for the lights, it feels less well made than the others.....and unfortunately the slew control on the throttle....haven't tried it in game yet, but the feel does not inspire confidence...and this is an important control.

 

3. Throttle and joystick operation....very very nice! Throttle are smooth and the friction adjustment was just right out of the box, but you can loosen/tighten as needed. It takes several turns to notice a difference, but it works. The joystick takes some pressure to move, but since its heavy and has such a stable base, it feels good.

 

4. Wobble...I have seen the posts about wobble in the throttles and twist in the stick...my stick does not twist at all. The trottles do have some lateral movement, but its not excessive.

 

I am thinking about putting some type of textured vinyl or something on the back of the throttles, they are very smooth and your hand tends to slide around a lot. These also have me thinking how they would be a great start for a pit.....

 

I am off to try this beast out DCS:A-10!! :pilotfly:

[Mad Dog 7.62]

Got a couple hours of flight time in. Up to now, I had been just practicing basic flight, using the gun, and dropping dumb bombs. Learning the HOTAS will add a whole 'nuther dimension to this sim! Getting the switchology down is going to take some practice....I already made some rookie mistakes like not setting SPI with TMS forward LONG and then wondering why the cursors didn't go where I wanted when I hit "Slave all to SPI".

 

Very impressed with the Warthog so far though!

[Steel Jaw]

Thanx for the report, for me *if* I buy it cannot be until next Nov 2011.

[Mad Dog 7.62]

You know Mower, as nice as the Warthog is, it is still just a joystick, and not a necessity to enjoy DCS:A10. With a good programming setup on your X-52 Pro, you will be fine. My X52 had a short in it so it begged for replacement anyway, I have been using an old Logitech while waiting for the Warthog to get here. Get a Warthog when/if you can, in the meantime just enjoy the sim!!

[badaboom]

Congrats!!! THX for the report,If you don't mind me asking,What was your final price from BLT shipped?

Thank You.

[Ragtag]

Thanks for the report. Mine is still in transit *siiigh*

[Mad Dog 7.62]

$407 and change, shipped.

[leafer]

Congrats and I hope they melt in your hands or something.

 

I'm just jealous is all. :P