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For me, the "best all around for the money" based on the HOTAS's that I have actually owned (and not just read about on the internet) is the Virpil setup (either stick base would work depending on your specific needs). This would be the T50CM3 Throttle and the T50CM2 grip matched up with either the Warbrd or the T50CM2 base. The VKB base and the similar stick grip would be fine as well but the Virpil setup has a less convoluted connection setup and that can be important to some.
For the stick, the important part is the fact that the grip gives you a lot of options in regards to hats, buttons, triggers, and it even gives you a axis lever (that can also be a button if you want it to) that you can bind to the brakes in Russian aircraft and the Spitfire (where it actually is in those planes). That brake lever may not seem like a big deal but it is pretty handy to say the least.
The throttle is the real star of the show for me. Unlike a lot of other throttles on the market, it actually ends up having more controls than you typically need for any one module and that is a great problem to have. You will pretty quickly fill it up with the Apache (especially the CP/G seat controls) but for most other stuff, you have a lot of room to bind HOTAS commands while still having room to bind some "nice to have" controls that you might not normally bind if you had fewer controls.
As far as other stuff? I think there is a lot of value in getting one or even perhaps two of those $60 USD Logitech throttle quadrants. They are not super useful for modern stuff in DCS but they are invaluable for the WWII stuff and become even more useful in other sims like Flight Sim 2020, Rise of Flight, or IL-2 where having a lot of axis levers is pretty important.
The MFD panels are something I have a hard time justifying. If they came with small screens out of the box (without requiring modification) and assuming those small screens didn't steal valuable performance in DCS, they could end up being a bit more worthwhile but even then, not all modules in DCS have the same number of OSB's around the screens so they are not a great "one size fits all" solution. They are neat and certainly novel but out of all the flight sim peripherals I could think of getting that I don't already have, they are very, very, very low on the list to say the least.
Since you already have TrackIR, it might not be a bad idea to look into a wireless IR clip. A few different outfits make them but the one with the best, most versatile mounting option is probably the RJSimtech model. For some reason, the guy who makes them is the only one who really put any thought into a proper mounting solution and the battery life is excellent.
As I said. Everyone is going to have their own answer for the "best" HOTAS setup and such. What is important is asking yourself what YOU need and finding the thing that fits that specific need as closely as possible. If that means getting a Winwing, so be it. If that means getting a VKB stick and a Virpil throttle (since VKB doesn't offer a worthwhile modern HOTAS throttle at all yet) or even a full Virpil setup, that is how it has to be. There is a lot of rather...aggressive brand loyalty going around in the HOTAS scene so be careful. It can get pretty crazy.
Another good point is the supply chain issue that will probably put a real pinch on my choices. Looks Virpil and VKB will be my research project. Also the Track IR, I use the Apache a lot so any improvements to that. Makes dog fighting way better that is for sure. Thanks for the answers my friends.
I can't speak for VKB but I do know that Virpil is still accepting and delivering orders normally. You will notice that everything on their site is listed as "back ordered" but that is sorta the norm. They typically ship out stuff in a few weeks regardless.
In my case, it took a little while for the order to get processed and delivered but it was worth the wait in the end.
On the MFDs, I have two of the TM Cougars and use them with the modules I have that support them easily (Harrier, F18, A10). I only paid $65 CAD ($50 USD) new for a set of them a few years ago, but I believe they are a lot more expensive now. I have them mounted on an 11.6" screen (velcro) on a swivel arm. They're nice to have, but definitely not necessary.
No opinion on MFD screens and the like. Overkill for my purposes.
I have the Tarus F18 thorttle, thr libra F18 stick on extender. The combat panel and take off panel. The Orion 2 F16 thorttle and F16 stick. All are great.
Normally when I would look up sticks at places like Newegg they do not carry much for advanced sticks.
Now I am deciding how much dough to part with.
I used to train in the M1A1 tank simulators in the Army. It had a full 360 screen dome so even if you popped the hatch you were in the sim. The trainers at Fort Knox were on hydraulics so your tank actually felt like it was moving. At fort Stewart we played 8 VS 8 tank warfare. Basically a lot like D.C.S. To us we were Abrams tanks and they they were t-72s and it was the same for them they saw us as t-72s. If you died you went in the action room were they had a giant screen to watch the battle. A guy in there could call in artillery or make Hinds appear etc....
Then we even had a rifle sim were you have a m-16, m-4 with an air system that made it feel like the gun was firing. Then there was a big screen they could put you in a range or a humvee on the move.
So I am a stickler for sim realism. I have V.R. but I feel weird when using it very long.
While looking at sticks I was turned to voice attack. I have been playing with that and it is dang handy for comms instead of fiddling around on keyboard while flying lol. Still need to do some tweaking plus there are a lot of commands to memorize versus pushing button M or f1. It is handy for bringing up your map. I made it when I say flight it opens \ button then I just say the selection F one, F two etc...
In the ideal world Virpil Constellation ALPHA and MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle would be my choice. Sadly they might take months to ship to you.
But I would say go for VKB for best balance of price and quality, with no compromise made in terms of features. On top of that, from personal experience, VKB are the most likely among the big three (VKB, WinWing and Virpil) to actually ship the devices to you within a reasonable amount time.
VKB Gunfighter Pro is a great stick almost as good as Virpil Constellation Alpha. Sadly they do not have a throttle option comparable to Mongoos. But their Gladiator NXT modules have lot of incredible possibilities to create your own desktop cockpit with lots of functionality at a very reasonable price.
WinWing's F-16EX stuff looks incredible. Will keep an eye on that. But lack of even an optional twist axis on stick was a foolish omission. Their store website also does not inspire confidence.
Whatever you choose, don't buy Thrustmaster Warthog. Do not reward Thrustmaster for their laziness.
For the most part, Virpil stuff takes under a month to get. I am sure there are situations where it takes longer but it doesn't seem common at all.
As far as the VKB stuff goes. I am sure they ship faster but at the same time, they really only make the stick half of the overall HOTAS. They have been working on some kind of HOTAS based throttle for years now but it hasn't yet manifested. Their stick base and grips are good though, they just are not the brand to go to when you want a whole HOTAS solution. If you want a very high-end HOTAS and MUST absolutely have the VKB stick, you are still going to end up waiting for a Virpil throttle (it's only real quality equivalent).
Winwing's Orion line is perhaps best seen as a sort of direct competitor to the Thrustmaster Warthog as it kinda tries to fit into a similar price point. It is obviously better but that lower price necessitates some compromises that keep it from reaching Virpil/VKB levels of quality overall. If you keep up with the general comings and goings of the HOTAS scene, the Winwing stuff seems to have the most quality control issues. They are not bad by any means (still much better than the Warthog) but a lot of their popularity comes from their price point and not their raw overall quality. (obviously everyone's mileage will vary).
I have been waiting to hopefully hear on the Warthog. The price range is so crazy it almost makes me wonder if some are knock offs. $87.00 to $600.00 high price for stick alone low price for throttle and stick lol. I checked out the Gladiator actually that is high on my list. Like you mentioned a big factor at this time will be, well time I noticed a lot of the above mentioned gear is on Preorder for newer variants and backorder for existing.
Thanks for your input