HOTAS recommendations

[RDR]

I have had ED for a few years but never really got into it, as I felt I was missing out with the rig I had. I wanted to come back at a later date when I had a better setup.

Since then I have upgraded my rig and invested in a tobii eye tracker, and have VA and a couple of HCS voicepacks aswell.

I also intend to get a HOTAS setup.

Initially I was looking at the Thrustmaster16000M as it is recommended alot. That said a lot of people seemed to say it had a cheap plasticy feel to it and poor build quality for the twist axis.

Progressing I looked at the Logitech G 4021846 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Controller X56 , people seemed to think it was good but that build quality was terrible in some of them. Some people loved them others lamented their HOTAS breaking after a relatively short period.

Finally I was looking at the VKb gladiator, which is really stretching my budget given the rest of the stuff I have purchased. Seems to be universally praised.

So I had a few questions I was hoping some HOTAS users could answer for me ?

1. Why is the Vkb better than the Logitech X56 specifically, is it just build quality, is it feel is it layout, performance, etc. What is the main reason people prefer it (other than brand hype).

2. Is the vkb throttle worth it vs a cheaper throttle, is there any compelling reason to get it or is the stick the main advantage. Also can I use the Vkb throttle (or alternate throttle) to control lateral movement (left/right/up/down) ? Is this easy to setup/use?

Thanks for reading and for any help provided, appreciated.


EDIT : Thanks all. I decided on the Vkb route. Got the space premium and the omni throttle. For anyone that cares I used the discount code SALTEMIKE for 5%off, seems to have worked for several years so hopefully it will help someone in the future.

[Sighman]

I have a full VKB setup, a Hotas-X, an X-52 and an old (discontinued) G940.

The first and the last have rudder pedals, which I like to use in ED.

The HotasX is a great budget setup, does everything I need, I've been using it for around 8 years now.

I don't like the X-52. The stick has a huge range of movement, but mostly I think it's because I was spoiled by the G940 and the VKB.

I thought the G940 was top tier, and used it for about 9000 hours in game. It's nominally a force feedback stick, fairly high quality, but I bought it used in poor condition, repaired it, and completely wore it out.

Then I sprang for the VKB setup, and it's like stepping out of a 40 year old car into a brand new one off the lot.

I can't emphasise how much better it is than everything else I've tried.

BTW if you look around, some ED streamers (e.g. Buur, Brother Sabathius) have 5% discount codes on VKB gear. They don't make anything off it, it's just a discount for you.

[funkynutz]

T16000M... I've had 4 of them. They're cheap crap that I'd wear out after about a few months. Can have zero deadzone when new... It doesn't last long though.

X56... is better than the other (lower numbered) Saitek/Logitech sticks. I affectionately refer to all of them as "dodgitech" for a reason though. Don't even bother if it's an old Saitek version.

VKB Gladiator NXT EVO... Best bang for your buck at the minute.... With a caveat... It's just a joystick. You'll either need a throttle module, or a second stick for your other hand. I'm currently using 2 Gladiators myself... Been using them a few years now. Not even had to replace the springs with the spares yet.

[Agony_Aunt]

I've had two thrustmasters (X and 1600) and its always been the twist that goes first, which is one of the main attractions of it. Very annoying. End up mapping the toggle on the back of the throttle to handle yaw them.

However, price wise, they are decent, and both lasted me many years of abuse, my second one is still going strong (minus the twist issue).

If i could justify the expense, i'd go for a better quality stick though.

[atom heart]

I have the bog standard X52 which I bought about @ 4 years ago. The throttle is ok but the stick feels like you are stirring a cake mix in your granny's mixing bowl. There is considerable drift on the lateral axis which I compensate for but I am on the hunt for a better quality replacement. The gimbal is notoriously cheap in these sticks and I will bin it with few regrets. But, it has seen me through many fun days & nights in Elite & FSX.

[Kobs]

If this game is all you're going to play with it... you better get a cheaper one. On the other hand if you're a flight sim addict go for something better
Peoples tend to get bored of everything sooner or later and that goes even for the love of your life loll
It boils down to if you have the budget then go for the best if not think of the long run

[76561199535677220]

Originally posted by atom heart:

I have the bog standard X52 which I bought about @ 4 years ago. The throttle is ok but the stick feels like you are stirring a cake mix in your granny's mixing bowl.

Yep that's my issue with the X52. It's like rowing a boat one-handed.

[RDR]

Originally posted by Sighman:

I have a full VKB setup, a Hotas-X, an X-52 and an old (discontinued) G940.

The first and the last have rudder pedals, which I like to use in ED.

The HotasX is a great budget setup, does everything I need, I've been using it for around 8 years now.

I don't like the X-52. The stick has a huge range of movement, but mostly I think it's because I was spoiled by the G940 and the VKB.

I thought the G940 was top tier, and used it for about 9000 hours in game. It's nominally a force feedback stick, fairly high quality, but I bought it used in poor condition, repaired it, and completely wore it out.

Then I sprang for the VKB setup, and it's like stepping out of a 40 year old car into a brand new one off the lot.

I can't emphasise how much better it is than everything else I've tried.

BTW if you look around, some ED streamers (e.g. Buur, Brother Sabathius) have 5% discount codes on VKB gear. They don't make anything off it, it's just a discount for you.

Thanks for the detailed response.

Looks like the vkb is probably the way to go, thanks for the info on the discount codes, I will look into it.

Originally posted by funkynutz:

T16000M... I've had 4 of them. They're cheap crap that I'd wear out after about a few months. Can have zero deadzone when new... It doesn't last long though.

X56... is better than the other (lower numbered) Saitek/Logitech sticks. I affectionately refer to all ofg them as "dodgitech" for a reason though. Don't even bother if it's an old Saitek version though.

VKB Gladiator NXT EVO... Best bang for your buck at the minute.... With a caveat... It's just a joystick. You'll either need a throttle module, or a second stick for your other hand. I'm currently using 2 Gladiators myself... Been using them a few years now. Not even had to replace the springs with the spares yet.

Thankyou. Reluctantly leaning heavily towards the vkb at the moment.

Originally posted by Agony_Aunt:

I've had two thrustmasters (X and 1600) and its always been the twist that goes first, which is one of the main attractions of it. Very annoying. End up mapping the toggle on the back of the throttle to handle yaw them.

However, price wise, they are decent, and both lasted me many years of abuse, my second one is still going strong (minus the twist issue).

If i could justify the expense, i'd go for a better quality stick though.

Yes that is what I had read, thanks for confirming.

Originally posted by atom heart:

I have the bog standard X52 which I bought about @ 4 years ago. The throttle is ok but the stick feels like you are stirring a cake mix in your granny's mixing bowl. There is considerable drift on the lateral axis which I compensate for but I am on the hunt for a better quality replacement. The gimbal is notoriously cheap in these sticks and I will bin it with few regrets. But, it has seen me through many fun days & nights in Elite & FSX.

Hmmm well there goes that option. Thanks for the info appreciated.

Originally posted by Kobs:

If this game is all you're going to play with it... you better get a cheaper one. On the other hand if you're a flight sim addict go for something better
Peoples tend to get bored of everything sooner or later and that goes even for the love of your life loll
It boils down to if you have the budget then go for the best if not think of the long run

Unfortunately this is probably true. I may play SC at some point if it gets closer to reaching its potential. That said I may very well invest considerable time in ED so there is that.

I think this thread has convinced me to go the Vkb route. My disposable income may have been gutted for the foreseeable future but I guess it is at least an option I shouldnt be disappointed with. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[Septimus]

I started with the Hotas-X, bought it when I first bought Elite and used it for years. It's not a bad starter option, and you can always buy used and sell it off again.

For some time I wanted to splurge on a direct drive wheel for my simrig, after getting the racing bug. Luckily I held off, because the simrig is getting dusty and the G29 is fine for an occasional blast.

[spam]

I have no other experience to compare it to, but I really like my X56 HOTAS and MFG rudder pedals. I had to return the first X56 set I got, but Logitech's customer support was flat out the best I've ever seen and made the process relatively painless. Once I got a fully functioning HOTAS, it has held up without fault for several years and well over 1500 hours of play and as far as I can tell, it functions like new.

The biggest issue with the X56 is the stick's twist is far too tight for long play-times (hence the rudder pedals).

[RDR]

Originally posted by Sighman:

SNIP.......

BTW if you look around, some ED streamers (e.g. Buur, Brother Sabathius) have 5% discount codes on VKB gear. They don't make anything off it, it's just a discount for you.

Thanks again for this, I found a code and it got me 5% off, which is decent on a $700AU purchase.

BTW Purchased the VKb premium and omni throttle.

[/me]

VKB - good choice.
You won't regret it.

[funkynutz]

Originally posted by RDR:

Originally posted by Sighman:

SNIP.......

BTW if you look around, some ED streamers (e.g. Buur, Brother Sabathius) have 5% discount codes on VKB gear. They don't make anything off it, it's just a discount for you.

Thanks again for this, I found a code and it got me 5% off, which is decent on a $700AU purchase.

BTW Purchased the VKb premium and omni throttle.

Good choice. I've got the Omni Throttle adaptor on both my sticks. Bolted to my desk, it's like hanging off a motorbike handlebars/pod racer.

If the twist axis makes a little clicking/popping sound, just run it through the motion a few times. It's a bubble in the grease that took me about half an hour of Elite to work out of my left stick.

And get a can of compressed air. The analogue thumbstick is wide open, so it occasionally gets a hair or bit of fluff stuck in it that makes it twitch out (I've had to clean mine about 3 times in as many years).

[kmkenpo]

I am sorry to ask a "somewhat" related question on your thread... but this one has been bugging me for a bit.

I have a bog standard Airbus stick, which works more than well enough for me. Combining it with a small amount of desktop real estate and a keyboard that I turn at an angle so as to give me access to the keyboard for occasional throttle commands, stick and mouse... it works. It's odd, but it works. I also have the VoiceAttack software from Steam, and a number of HCS Voice Packs so that I don't need to fumble with finding all of the various key commands on the slanted board.

Anyway, I was wondering if a dedicated throttle would suddenly feel like it had a dead space or dead zone if I gave a verbal command for a speed change, only to have the throttle physically sitting at a different speed. I honestly don't know if I am phrasing the question well enough. Soooo... physical throttle on the stick is pushed to 1/2 throttle... voice command is given for full throttle. The ship is now moving at full, but the throttle is physically sitting at half. Does the physical throttle become somewhat out of sync as far as position of speed that it is supposed to be?

Does anyone have any input as to whether this is, or is not, an issue when combining voice command software with a dedicated throttle stick?

[funkynutz]

Originally posted by kmkenpo:

Does anyone have any input as to whether this is, or is not, an issue when combining voice command software with a dedicated throttle stick?

In that case it will default to whichever control it last received an input from. So if you use your keyboard/VA, they'll take over. As soon as you move your throttle it will take over again. I can use throttle, pedals (toe brakes are set to 25% increments) or keyboard to manage my speed... redundant control options in case I've got a brew/slice of pizza in my hand

[RDR]

Originally posted by kmkenpo:

I am sorry to ask a "somewhat" related question on your thread... but this one has been bugging me for a bit.

snip

Does anyone have any input as to whether this is, or is not, an issue when combining voice command software with a dedicated throttle stick?

No worries, thread hijack approved :)

Hopefully one of the gurus can help you.