A critical note about the Logitech yoke, is due to its limited range of motion, the sim will double the amount of input. For example a 45 degree input will be interpreted by the software as a 90 degree bank. For a student pilot like me, this was a major deal breaker. I went with the Honeycomb Alpha yoke and could not be happier
You are right with that comment, I got the Logitech X56 last week, and is impossible to get 100% control, so I returned it today and ordered the Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Yoke with Honeycomb Aeronautical Bravo Throttle Quadrant Bundle. Happy learning to all!
@@edwinsand7749 I also returned the X56. I was tempted by the large range of buttons and switches but the quality is terrible. Annoying dead center detent on the joystick, cheap switches, cheap plastics. Not worth the money.
Great video! Hello from Phoenix Arizona in the USA. I’m a private pilot I got my license at Phoenix sky Harbor in 1987. The last five years I’ve not been flying due to medical reasons. Now I’m discovering all these new flight Sam’s in the ability to have some really cool stuff at home. It’ll give me a chance to brush up on my skills stay current and learn all of this new incredible technology. I’ve been searching for a video like this to show me the hardware options that are available. A video like this has been hard to fine so thank you for doing it. I just subscribed and I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos.
I would recommend the MFG Crosswind. It's a ruder pedal build in croatia. Very sturdy and the support you get is invaluable. You can even get hydraulic dampeners to even have a more realitic feeling
Love the list and how you really catered it to beginners. If you are a bit short on money, or space, or don't feel like setting up a lot of gear every time: I am just flying MSFS with a simple stick with a twist rudder function and a small throttle lever, controlling everything else with the mouse (including mixture and propellers). While there are a ton kf ways to improve that setup, it still gives the full functionality of everything the sim does, and it's fun to learn the cockpits by having to find and adjust the actual virtual controls.
I have had my Logitech yoke and pedals fora decade. They are great. I recently added a couple of panel. They make a huge difference to training flights but the immersive view of a vr headset is amazing.
Instead of VR with you might want to consider Tobii eye tracker. It gives you that range of vision without a headset. This allows you to use those panels.
I would put Track IR on that list, just behind the HOTAS/Yoke as it adds so much immersion and simplicity at a cheap price. I'm surprised you did not mention it.
either the Track-IR 5 or the Tobii eye tracker are both a great pick. The track IR has more precise head tracking over the tobii, but the tobii adds eye tracking and you don't need a attachment for your headset or hat
You missed the best of the lot though. VKBs line-up of sticks and Winwing as well. I've got both, and are far better than the Logitech stuff will ever be. VKB sticks are modular, with sticks that you can swap buttons around with. Then there's the software behind them that is the most incredibly versatile and flexible stuff I've ever seen in a stick. For example you can program a mini-stick (4-way hat) to act as a mouse. Or change the colours of LEDs to flash or blink at different rates and speed or colour. The combinations are almost endless. There's a bunch of add on modules available as well. Worth a look.
I just want to add a game changing device for flight simulator feel. I highly recommend the Brunner CLS yoke... The force feedback is amazing, and it makes for customizable very realistic feel for each airplane.
I’ve been playing around with a stream deck and the amount of capabilities that has and the amount of ready set up profiles that are online was a great alternative to all the panels you can get.
I have the Honeycomb Alpha yoke and Bravo throttle with the Logitech rudder pedals. It’s the best setup for a reasonable budget. There are a lot of programmable switches on the Bravo as well as an autopilot. Had them for 2 years now and love them.
The only thing I'd swap is yoke and pedals. Even though the x56 has twist grip, its not a good habit to get onto of you intend to fly irl. After using the x3d pro for years I really have to think and remind myself to use rudder when I go up for real. But apart from that, great video
I fly in DCS and I must say; you left out something considerably less expensive to the VR Headsets, and that is the Track IR head tracking units that allow you to get truly immersive at a much reduced cost. The Natural Point Track IR headset comes in two flavers - a cheaper reflective headset that you mount on a cap, and the Pro version that uses a sensor and LED's that provide you the ability like VR headsets to look around the cockpit and flying environment without having to use a hat switch on your stick or a keyboard combination. There are other even less expensive choices that use a Web Cam you might already have, too. I agree with your choices, I started out with the X-52 and then moved up to the X-56 and have had great luck and fun with them, although I am saving for a top of the line joystick like you mentioned. Even though I am choked by a tight budget, I hope to move up to a better throttle also. I do have the Logitech Rudder Pedals and they work great too!
With a small budget, my personal recommendation is VKB NXT with the GNX throttle quadrant. Simple, effective controller setup. Then, stay “IN” the sim. Dont add a bunch of hardware outside the sim. Instead stay in the sim and utilize the controls within the simulator. This helps with immersion, as well as allows flight of all types of aircraft since you wont be stuck with one type of cockpit layout.
I just bought the Velocity One Yoke, Rudder and 3 Logitech panels. I do think on buying the Bravo throttle quadran, but must wait for sufficient income this set is very expansive. Anyway I am thinking on buying a new Powerfull PC to run simulator like MSFS and TSW 3 ETC.
I recommend my Rudder Pedal Brand MFG Crosswind I started with the Logitech pedals the price on them IMO is not worth the Quality, People cheap out on pedals thinking they are not that big of a deal till they put their feet on a Precision set of pedals like Virpils or MFG Crosswind. I also recommend getting the Damper addon for the pedals. I started out with the X56 Rhino HOTAS system I use all Virpil gear with the MFG Crosswind rudder pedals. Can't live without them. Good Video
2:50 I wouldnt necessarily agree that a yoke gives more emersion. Whilst it is true that a lot of civil aircraft use a yoke, there are still plenty which use a stick (including all airbus's and a lot of light aircraft). On the same note, several light aircraft don't use a standard throttle either, but that doesn't diminish the emersion. Overall I would say either yoke or stick can/will provide equal emersion.
I've got the full virpil setup. constellation stick, extension, throttle, and both switch panels. never been happier with a purchase. also have the honeycomb yoke and throttle as well. next upgrade will be to get rid of the Logitech pedals to virps. amongst other things like a tablet for maps and what not, and a stream deck for things like ATC and views. oh and the logitech flight panels.
VR should be #2 IMO, I've been playing with a joystick and throttle i nvr for years, no pedals. Just fly the robin og other stick aircraft and use the twist for rudder. Im getting a yoke and pedals now, but I've had plenty of fun in VR without, way more than I would have in flatscreen
With regard to the twist grip rudder, over rudder pedals. The amount of control that you have when you move to true rudder pedals is immense. On Elite Dangerous I was able to adjust the yaw of my ship whilst simultaneously rolling and using the lateral thrusters in a way that never felt possible with the X52s twist rudder. It just felt so natural. Also learning to take off in a single engine aircraft and using the pedals to counteract the yaw, is something that isn't really possible with a twist grip, as moving the stick to take off tends to affect the twist that you have applied.
I am a beginner at this and it was very helpful, I am not a tech guy, have worked on and built many scale planes. I am a mechanic not a computer guy, even though they should go hand in hand.😀
Great video. I ordered a flight yoke from a sportys pilot shop back in 2020 and after 5 months it never came in. I bought it because of the release of Microsoft Flight Sim 2020. I recently built a new PC for around $3500 and I cannot wait to get back into it.
As a participant in simulation and real aviation since 98, I'm impressed with the advancements that software has made, but my opinion about peripherals is that the offerings are relatively pathetic. I say this in view of the fact that Microsoft had accomplished a force feedback stick ages ago while manufacturers these days are producing toy-like devices in the form of yokes at extravagant prices. My cheap 15 year old set of CH Products yoke and pedals does the job every bit as well as, if not better than anything I've tried out that's in the current market while being the absolutely least expensive.
@@perfeet702 VKB doesn't sell yokes and their pedals are 50-100% more expansive and no toe brakes. Not saying it's bad but it's not comparing apples to apples.
I have the Saitek Cessna yoke. It‘s basically the same as the Logitech Pro yoke but with +-90 degrees aileron instead of +-45 degrees and a little bit different design. Good thing althoug it‘s old. Had a cheap deal at ca. 60€ a few years ago. But it feels cheap, especially the throttle. And the throttle now slowly gets unprecise. Anyhow for less than 100€ I would recommend the Saitek Cessna yoke which is unfortunately not available new. The Saitek/Logitech rudders are fine. Not precise but good enough, feet are not as precise as the hands.
To concur with your list I have: Logitech X52 Pro, which is good but frustrating in some ways. That prompted the purchase of a Thrustmaster Warthog and Logitech rudder pedals. I use both so as to have more buttons and less keyboard interaction. They pair mighty well with an Oculus Quest 2. The Quest 2 is so awesome I hardly ever play War Thunder, or any other VR compatible games, without it. Yes, it is literally a game changer. Once you get used to VR you'll never go back. VR is hard but so much more fun than standard 2d gaming.
Honeycomb yoke and throttle quadrant: thrustmaster airbus joystick and throttle quadrant and thrustmaster A-10 Wart hog joystick; and Logitech pro flight rudder pedals and 3 flight instrument panels in my setup all mounted on next level racing F-GT sim rig eh 🇨🇦
I would add, simionic, x 52,56,58. Hotas trust master x. Airbus captain set. Old but good logitech G940 force feedback with duel throttle and rudder paddles included. Great device, sadly there is not much force feedback stuff out there!
Before you get a VR headset, I'd try and test it out first. I got a VR headset for DCS and found that I got extremely nauseated using it (could only play for like 15 minutes at a time doing maneuvers before I felt like puking). I've heard other people say the same thing. Honestly, I'd recommend a headtracker first. Many DCS players simply use the headtracker and do just fine. The tough part with the headtracker is you need to eliminate the light coming into the room as that can mess up the track IR.
if u recommend x56 that only looks pretty but its shit components inside thats not make sense to watch till end. after 2y for this price and u can drop it to trash. they made as cheap quality as possible to cut the cost of productions. so its like 80% price is just for brand.
I have been looking for a steering yoke for stuff like space sims. I have the Logitech X56 HOTAS and I cant seem to get used to using a stick. I had the Worthog originally and still had the same issue. I have played with a steering yoke in other flight sims and just love how that all feels and I was able to fly a lot better than with a stick. Anyone know a good yoke that can be used in space sims?
The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 is the best add on I've bought. I have a VR headset (Quest 2) but its so uncomfortable and just a pain to set up and pack away. Tobii works with MSFS, Xplane, DCS, many other sims too.
I got the Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo plus the Logitech pedals but one important thing I didn't think of is a chair without wheels on it! It is very annoying to have feet on pedals and hands on yoke and throttle and the damn chair is wandering backwards. There have been real world accidents where the seat in a plane has come unlocked, sliding backwards causing the pilot to pull back on the yoke and enter a departure stall - and die! The consequences would likely be much less severe on a sim however.
Recently I have entered the sim racing and I have love it, with the logitech G923 I have had a nice experience and I have totally love it, now i want to try and get into the flight sim world but buying a cheap and nice peripherals (not buying junk but not giving away all of my money), and this video has helped me a lot, thank you
It's just like SIM racing, you have the budget options, like your G923, and then the price shoots up really fast to the next level. The difference between the groups in considerable but they won't make you a better player, just feel more realistic.
fantastic video, yes the virpil is awesome. I use two sticks for my hotas. But i didnt even know, that iam so much into flying. Chris Roberts showed me, how much i love it. Yea the thing with VR. iam still a DIY Coppit Fanboy. its like sitting in real, in my Gladius. Yes it takes time and money, but with the App for the monitor controls just makes it stunning, i have 4 cheap pads and each one is a monitor, like ingame. Yes with VR its awesome to look around. But the immersion of sitting in a real rebuild star fighter is for me still overwhelming.
Excellent video and great choices. Thank you. I am not sure if I can stand the VR immersion for any length of time (I do fly for hours at a time so I would probably pick the TrackIR over VR.) although I would like to experience it one day. I have all but the VR goggle.
I needed this sort of advice . I love flight sims but want to make sure that i get tye right gear from the outset. I have seen people buy sorts of gear then try to sell the crap (sorry) but its true. Thanks .
me personal got the THRUSTMASTER T.16000M FCS HOTAS sorry for caps i really think this is a good way to start investing in flight sim but ofc its your own option :)
Also! If one would skip VR it really is possible to use an older pc with a 1080 nvidia card to get a very pleasant experience on a screen, even a wide one. Or using a full HD projector for a large picture. VR is really hogging the system. But I agree it can be gamechanging and urge anyone who likes sims to try it. If you can manage the motion sickness some people experience it is a next level experience. And motionsickness in VR was only a problem for me the first times I tried it. What really made me HAVE to buy a set was flying the Huey chopper in DCS. After that I was sold!
The use of electronic control technology is adequate, as it is only required for flight phases other than taxiing and takeoff, as well as certain maneuvers after takeoff. The autopilot handles most of the main tasks in flight and during landing, electronic controls are sufficient to allow the autopilot to perform the majority of operations. In this context, investing in additional equipment that will not accurately reflect reality may not be justified.
outsiide of the yoke what would be the best ones to get to simulate a cesna? im looking to go to school soon and honestly id just like to stay as in range to what ill be using as possible fo comfort sake if anything else
I would just go with a higher end HOTAS. Even if you have to save up or use credit. The X56 is just a really bad HOTAS for the price. If you are going to spend over $200, you might as well buy a Thrustmaster Warthog or better. Buy on credit and pay over 12 months. Remember though, with a Warthog you will have to have rudder pedals. Also get the HP Reverb G2 over the Quest 2. You can usually get the G2 on sale for $399, so $100 more than the Q2 and the display is so much better. The Quest 2 display is very bad and washed out. I sent mine back after three days, it was so bad. You don't need a top end card either for the G2, I am running a Asus 1080, not a the TI, just a 1080. I get 30-35 FPS in MSFS and DCS. I know a lot of people think that is bad, but in reality it is the same as a 2D screen running at 60-70fps.
@@musicmane4146 It was actually good and smooth at the time with a 1080, lol. Until the big DCS updates. Get around 60-70 now with the 4080 with everything maxed.
question ; do you guys know any possibility to 'see tru' the oculus quest 2 ONLY to be able to see al the buttons and displays on these aftermarked sticks and panels? i keep finding it difficult to really have full control in the VR cockpits . i do it with only the right hand quest controller and stick in the left hand .
What about the Thrustmaster Warthog? That used to be the first, last and middle word in HOTAS controllers, and frankly, I had my hands on it, it just feels _AMAZING_
Your top three (hotas, yoke) I'd group as one. Next, rudder pedals yes. I think putting VR next is controversial. I prefer head tracking over VR because of the scaled movement. In combat flight simulators, you are checking behind you and it's high effort in VR to actually turn your head around 180 degrees. I don't see why they can't scale movement with VR as well, but when I tried it last this was not something you could do. I think StreamDeck should be on this list as well and I see that you have one as well. While there are so many various panels you can buy from Virpil, Winwing, Logitech, TakeControl etc, a StreamDeck is super flexible and more importantly gives you feedback. It's well placed front and center as a UFC repeater as well for fast data entry on those planes. I haven't had mine long enough to know if it's more important than my MFD Cougar even in a combat sim. If you fly mostly or entirely MSFS, definitely the SteamDeck is the device to get.
Simulation is supposed to simulate reality, you do need to turn your head quite a lot to see behind you in real cockpit, too... why some fighters have handy dandy rear view mirrors (that work)
@@mikas2051 that and the typical 'lazy gamer' wanting minimal head movement, whilst the real fighter pilot is dancing around the cockpit, looking all directions trying to stay alive. VR adds to some of the realism of actually having to look behind you... but then people play these games for fun and don't want to risk a neck injury whipping their head around.
Interesting perspective, which I can take into consideration, but, for me, it is seriously limited by not including variables related to currently available OS. Coordination of products with Win 11 is seriously deficient. Can’t tell if this results from an uncooperative Microsoft or peripheral manufacturers running low on development funds.
i was more the military Fighter Jet Pilot (DCS).... for me is the Thrustmaster Warthog Stick and Trottle with the Thrustmaster TRP Pedals the best Choice.....
Looking to get a pilot’s license soon . Hopefully there is something out there that is instrument rated training. Garmin, 1000.? Want ideas and what sim ?
can you ad more accessores to the yoke system including the ruder pedals and the throttle for example he lading gear accessores and more please answer quid i am finkin of having one
I'm just looking into a flight sim to keep sharp on instrument flying. I have the Oculus 2 so I'll give that a go. There are ways of bringing up Foreflight in the simulator even with the VR headset though.
Hey man I have a quick question I have the sainted yoke and throttle quadrant but I have 2 throttle quadrants with the weird entry how did you connect both
I didn't see which of the controls would work om Apple OS. The seem to work mostly on MS OS. It would be useful if you stated which OS the systems support.
Hi!! thank you for your video, great advice. Can you use the panels described in N5 if you are using the oculus? additionally... what PC configuration do you recommend for the oculus? THANKS!
By Jove!! In Italy that's considered unimmaginable. I got sadisfaction just with a program with real landascape and a joystick able to the requested tech performances. However congratulation to you! Last thing: Tha last microsoft SIM for 40 anniversary is less handble respect the last two Sim.
Logitech G Pro Flight Multi Panel. A waste of money. After 3 months and a replacement made by Amazon, despite many suggestions from Logitech it´s still not working with FSX Steam, XP12 or MSFS. Numbers don´t show in the display or command buttons don´t work, randomly.
Mine works well with FSX in Win 11, but not the other two apps. Didn’t work with FSX until I switched to a powered USB connection that wasn’t shared with too many USB jacks.
As a 50 year simmer… yes, I said 50 years (I use to fly the lunar lander sim for fun) Buy the absolute best controls you can afford… far and above your computer. Computers will get old in just a few years…. your controllers can last for decades.
The Logitech/Saitek recommendations seem a little out of date imho, with Thrustmaster and VKB offering imho quite a lot better entry level Joysticks/Hotas. T1600M, Airbus Edition and VKB Gladiator NXT Line have quite a lot going for them imho, and Thrustmasters Boing Edition is a quite interesting alternative to the Honeycomb.
i have the honey comb throttle and yoke, both took very long to arrive, both were supposed to be for christmas but the yoke didnt come until april, and i dont even remember when the throttle came bc of how long it took lol
noob question here as i never had a joystick.. are all those buttons mapped to keyboard keys ? or - and I use windows - does windows support specific buttons with almost no limit for joysticks like joystick_1, joystick_2 and regarding the pitch/rol/yaw I wonder how that is mapped as input to software.
Not even when this video was posted was the Vibe the best VR headset for flight sim if you have money there are many different options that blow that out of the water. Any of the Pi-max headsets for example or even in 2023 you can get the Big screen Beyond VR headset that delivers a custom very small formfitting headset that is designed to fit your face and eyes custom made for you!
I'm pretty sure the Pimax 8KX is better than the Reverb G2. In about a month's time we may have one or two more VR headsets that are better than the G2.
The 8KX is better when it comes to the data sheet, but it's easily 3 times as expensive if you factor in the lighthouses and controlers, needs A LOT more grunt from your PC, has way worse shipping times and customer support, is way more bulky and way less comfortable... It's a trade off. If visual clarity is all to you, FOV is important and money is no object, get the Varjo Aero. If FOV is king for you and you are both, tech savy and willing to troubleshoot strange behavior, get the PiMax 8KX. If you don't want to spend 3-5 times the money for an slightly better experience, get the G2.
Would add that the Logitech yoke is ONLY for the budget minded. It’s a 4/10 at best. Definitely better that not having a yoke but dialing a nice feel is almost impossible. Honeycomb really is the quality standard. I’ve heard fantastic things about the Brunner but it’s $$$$$$$.
Not bad. I have seen the extreme where some have gone to the bone yard and purchased cockpits from a Cessna 182 to a 737 and gone hog wild crazy with interfacing actual controls to a multitude of linked computers. A good way to get kicked into the dog house from the better half.
A great little presentation though a bit patchy regarding price information but no biggy as one can soon discover that. I'm curious whether the ultra-committed flight simmers (if that's the correct terminology for flight sim users), who invest in the top gear regardless of it means spending the rent or the month's grocery bill, ever consider taking actual lessons/pilot license?
I own a Reverb G2, and unfortunately, Microsoft has decided to deprecate WMR (Windows Mixed Reality) that this headset relies on. Fortunately, the Windows Update they're eliminating it (and any support for it) from is version 24H2, to be released in September, 2024. Also fortunate is that the update will be optional. Whether it's optional down the road is unknown. I'm not happy about it, since their baffling decision may severely limit the lifespan of a headset I paid $500 to own.
A critical note about the Logitech yoke, is due to its limited range of motion, the sim will double the amount of input. For example a 45 degree input will be interpreted by the software as a 90 degree bank.
For a student pilot like me, this was a major deal breaker. I went with the Honeycomb Alpha yoke and could not be happier
You are right with that comment, I got the Logitech X56 last week, and is impossible to get 100% control, so I returned it today and ordered the Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Yoke with Honeycomb Aeronautical Bravo Throttle Quadrant Bundle. Happy learning to all!
@@edwinsand7749 I also returned the X56. I was tempted by the large range of buttons and switches but the quality is terrible. Annoying dead center detent on the joystick, cheap switches, cheap plastics. Not worth the money.
Saitek Cessna Pro yoke 180 degrees
Logitech (Saitek) is pure garbage.
You are right but if you're a casual simmer or in a tight budget I have found that it's not bad for the price
Great video! Hello from Phoenix Arizona in the USA. I’m a private pilot I got my license at Phoenix sky Harbor in 1987. The last five years I’ve not been flying due to medical reasons. Now I’m discovering all these new flight Sam’s in the ability to have some really cool stuff at home. It’ll give me a chance to brush up on my skills stay current and learn all of this new incredible technology. I’ve been searching for a video like this to show me the hardware options that are available. A video like this has been hard to fine so thank you for doing it. I just subscribed and I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos.
welcome aboard - glad you found the video useful
have you started playing all of these gadgets? if so...how close are these to reality?
This is an excellent lineup and your cinematography is stunning. You deserve a lot more views!
Really appreciate that bud, glad you enjoyed the vid
I concur
And I concur
I would recommend the MFG Crosswind. It's a ruder pedal build in croatia. Very sturdy and the support you get is invaluable. You can even get hydraulic dampeners to even have a more realitic feeling
Love the list and how you really catered it to beginners. If you are a bit short on money, or space, or don't feel like setting up a lot of gear every time: I am just flying MSFS with a simple stick with a twist rudder function and a small throttle lever, controlling everything else with the mouse (including mixture and propellers). While there are a ton kf ways to improve that setup, it still gives the full functionality of everything the sim does, and it's fun to learn the cockpits by having to find and adjust the actual virtual controls.
Why should beginners buy crap like those Saitek (Logi) controllers? Better to start with something like TM.
I have a similar setup as I an a new player, and it is pretty good
I have had my Logitech yoke and pedals fora decade. They are great. I recently added a couple of panel. They make a huge difference to training flights but the immersive view of a vr headset is amazing.
Im a beginner so still dipping my toes into the flight sim experience but i think i might come back to this video of i ever wanna upgrade my setup
Instead of VR with you might want to consider Tobii eye tracker. It gives you that range of vision without a headset. This allows you to use those panels.
I would put Track IR on that list, just behind the HOTAS/Yoke as it adds so much immersion and simplicity at a cheap price. I'm surprised you did not mention it.
either the Track-IR 5 or the Tobii eye tracker are both a great pick.
The track IR has more precise head tracking over the tobii, but the tobii adds eye tracking and you don't need a attachment for your headset or hat
"such a cheap price" yeah right sure
You missed the best of the lot though. VKBs line-up of sticks and Winwing as well. I've got both, and are far better than the Logitech stuff will ever be.
VKB sticks are modular, with sticks that you can swap buttons around with. Then there's the software behind them that is the most incredibly versatile and flexible stuff I've ever seen in a stick.
For example you can program a mini-stick (4-way hat) to act as a mouse. Or change the colours of LEDs to flash or blink at different rates and speed or colour. The combinations are almost endless.
There's a bunch of add on modules available as well. Worth a look.
I just want to add a game changing device for flight simulator feel. I highly recommend the Brunner CLS yoke... The force feedback is amazing, and it makes for customizable very realistic feel for each airplane.
At over a $1200 US it should be pretty good!
I’ve been playing around with a stream deck and the amount of capabilities that has and the amount of ready set up profiles that are online was a great alternative to all the panels you can get.
I have the Honeycomb Alpha yoke and Bravo throttle with the Logitech rudder pedals. It’s the best setup for a reasonable budget. There are a lot of programmable switches on the Bravo as well as an autopilot. Had them for 2 years now and love them.
sweet i just got mine yesterday
@@mosasa1307 it takes a while to set up all the programmable buttons but once you do you’ll have smooth skies ahead!
Why Virpil but not VKB?
VKB can keep up at the top, if not lead, and it even has mid-range solutions.
CH throttle quadrants ... it's fragile and uses 8 bit Potentiometers but it's cheap and has 6 axis and 6 2-way momentary switches.
The only thing I'd swap is yoke and pedals. Even though the x56 has twist grip, its not a good habit to get onto of you intend to fly irl. After using the x3d pro for years I really have to think and remind myself to use rudder when I go up for real. But apart from that, great video
This is first genuine reason ive heard for pedals. They just seem like waste otherwise
Thank you so much. I just got into Microsoft Flight Simulator and was looking for peripherals
I fly in DCS and I must say; you left out something considerably less expensive to the VR Headsets, and that is the Track IR head tracking units that allow you to get truly immersive at a much reduced cost. The Natural Point Track IR headset comes in two flavers - a cheaper reflective headset that you mount on a cap, and the Pro version that uses a sensor and LED's that provide you the ability like VR headsets to look around the cockpit and flying environment without having to use a hat switch on your stick or a keyboard combination. There are other even less expensive choices that use a Web Cam you might already have, too.
I agree with your choices, I started out with the X-52 and then moved up to the X-56 and have had great luck and fun with them, although I am saving for a top of the line joystick like you mentioned. Even though I am choked by a tight budget, I hope to move up to a better throttle also. I do have the Logitech Rudder Pedals and they work great too!
What are the web cam ones?
I absolutely love the honeycomb setup.
With a small budget, my personal recommendation is VKB NXT with the GNX throttle quadrant. Simple, effective controller setup. Then, stay “IN” the sim. Dont add a bunch of hardware outside the sim. Instead stay in the sim and utilize the controls within the simulator. This helps with immersion, as well as allows flight of all types of aircraft since you wont be stuck with one type of cockpit layout.
I'm a newbie and I was looking for a video just like this. Thank you sir!
I just bought the Velocity One Yoke, Rudder and 3 Logitech panels.
I do think on buying the Bravo throttle quadran, but must wait for sufficient income this set is very expansive.
Anyway I am thinking on buying a new Powerfull PC to run simulator like MSFS and TSW 3 ETC.
I recommend my Rudder Pedal Brand MFG Crosswind I started with the Logitech pedals the price on them IMO is not worth the Quality, People cheap out on pedals thinking they are not that big of a deal till they put their feet on a Precision set of pedals like Virpils or MFG Crosswind. I also recommend getting the Damper addon for the pedals. I started out with the X56 Rhino HOTAS system I use all Virpil gear with the MFG Crosswind rudder pedals. Can't live without them. Good Video
2:50 I wouldnt necessarily agree that a yoke gives more emersion. Whilst it is true that a lot of civil aircraft use a yoke, there are still plenty which use a stick (including all airbus's and a lot of light aircraft). On the same note, several light aircraft don't use a standard throttle either, but that doesn't diminish the emersion. Overall I would say either yoke or stick can/will provide equal emersion.
I've got the full virpil setup. constellation stick, extension, throttle, and both switch panels. never been happier with a purchase. also have the honeycomb yoke and throttle as well. next upgrade will be to get rid of the Logitech pedals to virps. amongst other things like a tablet for maps and what not, and a stream deck for things like ATC and views. oh and the logitech flight panels.
I have been using my SAITEK FLIGHT PRO SYSTEM for airplanes and the HOTAS Cougar for helicopters for more than 10 years.
No problems at all.
I agree, VR is a game changer for looking over your shoulders for "bogeys". Quest 3 is the best all around.
Winwing is a contender offering F-18 full combat & landing panels & of course ...sticks & throttle units.
I'm windowshopping for peripherals and the info is really awesome! Thanks mate.
i would have put trackir or eye tracking over vr and even pedals as most sticks have a twist axis
That’s a great suggestion. I personally like the immersion you get from VR but I can totally see a place for trackir 👍
VR should be #2 IMO, I've been playing with a joystick and throttle i nvr for years, no pedals. Just fly the robin og other stick aircraft and use the twist for rudder.
Im getting a yoke and pedals now, but I've had plenty of fun in VR without, way more than I would have in flatscreen
With regard to the twist grip rudder, over rudder pedals. The amount of control that you have when you move to true rudder pedals is immense.
On Elite Dangerous I was able to adjust the yaw of my ship whilst simultaneously rolling and using the lateral thrusters in a way that never felt possible with the X52s twist rudder. It just felt so natural. Also learning to take off in a single engine aircraft and using the pedals to counteract the yaw, is something that isn't really possible with a twist grip, as moving the stick to take off tends to affect the twist that you have applied.
I am a beginner at this and it was very helpful, I am not a tech guy, have worked on and built many scale planes. I am a mechanic not a computer guy, even though they should go hand in hand.😀
Great video. I ordered a flight yoke from a sportys pilot shop back in 2020 and after 5 months it never came in. I bought it because of the release of Microsoft Flight Sim 2020. I recently built a new PC for around $3500 and I cannot wait to get back into it.
As a participant in simulation and real aviation since 98, I'm impressed with the advancements that software has made, but my opinion about peripherals is that the offerings are relatively pathetic. I say this in view of the fact that Microsoft had accomplished a force feedback stick ages ago while manufacturers these days are producing toy-like devices in the form of yokes at extravagant prices. My cheap 15 year old set of CH Products yoke and pedals does the job every bit as well as, if not better than anything I've tried out that's in the current market while being the absolutely least expensive.
Get VKB or Virpil. Very high quality.
@@perfeet702 VKB doesn't sell yokes and their pedals are 50-100% more expansive and no toe brakes. Not saying it's bad but it's not comparing apples to apples.
I have the Saitek Cessna yoke. It‘s basically the same as the Logitech Pro yoke but with +-90 degrees aileron instead of +-45 degrees and a little bit different design. Good thing althoug it‘s old. Had a cheap deal at ca. 60€ a few years ago.
But it feels cheap, especially the throttle. And the throttle now slowly gets unprecise. Anyhow for less than 100€ I would recommend the Saitek Cessna yoke which is unfortunately not available new.
The Saitek/Logitech rudders are fine. Not precise but good enough, feet are not as precise as the hands.
look at the vkb rudder pedals, super precise
To concur with your list I have: Logitech X52 Pro, which is good but frustrating in some ways. That prompted the purchase of a Thrustmaster Warthog and Logitech rudder pedals. I use both so as to have more buttons and less keyboard interaction. They pair mighty well with an Oculus Quest 2.
The Quest 2 is so awesome I hardly ever play War Thunder, or any other VR compatible games, without it.
Yes, it is literally a game changer. Once you get used to VR you'll never go back. VR is hard but so much more fun than standard 2d gaming.
Thanks for awesome recomendations. It is resonably explained order and range in every category.
Honeycomb yoke and throttle quadrant: thrustmaster airbus joystick and throttle quadrant and thrustmaster A-10 Wart hog joystick; and Logitech pro flight rudder pedals and 3 flight instrument panels in my setup all mounted on next level racing F-GT sim rig eh 🇨🇦
I would add, simionic, x 52,56,58. Hotas trust master x. Airbus captain set. Old but good logitech G940 force feedback with duel throttle and rudder paddles included. Great device, sadly there is not much force feedback stuff out there!
Before you get a VR headset, I'd try and test it out first. I got a VR headset for DCS and found that I got extremely nauseated using it (could only play for like 15 minutes at a time doing maneuvers before I felt like puking). I've heard other people say the same thing.
Honestly, I'd recommend a headtracker first. Many DCS players simply use the headtracker and do just fine. The tough part with the headtracker is you need to eliminate the light coming into the room as that can mess up the track IR.
if u recommend x56 that only looks pretty but its shit components inside thats not make sense to watch till end. after 2y for this price and u can drop it to trash. they made as cheap quality as possible to cut the cost of productions. so its like 80% price is just for brand.
I have been looking for a steering yoke for stuff like space sims. I have the Logitech X56 HOTAS and I cant seem to get used to using a stick. I had the Worthog originally and still had the same issue. I have played with a steering yoke in other flight sims and just love how that all feels and I was able to fly a lot better than with a stick. Anyone know a good yoke that can be used in space sims?
The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 is the best add on I've bought. I have a VR headset (Quest 2) but its so uncomfortable and just a pain to set up and pack away. Tobii works with MSFS, Xplane, DCS, many other sims too.
I got the Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo plus the Logitech pedals but one important thing I didn't think of is a chair without wheels on it! It is very annoying to have feet on pedals and hands on yoke and throttle and the damn chair is wandering backwards. There have been real world accidents where the seat in a plane has come unlocked, sliding backwards causing the pilot to pull back on the yoke and enter a departure stall - and die! The consequences would likely be much less severe on a sim however.
Recently I have entered the sim racing and I have love it, with the logitech G923 I have had a nice experience and I have totally love it, now i want to try and get into the flight sim world but buying a cheap and nice peripherals (not buying junk but not giving away all of my money), and this video has helped me a lot, thank you
It's just like SIM racing, you have the budget options, like your G923, and then the price shoots up really fast to the next level. The difference between the groups in considerable but they won't make you a better player, just feel more realistic.
fantastic video, yes the virpil is awesome. I use two sticks for my hotas. But i didnt even know, that iam so much into flying. Chris Roberts showed me, how much i love it. Yea the thing with VR. iam still a DIY Coppit Fanboy. its like sitting in real, in my Gladius. Yes it takes time and money, but with the App for the monitor controls just makes it stunning, i have 4 cheap pads and each one is a monitor, like ingame. Yes with VR its awesome to look around. But the immersion of sitting in a real rebuild star fighter is for me still overwhelming.
Excellent video and great choices. Thank you. I am not sure if I can stand the VR immersion for any length of time (I do fly for hours at a time so I would probably pick the TrackIR over VR.) although I would like to experience it one day. I have all but the VR goggle.
I have both and I have to agree. Vr is cool but trackIR or Tobii is the way to go for extended sessions.
thanks a lot for this! what a nice professional video
I needed this sort of advice . I love flight sims but want to make sure that i get tye right gear from the outset. I have seen people buy sorts of gear then try to sell the crap (sorry) but its true. Thanks .
me personal got the THRUSTMASTER T.16000M FCS HOTAS sorry for caps i really think this is a good way to start investing in flight sim but ofc its your own option :)
Also! If one would skip VR it really is possible to use an older pc with a 1080 nvidia card to get a very pleasant experience on a screen, even a wide one. Or using a full HD projector for a large picture. VR is really hogging the system. But I agree it can be gamechanging and urge anyone who likes sims to try it. If you can manage the motion sickness some people experience it is a next level experience. And motionsickness in VR was only a problem for me the first times I tried it. What really made me HAVE to buy a set was flying the Huey chopper in DCS. After that I was sold!
That’s the exact reason I wanted to buy a setup for flight sims. Hueys are so cool
There's nothing better. I fly it every night!
The use of electronic control technology is adequate, as it is only required for flight phases other than taxiing and takeoff, as well as certain maneuvers after takeoff. The autopilot handles most of the main tasks in flight and during landing, electronic controls are sufficient to allow the autopilot to perform the majority of operations. In this context, investing in additional equipment that will not accurately reflect reality may not be justified.
outsiide of the yoke what would be the best ones to get to simulate a cesna? im looking to go to school soon and honestly id just like to stay as in range to what ill be using as possible fo comfort sake if anything
else
I would just go with a higher end HOTAS. Even if you have to save up or use credit. The X56 is just a really bad HOTAS for the price. If you are going to spend over $200, you might as well buy a Thrustmaster Warthog or better. Buy on credit and pay over 12 months. Remember though, with a Warthog you will have to have rudder pedals. Also get the HP Reverb G2 over the Quest 2. You can usually get the G2 on sale for $399, so $100 more than the Q2 and the display is so much better. The Quest 2 display is very bad and washed out. I sent mine back after three days, it was so bad. You don't need a top end card either for the G2, I am running a Asus 1080, not a the TI, just a 1080. I get 30-35 FPS in MSFS and DCS. I know a lot of people think that is bad, but in reality it is the same as a 2D screen running at 60-70fps.
"The X56 is just a really bad HOTAS for the price" I couldn't agree more. What a rip off.
30 fps lol
@@musicmane4146 It was actually good and smooth at the time with a 1080, lol. Until the big DCS updates. Get around 60-70 now with the 4080 with everything maxed.
doesnt the VR get in the way of the flight panels?
This is actual very useful information. I wonder if you got a video like this for racing games etc, like different steering wheels etc.
Great, short and decisively informative panoramic view on these... ps Cool is the new TQS from Thrustmaster...
question ; do you guys know any possibility to 'see tru' the oculus quest 2 ONLY to be able to see al the buttons and displays on these aftermarked sticks and panels? i keep finding it difficult to really have full control in the VR cockpits . i do it with only the right hand quest controller and stick in the left hand .
What about the Thrustmaster Warthog? That used to be the first, last and middle word in HOTAS controllers, and frankly, I had my hands on it, it just feels _AMAZING_
Your top three (hotas, yoke) I'd group as one. Next, rudder pedals yes. I think putting VR next is controversial. I prefer head tracking over VR because of the scaled movement. In combat flight simulators, you are checking behind you and it's high effort in VR to actually turn your head around 180 degrees. I don't see why they can't scale movement with VR as well, but when I tried it last this was not something you could do.
I think StreamDeck should be on this list as well and I see that you have one as well. While there are so many various panels you can buy from Virpil, Winwing, Logitech, TakeControl etc, a StreamDeck is super flexible and more importantly gives you feedback. It's well placed front and center as a UFC repeater as well for fast data entry on those planes. I haven't had mine long enough to know if it's more important than my MFD Cougar even in a combat sim. If you fly mostly or entirely MSFS, definitely the SteamDeck is the device to get.
They don't scale movement in VR because if your head turned 45° but the world turned 180°, you would get instant motion sickness.
Simulation is supposed to simulate reality, you do need to turn your head quite a lot to see behind you in real cockpit, too... why some fighters have handy dandy rear view mirrors (that work)
@@mikas2051 that and the typical 'lazy gamer' wanting minimal head movement, whilst the real fighter pilot is dancing around the cockpit, looking all directions trying to stay alive. VR adds to some of the realism of actually having to look behind you... but then people play these games for fun and don't want to risk a neck injury whipping their head around.
@@Hebdomad7lol
Interesting perspective, which I can take into consideration, but, for me, it is seriously limited by not including variables related to currently available OS. Coordination of products with Win 11 is seriously deficient. Can’t tell if this results from an uncooperative Microsoft or peripheral manufacturers running low on development funds.
Rudder pedals are nice, but flying by the seat of your pants is limited without a full-motion seat.
i was more the military Fighter Jet Pilot (DCS).... for me is the Thrustmaster Warthog Stick and Trottle with the Thrustmaster TRP Pedals the best Choice.....
Looking to get a pilot’s license soon . Hopefully there is something out there that is instrument rated training. Garmin, 1000.? Want ideas and what sim ?
another great video by you!!!!!!!! maybe considering going on a diet?
can you ad more accessores to the yoke system including the ruder pedals and the throttle for example he lading gear accessores and more please answer
quid i am finkin of having one
I'm just looking into a flight sim to keep sharp on instrument flying. I have the Oculus 2 so I'll give that a go. There are ways of bringing up Foreflight in the simulator even with the VR headset though.
Hey man I have a quick question I have the sainted yoke and throttle quadrant but I have 2 throttle quadrants with the weird entry how did you connect both
I didn't see which of the controls would work om Apple OS. The seem to work mostly on MS OS. It would be useful if you stated which OS the systems support.
Hi!! thank you for your video, great advice. Can you use the panels described in N5 if you are using the oculus? additionally... what PC configuration do you recommend for the oculus? THANKS!
By Jove!! In Italy that's considered unimmaginable. I got sadisfaction just with a program with real landascape and a joystick able to the requested tech performances. However congratulation to you! Last thing: Tha last microsoft SIM for 40 anniversary is less handble respect the last two Sim.
Logitech G Pro Flight Multi Panel. A waste of money. After 3 months and a replacement made by Amazon, despite many suggestions from Logitech it´s still not working with FSX Steam, XP12 or MSFS. Numbers don´t show in the display or command buttons don´t work, randomly.
Mine works well with FSX in Win 11, but not the other two apps. Didn’t work with FSX until I switched to a powered USB connection that wasn’t shared with too many USB jacks.
Whats about flying with the vr glasses and using the flight panels at the same time? Dont you always push the wrong button?
You build muscle memory and get use to where stuff is - but yes occasionally you hit he wrong thing
Stand alone trim wheel really increased the enjoyment of my setup. Too bad Saitek discontinued their model.
As a 50 year simmer… yes, I said 50 years (I use to fly the lunar lander sim for fun)
Buy the absolute best controls you can afford… far and above your computer.
Computers will get old in just a few years…. your controllers can last for decades.
Track IR is a worthy mention for people who do not want or cannot afford VR
What are some better options for pedals? I heard the Logitech weren’t so good and I’m looking for something honeycomb level for rudder
Tks for the video. Quick question: is there any gadget to control nose gear direction?
The Logitech/Saitek recommendations seem a little out of date imho, with Thrustmaster and VKB offering imho quite a lot better entry level Joysticks/Hotas. T1600M, Airbus Edition and VKB Gladiator NXT Line have quite a lot going for them imho, and Thrustmasters Boing Edition is a quite interesting alternative to the Honeycomb.
I have a question - Do any of the flight yokes NOT work with Apple Mac Studio running macOS Monterey 12.6 and X-Plane 12?
i have the honey comb throttle and yoke, both took very long to arrive, both were supposed to be for christmas but the yoke didnt come until april, and i dont even remember when the throttle came bc of how long it took lol
Thanks A LOT for the video! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
noob question here as i never had a joystick.. are all those buttons mapped to keyboard keys ? or - and I use windows - does windows support specific buttons with almost no limit for joysticks like joystick_1, joystick_2 and regarding the pitch/rol/yaw I wonder how that is mapped as input to software.
all said, what's required then? For example, can I do flight SIM w/o the rudder pedals?
Great video, even better personality!
Great video do you know where its possible to purchase the actual 737 Throttle Quadrant I have the levers and knobs ty.
How much would the setup/peripherals change if you implemented a VR headset?
Not even when this video was posted was the Vibe the best VR headset for flight sim if you have money there are many different options that blow that out of the water. Any of the Pi-max headsets for example or even in 2023 you can get the Big screen Beyond VR headset that delivers a custom very small formfitting headset that is designed to fit your face and eyes custom made for you!
Thanks for Virpil tip - didn't know they existed.
Winwing? VKB? Slaw device ? MFG crosswind? Thrusmaster TPR, TCA ?
I'm pretty sure the Pimax 8KX is better than the Reverb G2. In about a month's time we may have one or two more VR headsets that are better than the G2.
The 8KX is better when it comes to the data sheet, but it's easily 3 times as expensive if you factor in the lighthouses and controlers, needs A LOT more grunt from your PC, has way worse shipping times and customer support, is way more bulky and way less comfortable... It's a trade off.
If visual clarity is all to you, FOV is important and money is no object, get the Varjo Aero.
If FOV is king for you and you are both, tech savy and willing to troubleshoot strange behavior, get the PiMax 8KX.
If you don't want to spend 3-5 times the money for an slightly better experience, get the G2.
I have a flight stick although i still really want to get a yoke for most planes and also a VR headset for full emersion
Yeah, but if you fly a cub, then a stick is fine.
Would add that the Logitech yoke is ONLY for the budget minded. It’s a 4/10 at best. Definitely better that not having a yoke but dialing a nice feel is almost impossible. Honeycomb really is the quality standard. I’ve heard fantastic things about the Brunner but it’s $$$$$$$.
Not bad. I have seen the extreme where some have gone to the bone yard and purchased cockpits from a Cessna 182 to a 737 and gone hog wild crazy with interfacing actual controls to a multitude of linked computers. A good way to get kicked into the dog house from the better half.
very interesting n informative, thanks for uploading this vid
Great, thanks, nice little overview.
A great little presentation though a bit patchy regarding price information but no biggy as one can soon discover that.
I'm curious whether the ultra-committed flight simmers (if that's the correct terminology for flight sim users), who invest in the top gear regardless of it means spending the rent or the month's grocery bill, ever consider taking actual lessons/pilot license?
VR should be top of the list.
I own a Reverb G2, and unfortunately, Microsoft has decided to deprecate WMR (Windows Mixed Reality) that this headset relies on.
Fortunately, the Windows Update they're eliminating it (and any support for it) from is version 24H2, to be released in September, 2024. Also fortunate is that the update will be optional. Whether it's optional down the road is unknown. I'm not happy about it, since their baffling decision may severely limit the lifespan of a headset I paid $500 to own.
I understand that MSFS does not recognise the Logitech panels. Is there a way to set these up independently?