I have a gunfighter 2 now and its great, but I really loved my VKB Gladiator with KG12. this all looks pretty good and flexible/interchangeable, it's great to see companies new products.
I have the smaller throttle setup featured at 10:35 and have been very pleased with it. I still use the NXT EVO Premium stick though, as opposed to the WW2 stick. I like the extra buttons. Thanks for doing this review, you gave me some ideas to try with some different mapping!
I'm pretty comfortable with computers and software...but usually I like this stuff out of the box without worrying about extra fiddling around. I tiptoed into the software aspect a little bit more with WinWing but I still like the old plug and play, off we go aspect of hardware! :-)
I used to run the KG-12 Evo and can't say enough good things about that stick. I've since moved on to a Gunfighter Mk III/MCGP for various reasons, but I still maintain that the Evo is the best "entry level high end" stick out there. It's more expensive than a TM 16K, yes... but unlike the TM-stick, it won't break and need to be replaced after a year or so. One of the reasons why I switched was the lack of buttons on the KG-12. Don't get me wrong: This is a kinda, sorta replica of a RL LW-grip, so it wouldn't make sense to overload it with buttons or additional hats. And I have to admit that I still miss that grip sometimes when flying WW2-stuff: I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the feeling of having the same type of grip in front of you in the real world as you do in your virtual cockpit. Especially in VR. I'm not too sure about that system of throttles, though. While I have no doubt they'll be of high quality, they do seem to require quite a lot of space if you want a decent amount of functions/buttons/switches. Plus if you go with that many sub-modules, things could get pretty expensive and you might be better off buying either VKB's STECS Standard or the Virpil throttle. Overall though, I'm very happy with everything I bought from VKB thus far. So much so that I just went ahead and ordered the MCG Ultimate grip as a treat for my Gunfighter - well... for myself, if I'm honest.. ;)
regarding SEM module: I found that most sims has only Flaps UP a notch and Flaps down a notch positions, no matter how many positions is there. So I just rewrote names on those switches with white sticky and reassigned LEDs in config program, so it does not confuse me too.
Super setup! VKB products are first rate. The dev config software is extremely flexible but has a learning curve. Watch the UA-cam videos, they are very helpful, plus there are user forums. Very customizable,switch controls on stick, convert encoder to axis, lots of possibilities. Spend the time and you can cheat a kit very much to your liking!
Great video mate! I am planning to buy GNX WWII Throttle + Gladiator NXT EVO mainly for IL-2. Do you think I will have enough buttons/levers I need for all the plane controls? Option B, which is more expensive, is to buy, apart from the joystick, the GNX Dual THQ + SEM-V Combo + the WWII THQ Grip as add-on in case option A is not enough. Thanks!
thanks for the great review, just a quick question since I'm a total beginner to all this, I can map whatever functionality to whatever button on these boxes, right?
Yep, map whatever control you want to whatever button. I'd recommend keeping controls assigned consistently on the same buttons across airplanes though to help your muscle memory.
Thanks for the review - may I ask about the WW2 throttle bit - Are the supports plastic or metal? Does it feel sturdy enough to withstand 'emergency' slamming open or closing?
+RequiemBoS *If I had the chance to optimize the Virtual Engineering Bureau GNX Modules, I'd pick:* GNX-USB 1 USB Main Hub GNX-MFH 1 Frame GNX-FSM-GA 1 NAV Panel GNX-SEM 1 Outboard Flaps/Gear GNX-THQ 2 Middle Throt/Mix; Inboard Prop Gov/Cyl Vent/Oil Rad WWII-THQ 1 Throttle Grip GNX-IRP 2 Intermodular Reinforce PRO-S-MCG 1 Gunfighter IV Pro-S Modern Combat Grip, 100mm Extension TRUD-V 1 T-Rudder Mk V, includes BlackBox 3 USB roll/pitch/yaw hub For the left corner, I much prefer the VIRPILⓇ VPC-402 Control Panel on robustness, including a three-position Gear lever. Counterbalance with a VPC-401 on the right corner.
Thx for the detailed review, Req! 👍🏼 But all this cheap-looking plastic junk - it really couldn't look any cheaper, e.g. at 3:30 - would never make it onto my desk, no wild horses could drag me there to spend that much money on ... that. For free would still be too expensive, because even then it's still hideously ugly. It looks so much like a toy, like it was made by Lego for 8 y/o. No way, José! ❌ 👎🏼
Cheers Claude! As always this stuff just comes down to what someone wants. The build is definitely not as heavy duty as others out there, so I think it's more the modularity creating an appeal for some people.
I have a gunfighter 2 now and its great, but I really loved my VKB Gladiator with KG12. this all looks pretty good and flexible/interchangeable, it's great to see companies new products.
There's just so many more products out there it really makes it hard to decide...go for something specific or more utilitarian.
I have the smaller throttle setup featured at 10:35 and have been very pleased with it. I still use the NXT EVO Premium stick though, as opposed to the WW2 stick. I like the extra buttons.
Thanks for doing this review, you gave me some ideas to try with some different mapping!
Thanks DV, I agree that having those extra buttons with the NXT just helps make it that much more utilitarian overall
If you're comfortable diving into vkb's software, it's not too hard to change the gear lights to work with the larger handle on the sem.
I'm pretty comfortable with computers and software...but usually I like this stuff out of the box without worrying about extra fiddling around. I tiptoed into the software aspect a little bit more with WinWing but I still like the old plug and play, off we go aspect of hardware! :-)
I agree on the flaps/landing gear knobs. Totally backwards.
8:40 my stick came with little round rubber pads that you could stick to that side button to make it taller. I found that to be more comfortable.
That's good to know. I didn't get official packaging for the stick so maybe that's why I wasn't aware.
I used to run the KG-12 Evo and can't say enough good things about that stick. I've since moved on to a Gunfighter Mk III/MCGP for various reasons, but I still maintain that the Evo is the best "entry level high end" stick out there. It's more expensive than a TM 16K, yes... but unlike the TM-stick, it won't break and need to be replaced after a year or so.
One of the reasons why I switched was the lack of buttons on the KG-12. Don't get me wrong: This is a kinda, sorta replica of a RL LW-grip, so it wouldn't make sense to overload it with buttons or additional hats. And I have to admit that I still miss that grip sometimes when flying WW2-stuff: I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the feeling of having the same type of grip in front of you in the real world as you do in your virtual cockpit. Especially in VR.
I'm not too sure about that system of throttles, though. While I have no doubt they'll be of high quality, they do seem to require quite a lot of space if you want a decent amount of functions/buttons/switches. Plus if you go with that many sub-modules, things could get pretty expensive and you might be better off buying either VKB's STECS Standard or the Virpil throttle.
Overall though, I'm very happy with everything I bought from VKB thus far. So much so that I just went ahead and ordered the MCG Ultimate grip as a treat for my Gunfighter - well... for myself, if I'm honest.. ;)
regarding SEM module: I found that most sims has only Flaps UP a notch and Flaps down a notch positions, no matter how many positions is there. So I just rewrote names on those switches with white sticky and reassigned LEDs in config program, so it does not confuse me too.
Good to see ya Requiem!
Just trying to release some videos...I've forgotten for way too long!
Have this set up (sans Gladiator) and love it.
Super setup! VKB products are first rate. The dev config software is extremely flexible but has a learning curve. Watch the UA-cam videos, they are very helpful, plus there are user forums. Very customizable,switch controls on stick, convert encoder to axis, lots of possibilities. Spend the time and you can cheat a kit very much to your liking!
Agreed! This set up definitely fits the needs of many people
Great video mate! I am planning to buy GNX WWII Throttle + Gladiator NXT EVO mainly for IL-2. Do you think I will have enough buttons/levers I need for all the plane controls? Option B, which is more expensive, is to buy, apart from the joystick, the GNX Dual THQ + SEM-V Combo
+ the WWII THQ Grip as add-on in case option A is not enough.
Thanks!
Hi Req, Have a great day mate. Morris South Africa
Cheers V, hope you're doing alright!
thanks for the great review, just a quick question since I'm a total beginner to all this, I can map whatever functionality to whatever button on these boxes, right?
Yep, map whatever control you want to whatever button. I'd recommend keeping controls assigned consistently on the same buttons across airplanes though to help your muscle memory.
@@RequiemsACTL yes, that makes sense, thanks for the quick reply!
Well, the marker isn't a PATCH on the chalkboard! My morning is left unfulfilled!!
I guess technically since this was WWII stuff I should have used the chalkboard haha
that has been a long time.
Thanks for the review - may I ask about the WW2 throttle bit - Are the supports plastic or metal? Does it feel sturdy enough to withstand 'emergency' slamming open or closing?
Supports are plastic but it is strongly held together
+RequiemBoS *If I had the chance to optimize the Virtual Engineering Bureau GNX Modules, I'd pick:*
GNX-USB 1 USB Main Hub
GNX-MFH 1 Frame
GNX-FSM-GA 1 NAV Panel
GNX-SEM 1 Outboard Flaps/Gear
GNX-THQ 2 Middle Throt/Mix; Inboard Prop Gov/Cyl Vent/Oil Rad
WWII-THQ 1 Throttle Grip
GNX-IRP 2 Intermodular Reinforce
PRO-S-MCG 1 Gunfighter IV Pro-S Modern Combat Grip, 100mm Extension
TRUD-V 1 T-Rudder Mk V, includes BlackBox 3 USB roll/pitch/yaw hub
For the left corner, I much prefer the VIRPILⓇ VPC-402 Control Panel on robustness, including a three-position Gear lever. Counterbalance with a VPC-401 on the right corner.
Whats the difference between the World War 2 Sticks there 2 different versions on the site ...also do the MKV rudders work with this setup thank you
For stick addons only see the F-14, KG12 (the one in this video), and the SCG. Only the KG12 is a WWII themed stick.
Thx for the detailed review, Req! 👍🏼
But all this cheap-looking plastic junk - it really couldn't look any cheaper, e.g. at 3:30 - would never make it onto my desk, no wild horses could drag me there to spend that much money on ... that. For free would still be too expensive, because even then it's still hideously ugly. It looks so much like a toy, like it was made by Lego for 8 y/o. No way, José! ❌ 👎🏼
Cheers Claude! As always this stuff just comes down to what someone wants. The build is definitely not as heavy duty as others out there, so I think it's more the modularity creating an appeal for some people.