Interesting. Have you compared this with a thrustmaster airbus? I'm looking for a second flight control as an alternative to the honeycomb alpha. That yoke is just fantastic but it requires a lot to get it clamped onto the table and then unclamped (my desk doubles as my day job workspace). I'm looking for a semi-decent stick that's easy to setup. I also recently swapped my Oculus Quest for a G2 so VR actually feels okay now. Now I just need something easy to deploy and use. It'll also be nice to have a flight stick for more maneuverable planes where a yoke doesn't make a lot of sense
@@peteranderson5492 I know what you mean, I'm finding myself using this joystick more and more over my Honey Comb, simply because it's so precise and easy to just plug in and go! I prefer the Gladiator over the Airbus as it's multi purpose and just looks and feels much better to me.
@@VRFlightSimGuy We're on the same page. How is the fidelity between the two? Is it easier to grease a landing with the gladiator over the airbus, for example?
I don't think so, this should be considered the entry-level joystick, over the T16000M, Extreme 3D Pro, T.Flight and others. Those joysticks and their technology are very old, and while their price is indeed low, so is the quality, they're barely an upgrade from plastic toys. What I mean by this is, you wouldn't build a new computer today using parts from 10 to 12 years ago, even if they are pretty cheap, would you?
Its so smooth I have zero dead-zone in the software and it translates into sims perfectly. The absolute precision built into this stick is fantastic. It makes formation flying in IL2 a piece of cake!
@@gertaro Very much so. It really is a fantastic stick, though with the advent of these new force feed back gimbals I am seriously considering jumping ship.
They just announced the new version Gladiator NXT EVO same grip improved base with bearings, only one encoder. Other encoder replaced with 3 position lever.
I’ve owned the gladiator before and agree it is a very hi quality product at a great price. However shortly after I purchased the thrustmaster TCA Airbus side stick and was shocked to discover it’s just as precise at 1/2 the price or less. The TCA is the same stick as the t16000m I believe. I couldn’t believe it would compare to gbk gladiator.
I started out with a pair of Gladiator EVO’s and they’re great for entering the hobby. The only thing I really didn’t like was the hard centre, it makes aiming in Star Citizen PVP a bit annoying. But the great thing about VKB is that when I went to upgrade, the parts are interchangeable!! I bought two VKG gunfighter bases + adapters and I could use the grips from the Gladiators on them which made the upgrade price far less painful. The downside of the grip for me is the shape of the trigger can become painful on the finger after long and sweaty PVP sessions
It's not only the best mid ranged stick but a serious competitor with the premium market. Certain features of its design are superior to TM warthog by far.
Just got mine last week. Love it. But one criticism is moving the stick in a circular motion - it's just awful, it's like you're moving within a square.
I do want to point out (when it comes to size of hands and reaching buttons and switches), a lot depends on your actual stick position when you fly. If you fly with the stick on your desktop - it is not in the optimal position, as your hand and arm is high and you do have to reach more to grab buttons and hats. If you have a center stick position between your legs - the more common position on fighters, the experience is totally different. I have small to medium hands and my stick is on my desktop, so I do have to reach a bit, but if I were to re=position it lower in the center, it becomes more natural and makes sense - better. Other than that - well done and carry on, lol! By the way, I get your enthusiasm through the video, which makes me want to flay, lol! My only negative comment might be, you have to take your hand off the throttle to operate the buttons on the stick base, Not a deal breaker but annoying, if you have to do that. I don't have the VKB (I have Winwing hardware), but I do highly recommend VKB, as they are very affordable with quality as the key here. Good video!
what is the main difference between this NXT version and the previous VKB Sim Gladiator made a few years ago, do you know? I've had my Gladiator for a few years now and it seems quite good too... Just don't know if I should "upgrade" to the new version.
Just ordered the new Evo F14 from NKB :) along with that tiny footprint rudder control system. Hope I can find a way to fit the rudders in the profile cockpit footwell so I don’t have to remove my car pedals when I play flying games. If all else fails I still can use the twist rudder controls on the stick
I started sim with the thrustmaster hotas one x worth 90$ ish, i must say switching to vkb is night and day flying becomes wayyyy easier. So i guess you got it on the opposite, bad stick make you a better pilot hahaha.
Are there any Hotas sticks that you can remove/disable the return to centre spring? I want to have a stick that stays where I leave it. Mostly for helicopter flight.
I like the look of this. I'm thinking of getting one to use with the X cubs in MSFS. Is your joystick right handed or left, one part of the video was mirrored? I can see from their site you can buy either. My Playseat airforce chair will only properly accomodate the left handed version as I have the Bravo Throttle Quadrant on the right side, but I'm wondering if I can jerrymander some kind of platform onto the main strut that goes between the legs as a right handed joystick on there would be more realistic to the craft I want to fly. Also, do you know if I could use the joystick for the yoke function but also use my Honeycomb yoke at the same time for the switches, battery and magnetos, and along with the throttle quadrant for throttle and mixture? If it's possible to mix and match like that this will be ideal.
Hey Kevin. Yes sure, use the stick in any way you see fit. At the moment I'm using the Gladiator in conjunction with my Saitek trim wheel and Logitech Throttle Quad. I did notice my camera reversed the image for some reason, but I'm using a right handed in this video. Cheers.
Hey everyone. I fly a Tecnam p92 in real life which is a simple stick. I just got into VR and would like a stick for MSFS with a jet and also GA aircraft. Does anyone think this would be a good piece of kit to have? Any input would be appreciated.
Was playing with a Dualsense controller for 3months never could midflight refuel. Just got my NXT was a able to make contact in about an hour. Fuckin' worth it. and the customization on this thing is what you would find on a high-end device. I'm guessing the reasoning for the self assembly is for shipping purposes. You can fit the stick in a smaller box if the stick is not attached to the base when you ship to the customers. Also lowers the chance of any damage during that long shipment.
Man every component in this quest is it's own side quest. What kind of computer do I need? What kind of graphics card? What kind of VR headset? What kind of rudder pedal? Finally decided this thing is the thing but holy crap, $165. WTF is going on. I have an old logitech on my desk that cost like $30 back in the day. Everything you have you find to be completely inadequate as you upgrade piece after piece. Geez.
Mid Range?? I just looked into ordering one of these things, just the plain jane stick with a button pack. There is no Canadian distributor, all orders ship direct from the Peoples Republic and the cost was CDN $410 before import duty's and brokerage fees. This is hardly mid range. I bought another CHP Pro Throttle after my last one of 15 years blew the USP encoder.
The BEST mid range joystick currently available? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below...
Interesting. Have you compared this with a thrustmaster airbus? I'm looking for a second flight control as an alternative to the honeycomb alpha. That yoke is just fantastic but it requires a lot to get it clamped onto the table and then unclamped (my desk doubles as my day job workspace). I'm looking for a semi-decent stick that's easy to setup. I also recently swapped my Oculus Quest for a G2 so VR actually feels okay now. Now I just need something easy to deploy and use. It'll also be nice to have a flight stick for more maneuverable planes where a yoke doesn't make a lot of sense
@@peteranderson5492 I know what you mean, I'm finding myself using this joystick more and more over my Honey Comb, simply because it's so precise and easy to just plug in and go! I prefer the Gladiator over the Airbus as it's multi purpose and just looks and feels much better to me.
@@VRFlightSimGuy We're on the same page. How is the fidelity between the two? Is it easier to grease a landing with the gladiator over the airbus, for example?
Yes (to the initial question of this currently being the best mid range joystick).
I don't think so, this should be considered the entry-level joystick, over the T16000M, Extreme 3D Pro, T.Flight and others. Those joysticks and their technology are very old, and while their price is indeed low, so is the quality, they're barely an upgrade from plastic toys.
What I mean by this is, you wouldn't build a new computer today using parts from 10 to 12 years ago, even if they are pretty cheap, would you?
Excellent joystick👍 thank you for mentioned me.
It was my pleasure buddy😊 I am very happy that you have fun with the Mirage.
I'm having soooo much fun with this bird, thankyou my friend. Have a wonderful weekend.
Its so smooth I have zero dead-zone in the software and it translates into sims perfectly. The absolute precision built into this stick is fantastic. It makes formation flying in IL2 a piece of cake!
is it still that precise after two years?
@@gertaro Very much so. It really is a fantastic stick, though with the advent of these new force feed back gimbals I am seriously considering jumping ship.
@@craigdavies4682 thanks a lot for the feedback
I love my Gladiator!! The moment I held it in my hands it felt perfect!!
They just announced the new version Gladiator NXT EVO same grip improved base with bearings, only one encoder. Other encoder replaced with 3 position lever.
Thanks Richard. I forgot to mention this in my review. I'll pin your comment ☺️
I’ve owned the gladiator before and agree it is a very hi quality product at a great price. However shortly after I purchased the thrustmaster TCA Airbus side stick and was shocked to discover it’s just as precise at 1/2 the price or less. The TCA is the same stick as the t16000m I believe. I couldn’t believe it would compare to gbk gladiator.
I started out with a pair of Gladiator EVO’s and they’re great for entering the hobby.
The only thing I really didn’t like was the hard centre, it makes aiming in Star Citizen PVP a bit annoying.
But the great thing about VKB is that when I went to upgrade, the parts are interchangeable!!
I bought two VKG gunfighter bases + adapters and I could use the grips from the Gladiators on them which made the upgrade price far less painful.
The downside of the grip for me is the shape of the trigger can become painful on the finger after long and sweaty PVP sessions
It's not only the best mid ranged stick but a serious competitor with the premium market. Certain features of its design are superior to TM warthog by far.
Just got mine last week. Love it. But one criticism is moving the stick in a circular motion - it's just awful, it's like you're moving within a square.
I do want to point out (when it comes to size of hands and reaching buttons and switches), a lot depends on your actual stick position when you fly. If you fly with the stick on your desktop - it is not in the optimal position, as your hand and arm is high and you do have to reach more to grab buttons and hats. If you have a center stick position between your legs - the more common position on fighters, the experience is totally different. I have small to medium hands and my stick is on my desktop, so I do have to reach a bit, but if I were to re=position it lower in the center, it becomes more natural and makes sense - better. Other than that - well done and carry on, lol!
By the way, I get your enthusiasm through the video, which makes me want to flay, lol! My only negative comment might be, you have to take your hand off the throttle to operate the buttons on the stick base, Not a deal breaker but annoying, if you have to do that. I don't have the VKB (I have Winwing hardware), but I do highly recommend VKB, as they are very affordable with quality as the key here. Good video!
Excellent review
Thankyou
Hi. Which trottle do u use with this stick?
Would you recommend a left or right hand side stick for GA for someone looking to buy their first stick?
Outstanding bit of kit go buy one
Have you realized yet that your VR in cockpit footage is mirror reversed from your Stick footage. Or vice versa. Otherwise, awesome!
what is the main difference between this NXT version and the previous VKB Sim Gladiator made a few years ago, do you know? I've had my Gladiator for a few years now and it seems quite good too... Just don't know if I should "upgrade" to the new version.
Just ordered the new Evo F14 from NKB :) along with that tiny footprint rudder control system. Hope I can find a way to fit the rudders in the profile cockpit footwell so I don’t have to remove my car pedals when I play flying games.
If all else fails I still can use the twist rudder controls on the stick
What is the tiny footprint rudder?
Can you show off the stick with some Air to Air refuelling in DCS please?
You trolling? lol
I've still not managed to refuel in DCS, but I've got a LOT closer with this stick compared to the X52.
Yes sure, noted for a future video
@@terryteed1903 Maybe?
@@JohnCarlyle I've managed it a few times in the Viper.. I'll try and get a video out soon.
I started sim with the thrustmaster hotas one x worth 90$ ish, i must say switching to vkb is night and day flying becomes wayyyy easier. So i guess you got it on the opposite, bad stick make you a better pilot hahaha.
Are there any Hotas sticks that you can remove/disable the return to centre spring? I want to have a stick that stays where I leave it. Mostly for helicopter flight.
I have a Thrustmaster Hotas Joystick with two 100mm extensions from Virpil. It does what you want, and I did not remove any spring.
Vkb evo has tension drag clutches that will accomplish this when springs are removed.
Please dont scream at us! :( The first sound in a vid should always be very modest. Great that you have reviewed this joystick thought =)
Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah the mic was a bit peaky in this video sorry about that.
The VKB link shows OUT OF STOCK. In the last 5 years, EVERY single time I went on the VKB website: OUT OF STOCK
Damn really?! :(
They have an official aliexpress store and it may come with expensive shipping but if you don’t have it and are desperate you can get it form there
looks like a very nice stick!
I like the look of this. I'm thinking of getting one to use with the X cubs in MSFS. Is your joystick right handed or left, one part of the video was mirrored? I can see from their site you can buy either. My Playseat airforce chair will only properly accomodate the left handed version as I have the Bravo Throttle Quadrant on the right side, but I'm wondering if I can jerrymander some kind of platform onto the main strut that goes between the legs as a right handed joystick on there would be more realistic to the craft I want to fly.
Also, do you know if I could use the joystick for the yoke function but also use my Honeycomb yoke at the same time for the switches, battery and magnetos, and along with the throttle quadrant for throttle and mixture? If it's possible to mix and match like that this will be ideal.
Hey Kevin. Yes sure, use the stick in any way you see fit. At the moment I'm using the Gladiator in conjunction with my Saitek trim wheel and Logitech Throttle Quad. I did notice my camera reversed the image for some reason, but I'm using a right handed in this video. Cheers.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Thanks, Steve!
Thanks for the review, what throttle are you running the joystick with?
My pleasure! I'm using their NXT modules at the moment..
Hey everyone. I fly a Tecnam p92 in real life which is a simple stick. I just got into VR and would like a stick for MSFS with a jet and also GA aircraft. Does anyone think this would be a good piece of kit to have? Any input would be appreciated.
Hi! I'm searching for the same stuff (civil aviation/general aviation). What did you choose?
@Jacopo I ended up with the VKB Left handed Gladiator. It's not the plain stick, but it works for what I need.
Can you kindly tell me how you got it to feel one to one? My stick is slow to respond on all inputs.
How's your sensitive settings set (GA and military + other (heli for ex) ?? =) =)
It's been that long since I changed them I'd have to check, sorry I can't remember off hand.
what do you think of the new honeycomb sticks coming out? Worth waiting for that or pull the trigger on the gladiator?
Hard to say as they're two totally different controllers. I personally prefer both depending on what I'm flying.
Do you use pedals? I don’t have any so what would I use to turn left and right?
I use Turtle beach velocity one rudder pedals 👍
The only thing I don't like about it is the range of movement is quite limited. Most reviewers mention that downside.
Was playing with a Dualsense controller for 3months never could midflight refuel. Just got my NXT was a able to make contact in about an hour. Fuckin' worth it.
and the customization on this thing is what you would find on a high-end device. I'm guessing the reasoning for the self assembly is for shipping purposes. You can fit the stick in a smaller box if the stick is not attached to the base when you ship to the customers. Also lowers the chance of any damage during that long shipment.
How hard was it to map
is it xbox compatible?
Man every component in this quest is it's own side quest. What kind of computer do I need? What kind of graphics card? What kind of VR headset? What kind of rudder pedal? Finally decided this thing is the thing but holy crap, $165. WTF is going on. I have an old logitech on my desk that cost like $30 back in the day. Everything you have you find to be completely inadequate as you upgrade piece after piece. Geez.
$165 is so cheap for something of this quality
Does this work with Xbox x
Mid Range?? I just looked into ordering one of these things, just the plain jane stick with a button pack. There is no Canadian distributor, all orders ship direct from the Peoples Republic and the cost was CDN $410 before import duty's and brokerage fees. This is hardly mid range. I bought another CHP Pro Throttle after my last one of 15 years blew the USP encoder.
bonjour j'en ai acheté un que des problèmes et service apres vente vraiment nul je déconseille
You're yoking int you?
Thrustmaster is way cheaper than VKB.
Thrustmaster Throttle+Stick is 120€, one VKB stick 220€
They are nearly always out of stock.
They're so popular. Unfortunately it looks like my video may have helped oops.
That is a very VERY short throw 😕