Obviously, we have different lifestyles, as my birthday wishlist usually consists of socks and underpants. The mix of gameplay and hardware review worked really well; I enjoy this video, and can see why it took a while to put together. I feel this should have been titled "An engineer reviews". The video quality made it very easy to see the quality level of the Komodo, and also made it very obvious the superior build quality of the Virpil.
Was thinking this but given the way they made the base, they can only really replicate the top half of the AH-64 grip without making the stick + grip ridiculously long. At which point there isn’t much functional difference between it and the Hawk-60 grip.
Kind of glad to hear someone else call out Komodo sim for their low quality. I bought their B8 stick and base years ago and I was just shocked by the quality. It barely surpassed Saitek X52 quality… despite being the single most expensive flight sim peripheral I’ve ever bought (unless counting Monstertech’s chair).
Bought Komodo too and had the collective literally fall apart in my hand while flying; the plug connection had completely disintegrated. Also, 4-point swivel hat switch on cyclic has literally turned to dust and is completely unusable for quite a while now.
I will literally never use this product as even when/if I ever build a sim setup, it will be focused on fixed wing devices, but as always you earned my like simply because of the quality of the content and the fact that I believe that your analysis always deserves to be heard by someone who IS interested in the product.
Loved the review and the setup you have going. I've been comparing Virpil to Winwing for weeks and watching reviews of both. This video convinced and confirmed to me which one I am going with. Hint hints, the one in the video, but may go with a different flight stick grip. I will be focusing on AH-64 and A10C, but will be getting in the future the F16 and maybe F18 so I can do carrier ops. Thank you for the top quality and very informative points you make in this video.
Great review, one comment on your cyclic though, try lowering it if possible so that your right forearm is resting on your right thigh, this reduces fatigue and prevents over control.
I put a left-handed Alpha grip on mine. There are many good reasons to do so. It has more buttons than the dedicated helicopter collective, has an analogue stick and is a closer match to the Apache's collective.
cool I "participated" referencing your recent deployment in agusta westland Milan eurocopter production facility "training environment" offensive helicopter capabilities. with real time 4k twin jet flt hours, 1k light prop hrs, I managed to back into a chain link fence and never made it above the hanger. I think this rig is well suited to star citizen as helicopter more approaches what we are dealing with than fixed wing
Thanks for the review, I also have a bunch of Virpil devices and some of them have been retired such as first revision of MT50 Throttle. but new devices and panels are awesome. I slightly modded pedals and CM3 throttle and panel to add more LED lights which are controllable natively by devices itself. Can share pictures.
“This product has absolutely no place in star citizen.” You think I won’t channel my inner Hind and bind it it upward strafe to fly a Valkyrie decoupled in atmosphere?
@@Brizizaz I think thats possibly because of the limit of the available axis. Sure the twist throttle would work for one axis [forward/back], and the pitch control could be another [up down], but you lose one axis [slide left right], which I guess could be done with pedals, but the collecive is more of a "set and stick" than a momentary, like your pitch/yaw/roll controlls. Hmm, maybe if you take a left stick controller, add a friction clutch to each axis, and remove the "return to center" springs, you could get a similar effect. Would need a detent for a neutral thruster position. One of the reasons I fly HOSAS is because you DO get movement along those 3 axis...problem with the accelleration control is it effects ALL thrusters and not just your main ones, so manuvering suffers too...hmmm, now my brain is working the problem... oooh, theres an idea. Keep the springs for return to center for the axises for left/right/up/down, but only keep a detent for forward/back. That way you're not neutering ALL your thrusters when in cruise but reducing the limiters...Similar to the way I had my Thrustmaster HOTAS throttle set up with the forward/aft axis providing thrust and the ministick doing the strafe [but being on a full stick, gives you more fine control than the little ministick does]. Put the stick on one of those "3d stick to throttle" mounts, and then modify the twist axis to be the detent with no return spring and you have roll on/off throttle [like a motorcycle] while stick movement becomes your strafe controls. I'm going to have to see if I can modify the twist mech for the Gladiators I have to do that...
@@wilemelliott HOLY COW, i wasnt expectinf a reply at all, let alone an amazing detailed one. Thank you. Yea, i see a lot of people rock dual sticks for that same reason you mentioned which is what i would probably go with. I didnt even realize what the left handed thing he was using was. But the “like a motorcycle throttle” explained it pretty well.
@@wilemelliott One thing that comes to mind, for me, is that the virpil collective will take their flight stick grips, too. So it might be possible to stick an Alpha-L on there and gain the analog axes that gives *on* the grip itself. There's an analog stick to be had there, plus the brake lever that could be (ab)used in fun ways...
This is great, I love hearing honesty from you with solid footage in background. I would like to know what software you use to cut this together as I’m trying to start my own channel up and would love to see video on your recommendations for making content. Thanks Noobifier!
If there was any time to get into it, DCS is making it very temtping this year! The Apache is close to release, the Hind is incredible and we are hoping for the Kiowa release also this year. But the 'older' modules like the Huey and the MI-8 are also fantastic. Just mastering the Huey will give you countless hours of fun!
My god this is beautiful, I been self teaching myself how to fly by reading books and using a basic HOTAS in Xplane 11- But this, this is such an amazing build. Thank you for making this video 😊
This is an excellent review, I’m so glad you mentioned staying away from Komodo, as I was looking in to that as well. Also I appreciate that you too, don’t consider excessive weight a quality feature, and had the warthog for two days and returned it, actually preferring my $40 thrustmaster HOTAS X over it. I’m a helicopter pilot in real life, and getting a simulator collective has been a challenge but I think Virpil with its universally focused mounting system may finally win me over. I want an actual collective feel, rather than just pulling my thruster backwards to “raise collective”. You mentioned the chair, I also play in VR and one thing is very important to me, does it have a swivel lock? I hate swiveling while playing in VR since I use rudder pedals.
My biggest criticism of the collective is it has to be chair mounted. There will be a pile of chairs that are not compatible or would require heavy modification, something I am not willing to do to a 1,000USD chair. Hopefully one of the third party mount providers will come up with a solution. I also could not see buying a collective without an engine throttle. As an aside, weighting the base of a desktop hotas is pretty common as it helps keep the hotas stationary and not slide around, though I agree with you about making the grips too heavy.
That chair is just crazy expensive. I have a $1,000+ office chair already (work paid for it), so I am just going to get the Next Level Racing Flight Stand Pro for about 1/3 of what this chair costs. I can get the matching chair as well if I want to at some point (Flight Chair Pro). I am looking at getting a collective too as I mainly play helicopters in DCS (have them all), so thanks for the review! There are a lot more options now for collectives (Winwing, etc), so I will wait to see which one is best longterm.
Damn, Super nice hardware. Wish I had that learning to fly the Huey, I also highly recommend getting it. Easier learning curve and a quick startup. Mastering sling loading will definitely be rewarding and after that, You'll have learned how to have full control over the chopper. And it's a ton of fun moving cargo up to a FOB. Great review as always.
How does it behave in Battlefield?? 😂 I loved the MSFT Sidewinder2 FFB Pro back in BF1942: Desert Combat mod and those helicopter mechanics. Great content as always! Thank you
great video!!, i got mine about 2 weeks ago and finally got mine mounted into my pit so that it doesnt conflict with my 'normal' controls. with work I havent had a chance to actually use it yet though
My warbirds and throttle arrived today .. this is my next purchase . If only we had a device that could convert this USB signal into radio frequency ..
Great review. My biggest gripe with Virpil is that encoders are completely useless and i really wish they completely got rid of them and added more potentiometers or similar.
The throttle functionality is nice. I have buttons set, but have a macro which switches me to having control of throttle 1, 2, or both. In the 64 I had an engine 1 failure and a governor failure and had to manually control the number 2 throttle to control temps
6:30 Alpha L stick on this collective is looking to be a very good solution for the Apache and all other gunships as well. You can never have too many hats and buttons.
@@NOOBIFIER1337 I'm using their T-50CM2 grip and T-50CM throttle for 2 years now after going through the usual route of logitech and TM products. Totally worth the money.
Virpil products are a lot of money. But I’ve had my Alpha and Mk2 throttle for over a year now. But the level of precision makes carrier landings and aerial refueling much easier. Not to mention VTOL in the Harrier. I’ve put almost 700 hrs on my setup and I’ve had 1 toggle switch fail. All I did was send a video to virpil and they sent me a replacement switch for free, I didn’t even have to pay for shipping. I just unscrewed the bottom plate of the throttle. Then unscrewed the toggle, disconnected the wiring, then put the new switch in. Changing out the bad switch took at most 5 minutes. Not to mention the throttle friction hasn’t changed at all throughout the entire time I’ve had it. My only complaint about the whole setup is the pinky button on the left throttle handle feels a bit cheap, as it doesn’t have the usual distinctive click of the other 3 buttons like it on the throttle.
Very cool I have my dual Virpil alphas And my two button boxes are on the way Though I follow DCS groups in Facebook, I currently don’t play it I’m planning on making a modified Crusader cockpit in my computer room for Star Citizen
+BrianMP5T *VIRPIL® Controls should develop a simple 'box to emulate the collective pod on most Bell Aerospace Textron helos as a Rotor TCS Plus-specific attachment.*
Brian huh? it's always interesting to hear somebody, than learn their name, and see if it fits your preconceived ideas. In this case my preconceived ideas were wrong :)
I looked for this product since I only fly the Shark. But honestly, you can get all the granularity you want on a throttle, as long as DCS is a pretty flat environment, you're fine with a X52 throttle or warthog. Stick/functionalities are much more important. As for the Mi-8 you're not supposed to do style figures, so the keyboard is fine. up and down only ;-)
Yes, that may be true, for those who fly something like ann ah64 which is more acrobatic.. or turn on the realism settings to get a better sim, it does matter
Outstanding review.... that is disappointing, I have heard similar stories about komodo products, and ar that price, I don't know how they aren't bankrupt yet. However, I have been tossing around saving for this, or just 3d printing my own. As I do like the virpil eco system, and no news to match my Vkb stick anytime soon. Virpil it is.... side note, I fly exclusively rotorcraft in Dcs, and real life, I am really itching for a proper collective, and I heard they are working on a mount for ubutto aswell. Fantastic review, and I can't wait to get my hands on one.
I like the way you produced this video. I like the review. I'll say congratulation on getting this full rig. I wish I had one like it :) Please do yourself the next Best thing you could Buy for this Rig to give yourself the next big joy. Buy the UH-1H HUEY from DCS. Your setup is Awesome. Good Review. Awesome Job. Best of Luck Sir. I fly nothing much other then the HUEY it's that much fun.
Helloo TheNOOBIFIER1337 , I'd like to thank you for this video !! First it is a well thought out and produced Vid it brought the information that I as a consumer want to see when looking into buying at least a collective controller ,so thank you for that . Secondly The information of your experiences with Komodo has confirmed something that I was afraid of whilst I've been looking at any Firm that produces Collective Controller for the PC . I had my doubts about Komodo's quality of there products ,just looking at them on there website had me doubting that the workmanship would be of good quality ,even if they do offer a wide variation of different Collectives ( which I think is a good idea on there part ,and had me seriously thinking about buying some of there products though as you say in your vid the prices of there products are really high and the quality is the negative factors for me Personally ( BTW for anyone reading my comment ,I am not attacking Komodo in any way or form I am just pointing out my personal thoughts on there products !!! ,so PLEASE DONT FLAME FOR THAT !! ) . .Upto this Video I was looking at Winwing ,Komodo, and Virpil as to which Firm I would go too , I think thanks to your Vid I'm now Certain which Firm I will purchase from !!! Many thanks and Kudos !!! 👍
Can you please do a video explaining and showing how to connect all your verbal devices together and calibrating all of them, I am very interested in purchasing quite a bit of verbal equipment but I am unfamiliar with how it all works together, thanks again
Excellent vid! Thx for sharing. Do you know if the Thrustmaster TARGET Software can be used for programming as I am looking for a combi with a Wharthog Stick?
What a cracking review. Can tell you are an engineer like me details are spot on. Got my sub 👍👍 Just wish I could afford it now 🤣🤣 Komodo is shockingly overpriced and very very poorly made. I am liking the Virpil range a lot just need to get my hands on one.
That video footage was VR?? What are you rocking for a video card? My graphics dont look nearly that good on my vive index. I "almost" purchased the collective a few weeks ago, having just discovered the Huey in DCS. However, my 2nd joystick, mounted at a 45* angle, is a decent substitute. Not perfect, but decent. The virpil mongoose throttle and collective are on my "buy list". Just a question of "when". Thanks for your fabulous review format Noobifier.
I watch your vids all the time. All the kit that Virpil gives you do you sell it after your reviews? If you do I would be interested in a helicopter set up. Thanks😎🇨🇦
You should really try the pedals with heels on the floor if you have the combat style bottom sections because as shown in the video with feet full on the pedals it’s a wobbly and harder experience compared to heels on the floor and pushing the bottom of the pedals with the front of your feet. Probably because of the imprecision and effort needed with having your feet completely on the pedals is why almost all aircraft, both fixed wing and rotor are not like that, with the only usual exception being when you put your feet up to press the brakes.
I have this collective/grip, and I'm finding the two 4-way hats/push button and the one 2-way switch and push button are very sensitive - that is, when I move one of the hats the center button tends to depress as well. It's only if I use an extremely light touch that I can prevent the button press. I'm wondering if you experienced that as well, or maybe mine is 'touchy'...or I'm just ham-fisted. Thanks!
I have an OE-XAM Collective and at almost same price as the Komodo, i also got the same Garage cheap feel dissapointment, i was already sold on the VirPil collective, just need this month bonus to be paided out so i can order it. Is there any mounting coming with it, when you by it or should it be purchased separately...? I am already using a home/custom MonsterTech pit..
@@NOOBIFIER1337 I’m afraid I don’t know how to do that. Do you have any videos that explain that? I finally got it to where “up” on the collective increases torque and vis versa but I really need to dial it in. I’m out of town but will work on it this weekend.
Great video, very clear and well presented! Thanks for this! Question: What are the mounting options for securing the collective base? Did you use the Virpil chair mount and if so, how do you mount it to a chair?
I used the Virpil mount first. It’s very universal, quite sturdy. It isn’t as adjustable as monstertech, but either are good. It depends on if you want to upgrade with other option in the future. Hope that helps.
Anyone got any idea how to bind the twist throttle in MSFS2020. Nothing seems to work. I’ve set a button to full power and the collective does work but it would be better if the throttle increased the power as it should.
It’s mostly all from Monstertech. The chair, two side mounts, center mount. Then all the stuff from Virpil, a CM2 gimbal, WarBRD grip, 200mm exstention. Collective and the pedals are ACe2 WarBRD
Weight isn't always what you say it is. It can accumulate from thicker housings, higher quality screws, beefier mechanical parts, etc. which *do* contribute to the overall quality. I completely disagree with the "more weight means the controller will wear out sooner" argument. If it was designed for that weight or resistance, why would it wear out sooner than a lighter component, which was also designed for its use case?
I never said that more weight would make it die out sooner. I said that more weight on a gamble compromises the linear nature of the return, and the user experience is compromised compare to a grip that weighs less
@@NOOBIFIER1337 but that is only relative to the cam/clutch/spring design. You can have two separate grip weigths and exactly the same feel on the grip with a heavier grip by simply changing spring weight / clutch tightness. After all this system has a clutch as well. Warthog is also pot metal that is pretty heavy, VPC's main competitor on the colective, WinWing, typically makes a lighter all metal body grip than what TM would use. You can't get the heavy resin grips that real combat AC typically use because the manufacturing process is costly per unit, so the industry is left using either injection molded plastic, vacuformed plastic, 3d printed plastics or some form of metal alloy. Neither effects performance of the actual motion of the overall collective unless the mechanism isn't designed to handle the extra weight....
0:18 I don't get this middle mount, the whole point of this chair is that you can mount it in the middle, and then monstertech has this ugly protruding mount. Can you set it up so that it doesn't stick out at all?
Interesting question. So for Helicopter I actually use the WARBRD grip. It’s super simple, super small and it’s a perfect replica for older US grips. If you are on a budget and don’t mind the look, many of the Virpil grips offer 30 or so bindings. You can’t have too many as if you don’t need them, just leave them blank. I hope that helps.
@@NOOBIFIER1337 Thanks for replay. I like the Warbird grip mostly because it looks like a real one of a real aircraft and doesnt't have "Alien" head like the Constellation Alpha (which currently turns out to be the best seller though). On the other hand I need multiple switches,, hats and buttons for flying jets, that's why my options might be limited to the Alpha and the Mongoos. So I can't decide. But yours is a good idea 🙂
How would this set up work for flying ships in Star Citizen? I would love to learn how to fly this way. I am not really a fan of the basic desk mounted stick, it is not a good experience.
i have been thinking of getting a collective. I am wondering if you have tried any of the winwing products or looked at the winwing version of this same collective?
I have, I really don’t like the idea that all they did was attach some Jenkee thing onto a normal throttle. This device is designed from the Ground Up to be a Collective. It just makes more sense to me.
It's a shame that Virpil decided to omit something that is crucial to the Ka-50, Mi-8 and Mi-24; namely the collective brake. My biggest gripe with using a throttle as my collective is the need to have a button work as a faux collective brake. If the Virpil collective had one I would very seriously consider buying it, but without it I still feel like I'm paying premium price for a lacking experience.
In the market for replacing my full Komodo setup. The collective has failed twice on me now. Does this cyclic come with a floor base, instead of having it mounted to the chair?
I mean, the cyclic is just a normal Joystick from Virpil. There’s nothing special about it, it’s the same one that you would use for a plane. So you could use any system you want either chair, or desk. There’s a promo code in the description it’ll get you a discount on Monstertech. I hope that answer helped you
World's first Aerial Drone of a built up gamer chair. LOVE IT.
Obviously, we have different lifestyles, as my birthday wishlist usually consists of socks and underpants. The mix of gameplay and hardware review worked really well; I enjoy this video, and can see why it took a while to put together. I feel this should have been titled "An engineer reviews". The video quality made it very easy to see the quality level of the Komodo, and also made it very obvious the superior build quality of the Virpil.
Hopefully VIRPIL comes out with a new replica by AH-64D collective and flightstick for DCS.
Agreed, would love to see one
Wait what is the difference? I don't know much about these but is there any major difference or is it just shape and button position?
@@ju87stukadivebomber87 shape and button position, any collective will do the job, but it’s nice to have a replica if you want to go the extra mile
Was thinking this but given the way they made the base, they can only really replicate the top half of the AH-64 grip without making the stick + grip ridiculously long. At which point there isn’t much functional difference between it and the Hawk-60 grip.
...and little you know, a year later they have!
Kind of glad to hear someone else call out Komodo sim for their low quality.
I bought their B8 stick and base years ago and I was just shocked by the quality. It barely surpassed Saitek X52 quality… despite being the single most expensive flight sim peripheral I’ve ever bought (unless counting Monstertech’s chair).
It’s a shame.. nice guy, overpriced 3D printed shit on a cheap stick. Comes apart like cake on a plate underwater.
Bought Komodo too and had the collective literally fall apart in my hand while flying; the plug connection had completely disintegrated. Also, 4-point swivel hat switch on cyclic has literally turned to dust and is completely unusable for quite a while now.
I will literally never use this product as even when/if I ever build a sim setup, it will be focused on fixed wing devices, but as always you earned my like simply because of the quality of the content and the fact that I believe that your analysis always deserves to be heard by someone who IS interested in the product.
What a kind thing to say
Thank you for taking your influence seriously.
Hey Brian currently you know my dad Eric and I just want to say your videos help me so much so thank you for being such an awesome content creator
Loved the review and the setup you have going. I've been comparing Virpil to Winwing for weeks and watching reviews of both. This video convinced and confirmed to me which one I am going with. Hint hints, the one in the video, but may go with a different flight stick grip. I will be focusing on AH-64 and A10C, but will be getting in the future the F16 and maybe F18 so I can do carrier ops.
Thank you for the top quality and very informative points you make in this video.
Cool review. Thanks Noob for all the info!
The more videos you do on hardware / software the better. Like the style. 👍
Great review, one comment on your cyclic though, try lowering it if possible so that your right forearm is resting on your right thigh, this reduces fatigue and prevents over control.
I want DCS to come out with an AirWolf DLC.
FACT
Nice chrair setup Brian. I love this stuff
I put a left-handed Alpha grip on mine. There are many good reasons to do so. It has more buttons than the dedicated helicopter collective, has an analogue stick and is a closer match to the Apache's collective.
Thanks for letting me know about komodo, I almost purchased their stuff
cool I "participated" referencing your recent deployment in agusta westland Milan eurocopter production facility "training environment" offensive helicopter capabilities. with real time 4k twin jet flt hours, 1k light prop hrs, I managed to back into a chain link fence and never made it above the hanger. I think this rig is well suited to star citizen as helicopter more approaches what we are dealing with than fixed wing
Thanks for the review, I also have a bunch of Virpil devices and some of them have been retired such as first revision of MT50 Throttle. but new devices and panels are awesome. I slightly modded pedals and CM3 throttle and panel to add more LED lights which are controllable natively by devices itself. Can share pictures.
“This product has absolutely no place in star citizen.”
You think I won’t channel my inner Hind and bind it it upward strafe to fly a Valkyrie decoupled in atmosphere?
I really wish he would explain more of why it wont work im SC. Thats the main reason i want this!
@@Brizizaz I think thats possibly because of the limit of the available axis. Sure the twist throttle would work for one axis [forward/back], and the pitch control could be another [up down], but you lose one axis [slide left right], which I guess could be done with pedals, but the collecive is more of a "set and stick" than a momentary, like your pitch/yaw/roll controlls.
Hmm, maybe if you take a left stick controller, add a friction clutch to each axis, and remove the "return to center" springs, you could get a similar effect. Would need a detent for a neutral thruster position. One of the reasons I fly HOSAS is because you DO get movement along those 3 axis...problem with the accelleration control is it effects ALL thrusters and not just your main ones, so manuvering suffers too...hmmm, now my brain is working the problem...
oooh, theres an idea. Keep the springs for return to center for the axises for left/right/up/down, but only keep a detent for forward/back. That way you're not neutering ALL your thrusters when in cruise but reducing the limiters...Similar to the way I had my Thrustmaster HOTAS throttle set up with the forward/aft axis providing thrust and the ministick doing the strafe [but being on a full stick, gives you more fine control than the little ministick does]. Put the stick on one of those "3d stick to throttle" mounts, and then modify the twist axis to be the detent with no return spring and you have roll on/off throttle [like a motorcycle] while stick movement becomes your strafe controls. I'm going to have to see if I can modify the twist mech for the Gladiators I have to do that...
@@wilemelliott HOLY COW, i wasnt expectinf a reply at all, let alone an amazing detailed one. Thank you. Yea, i see a lot of people rock dual sticks for that same reason you mentioned which is what i would probably go with. I didnt even realize what the left handed thing he was using was. But the “like a motorcycle throttle” explained it pretty well.
@@wilemelliott One thing that comes to mind, for me, is that the virpil collective will take their flight stick grips, too. So it might be possible to stick an Alpha-L on there and gain the analog axes that gives *on* the grip itself. There's an analog stick to be had there, plus the brake lever that could be (ab)used in fun ways...
@@wilemelliott
I wonder if you could set it for vtol specifically, for ships that have designated vtol
This is great, I love hearing honesty from you with solid footage in background. I would like to know what software you use to cut this together as I’m trying to start my own channel up and would love to see video on your recommendations for making content. Thanks Noobifier!
This is just Adobe CC
TV Liquid hanging out with Noobifier! That's great. That collective makes me wish I was more into flying helicopters.
If there was any time to get into it, DCS is making it very temtping this year! The Apache is close to release, the Hind is incredible and we are hoping for the Kiowa release also this year. But the 'older' modules like the Huey and the MI-8 are also fantastic. Just mastering the Huey will give you countless hours of fun!
My god this is beautiful, I been self teaching myself how to fly by reading books and using a basic HOTAS in Xplane 11- But this, this is such an amazing build. Thank you for making this video 😊
When I get my commercial license, let me take you on a flight c:!
Glad it helped!
This is an excellent review, I’m so glad you mentioned staying away from Komodo, as I was looking in to that as well. Also I appreciate that you too, don’t consider excessive weight a quality feature, and had the warthog for two days and returned it, actually preferring my $40 thrustmaster HOTAS X over it. I’m a helicopter pilot in real life, and getting a simulator collective has been a challenge but I think Virpil with its universally focused mounting system may finally win me over. I want an actual collective feel, rather than just pulling my thruster backwards to “raise collective”. You mentioned the chair, I also play in VR and one thing is very important to me, does it have a swivel lock? I hate swiveling while playing in VR since I use rudder pedals.
My biggest criticism of the collective is it has to be chair mounted. There will be a pile of chairs that are not compatible or would require heavy modification, something I am not willing to do to a 1,000USD chair. Hopefully one of the third party mount providers will come up with a solution. I also could not see buying a collective without an engine throttle.
As an aside, weighting the base of a desktop hotas is pretty common as it helps keep the hotas stationary and not slide around, though I agree with you about making the grips too heavy.
Monstertech have adapter mounts to mount the virpil collective on a chair
Thanks for the review, Noobi!
That chair is just crazy expensive. I have a $1,000+ office chair already (work paid for it), so I am just going to get the Next Level Racing Flight Stand Pro for about 1/3 of what this chair costs. I can get the matching chair as well if I want to at some point (Flight Chair Pro). I am looking at getting a collective too as I mainly play helicopters in DCS (have them all), so thanks for the review! There are a lot more options now for collectives (Winwing, etc), so I will wait to see which one is best longterm.
If you need multi-engine control, that's specifically what Sharka50 Control Panel is for, it's meant to be paired with this collective.
Yet another excellent no bullshit video Thanks Noob!
Got it and the Monster Mount... it is awesome! Virpil really rocks! Extremely good quality but for a price though...
Damn, Super nice hardware. Wish I had that learning to fly the Huey, I also highly recommend getting it. Easier learning curve and a quick startup. Mastering sling loading will definitely be rewarding and after that, You'll have learned how to have full control over the chopper. And it's a ton of fun moving cargo up to a FOB. Great review as always.
Waiting for you to rig those controls and VR headset up to your drone and FPV it.
How does it behave in Battlefield?? 😂
I loved the MSFT Sidewinder2 FFB Pro back in BF1942: Desert Combat mod and those helicopter mechanics.
Great content as always! Thank you
That stick in Fighter Ace almost made me crap my pants more than once. The sudden impact of rounds from an enemy pilot, etc. A very fun stick.
great video!!, i got mine about 2 weeks ago and finally got mine mounted into my pit so that it doesnt conflict with my 'normal' controls. with work I havent had a chance to actually use it yet though
I think you’ll love them
I use it as a MOLE mining throttle with modules on the switches.
Oh wow
Very cool
I like
My warbirds and throttle arrived today .. this is my next purchase . If only we had a device that could convert this USB signal into radio frequency ..
Great review. My biggest gripe with Virpil is that encoders are completely useless and i really wish they completely got rid of them and added more potentiometers or similar.
The throttle functionality is nice. I have buttons set, but have a macro which switches me to having control of throttle 1, 2, or both. In the 64 I had an engine 1 failure and a governor failure and had to manually control the number 2 throttle to control temps
6:30 Alpha L stick on this collective is looking to be a very good solution for the Apache and all other gunships as well. You can never have too many hats and buttons.
They might be releasing a new collective soon. They announced a photo recently on Twitter
Thanks, looks good (and that sphere wasn't too much ;) )
Comment your comments in the comments… love it!
Virpil hit gold with this collective, with helicopters added to MS Flight simulator and upcoming AH-64D.
Superb Product
@@NOOBIFIER1337 I'm using their T-50CM2 grip and T-50CM throttle for 2 years now after going through the usual route of logitech and TM products. Totally worth the money.
Virpil products are a lot of money. But I’ve had my Alpha and Mk2 throttle for over a year now. But the level of precision makes carrier landings and aerial refueling much easier. Not to mention VTOL in the Harrier. I’ve put almost 700 hrs on my setup and I’ve had 1 toggle switch fail. All I did was send a video to virpil and they sent me a replacement switch for free, I didn’t even have to pay for shipping. I just unscrewed the bottom plate of the throttle. Then unscrewed the toggle, disconnected the wiring, then put the new switch in. Changing out the bad switch took at most 5 minutes. Not to mention the throttle friction hasn’t changed at all throughout the entire time I’ve had it. My only complaint about the whole setup is the pinky button on the left throttle handle feels a bit cheap, as it doesn’t have the usual distinctive click of the other 3 buttons like it on the throttle.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with the gear.
thanks noob. Looks like nice solid kit. Ill stick with my modded Hog throttle for now. But who knows. After the Apache comes out :)
Very cool
I have my dual Virpil alphas
And my two button boxes are on the way
Though I follow DCS groups in Facebook, I currently don’t play it
I’m planning on making a modified Crusader cockpit in my computer room for Star Citizen
Sick
+BrianMP5T *VIRPIL® Controls should develop a simple 'box to emulate the collective pod on most Bell Aerospace Textron helos as a Rotor TCS Plus-specific attachment.*
Brian huh? it's always interesting to hear somebody, than learn their name, and see if it fits your preconceived ideas. In this case my preconceived ideas were wrong :)
The original channel link is BRIANMP5T after my car. The rebrand was just before I made content on UA-cam.
Gotta love Verpil
I looked for this product since I only fly the Shark. But honestly, you can get all the granularity you want on a throttle, as long as DCS is a pretty flat environment, you're fine with a X52 throttle or warthog. Stick/functionalities are much more important. As for the Mi-8 you're not supposed to do style figures, so the keyboard is fine. up and down only ;-)
Yes, that may be true, for those who fly something like ann ah64 which is more acrobatic.. or turn on the realism settings to get a better sim, it does matter
Outstanding review.... that is disappointing, I have heard similar stories about komodo products, and ar that price, I don't know how they aren't bankrupt yet. However, I have been tossing around saving for this, or just 3d printing my own. As I do like the virpil eco system, and no news to match my Vkb stick anytime soon. Virpil it is.... side note, I fly exclusively rotorcraft in Dcs, and real life, I am really itching for a proper collective, and I heard they are working on a mount for ubutto aswell. Fantastic review, and I can't wait to get my hands on one.
I think I could use this in SC. Nothing stopping me from Trying.
"Comment your comments in the comments" I thought I had a stroke hearing that for the first time
I like the way you produced this video. I like the review. I'll say congratulation on getting this full rig. I wish I had one like it :) Please do yourself the next Best thing you could Buy for this Rig to give yourself the next big joy. Buy the UH-1H HUEY from DCS. Your setup is Awesome. Good Review. Awesome Job. Best of Luck Sir. I fly nothing much other then the HUEY it's that much fun.
Thanks for the kind words of support. I was looking at the Huey for sure.. such an iconic bird
You and Growling Sidewinder on youtube should do a collab video, that would be awesome. My two favourite Canadians!
Nice review, thanks noob.
Helloo TheNOOBIFIER1337 , I'd like to thank you for this video !!
First it is a well thought out and produced Vid it brought the information that I as a consumer want to see when looking into buying at least a collective controller ,so thank you for that .
Secondly The information of your experiences with Komodo has confirmed something that I was afraid of whilst I've been looking at any Firm that produces Collective Controller for the PC .
I had my doubts about Komodo's quality of there products ,just looking at them on there website had me doubting that the workmanship would be of good quality ,even if they do offer a wide variation of different Collectives ( which I think is a good idea on there part ,and had me seriously thinking about buying some of there products though as you say in your vid the prices of there products are really high and the quality is the negative factors for me Personally
( BTW for anyone reading my comment ,I am not attacking Komodo in any way or form I am just pointing out my personal thoughts on there products !!! ,so PLEASE DONT FLAME FOR THAT !! ) .
.Upto this Video I was looking at Winwing ,Komodo, and Virpil as to which Firm I would go too , I think thanks to your Vid I'm now Certain which Firm I will purchase from !!! Many thanks and Kudos !!! 👍
Thanks for the review.
Can you please do a video explaining and showing how to connect all your verbal devices together and calibrating all of them, I am very interested in purchasing quite a bit of verbal equipment but I am unfamiliar with how it all works together, thanks again
ua-cam.com/video/YaTyqBudcBs/v-deo.html
Does the left arm rest get in the way of comfortably reaching the collective at all? Does your arm touch the armrest as you hold the collective?
Weight = quality is why we have small appliances with concrete in them.
Excellent vid! Thx for sharing. Do you know if the Thrustmaster TARGET Software can be used for programming as I am looking for a combi with a Wharthog Stick?
How do you prevent your chair from moving when using peddals
thank you for this review! how smooth is the collective operation? Is it easy to set to personal preference and provide precise control?
What a cracking review. Can tell you are an engineer like me details are spot on. Got my sub 👍👍 Just wish I could afford it now 🤣🤣 Komodo is shockingly overpriced and very very poorly made. I am liking the Virpil range a lot just need to get my hands on one.
tvliquid has a killer Stetson Hat!!!
That video footage was VR??
What are you rocking for a video card?
My graphics dont look nearly that good on my vive index.
I "almost" purchased the collective a few weeks ago, having just discovered the Huey in DCS.
However, my 2nd joystick, mounted at a 45* angle, is a decent substitute. Not perfect, but decent.
The virpil mongoose throttle and collective are on my "buy list".
Just a question of "when".
Thanks for your fabulous review format Noobifier.
I have a couple of systems.. the VR one is a 5600x, 16gb, 3070
I watch your vids all the time. All the kit that Virpil gives you do you sell it after your reviews? If you do I would be interested in a helicopter set up. Thanks😎🇨🇦
but but but im stills saving for my SC controls from Virpil.. now they bring out the bits for me to get my Airwolf on *theme starts playing in brain*
You should really try the pedals with heels on the floor if you have the combat style bottom sections because as shown in the video with feet full on the pedals it’s a wobbly and harder experience compared to heels on the floor and pushing the bottom of the pedals with the front of your feet. Probably because of the imprecision and effort needed with having your feet completely on the pedals is why almost all aircraft, both fixed wing and rotor are not like that, with the only usual exception being when you put your feet up to press the brakes.
I am also from the Ottawa area. Can the S-bend extension be reversed, I would prefer to have the stick closer to my body?
Every time I see the Monstertech Blackbird, I just want to buy it but the shipping cost is brutal.
Its sad this isn't more popular even in arma 3 community
question; is the virpil collective plug and play? so that when it arrives, i can just plug it in without having to purchase any interface dongles?
I have this collective/grip, and I'm finding the two 4-way hats/push button and the one 2-way switch and push button are very sensitive - that is, when I move one of the hats the center button tends to depress as well. It's only if I use an extremely light touch that I can prevent the button press. I'm wondering if you experienced that as well, or maybe mine is 'touchy'...or I'm just ham-fisted. Thanks!
I checked for you. It’s touchy, but I find it manageable. Perhaps you are correct though, it’s a very fine push required.
I have an OE-XAM Collective and at almost same price as the Komodo, i also got the same Garage cheap feel dissapointment, i was already sold on the VirPil collective, just need this month bonus to be paided out so i can order it. Is there any mounting coming with it, when you by it or should it be purchased separately...? I am already using a home/custom MonsterTech pit..
Having trouble figuring out how to map my Virpil Collective for DCS
Did you perform firmware, profile and calibration.
@@NOOBIFIER1337 I’m afraid I don’t know how to do that. Do you have any videos that explain that? I finally got it to where “up” on the collective increases torque and vis versa but I really need to dial it in. I’m out of town but will work on it this weekend.
@@RamadiTaxiDriver60M join my discord so I can speak with you easier
shit...you're in Ottawa right? I recognize the location, nice!
You're also up ridiculous early like me haha, great video :)
Que belleza por dios ......sueño con volar DCS con uno asi
Great video, very clear and well presented! Thanks for this!
Question: What are the mounting options for securing the collective base? Did you use the Virpil chair mount and if so, how do you mount it to a chair?
I used the Virpil mount first. It’s very universal, quite sturdy. It isn’t as adjustable as monstertech, but either are good. It depends on if you want to upgrade with other option in the future. Hope that helps.
@@NOOBIFIER1337 Thanks! I use Mostertech deskmounts, so I will check them out!
that look's so awesome
Anyone got any idea how to bind the twist throttle in MSFS2020. Nothing seems to work. I’ve set a button to full power and the collective does work but it would be better if the throttle increased the power as it should.
the shoots of the Dron ar Amazing ! 1A
I always wanted a collective for Star citizen. Is it that bad compared to a HOSAS?
Could you list the complete hardware set up as shown please? I would like to order the exact same set up, many thanks
It’s mostly all from Monstertech. The chair, two side mounts, center mount. Then all the stuff from Virpil, a CM2 gimbal, WarBRD grip, 200mm exstention. Collective and the pedals are ACe2 WarBRD
@@NOOBIFIER1337 many thanks......I have brought a 3DoF motion platform and am currently trying to figure out the best way to mount all this on it.....
@@markturner6091 ask any questions
I would like to purchase Exactly That Setup to Learn and fly.. please share where to get that Exactly if you can Tks
Monstertdch and Virpil
Looking at the PCB, it seems like Virpil has come a long way in cleaning up their electronics installation.
For sure. It’s even better lately
How many gallons to the mile?
That was the best product review I've ever seen ngl
Nice video. Now, can you control your drone with the sim rig? :-D
I will figure a way to.
Will the SharKa50 Collective work with the Apache Simulator?
Weight isn't always what you say it is. It can accumulate from thicker housings, higher quality screws, beefier mechanical parts, etc. which *do* contribute to the overall quality. I completely disagree with the "more weight means the controller will wear out sooner" argument. If it was designed for that weight or resistance, why would it wear out sooner than a lighter component, which was also designed for its use case?
I never said that more weight would make it die out sooner. I said that more weight on a gamble compromises the linear nature of the return, and the user experience is compromised compare to a grip that weighs less
@@NOOBIFIER1337 but that is only relative to the cam/clutch/spring design. You can have two separate grip weigths and exactly the same feel on the grip with a heavier grip by simply changing spring weight / clutch tightness. After all this system has a clutch as well. Warthog is also pot metal that is pretty heavy, VPC's main competitor on the colective, WinWing, typically makes a lighter all metal body grip than what TM would use. You can't get the heavy resin grips that real combat AC typically use because the manufacturing process is costly per unit, so the industry is left using either injection molded plastic, vacuformed plastic, 3d printed plastics or some form of metal alloy. Neither effects performance of the actual motion of the overall collective unless the mechanism isn't designed to handle the extra weight....
Nice video! Would be interesting to know if you tried it with the left handed alfa virpil grip and how that feels
I tried it, it works fine. I wanted to fly helicopter though and they sent the grip… so I’m probably not going to ever put an alpha on it.
0:18 I don't get this middle mount, the whole point of this chair is that you can mount it in the middle, and then monstertech has this ugly protruding mount. Can you set it up so that it doesn't stick out at all?
Yes, you can of course, just rotate the gimbal
For the Apache and/or the Hind and/or the Hip and/or the Huey what grip (+ 200mm extension) do you recommend? The Alpha or the Mongoos? Thank you
Interesting question. So for Helicopter I actually use the WARBRD grip. It’s super simple, super small and it’s a perfect replica for older US grips. If you are on a budget and don’t mind the look, many of the Virpil grips offer 30 or so bindings. You can’t have too many as if you don’t need them, just leave them blank. I hope that helps.
@@NOOBIFIER1337 Thanks for replay. I like the Warbird grip mostly because it looks like a real one of a real aircraft and doesnt't have "Alien" head like the Constellation Alpha (which currently turns out to be the best seller though). On the other hand I need multiple switches,, hats and buttons for flying jets, that's why my options might be limited to the Alpha and the Mongoos. So I can't decide. But yours is a good idea 🙂
How would this set up work for flying ships in Star Citizen? I would love to learn how to fly this way. I am not really a fan of the basic desk mounted stick, it is not a good experience.
Parts of it, yes.but I think dual stick is optimal
@@NOOBIFIER1337 I was hoping to use the collective as part of the flight controls.
i have been thinking of getting a collective. I am wondering if you have tried any of the winwing products or looked at the winwing version of this same collective?
I have, I really don’t like the idea that all they did was attach some Jenkee thing onto a normal throttle. This device is designed from the Ground Up to be a Collective. It just makes more sense to me.
Thanks a very interesting video.
It's a shame that Virpil decided to omit something that is crucial to the Ka-50, Mi-8 and Mi-24; namely the collective brake. My biggest gripe with using a throttle as my collective is the need to have a button work as a faux collective brake. If the Virpil collective had one I would very seriously consider buying it, but without it I still feel like I'm paying premium price for a lacking experience.
very nice intro
Have you tried the collective in a space sim, I can think of some unique uses.
I cant see how this would make flight better
a comment for the almighty algorithm !!
In the market for replacing my full Komodo setup. The collective has failed twice on me now.
Does this cyclic come with a floor base, instead of having it mounted to the chair?
I mean, the cyclic is just a normal Joystick from Virpil. There’s nothing special about it, it’s the same one that you would use for a plane. So you could use any system you want either chair, or desk. There’s a promo code in the description it’ll get you a discount on Monstertech. I hope that answer helped you
@@NOOBIFIER1337 thanks, but am using a floor mounted cyclic, do not use a desk or chair based cyclic
@@antebellum45 so use the CM2 gimbal floor mounted. I don’t see what the issue is
@@NOOBIFIER1337 ok, I'll check it out, thanks.