Over the few years of owning Warthog HOTAS, I've upgraded the nipple on throttle and replaced stick base with Virpil's Warbrd. Flight experience went noticeably up, maneuvers are smoother and so on but the HOTAS itself is a workhorse. Yes, the switches are a bummer sometimes, SC should offer more options that use sticky buttons to utilize it properly. That's definitely feedback I'm going to submit once I get more familiar with SC. You can still map them even to toggles though, it just means you will flip the switch on and off more. But hey, who does not like some switch flipping, right? :D
i've had the warthog for 9 years now, it was expencive back then and i bet it still is but damn what a quality! i used it in DCS and now i use it in microsoft flight simulator! Best purchase i've ever done
Good review. Someone gave me a Saitek X52 and that has done me ok in both Star Citizen and DCS. One day I'll save up the money to get a better one being disable that's hard to do.
The Warthog is definitely something special but seeing others use it makes me really appreciate the availability and more importantly value for price of VKB's Gladiator NXTs
The NXT Evo has even better quality to price ratio, and with the release of the Honeycomb Tango Foxtrot at the end of 2022, it looks like we’re gonna have more good options for hotas’s
@@farmersuiticles It's got an objectively significantly superior gimbal system, the part that actually matters. (Thrustmaster gimbal is a plastic cup and ball lmao)
If not for the fact that VKB has to ship out of China they would dominate the market. I love their products but I hate the hassle and weeks of delays on shipping
Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. 2 In large bowl, beat softened butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon about 1 minute or until fluffy, scraping side of bowl occasionally. 3 Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour mixture just until blended (dough will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. 4 Onto ungreased cookie sheets, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart. 5 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store covered in airtight container.
The switch issue you discuss is (relatively) easily overcome either with direct lua edits or a variety of joystick key-mappers such as joystick gremlin. It’s not very intuitive but there are forum posts walk you through it, the basic concept is that you map the change of state (off - on and on - off) to a virtual button press.
great review. nice that you've actually reviewed after extensive use. I was lucky and got dual T16000M for little money with some cashback vouchers during the COVID hype which suits my very casual play
At the current price point for thrustmaster warthogs, I would look at virpil instead. I also cannot say I was very impressed with the build quality of the winwing stuff. Way too much silastic everywhere on the inside.
@@neonsamurai1348 I am too, *cough* *cough* 11 months later, we have still near to zero info on the thing. I want it cause I might get the vkb gladiator nxt or the warthog stick only
iv watch 2 videos of yours (this was my 2nd) i love the description, recommendation and more. Ill be recommending you to some of my friends. Thank you! 🙏🙏
I will say I have always been satisfied in using my Warthog since buying it in 2015 (and it’s on and off use throughout the years) with its only ware is also on the front cm hat where it feels mushy but I’m sure some cleaning is all that is required, although their is some left to be desired when I was flying in Elite/ flying in the dog fight model in SC back then, when it came to dcs and IL2 games I couldn’t see a better stick to use. I am happy that their are so many newer options to choose from like VirPil but even then I’m only looming at their additional upgrade kits that also don’t come with their base Hotas set ups as well to add some extra quality of life such as the arming and punching of drip tanks off a f-18 in dcs
Great Review.. I have been a Thrustmaster guy my entire Sim flying career since 1995 with Falcon and Falcon 4 along with all the Janes Sims. I own TMS set, Cougar set as well as the Warthog HOTAS systems by Thrustmaster. Can never complain about there quality.
I know a lot of guys swear by WinWing stuff when it comes to quality but no one has a 10 year old WinWing set on their desk still in use today. Eager to try the new TQS WW put out, but I still have my TM16000 and despite moving to the FSSB for the stick, I won't get rid of my TM sets any time soon because I know they have the quality to last.
When I was looking at changing my flight inputs I decided to go with the dual TM 16000 because of budget and thought that two sticks would be easier for 6-axis control over a stick and throttle. I have had to crack open one of them to clean the pot after it began to malfunction. So no matter the setup, sometimes we have to work on them
Great review and thanks for taking the time to do it. I want one of these but I also like the look of the Logitech X56, I going crazy trying to decide (DCS, ARMA3, MSFS2020 mostly).
Just picked this thing up to upgrade from a busted x56. So far using the f/a-18 model with this setup is not too bad. Luckily you can use the “” types of certain commands to allow the on offs to function like you would expect. Armsafe using back and forth on one switch rather than arm or safe being isolated to forward “on” position of a single switch being separate.
I purchased a used Warthog stick and throttle back in 2015. I used them as is for near 5 years before biting on the Virpil bullet to upgrade my gimbal. The stick still works on the new gimbal, and you can even use Virpil software to spoof the device as the warthog still. This is important for the thing that Leadnap didn't touch on - the software. Yes, the switches on the throttle base can be problematic. Most of the time, game and sim software is expecting momentary impulses, which can make those non-momentary toggles difficult to map. With the software, it's possible to map the toggles such that flipping one on now sends a momentary pulse, and flipping it off sends a second one, allowing for easier mapping. That said, it's more work, and not always a 100% solution. In the end, if you have the extra $300, get yourself the virpil stick amd throttle over spending 750 for the Warthog. But if you want a step up from the X56, and can get it for retail, or better used for like 300, it can last most users a long while.
I’ve got one coming by the end of the month. I’ve been using an x52 for many years, though not for flight simulation. Jumping ship from X-Plane to DCS. What I find interesting is that when I ordered this, I starting looking at virpl panels because of all the switches on the throttle. I held off because I wasn’t sure, but if I had watched this, they would be on the way. Thanks for this review.
Great review. I feel better about sticking with my T1600m hotas setup since I only really play Star Citizen. I appreciate your input on not spending money if you don’t need to. But when I eventually play DCS I know I’m going with the Virpil setup as the Throttle seems the most versatile.
I've been playing flight sims since FS95 and I've played a lot of DCS over the years. I coudln't imagine my flying fun without the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog setup. WIth that being said, I paid nowhere near the original $500 plus and I got mine brand new so I would wait for a price drop as it's not exactly worth the $800+ range. Unfortunately everything is expensive right now but I would still wait.
I had it myself 3 years ago and while it was fun to use and felt high quality, it didn't up the fun as much as I hoped for the price tag. There are so few good HOTAS and sticks on the market that it is hard to find one that fits ones own personal needs. The Warthog wasn't it for me.
I've had a Warthog for years. The main gripe was the stiction and centring of the joystick base. Even after stripping and greasing it wouldn't allow me to input fine adjustments as when I'd try and air-to-air refuel. Problem solved by getting a Virtpil WarBRD base, which is a light year better. The throttle is heavy because it has a couple of thick metal plates in the box. I've not had a problem with mapping switches in other DCS modules. I've no intention of replacing anything in the forseeable future unless something dies.
I personally have the X55 and I have to agree that a real ballmount is far superior. But I really love that it has a z axis. But I am thinking about replacing it with a tm16000 with a second stick and pedals for SC.
Owned the TM Warthog since 2011, very light use so I can't speak to wear and tear. It's definitely outdone by newer HOTAS premium systems but still manages to not be entirely outclassed entirely in terms of value and usage. I had a tough time justifying even considering a new HOTAS setup over my Warthog because I do prefer accurate modeling, though I also don't want to have a bunch of extra equipment lying around so i need to strike a balance of being able to "reuse" some stuff across different jets or helis. Don't get me wrong. Virpil's throttle has some serious appeal. If I were hard committed to a single throttle grip + base that is the most capable, it is hands down the best -- even capable of doing everything needed for the F-16 throttle (maybe not for the speed brake). I also think the slider on the throttle grip is the best control for zooming in DCS. And it has more than enough controls for everything else on the base -- maybe shy of an extra slider from the Orion/2 base. Feet to the fire, I must only own one, but I fly F-16, Ka-50, A-10C, and F/A-18? Virpil is it. Why I prefer Winwing as a replacement is because I'd rather hard commit to supporting the throttle (or collective) grip well for a given platform, and map for the others I don't have. Even better with Winwing -- all of those aircraft have grips I can swap in! The Winwing Orion2 F16EX combo price is too good to pass up and the F16 throttle grip is super unique. The F16EX stick is very close to the TM Warthog stick visually, but the F16EX stick adds a lot that'll allow more flexible mappings to the Ka-50 than the A-10/F/A-18 joysticks I have from Thrustmaster right now. To summarize what I'll have with owning two HOTASs: A-10C: TM Warthog throttle and stick vanilla (100% control accurate) F-16C: Winwing Orion2 throttle, either F16EX and TM A-10 (both sticks are 100% control accurate, EX has extra) F/A-18C: TM Warthog throttle + F/A-18C grip (remap situation so different layout, but 100% F/A-18 HOTAS coverage as the F/A-18 TM joystick adds a control missing from the Warthog throttle...I think TM knew this which is why they added it) KA-50: TM Warthog throttle + F16EX grip (complete remap situation, but KA With Winwing, it's a simple purchase of the KA-50 collective grip on the same base should I care for the collective experience. Though I've flown it a lot, I don't care about an accurate cyclic stick for the KA-50. If I'm picky about the F/A-18 throttle grip, that's just another grip on the Orion2 base. Is it more money? Yeah...but saves me time thinking about remapping and improves my overall end experience.
The one thing that really came to my mind watching this is that I love shiny tech stuff...And I definitely want one. However, I suspect my skill level doesn't justify the cost, (My reach exceeding my grasp). Outstanding content!!
The warthog combo for me in sweden cost 420 dollar new. I was looking at all the other brands(virpil etc). But the shipping cost and taxes is insane. So i Will get this combo and i only fly mfs2020 so i think i Will be happy with it 👋
Hi Lead, I'm new in the Star Citizen universe (actually returned/reawakened interest). I really appreciate your content. Very informative and helpful, thanks :) Regards, Mark from Denmark
If the switch mapping options bother you for some modules, get "RSMapper" and set everything up your way! For instance if you want the boat switch as your DGFT/Missile override switch in the F16 , it doesn't go out of the mode when centered. With RSMapper i set it to: AFT: DGFT ON CENTER: DGFT OFF / Missile override OFF FWD: Missile override ON And you can do other complicated settings as well. With the 3 way switch on the left side of the throttle i've got my lights set up. AFT: NAV lights OFF CENTER: NAV lights ON / Landing lights OFF FWD: NAV lights ON / Landing lights ON This way you can also give almost every module the same switch functionality so you dont have to remember different bindings ;)
To get the complete experience you need pedals since this does not have a twist. Given that and the binding issues would go for the Virpil options if money weren’t an issue then you could get “same brand” pedals.
I can't wait for the tech of vr in the future imagine if you have vr goggles and play SC to get the feel you're really flying a space ship and that just like with other vr games when you move your hands the character in-game does too but that comes with time I guess :/
It is a pity that VKBs throttle is postponed again and again. I have 2 Gladiator NXT for Star Citizen and for the price, they are exceptional sticks! A straight upgrade over my old X52 Pro. For space sims I cannot recommend them highly enough. That is all I can contribute, since I never owned a Warthog and do not play atmosphere-bound flight sims ;-)
The trigger detent is much improved in the F/A-18C grip, or at least in mine. My base also had a bottom plate when I fitted it to my frame. I use the stock detent with F/A-18, it just needs custom curves set in DCS, and then remove the detent entirely for Star Citizen. The split throttle is incredibly helpful for DCS too. Agree about the unused switches though - I use more in Star Citizen than in DCS! Anyhow, I enjoyed the video, thank you for sharing
You know I have been thinking about buying a flight kit for star citizen but its good to hear about other flight kits for other games. Gives a better idea about this stuff. Thanks!
The switch problem also lies withing the DCS modules. Some are less user friendly, and some more (jets). You can set those switches no problem. The biggest complain (like lots of guys) is the flightstick grease and overall stiffness. It leads to jerky inputs. The stick itself is great, the base is what's garbage. You end either with other base (Virpil or VKB) or completely regrease it. Overall great piece of hardware apart of the base.
That's a great perspective. I have always wondered if I should upgrade my t-1600s HOSAS. I think you have confirmed that I don't need to as I am currently a SC player. If in the future I am able to find the time to jump into the flight sim zone it will have to be reconsidered.
I had the T.16000M v1 from 2012 or so when I lived in Russia. Upgraded to the Space Sim Duo pack in December 2020. My Duo right stick is more worn out than than the v1 that I used from when I bought it until Dec 2020. Disappointed in the reduction in quality. Had the old Thrustmaster F-16 in the 90s so I'd love to have a Duo combo that's better than the T16k but not $500+ per hand... If I could afford it, and Thrustmaster made it, a mirrored pair of Warthogs would be awesome.
I don't want to sound rude, but the button problem goes away when you start using the other premium feature of the stick, the TARGET profile software, which although atrocious, is still the bees knees for customization. I think you missed the point there.
If you like the Viper and want a Force sensing stick check out the RealSimulator R3L base and their F16 grip it like the real feel of the Viper. I have both TM Hotas if stck in center position for the Hornet and Tomcat and have the RealSimulator R3L base and Viper stick on the side. Just can’t believe the prices these days it’s crazy.
I own the Throttle and Stick, but I only use the stick in Star Citizen (with keyboard, obviously). Space on my desktop is limited and a keyboard is still more versatile than the throttle unit.
I’m really thinking about making the move to sticks. I think I’m going to dual stick, but regardless, your video is great for a heads up on some good quality equipment.
Excellent review! I've been looking for peripherals to spice up my SC experience. I know folks swear by HOTAS/HOSAS set ups. I've been happy so far with keyboard and mouse but there are limitations I just can't work around with it.
You have to be careful though - HOTAS in SC can make some things harder to do. However if you're looking for that spice, this is certainly a way to do it.
I bet you can’t fight competitive after you switched to a HOTAS. Remember the other players just need to point and click when you need to use your feed together with your stick to kick ass. I had the same dream back then and regretted because the Warthog is a totally different beast best used for DCS where you fight 3 finger keyboard combinations in 3 different layers. Pressing shift+alt+w ain’t fun so you need your warthog there. If you really want to try it out, buy yourself a cheap 6 axes HOTAS first before spending that much for a feeling you may don’t have in SC.
Very good video, 1thumbs up! At the time of the video, some of the comment around price here relevant, but few months later, the throttle came back to normal. At least in Europe. I don't think 700+ USD is a normal price. Scalpers have done their work last year. Woyuld be interesting to have a solid comparision with the Vuirpil mangoost though?
I use my Thrustmaster Warthog with the MFG crosswind pedals and the Tobii eye tracker. I got my warthog right after getting Star Citizen. I can't imagine playing any flight/space sim without it. HOTAS does not have to be Warthog though it is the only HOTAS I have really used.
@@LeadnapI am 6'2"-ish so I wanted to make sure I could find pedals designed for people with longer legs and the MFG crosswinds were the pedals that were available at the time that accommodated my long ass legs lol. (I didn't get the pedals when I got my Warthog, but just like the HOTAS, I can't imagine playing without the pedals!) Game changer to me! Curious if you don't have pedals how the heck do you roll with the Warthog? The default throttle hat on the side?
That's an amazing set up, but alas I stick to mouse and keyboard as I don't have the space. Plus try to get hold of a HOTAS these days, makes you want to cry.
bought this back in 2018 with rudder system and never used it for at least 3y because i was upset about configuring it for X4 foundations. A month ago, i restarted X4 with the new DLC and content update and took the time to configure every single thing on this for best use, 5 hours + t.a.r.g.e.t profile for sensitivity and so on. I feel dumb now, i did hate X4 for its particular difficult dogfights, but now, i shred everything, and when i do so, it's not because i sprayed my shots all over the place but because i decided to aim and kill this particular enemy ship. It's so satisfying...
OK, I need help and advice. First of all, I want to learn to fly a A/A-18C off a Super Carrier. So I have the plane and the carrier.Now, I am currently using the Thrustmaster combo HOTAS with throttle. I got that because I did not know how much I wanted to spend and whether or not I would like the program. My decision is that I love the game and am willing to spend up to $700.00. So, I'm looking at three choices: 1.)Thrustmaster A-10 with F-18 stick and separate throttle; 2. Winwing; 3. Virpil. All 3 price in between 500 & 600. I would like everybody to state what you use and why you chose that brand. Thank you. Bob Preston
I've never used Virpil so I couldn't say - though friends who have their stuff love it. WinWing is currently the leader in my opinion, very impressed with their kit (which I am using now). The Warthog at this point is too old in the tooth. That review predates WW's major product drops that really have changed the market. My suggestion would be WW if you can afford it, though if you can get a good price on the Warthog it is still fantastic and won't let you down.
Virpil is better than winwing; winwing is barely high end imo. Avoid warthog at all costs, ESPECIALLY THE STICK!!! IT IS HORRIBLE. Twcs is much cheaper than the warthog throttle but nearly as good, at the warthog's throttle price range it's better to just save up for something better from virpil/vkb/winwing. the stick is literally a t16k with some extra and metal buttons. Grip is good, base is HORRIBLE. AVOID IT.
If the Warthog had three axies and was offered in dual stick left/right that would be my pick. But because of lack of these features I will have to dish out more cash on a VKB or Virpil.
Noticed you're flying Shaw 55th tails. Better treat those babies right, that was my squad while working avionics for a couple years. Seeing tail numbers I've worked on in real life, in a simulator, is pretty wild!
I would hope the JTF-1 version of the 55th FS is doing them proud! We spend a lot of time making sure of that. I also spent a lot of time making each one of those tails for DCS.
I was looking at this as a starter HOTAS for the F-16 and maybe A-10. Starter because if I like DCS I’ll save up some cash for a RealSimulator F-16 stick
Personally I dont see any issues with my throttle cross compatibility, I fly the F16 F18 F14, and I dont have any issues, But maybe with 3rd gen fighters you might
I personally only own a yoke for xplane 11. A joystick might be a good addition to my setup if I were to own an airbus. I might just get the airbus looking one tho. I could also get a joystick for star citizen tho.
I'm in the fortunate position of having a SC org mate sending me a used Warthog Hotas for me to play star citizen. For the staggering price of "Enjoy bud" I can't be angry that the throttle is gonna have limited versatility. It would be nice to have things like landing gear set to switch instead of tap, but there's always GameGlass.
I've been documenting it, on the third revision now. Will certainly be doing a video and there is a whole part of the website documenting it (as well as providing dimensions/plans)
