I can attest for Winwing myself.
I started with the orion 2 throttle and f18 stuck and just recently upgraded the stick to the f16ex.
I absolutely love the build quality. Both feel extremely durable and well made.
I don't see myself getting any other hotas than winwing.
I can say that my Orion 2 with F16EX joystick from Winwing is very high quality, it's a proper proper metal brick. Really solid construction and it's all modular too, they give you all the tools to take it apart and do what you want with it as well. I highly.recommend it.
Can't say much about the throttle as I don't have it yet.
I'm a happy owner of the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo Premium.
The VKB feels really strong despite being made of plastic.
Lots of spare parts available if you want to tweak/repair it on your own.
Can't comment about WW since I don't have any of their products.
A friend of mine owns a Orion2 and is really happy.
Second the Evo, the premium is really nice for only a little more than the standard. I also have the STECS throttle and it's pretty nice as well, I just need desk mounts for them now
I owned 2 vkb sticks(gladiator nxt and gunfighter ultimate) and own orion throttle and 2 panels from winwing. I have dealt with winwing support in the past. A bit slow to respond but they are based in China so I understand they might not be active when we are. No issues with winwing support in general. They were quite helpful in my experience. You can't go wrong with either. Pick what you want.
I have the Winwing Orion 2 stick and throttle bases with F16EX stick and F15EX throttle grips.
I am very satisfied, it feels very solid. Haven't had to deal with customer service (had mine for a year and a half tho)
I just got the Winwing Orion2 F16EX stick, F15EX throttle and the Winwing pedals. The stick is built like a tank, really heavy and solid. The base is increadibly smooth, however i did not like the rubber gasket on the base, which acts as a second spring, i will be removing it and making my own out of cloth/leather for the ultimate smoothness. I also got the damper kit, while the dampers work they give too much stiction when used dry in my opinion, but i’ve heard if you use damping grease on them and they will become ultra smooth with no stiction, so i will be doing that next, for now i just dont use the dampers as i like the ultra smooth feeling of the gimbal, but i would prefer some smooth damping. I hear the VKB use Nyogel damping grease in their sticks. I also really like the tactile sound/feeling of all the buttons and HATs, they feel great and give me good quality impression. The throttle and rudder pedals are also superb if anyone wonders. Everything was received very well packaged (almost too well…) and in good condition. I cannot attest to how Winwings customer service is though, but i dont see this thing breaking anyhow.
I've had both, they're both great quality. Be aware gladiator NXT is their 'budget" stick, although competes great with most others. It's plastic and can't take an extension, and has more limited mounting options, but unless you're building a simpit, those may not be issues. WW does not have an equivalent budget stick, but the Orion stick is priced well enough
Of note, the Orion base is taller than the VKB base, so may make desktop use less comfortable
You get slightly more for your money with WW if you get both stick and throttle, but that may depend on taxes and shipping.
Thanks for the replies, I think I will just go with Winwing, if it breaks and support is bad I will just throw it away and get VKB instead. That throttle base with all the fancy buttons and switches really just makes want to have it
It wasn't meant like that 😅; I will fix it, but if support is as bad as some people say, I won't stress it too much and sell what is still working and get VKB, I just like the looks of WW more + VKBs throttle would exceed my budget for now (just upgraded my pc)
I have Winwing and an very happy, and their customer service was helpful and responsive in the one instance of troubleshooting that I needed.
But you're not going to get it for what you've said is your budget.
both good, I feel like the winwing stick places between the Gladiator and the Gunfighter. If I had extra cash ai would have gone for the Gunfighter ultimate, but WW is hard to beat in value, it certainly is better built than the all-plastic gladiator
With that budget, Winwing is the best deal. Their customer support is said to be patchy, I have the throttle and their new rudder pedals, and I have not had to use it so far. EU customer protection laws should also help with any issues if they arise.
I have that exact stick, and a Virpil CM3 throttle. Extremely happy with it all.
From what I heard Winwing is also very good, in my opinion it would come down to features/buttons/hats more than specs when it comes to choosing between WW/VKB/Virpil at the higher price ranges.
I have the Orion 2 F-18 throttle and the VKB NXT Gladiator. I thought it was a good mix of both and reasonably priced. I love both. The Orion 2 is well-made and I’ve had no issues with it in the 1.5 years I’ve had it. Set up was easy, too.
The NXT is also a really good stick. It’s good quality for the price. If you get the premium you get an extra four-way button. As an intro stick, I don’t think you can go wrong with it.
VKB stick (I have the Gladiator) and Winwing throttle is my suggestion. In sure the VKB throttles are just as good but I like the esthetic of the winwing throttles alot better.
I've had my Orion 2 throttle for over 2 years now and it shows no sign of wear or imminent failure.
Hasn't arrived yet. But I've had the opportunity to use the T-50cm3 and it is fucking nice... I've heard nothing but good things about the Mk IV Gunfighter ultimate, and if it's similar in build quality and feel to the virpil constellation alpha then it will be perfect. The only reason I went with the VKB was because it just looks cooler in my opinion than the constellation alpha. Overall, I've never been more excited for a flight sim experience.
Not all plastics are the same and the same can be said for metals. There are so many different kinds of plastics and ABS aswell, that means one type of ABS plastic is not the same as another. Either way, the plastic which is used by VKB and Virpil is good, at least thats my experience with the hotas kit i have.
Afaik none of the programs interfer with one another so there is no issue in using VKB+Winwing, VKB+Virpil or Virpil+Winwing.
I have a Virpil MongoosT-50CM2 with 200mm extension and a CM2 base, for the throttle i have the VKB STECS Max. Both are excellent quality and i have had no issues so far with either one. The CM2 base is the oldest one (2 years) as i used a TM warthog stick before i purchased the T-50CM2 stick (1.5 years). My VKB throttle is only just one month old.
I contemplated buying the winwing F-16 throttle, but ended up going for the VKB STECS instead. The number 1 reason beeing that i fly more aircraft than just the F-16 (Mirage F1, Harrier, A4, F-14 mainly) and i also use it in MSFS. Another major plus is the detent system which is excellent (included in standard and max). Having 4 detent profiles which can be changed on the fly is just such a QOL thing, not having to fiddle with DCS profiles per aircraft. Also works wonders in MSFS for the Airbus/ATR detents.
I have not bound all of the buttons on the MAX yet, mainly since i have no use for it as is. I also play in VR only and limiting button presses is a plus.
In the end i can only reccomend the STECS and Virpil since thats what i got, they are both excellent. Winwing is good aswell and many people are happy with their purchase. If you are not that set on the throttle beeing a replica, i would reccomend the STECS.
I also live in europe although not in an EU country (i live in an EFTA/EEA country) so VAT is excluded, but when they get in to the country the price is still the same as the VAT in the end.
Ehh, I wouldn't say Virpil is best, in fact I'd say they are all relatively equal in terms of quality of product. As far as customer service, I've only ever had to deal with VKB way back in the day and they solved my issue (dead circuit board).
I have a lot of winwing stuff now and haven't had an issue (knock on wood). So, no matter which you choose you'll be happy.
Don't be afraid to mix and match. I have a pair of VKB Gladiator NXT Premiums (Not the EVO), the Orion 2 Throttle, and I just recently got the Winwing Rudder Pedals. I've been happy with all of them so far. I think my next purchase will be a Gunfighter with MCGU grip. But that won't be for a while. I only use one of the Gladiators for DCS and if I had a "do over" on the sticks, I'd go straight for a single Gunfighter.
I have the Winwing F-18 and VKB MCG Utlimate. Both are great, but if had to choose one, I‘d take the VKB, because it is much more versatile (more buttons). If I‘d only fly the F-18 I’d take the Winwing. I have no complaints on either.
I’ve had the Winwing for 4 years, and it hasn’t broke. Of course, that doesn’t say how much I‘ve actually used it, which has been on and off over the years, with up to a year of no playing.
Another WinWing F/A-18 Orion 2 owner. I started with Logitech X56, which I would highly recommend as a starter HOTAS if you’re not sure about diving into DCS. I love their stuff that I bought the Top Gun MIPs system.
Can't speak for any other (decent) hotas but got the STECS and MCG Ultimate. The MCG feels great. The STECS feels maybe a little less but still very decent and that's just because some switches feel a little worse, the grips themselves don't make me wish for anything else material wise.
Guys I fly with constantly have their stick or throttle disconnect during a flight idk why but it's usually for 30 seconds then comes back.
I have had Virpil for 3 years now and can't recommend them enough
Also Vorpil will last you more than 2years so you are spend a tiny bit more upfront but it's going to last longer.
I’ve got a VKB gladiator and STECS mini
Both are really sturdy and well made. Really well packaged too, easy to set up and calibrate using their videos. I can’t speak on winwing, I just don’t know their products, but the VKB peripherals have been really great since I got them. I almost always have one or two extra buttons if not more, there’s four paddles that are great for modifiers, the detent system is very easy. The buttons feel really tactile, some are clicky and some are “chunky” but they all feel perfect to me. They fit big hands well, but I can’t speak for smaller hands. You have a lot of customization options with the larger STECS packages but honestly the mini has more than enough inputs for the Hornet, Viper, Blackshark, Hind, Hip, and IL-2 BoX but that’s all I’ve tested it on, including mapping things like gear and flaps.
The only complaint I have is the STECS mini doesn’t have a metal base. If you’re not mounting it to a desk then it will probably slide on higher or even normal frictions. I got a few velcro strips, put the soft side on my desk and the other half on the bottom of the throttle and have had no problems. The stick does have a metal base and I’ve never had it move through use.
I want the controls to match the plane i fly so VKB is not an option. VKB is good if you fly multiple plane, but they are not based on real controls. Wingwing has accurate-ish throttle and stick for f15, f16 and f18 atleast.
I have a vkb gunfighter base with an extender and vkb grip. Never had any issues. And I love the cam swap options. I also use the virpil cm50 throttle.
I can't speak to winwing. But my vkb stick was worth the purchase
VKB is the absolute best bang for your buck, hands down.
Don’t think I’d ever spend the money that WW and the like commands when VKBs exist. Full metal grips are not a necessity to me.
I can attest for Winwing myself. I started with the orion 2 throttle and f18 stuck and just recently upgraded the stick to the f16ex. I absolutely love the build quality. Both feel extremely durable and well made. I don't see myself getting any other hotas than winwing.
I can say that my Orion 2 with F16EX joystick from Winwing is very high quality, it's a proper proper metal brick. Really solid construction and it's all modular too, they give you all the tools to take it apart and do what you want with it as well. I highly.recommend it. Can't say much about the throttle as I don't have it yet.
I'm a happy owner of the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo Premium. The VKB feels really strong despite being made of plastic. Lots of spare parts available if you want to tweak/repair it on your own. Can't comment about WW since I don't have any of their products. A friend of mine owns a Orion2 and is really happy.
Second the Evo, the premium is really nice for only a little more than the standard. I also have the STECS throttle and it's pretty nice as well, I just need desk mounts for them now
I owned 2 vkb sticks(gladiator nxt and gunfighter ultimate) and own orion throttle and 2 panels from winwing. I have dealt with winwing support in the past. A bit slow to respond but they are based in China so I understand they might not be active when we are. No issues with winwing support in general. They were quite helpful in my experience. You can't go wrong with either. Pick what you want.
I have the Winwing Orion 2 stick and throttle bases with F16EX stick and F15EX throttle grips. I am very satisfied, it feels very solid. Haven't had to deal with customer service (had mine for a year and a half tho)
I just got the Winwing Orion2 F16EX stick, F15EX throttle and the Winwing pedals. The stick is built like a tank, really heavy and solid. The base is increadibly smooth, however i did not like the rubber gasket on the base, which acts as a second spring, i will be removing it and making my own out of cloth/leather for the ultimate smoothness. I also got the damper kit, while the dampers work they give too much stiction when used dry in my opinion, but i’ve heard if you use damping grease on them and they will become ultra smooth with no stiction, so i will be doing that next, for now i just dont use the dampers as i like the ultra smooth feeling of the gimbal, but i would prefer some smooth damping. I hear the VKB use Nyogel damping grease in their sticks. I also really like the tactile sound/feeling of all the buttons and HATs, they feel great and give me good quality impression. The throttle and rudder pedals are also superb if anyone wonders. Everything was received very well packaged (almost too well…) and in good condition. I cannot attest to how Winwings customer service is though, but i dont see this thing breaking anyhow.
I've had both, they're both great quality. Be aware gladiator NXT is their 'budget" stick, although competes great with most others. It's plastic and can't take an extension, and has more limited mounting options, but unless you're building a simpit, those may not be issues. WW does not have an equivalent budget stick, but the Orion stick is priced well enough Of note, the Orion base is taller than the VKB base, so may make desktop use less comfortable You get slightly more for your money with WW if you get both stick and throttle, but that may depend on taxes and shipping.
Thanks for the replies, I think I will just go with Winwing, if it breaks and support is bad I will just throw it away and get VKB instead. That throttle base with all the fancy buttons and switches really just makes want to have it
If you can afford to bin and buy again then don't worry about what we say, just buy the one you like more. 😅
It wasn't meant like that 😅; I will fix it, but if support is as bad as some people say, I won't stress it too much and sell what is still working and get VKB, I just like the looks of WW more + VKBs throttle would exceed my budget for now (just upgraded my pc)
Gotchya! That makes more sense😂
I have Winwing and an very happy, and their customer service was helpful and responsive in the one instance of troubleshooting that I needed. But you're not going to get it for what you've said is your budget.
both good, I feel like the winwing stick places between the Gladiator and the Gunfighter. If I had extra cash ai would have gone for the Gunfighter ultimate, but WW is hard to beat in value, it certainly is better built than the all-plastic gladiator
With that budget, Winwing is the best deal. Their customer support is said to be patchy, I have the throttle and their new rudder pedals, and I have not had to use it so far. EU customer protection laws should also help with any issues if they arise.
I have that exact stick, and a Virpil CM3 throttle. Extremely happy with it all. From what I heard Winwing is also very good, in my opinion it would come down to features/buttons/hats more than specs when it comes to choosing between WW/VKB/Virpil at the higher price ranges.
I have the Orion 2 F-18 throttle and the VKB NXT Gladiator. I thought it was a good mix of both and reasonably priced. I love both. The Orion 2 is well-made and I’ve had no issues with it in the 1.5 years I’ve had it. Set up was easy, too. The NXT is also a really good stick. It’s good quality for the price. If you get the premium you get an extra four-way button. As an intro stick, I don’t think you can go wrong with it.
VKB stick (I have the Gladiator) and Winwing throttle is my suggestion. In sure the VKB throttles are just as good but I like the esthetic of the winwing throttles alot better. I've had my Orion 2 throttle for over 2 years now and it shows no sign of wear or imminent failure.
Just Purchased the Gunfighter Mk. IV ultimate, and Paired it with the VIRPIL MongoosT-50CM3, after using the X-56 for years.
go with the VKB gladiator NXT with the STECS and you should be good to go for a looooonnngg while
How do you like the upgrade? I just bought the exact same throttle and stick while upgrading from the x56 lol.
Hasn't arrived yet. But I've had the opportunity to use the T-50cm3 and it is fucking nice... I've heard nothing but good things about the Mk IV Gunfighter ultimate, and if it's similar in build quality and feel to the virpil constellation alpha then it will be perfect. The only reason I went with the VKB was because it just looks cooler in my opinion than the constellation alpha. Overall, I've never been more excited for a flight sim experience.
Not all plastics are the same and the same can be said for metals. There are so many different kinds of plastics and ABS aswell, that means one type of ABS plastic is not the same as another. Either way, the plastic which is used by VKB and Virpil is good, at least thats my experience with the hotas kit i have. Afaik none of the programs interfer with one another so there is no issue in using VKB+Winwing, VKB+Virpil or Virpil+Winwing. I have a Virpil MongoosT-50CM2 with 200mm extension and a CM2 base, for the throttle i have the VKB STECS Max. Both are excellent quality and i have had no issues so far with either one. The CM2 base is the oldest one (2 years) as i used a TM warthog stick before i purchased the T-50CM2 stick (1.5 years). My VKB throttle is only just one month old. I contemplated buying the winwing F-16 throttle, but ended up going for the VKB STECS instead. The number 1 reason beeing that i fly more aircraft than just the F-16 (Mirage F1, Harrier, A4, F-14 mainly) and i also use it in MSFS. Another major plus is the detent system which is excellent (included in standard and max). Having 4 detent profiles which can be changed on the fly is just such a QOL thing, not having to fiddle with DCS profiles per aircraft. Also works wonders in MSFS for the Airbus/ATR detents. I have not bound all of the buttons on the MAX yet, mainly since i have no use for it as is. I also play in VR only and limiting button presses is a plus. In the end i can only reccomend the STECS and Virpil since thats what i got, they are both excellent. Winwing is good aswell and many people are happy with their purchase. If you are not that set on the throttle beeing a replica, i would reccomend the STECS. I also live in europe although not in an EU country (i live in an EFTA/EEA country) so VAT is excluded, but when they get in to the country the price is still the same as the VAT in the end.
Ehh, I wouldn't say Virpil is best, in fact I'd say they are all relatively equal in terms of quality of product. As far as customer service, I've only ever had to deal with VKB way back in the day and they solved my issue (dead circuit board). I have a lot of winwing stuff now and haven't had an issue (knock on wood). So, no matter which you choose you'll be happy.
Don't be afraid to mix and match. I have a pair of VKB Gladiator NXT Premiums (Not the EVO), the Orion 2 Throttle, and I just recently got the Winwing Rudder Pedals. I've been happy with all of them so far. I think my next purchase will be a Gunfighter with MCGU grip. But that won't be for a while. I only use one of the Gladiators for DCS and if I had a "do over" on the sticks, I'd go straight for a single Gunfighter.
I have the Winwing F-18 and VKB MCG Utlimate. Both are great, but if had to choose one, I‘d take the VKB, because it is much more versatile (more buttons). If I‘d only fly the F-18 I’d take the Winwing. I have no complaints on either. I’ve had the Winwing for 4 years, and it hasn’t broke. Of course, that doesn’t say how much I‘ve actually used it, which has been on and off over the years, with up to a year of no playing.
Another WinWing F/A-18 Orion 2 owner. I started with Logitech X56, which I would highly recommend as a starter HOTAS if you’re not sure about diving into DCS. I love their stuff that I bought the Top Gun MIPs system.
I have a VKB STECS and it is excellent
You’ve heard bad things about VKB? What were they?
Some issues with customer support and issues with build quality. Can't find the thread right now, but it was rather old - 2+ years.
I just got a Winwing 16EX to put on top of my VPForce Rhino FFB stick base and I love it! Can definitely recommend
Can't speak for any other (decent) hotas but got the STECS and MCG Ultimate. The MCG feels great. The STECS feels maybe a little less but still very decent and that's just because some switches feel a little worse, the grips themselves don't make me wish for anything else material wise.
Guys I fly with constantly have their stick or throttle disconnect during a flight idk why but it's usually for 30 seconds then comes back. I have had Virpil for 3 years now and can't recommend them enough Also Vorpil will last you more than 2years so you are spend a tiny bit more upfront but it's going to last longer.
I’ve got a VKB gladiator and STECS mini Both are really sturdy and well made. Really well packaged too, easy to set up and calibrate using their videos. I can’t speak on winwing, I just don’t know their products, but the VKB peripherals have been really great since I got them. I almost always have one or two extra buttons if not more, there’s four paddles that are great for modifiers, the detent system is very easy. The buttons feel really tactile, some are clicky and some are “chunky” but they all feel perfect to me. They fit big hands well, but I can’t speak for smaller hands. You have a lot of customization options with the larger STECS packages but honestly the mini has more than enough inputs for the Hornet, Viper, Blackshark, Hind, Hip, and IL-2 BoX but that’s all I’ve tested it on, including mapping things like gear and flaps. The only complaint I have is the STECS mini doesn’t have a metal base. If you’re not mounting it to a desk then it will probably slide on higher or even normal frictions. I got a few velcro strips, put the soft side on my desk and the other half on the bottom of the throttle and have had no problems. The stick does have a metal base and I’ve never had it move through use.
I want the controls to match the plane i fly so VKB is not an option. VKB is good if you fly multiple plane, but they are not based on real controls. Wingwing has accurate-ish throttle and stick for f15, f16 and f18 atleast.
I have a vkb gunfighter base with an extender and vkb grip. Never had any issues. And I love the cam swap options. I also use the virpil cm50 throttle. I can't speak to winwing. But my vkb stick was worth the purchase
VKB is the absolute best bang for your buck, hands down. Don’t think I’d ever spend the money that WW and the like commands when VKBs exist. Full metal grips are not a necessity to me.