The BEST Affordable HOTAS Dual Joystick | VKB Gladiator NXT EVO

I received these products for free, but VKB has had no editorial control over my opinion and content in this video.
VKB US: www.vkbcontrollers.com/collec...
VKB EU: flightsimcontrols.com/product...

[@BlackMaze]

This video is the first in a VKB series. Next up are: - Grip Comparison (WIP) - Star Citizen Keybinds (WIP) - FS2020 Keybinds (WIP)

[@Mauriciojimenez2001]

What keypad are you using?

[@Blackd0ve]

Hey just in the market and was looking for your grip comparison video! Hope all is going well.

[@jjason6911]

Hi hope you're doing well. would love to see your video about Star Citizen Keybinds soon!

[@matthewtalty4401]

Is the SC VKB keybinds video getting uploaded anytime soon?

[@Kossays]

nice vid, what are those desk mounts that you use for the vkb's?trying to check and select ones for myself.

[@stevenszmek7007]

I had the x55 Pro for many years (... the Saitech ones - not the BAD Logitech revamp) and now tried the VKB Stick - it is truly amazing how good of a quality you get for this price. And since they are actually built with serviccing and adjusting in mind, those will last you for ages ! Making a product that comes with sevicing tutorials, purchasable spare parts and everything you need to now how to keep it going for many many years on this level of quality is unheard of to me.

[@GUNNYCANUCK]

Same, some buttons on the throttle started to fail recently and I couldn't get them unmapped. Bought the x52 Pro back in 2008 so I def got my money's worth.

[@matthew4031]

The moment you showed off that vertical adapter I got goose bumps! Wow! I'm going to start saving.

[@jeffw.4604]

I have VKB HOTAS setup with Omni-Throttle adapter. and for takeoff/landing thrusters I I use the analog thumb stick on the omni throttle for up/down & left/right and use the normal throttle function for forward/backward movement. I have modified spring setup that allows for spring return on reverse thrust but stay where you leave it in forward thrust. and I totally agree, I absolutely LOVE my NXT EVO's. and NO I'm NOT SPONSORED in any way, I paid full price for my setup and agree completely with his review...they are absolutely the best bang for the buck hands down.

[@ThePowerchimp]

Great review. To achieve the "no center detent" feel, remove the springs off the lugs, remove the gimbal and slide the two y-axis 'spring arms' off the axle, then reassemble. And if you dont know, get yourself a little supply of Nyogel 767A dampening grease - just a thin coat will give your axes a smooth, premium feel. Want details, reply to this.

[@BlackMaze]

I will try this!

[@JorkBortley]

If you're removing spring arms, does it still auto-center on both axes?

[@ThePowerchimp]

@@JorkBortley No it doesnt. It stays where you put it in both directions - which is how I like it to act as a thruster.

[@timp2751]

On the EVOs there's a small reservoir of extra damping grease inside the base near the front.

[@mofous]

Interesting. I went a slightly different route - I just ordered a Gunfighter IV. ^^

[@CVL2802]

Bought the standard nxt and the nxt with a tiny stick on the grip instead of a hat 2 years ago upgrading from the old 2 thrustmaster t16000. They are not the new EVO variants but they are still doing all I need them to do. These sticks are awesome, no drift and nice feel.

[@Lowgennn]

Got me sold on this review! Will be purchasing a similar setup to yours!

[@redbelliedgaming]

I definitely need to grab my hands on these, i love the modular button boxes as well

[@sverrejk93]

just ordered both of these, cant wait to get em

[@StefanBacon]

coming from hydraulic machines (and flight radios) that "plus" gimbal guidance is an important communication device. it makes multi-functilning always deliberate.

[@HIXTAR359]

I have had my Thrustmaster T16000 for 10 years 2 months. Never serviced it, opened it up, greased it or had to repair it. Its put 1400hrs in Elite Dangerous alone not to mention, DCS, FS, SC and flying in Battlefield. Guess I was lucky it lasted this long. Just ordered the VKB Gladiator premium and the Gladiator Omni throttle today so no doubt the responsiveness and immersion in the games i play will be increased drastically.

[@complover116]

I can definitely tell you that you are lucky. I have the Thrustmaster T16000 + TWSC Throttle, and within the first 2-3 months the twist on the stick failed completely, followed by the throttle axis and the TDC X axis requiring opening up and cleaning within 6 months. I was able to fix the second two, but apparently the twist axis is unfixable and is a design flaw that leads to it losing functionality on most units. Very glad to hear you had a better experience! Such is the nature of poor quality control. Some will have zero issues for years, while some will experience fatal problems within months :(

[@HIXTAR359]

Wow, geez. Maybe the earlier models had a slightly better build quality. Ive had the Thrustmaster crammed into my dive bag which has been strapped to pallets and taken on deployments overseas several times. It just keeps on trucking though both my new VKBs came yesterday and boy does it feel like an upgrade. I thank the Thrustmaster for its service. 😄

[@rhadiem]

@@complover116Actually you've been unlucky. I have had T16's for years and they still work. I have the old green ones. Also, they don't have potentiometers for the stick sensors, which is correcting the video for visibility, they use Hall Effect sensors, the same as the Warthog stick. No maintenance needed for those. Just grease if you let it get dirty. I agree though that the VKB cheap sticks are better for quality entry-level than anything from Thrustmaster in 2024 though.

[@complover116]

@@rhadiemThey don't use potentiometers for the pitch and roll. The twist (yaw/rudder axis) is sadly implemented via a potentiometer. That's the thing that broke.

[@FA18Training]

Thisbhitas sound great. But Affordable? For who?😅

[@aka8214]

I'm really looking forward to the Star Citizen Keybinds video. I picked these up along with sliding Monster mounts.

[@IceKoldX]

I had ordered t16000m duo sticks from Amazon. While researching videos about the VKB sticks, i decided to cancel my order for the t1600m, and ordered these instead. Zero complaints. Worth it!

[@RoadRashHD]

I love my dual sticks from VKB. And they shipped fast to me as well in North America

[@rhadiem]

I love my VKB Gunfighter stick. I'm using the Virpil Mk3 throttle though. Much higher quality, and allows for analog strafing versus the older model.

[@halu8868]

I got the VKB EVO stick and the WWII throttle combo, will be here soon. super excited!

[@urobionico]

How it was your experience?

[@halu8868]

@@urobionico Great so far, my last HOTAS i had didn't even have close to enough buttons for DCS, but i'm able to have some left over, and the stick and throttle don't feel like they're gonna break if i put a bit of pressure on it

[@kevinmolato692]

Thank you for your video

[@charliemcawesome5012]

I use this setup as well. Differences are I use the WWII grip on the right hand as I prefer it and the metal trigger. I also have 2 of the control boxes, one for each hand. It’s all set on Predator mounts and it’s fantastic!! It’s so good after I got it both my kids wanted it!! So 2 more sets. One boy plays flight sims and wanted the WWII throttle set that’s basically 3 boxes together on a mount and the other wanted same setup as me for SC but he choose the F14 (I think?) grip for the right. All the setups are fantastic.

[@redbelliedgaming]

Ive been wanting to get a full flight sim setup like these for a while now

[@Michael-CS]

I'm curious what mounting hardware you used on both the left and right sides. I'm on VKBs site now and have been looking to see something that would allow me to mont these to my SIT STAND desk.

[@greghoffstadt667]

Nice review. As I get deeper and deeper into SC. I am thinking of goin with a dual stick setup. One question I due have is. The gaming pad just forward of the left stick. Who is that made by. Been in the market looking for one I like. Also how is it overall. Being I play Dyson Space Program and 7 days to die. A gaming pad like that one. Drew my eye instantly. Thanks in advance.

[@tophmcgoph9229]

I've had a logitech 3d pro for about 10 years now, using it almost everyday. It has not once failed me or worn at all. It works just as good as it did day one. And it isn't 60 bucks, they are about 30. They are the best best budget starter stuck for those new to flight Sims

[@Warthone1]

Same had my 2 for about 5 yrs with near daily use in Elite. o7

[@Osashes]

There is no comparison at this price point for sticks. These blow anything Thrustmaster, Logitech, etc. out of the water. Period.

[@Ed_Patrick]

They aren’t the same price point as the brands you’re comparing it to. One gladiator nxt exo stick as shown can cost more than thrustmaster’s t.16000m stick, throttle and peddles combined. Then you add in the throttle and almost costs double. If you compare against just 2 t.16000m hosas then it’s 4 times more expensive. You can say it’s your favourite, but don’t make disingenuous comparisons about it being anywhere near the same price point. Of course it should be better, it’s significantly more expensive than the standard Logitech or thrustmaster sticks people use instead which definitely do last quite a while.

[@antjones2281]

the t16000m uses hall effect sensors and not potentiometers. Also I have the VKB and like them, I find myself going back to my t16000m's quite a bit because of the wider range of movement. I did the zip tie mod on my right stick and its honestly the best stick for aiming accurately. The think i hate about the gladiator nxt is the large flat detent in the center. It makes doing any kind of fine aiming across center a chore. I think my only real choice is to spring absurd amounts of money on a virpil to solve this.

[@dennisa7784]

It only uses hall effect sensors for the x and y on the stick. Twist and slider are potentiometers. On mine twist is completely unusable. The potentiometer failed after 20 hrs or so

[@hiltonsmith]

There is a t16k hall sensor mod you can do with magnets and some parts. I did it, it’s better, but I bought Vkbs anyway

[@dennisa7784]

@@hiltonsmith I switched to vkbs too and and so glad I did. Besides twist axis working the stick itself feels so much more premium

[@windshearahead7012]

0:31 I have a t16000 set with twcs and pedal. Still brand new a year later. The only problem is the throttle sliding issue. I purposely avoided using the Z axis of the stick, and use rudder pedals instead. Also avoid using the rocker axis on the throttle. These things break fast. I am now upgrading to something better though.

[@or10nsharkfin]

I've got my pair of Gladiators on order. I'm getting the Right-hand Premium stick and the Left-hand Omni-throttle stick. I'm so hyped that I can't think of anything else.

[@XquizitRush]

I just ordered the Omni throttle a few hours ago. How long did they take to get to you?

[@or10nsharkfin]

@@XquizitRush within a week. Right now orders might be delayed a little due to the holiday season. I just bought one of the side extension modules on Friday and haven’t gotten a confirmation that they were preparing it yet. EDIT: I got a confirmation that the SEM was shipped via FedEx just earlier in the morning on December 22, so about a week after I placed the order they finally shipped it. I would say that's a good indication of their shipping delays right now.

[@XquizitRush]

Which one? I'm thinking of buying the GNX-SEM in a month or so. What game are you playing with your Gladiators?@@or10nsharkfin

[@Turgineer]

Cool setup for flying a plane.

[@Obiwaz]

What are the little desk extenders for your mini keyboard on the left and mouse on right?

[@evanb9433]

I'd love to more details on your mounting system. I'm new to Star Citizen and flight Sim, and I'm about to drop some cash on the VKB sticks but I'm trying to figure out how to mount them. I like your small side platforms for the keyboard and mouse. That, and maybe a beginners guide for how to set them up and wire them. Thanks!

[@AKARazorback]

Are you using the monster tech slide rails? Whats the brand of the half keyboard on your left? Thanks!

[@Stolens87]

Awesome video! Is it a stability problem that the SEM for the left stick is kinda floating in the air? I'm looking for a mounting system and can't find a plate that supports the stick with an SEM.

[@Kakeyoro]

Hey @BlsckMaze, thanks for the review. What did you use to attach the SEM to the left omni-throttle mount? I have a below desk mount like that (from MONSTERTECH) but not sure how you attached it to the left stick.

[@p5ychojoe138]

Just stumbled across this, guess the algorithm realized I'm getting into window shopping again. Might consider this as an Alt to a throttle. Sticks don't click in my brain for some reason and hoping to snag a yoke, hoping one day one of these companies make a good gaming yoke without the extra stuff. Looks cool though, might decide to go for a full set until I find my dream yoke.

[@ImaITman]

I actually have the omni adapter on both my sticks. It was actually an accident when ordering. However, I love it. I lose nothing of the intuitive nature on the right stick being an omni and it's easier on the wrist as well.

[@gallowsgaming]

Did you need to add a USB controller to each of the GNX Modules.. I cant find any videos on the modules and you just touch on them at the end.. Would love a whole video on how you connect and whats needed.

[@CptCarbon]

Hey Blackmaze, nice video! I'm looking forward to a stick for Star Citizen. One problem, I travel alot due to work, so I need a stick which is "travel approved "^^, something I can separate base and stick easily. Do you have any recommendations for that? Thanks in advance!

[@new5057]

I use Dual Gladiator sticks and GNX button box. I also have an SEM but don't need it for Elite Dangerous. Probably will need the SEM when I start playing Star Citizen though. I'm not a flight sim enthusiast, just space sims for me so no ruder peddles. I'm not concerned about the authentic feel and dual sticks work really well. I've removed springs from one stick so it acts like a throttle. Very happy with VKB. But having said all that I'm moving over to dual sticks & Game Glass. I'm ditching the desk clamps and will cut holes in the top of the desk and drop the Gladiator bases into recessed mounts so I have easy access to keyboard, mouse & the tablet. ATM I'm using VKB desk mounts and I find I'm sitting too far from the desk to access either Game Glass or the keyboard comfortably. I am considering selling all the gear and replacing the sticks with Dual VKB Gunfighter sticks. With Game Glass I wont need the additional buttons from the base and also wont need the SEM or GNX - I do love using the GNX though - it just works - from a practical sense and an ergonomic one.

[@banditologic6168]

How do you feel about double omni-throttle? I'm thinking about ordering them for myself for my christmas 'gift' to myself, i'm currently on HOSAM with a T16000m thrustmaster and a razer trinity mouse and want to get into Hosas but not sure if I should do 1 Omni+1 Stick or 2 Omni since they're basically just sticks.

[@blackjohnny0]

I had Combra M5 - it was on HALL Sensors and costed around 50 usd.

[@tonyc.4392]

Were you able to try anything helicopter-related? I'm curious how well that canted throttle setup would work as a collective.

[@Tom-90210]

I use the evo as a collective, just not canted grip. I have it on a angle bracket attached to the chair seat - no springs, medium dry clutch and the roll axis blocked off. Modifying the travel stops made it very accurate to how the MD500 (Type rated rotorcraft pilot) is. For the cyclic, I use a gunfighter IV base and ultimate MC grip - no springs/cams and light dry clutch - again to replicate the actual helicopter. Works a treat...

[@RavingNut]

when my X56 dies, I'll be getting these, along with some button boxes.

[@F.A.S.D]

Hello sir, i know this was an old video but i hope you still reply to this. I want to ask sir currently in my country the only Gladiator NXT evo available is the F-14 combat version, my question is : does it also have standar and premium version or just the premium version? Also does the F-14 version have omni throttle too? Thankyou so much for the reply sir

[@ahockeykid]

Thank you for the video! Quick question? How difficult is it to remove and re-add the springs? I play Star Citizen and MS Flight Simulator and am trying to get one high end option that would address both needs. I was leaning towards a more traditional HOTAS set up (with a traditional throttle) which would be better for MSFS, but this would certainly be better for space sims. One other question, if you don't mind - what mount were you using in your video to attach it to your desk? Thank you in advance!

[@Norman_Peterson]

Star citizen is DOUBLE STICK not hotas. I try hotas and double and double IS MUCH MUCH MUCH better for control the ship you have a perfect feeling. So the solution up is good because the the throttle also moves lateral, as if it were a stick. So it's both a handcuff and a stick. it is PERFECT for star citizen. Put the strafe on the throttle, and you have the best setup like the one in the video.

[@ahockeykid]

@@Norman_Peterson Thank you.

[@jamiefolds5295]

What are you using to mount both sticks to your desk like that instead of sitting them on tip of the desk?

[@Smiley.Digital]

What mounting system did you use to mount you desk setup and which pieces? Def going to get some vkb sticks, I just need to figure out where to put them with a typical gaming desk.

[@reimos536]

Looks like Monstertech.

[@AnwarKhunji]

What desk mounts are you using here for the VKBs ? : )

[@Aunubus69]

Would defiantly love to see a comparison of these and the virpils. I wanna get back into flight sims and star citizen but always felt a little off put buy the price of virpils but i really want the best experience possible.

[@snowwann273]

i love my sticks. i dont have the omni adapter, i use one of the hats on my left for vertical strafe and move the stick left or right for horizontal strafe with it being the throttle.

[@SpaceSpuddd]

What mounts are you using for the sticks & side parts for Mouse & Part keyboard ? Looks awesome!

[@reimos536]

Looks like Monstertech

[@LordBelakor]

Nice video but curious, if the stick alone is 220€ and the Thrustmaster HOTAS comes with Stick and a Throttle for 500€ that is basicly the same as VBK Stick + Stick. How do they compare? Sadly alot of their products are out of stock too

[@Riley8425]

What desk mounts were you using in the video?

[@arielis78]

Question: Will the Omni-Throttle stick collide with the GNX THQ WWII module if installed on the right side? I plan to have the GNX THQ WWII combo installed in the middle between the omni stick and regular stick. That way it has the look of a Hotas and Yoke. Just an aesthetic taste i would like to know works or not.

You used to use chair mounts but in this video you are using desk mounts, would you recommend using desk mounts over chair mounts and if so why?

[@archangel6481]

The only caviat here is: i realy wouldnt call them "entry Level sticks" :D For me that is reserved for the T16000 Sticks and alike. They are great sticks. And the added Modularity with the Springs and setScrews is just amazing. Start with a Dual setup with 2 T16000 if you have never done HOSAS before, then Upgrade. To me the T16000 are great sticks in their Own right and tbh I have had mine for 3 years now and never had any Problems.

[@Badd.G]

Still rocking my Thrustmaster hootas 4

[@nobuffer101]

I'm curious on it's performance for Armored Core

[@Tyrin118]

do you have any experience with these with armored core ?

[@ELMUERTES]

Hello! What stand are you using for the joysticks?

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Still greatreview and your right while you can get a winwing thottle that has more inputs and features for around this price it won' be a joystick... And VKB does have a nice selection though nothing I need that winwing does not beat in value that being a split thottle with rumble and all of the controls. And I just buaght 2 20 years old Force feed back joysticks to make my duel stick set up for the price of just one modern day split thottle...

[@b3owu1f]

Like to see how these compare to the new TurtleBeach stick/throttle that came out for $400.

[@JackInTraining]

Where can we find that desk setup? I love that the hotas is lower than the desk

[@thangdm]

great video, I have some questions too: - I could not find the left hand as you set up (throttle + SEM mounted in one piece) Could you help me to provide the link? Big thanks.

[@brandonhurley9982]

VKB makes it easy to add the SEM to the stick with just a few screws. The mounts are made to just slide together, then you put the cover back on and it's one piece. Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to convert

[@marathi22]

Well, to be technically correct, even the T160000 stick sports hall effect sensors.

[@SirAirlessDaVacuum]

What's up with that desk? Are those custom shelves for your sticks or did the desk come like that? Details!?!?

[@artemsdailylife9215]

What’s the name of the one-handed keyboard you’re using?

[@mayhem2kill331]

hey, I was wondering if you could provide your mapping for the sticks ;) by accident we do have the same setup (inkl. the SEM module) and i'm kind of struggeling to find a good layout for myself.

[@dimasrahadian]

for the left hand setup, i wonder how it handles as a helicopter collective

[@shopdh]

Do you feel dual Virpil Constellations with VPC Flightstick Z-Extension on the left is the ultimate.

[@sullythesavage9925]

Hey where did you buy the mount from looked on their website they are like 200.

[@sergeyzipunov5913]

Would be nice to have angled grip on a right side and a pedal,that way it could be set up like a motorcycle, throttle with a right hand and brakes on right pedal.

[@pwibarb3439]

I like my VKB. Now to replace my x52 throttle.....

[@scotchbox]

Do they have that elbow adaptor for use with the right stick!? I'm a lefty and have never been able to get a HOTAS

[@DreamyNightz]

They do

[@Kriptoker]

What are you using to mount to your desk?

[@PrezesPL]

Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition 45$ is best option. saitek x45 for throttle ~45$ for used, Behringer X-Touch Mini ~45$ for button panel, G25 pedals for rudder.

[@amazin7006]

What mount do you use on your desk? looks really nice

[@BlackMaze]

Check my rail mount video!

[@rhadiem]

Incorrect, the T16000m has hall-effect sensors. That's what has made them such a good value before the Gladiators came out. They were basically king for like 8+ years for SC entry and even mid-grade gear.

[@timp2751]

There are no cams which is why there's a detent feeling when crossing the centre. The springs are operating directly on the stick via pincers without any of the 'gearing' that cam profiles can provide. Such a pincer design is similar to the one used by CH flightsticks and was actually much more common even on lower end joysticks in ye olde days of gaming but after manufacturers realised they could make the (worse) single spring centring design more cheaply they switched to that, even for supposedly premium products like the tm warthog. In theory if you purchased custom springs (or modified the existing ones) of a length such that it was at zero tension at rest you could also make these, if not centerless then very lightly centered.

[@guillaumepare9651]

Depends, I'm in Canada and, currency conversion, shipping and import make these very costly (~100$ for each so 200$ total). So that HOTAS is more 600$+tx. Winwing has a tad better quality and cheaper and because they have a store in Canada, their price include everything (shipping, no currency conversion, etc.). You can have some models for les than 600$ all in.

[@jimmy8x541]

been using my VKB Gladiator for 9 months. I have upgraded to a $400 Winwing throttle (was using thrustmaster twcs before), but I don't know if I will ever upgrade the stick again. It's so good and there are so many other peripherals to get for simming

[@linloo9605]

Is the thrustmaster twcs good? i want to start playing flight sims and im searching for a good throttle.

[@TheLoneLlama]

@@linloo9605The TWCS is a good throttle, the stick that pairs with it is a good entry level but you will want to upgrade the stick before too long I can guarantee it. The throttle though I still use even though I have VKB gladiators.

[@oldfrend]

@@linloo9605 vkb just came out with their combat throttle called the STECS. from what i've seen, by far the best combination of price to performance. although winwing has some sales going on right now if you want more authentic hardware.

[@yowza234]

idk if I'm the only one that was bugged by this, but my T16ks have too much spring resistance; my forearms/wrists/hands are meant for mostly micromovements, and are quite dainty/ladylike lol so i often end up having to muscle it, which is counter to how i know i should be handling any flight control surfaces

[@Thunderballs_SC]

@BlackMaze what is your Gaming Pad please?

[@joshmowrey3890]

What joystick mounts are you using?

[@MrSpako13]

What is the desk extention for your one hand keyboard

[@lga9046]

The best affordable flight sticks are the cyborg v.1's, at 20 or 30 dollars you can't beat the price, and I've used two regularly for about two years with no problems.

[@Andino.]

Peak location for that ball cooler, I mean, fan

[@gateess]

where can i find these joystick supports ?

[@stblackpanter02]

Nice Qaulity for sure

[@mackan072]

Claiming that other cheap sticks wear down in months simply isn't true though. I must have put at least 3000 hours on my X52 pro before I upgraded it - and I bought that shit used, so it already had some use to it. And I've since passed it along to a friend, who still uses it to this day. It's more than 10 years old, and have seen thousands of hours of use.

[@SupplySupplier]

I bought the vkb, and it is still processing for 4 days, is that normal?

[@trifectaterminis]

What about the docking stations. I need to find some thst atr not 100000000 Dallas hares ??

[@rovpilot1]

So no Hall effect sensors?

[@Aerospace911]

What mount do you have?

[@J.king87]

What is that desk mount ?

[@dunderzubbi5663]

"affordable" you made it seem like the price mentioned in the video was for a bundle for it all but it's 3 separate pieces you own whereas the joysticks both cost the cost you mentioned, as the total one, each.

[@Reader99220]

Yup "affordable" /s

[@johnbaker3951]

I wonder if this would be compatible with Pioneer space sim?

[@theyshouldhavenevergivenme5439]

Wow he really did his best to make it sound like a straight up commercial in stead of a review... lol

[@UnitedMyDevils]

i dont belive that.............. but VKB has had no editorial control over my opinion and content in this video.

[@CesarAmazon-jv9io]

Hello, where i can buy the stands?

[@WhiskyFlavoredBeard]

What is about the gunfire models?

[@fatman9994]

Has anyone ever set up their button modules like in this video? I was curious how sturdy it is if the module is only attached to the stick itself instead of to the mounting plate? I'm thinking of getting the Predator Mounts rail mount system at some point but unsure if I should get their system for holding the module above the stick a bit or if it's plenty secure the way shown in this video? I want to avoid breaking anything lol

[@user-do4kf7ws2o]

Can I buy it overseas? Here in Taiwan