F/A-18 Hornet Grip 1 Year Review | Thrustmaster

[@alexmason6839]

Love the new intro, the best channel ever

[@kristenator333]

Like i agree, this dude is underrated

[@alexmason6839]

@@kristenator333 all the dcs community's is underrated

[@Ice-US]

I like the fact he experiments with different intros

[@alexmason6839]

@@Ice-US indeed. That is why I love the guy even if I don't play the game.

[@bulldog282]

I've had the F/A-18C control stick for over a year now and I concur with everything said in this follow-up review. I especially like the push button/rocker switch that I've assigned to the VR commands.

[@sharksammy]

I have had one for 6 months and i love it with dcs, war thunder or even star wars squadrons it just works and feels great

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

$?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

Growling Sidewinder Store: teespring.com/stores/growling-sidewinder-store Thrustmaster Hornet add-on Amazon link: amzn.to/3jczDnb If you guys have any questions about this stick go ahead and comment below I'd be happy to answer as many questions as I can, This stick has been serving me well for about a year and I was super excited to make this review and show you guys my thoughts, like all products its got a few minor issues but even those I think its hard to knock Thrustmaster as it was built in a 1:1 Scale and realistically using the same buttons. Alight guys Hope you found the video useful thank you for watching.

[@edenbendheim]

Have you ever used a virpl stick? If so how would you compare it to the f/a 18 stick?

[@dopeornope1463]

Dude fly the Mirage 2000 more use them on bombing and dogfights man you are a great pilot

[@edenbendheim]

@Aisha and Muhammad Lmao

[@izard8207]

I’m only a 13 so I don’t think my hands will fit. But great review!

[@a-tad-ape]

I've had my Hornet Grip for over a year and it too has been holding up great. About the weapon select switch and why it feels funny to click it left, The real hornet weapons select switch is a 4-Way hat: Forward, Depress, Aft, Right. It does not move left. Thrustmaster made it into a 5-Way hat to give it the same functionality as the previous Warthog stick. From what I've heard, the Hornet used to have a 3-Way hat switch: Forward, Depress, and Aft for Sparrows, Sidewinders, and Guns but with the introduction of AMRAAMs, they made the switch click to the right. Who knows, Maybe it'll become a true 5-Way hat switch in the Super Hornet with the introduction of new Air-to-Air missiles.

[@neok23]

The actual F18 grip has only 4 actuations on the weapon selector switch. Forward, backward, to the right and push. The added to actuation to the left is an add on from thrustmaster to utilize all the buttons the WH base offers. Which is great. On the real stick the problem with weapon selector is a non factor.

[@TuesdayNightTaped]

LMAO odds you release an F-18 stick button ASMR

[@samhargrave5901]

Thinking the same thing

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

10 hour F-18 hornet button ASMR ? Not a bad idea

[@toddmoss749]

LMAO

[@askforgreg1216]

@@GrowlingSidewinder lmao 10 hours..more than a sleep shift

[@MilitantOldLady]

Thank you for making this vid, i've been considering this for a while now.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

Glad you found it useful

[@shirothehero0609]

Fyi, do NOT pay what the scalpers are pushing right now if you don't already have the base and throttle. They are pushing $700 to $1000 for the base A-10 HOTAS which is insane. Normal pricing is $450 to $525 for the setup, + the $200 grip. The base is $150 standalone + grip +$300 for throttle when buying individually. Just a friendly PSA. The scalpers need to burn.

[@MilitantOldLady]

@@shirothehero0609 Man you're getting ripped off, you can get it on Amazon for like 172€

[@shirothehero0609]

@@MilitantOldLady um, not sure you fully read my post - I said DONT pay. The grip alone is about $200 usd, I was referring to the whole HOTAS setup - base, throttle. Amazon scalpers are selling at $800+ right now for the full setup.

[@MetaliCanuck]

@@shirothehero0609 I paid $700 a year plus ago for the throttle stick combo.

[@Templar7832]

This literally came in the post today it's fabulous!

[@Transit21]

Yup yup yup! I bought mine back in May and haven't used the A-10 stick since. Agree with every point you made. I also began wearing a right hand driving glove with fingers cut off but kept the thumb intact for that exact reason!

[@Navoii.]

Flex

[@Sirrah81]

Nice to see this Bought mine from a community member a few weeks ago. Very happy with it.

[@tuningobd5371]

Thrustmaster rep level +10000. I have to weigh in here: if your arm is at the same level or lower than the stick, I would use the f16/a10c stick. It feels (for me at least) easier to handle. This is especially true if you are flying helicopters or a civilian sim.

[@kilianortmann9979]

The F-16 Stick was designed as a sidestick at a similar level to what you get with a desk mount (only later mounted centrally on the A-10C upgrade). The F-15, FA-18 and essentially the AV-8B Harrier share the same stick design ('boeing stick'). They all have a more traditional center mounted stick with your forearm resting on your thigh, and the stick is rotated about 20 degrees to the left. So if you are undecided and can't try both versions out, I agree with Tuning OBD, chose the one that is most similar to your mounting position. A lot of research went in to design and position of both sticks, why not profit from that.

[@tuningobd5371]

@@kilianortmann9979 Yup, all true. I had no idea the A10 got the stick after the f16. I have to say i use it for Xplane in the 737 and the buttons make it alot easier to control the autopilot than IRL

[@hanszimmer4679]

Completely, fully and totally agree with everything you said! I love that thing! To me the best Stick for Helicopter flying (using it with DCS and the KA 50 and the Huey).

[@Joel-wf3bd]

Awesome update, thanks for this vid. On your thoughts on the weapon select 4 way, I believe it is not designed to be moved “left” because it can be depressed. This gives it four ways of switching between the gun, AMRAAM, sidewinder, and sparrow. I could be wrong though!

[@150cameron]

Yep, should be depressed instead of going left

[@atahan3841]

underratedchannel.mp4

[@OkiDingo]

Just bought it…..thanks mate!

[@popodori]

Great timing, now that every other hotas is sold out and not available

[@Stormskip]

My takeaway: GS prefers the larger, curved stick. He used and abused it daily for about a year so you know it has good endurance.

[@tharos]

Speaking of quality - this video! I don't know if you want to start doing more flight sim accessory reviews, it's an expensive undertaking after all, but I'd love to see your thoughts on other premium sticks. (especially the Virpil one that's like a Russian fighter stick)

[@tloloct1363]

The new intro is soooo fire

[@charles_wipman]

It looks great to me, my bro have it since years ago and he doesn't have a complain about, other than... it's not the A-10 stick; i like this one more, reminds me of my old Suncom F15 Talon and the EF2000 and 1942 Pacific Air War by Microprose, but it's even better, so i like it.

[@shirothehero0609]

The Old Ef2000 game was such an excellent sim. I spent far too many hours in that and Jane's F-15.

[@charles_wipman]

@@shirothehero0609 Yeah man, i miss the sims with a good campaign.

[@ClepperDCS]

Please GS make a HOTAS position setup video guide (desk mount, chair mount, metal plate over the table...)

[@JIMJAMSC]

Glad I got 2 bases and another stick before the MS sim was released. I still have a X-52 stick and throttle nib I got cheap years ago. People spending crazy money to get most any hotas setup.

[@snotcycle]

the real weapon selector hat is not a 5way hat, you do not push it outward (left). it goes forward, aft, inward(right), and down.

[@King2Stone]

Love the content, keep it up man.

[@rickmasseur2008]

Great review, GS. I grabbed this stick when I purchased the TM Warthog HOTAS set. I love it! My A-10/F-16 stick is just sitting on my desk. And thanks for the recommendation of the TM Warthog HOTAS set!

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

my pleasure rick, thank you for checking out the video boss.

[@sedlo]

I’ve got both the A-10/Viper grip and the Hornet one, but I don’t have a mounting solution other than on the desktop base plate. I find that since it’s a taller stick, and my desk taller than some, my arm is going up at an angle just to hold the stick. Without the hand rest that the A-10/Viper stick has, I find it more fatiguing after a while. I do swap them out from time to time, just because I love the build quality of the hornet stick so much! But I can’t do extended periods with it. That is, until I set up my work station with new desk/desk mounts. (Coming in Nov. )

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I love the Cougar and the Warthog, but I use the X56 Rhino because it has more buttons and high hats.

[@madwardancer]

IIRC on the real life F/A-18C and F-15C stick, the weapon selector switch does not move to the left or right, only fwd/aft/down.

[@jetstumpy]

Love this grip. I use it for Star Citizen and DCS, it really is great.

[@SonesBen]

In the real Hornet, the weapon select switch is a four-position switch (forward, aft, right, down). There is no left press, so the design of the hat was never intended to support that. Thustmaster uses all five inputs--probably because arbitrarily disabling one would be kind of pointless. You can always just pretend it's a four-way and not use the left press. ;)

[@b4r37]

Ughhh I can’t get over this I want it so baddd

[@OkiDingo]

Unfortunately the top hat switch on my new stick, sticks and doesn’t unclick itself. Luckily I got it Amazon and they already sent a replacement. Besides that, oh man does it feel great.

[@BRCIce]

Just subscribed to your channel. Love the '2 morons...' videos. Thanks for all the laughs! Have you considered doing a detailed breakdown of your DCS system setup? I would really like to see that. Thank you.

[@bozo5773]

Woah, new intro? Nice.

[@TomatePasFraiche]

I'm sure a silicone ring over the weapon selector will solve the slippery feeling

[@joker_g7337]

For that price, it HAS to stay pristine for many years.

[@zekoz9364]

Hey the people telling you on your first review(that i understand you didnt bother read). I said again " real f18 stick has no action on weapon select switch to left" look at the to-1 for it. There is no action for weapon selector switch left. Just blank if you use old thrustmaster base you dont even bind anything. For your issue just bind it to show/hide stick or pilot body what so ever. Please dont throw stone on Boeing or any company. And for all who want to use actual real life buttons of this stick(not the replica from Thrustmaster) google "otto-controls" buy what you want they'r all interchangeable. Notice Huge difference on trigger and pickle

[@crazys8s]

On the real hornet stick that switch (the one with the groves) if I remember right only goes down, forwards, backwards, and inwards (towards the stick) so the only direction where those groves become an issue (trying to press that button away from the stick) isn't well.... An issue.

[@NatendoSwitch]

Stick is a Beastmaster! Just wish the crown didn't stick during the down press. It'll fix itself, after 10,000 - 100,000 more presses :)

[@raymondyee2008]

As close as you can possibly get to having the feel of flying an F/A-18.

[@SohaibkhanPUBG]

Plz do 1)Jf17 thunder vs f16 viper 2)Jf17 thunder vs mig29 fulcrum 3) Jf17 thunder vs su27 flanker

[@edmedellin3577]

Question: I tried Warthog Thrustmeter but didn't like it. I am using my Logitech 3d pro again but now DCS will not save the keyboard or joystick binds. Do I need to re-install DCS? I uninstalled warthog but that didn't fix the issue.

[@AryaKumari-mx5ch]

Great watch.. please make vid on throttle and rudder also This video made things easy for me 😄

[@MisterLongShot_Official]

Has anybody done a Winwing vs Thrustmaster F/a18 grip and/or base comparison? I can't seem to find one.

[@callumbush2]

Stick some rubber on the weapon section switch!

[@JohnDoe-yr4ck]

What do you think about VKB joysticks?

[@ysiadpir1423]

Try some Black SUGRU for the slippery selector switch. I used it on my X56 HOTAS Buttons for extra debth & grip. Sugru can be easily removed, so no harm in trying it.. Amazon or BigBox Hardware will carry it.. Good luck.

[@shannonnezul4903]

Friend got me this for birthday best stick I've used, just but a little smidge of quake hold on the w selector and grip issue gone.

[@chickendinner2562]

So the A10- is better for small hands? i have small hands and its irritating. I wanted the f18 but if its not for smaller hadns i dont want it to bother me when i jsut get the A10

[@kaistraka7153]

Great review, I really need to get one. But how did you play the A10 with the hornet stick? Doesn't the A10 stick have an extra hat (DMS, TMS, Trim)? While the F18 stick only has the DMS and Trim. I was only wondering if you had button issues with the DCS A10. Thanks :)

[@k1mfor]

Which base do you use? I'm considering this but don't want to pay for the Warthog set if I'm not going to use the A-10 stick. Strange that a 200€+ stick doesn't come with a base.

[@donrumsey]

How would rate the ease of configuration?

[@Wh0isTh3D0ct0r]

*sigh* If only the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS and TPR Rudder Pedals were in stock right now instead of being price gouged by resellers.

[@ahmedjea3904]

Can you please do a video for new DCS players to show us how to join a server and play dogfights?

[@SimoneSerponi]

I'm using an hotas warthog since july and I'm happy with my A-10/F-16C grip but I'm considering to buy the hornet grip since I'm mainly playing on hornet those days. Do you recommend it?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

I absolutely do if you can swing it financially I think it’s a better stick and gives you better button options in terms of binding

[@SimoneSerponi]

@@GrowlingSidewinder I vill add it to my list for Santa's... or I will way August and my next birthday. Thank you!

[@SimoneSerponi]

@@GrowlingSidewinder Ok, order done: just waiting for Santa to arrve ;-)

[@FanaticNYC]

The A-10 Stick has not more buttons?

[@spiralpig4633]

Can you show us your DCS setup because I am trying to get into this game

[@legionofyuri]

How is it with other games? Considering getting a stick for general vehicle gaming outside of sims.

[@Loopyllu365]

What mount is he using in the video?

[@zgthor]

what about that chinese f18 stick you covered?

[@WilliamBrothers]

Thank you for putting this review together. I've had my F-18 grip for 10 months and I use it almost every day. I use it for DCS, IL2, and recently Star Wars Squadrons which I was afraid to use since there is so much movement going on. I've noticed one slight issue when moving the stick around. I can hear a very quiet click inside the joystick and later on I was feeling the click during movement. I tried tightening the 3 screws that are barely visible on the left side of the stick and the clicking went away. However, after continued use it would come back. The stick cover pieces might be sliding after use but I can't be sure. Please let me know if you've experienced this too. Other than that, the stick is extremely durable and I can't see using any other stick at this point. It's almost perfect.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

hey man, I've experienced no such clicking. and the movement of the stick is still very smooth for me.

[@lucty0700]

I can report exactly the same issue with mine. I've used it since August last year, and it developed this "clicking" after a few months of use. Pulling the stick aft I had a bumping sound, and then pushing it forwards it clicked. Never thought it could be related to loose screws. So I just did what you said, and the "clicking" is gone (for now, at least). It really never affected my flying experience, and besides that, no issues at all. I have to thank you for solving this. Haven't seen it reported anywhere else, and thought mine was the only one doing it.

[@WilliamBrothers]

@@lucty0700 Glad it fixed that little problem. I'm going to try greasing the base of the Warthog (there is a video on how to do that) to try and put less strain on the stick when moving it.

[@lucty0700]

@@WilliamBrothers I actually regreased mine a month ago, and the difference is night and day. I was having the sticktion problem as well. Didn't use Nyogel 767A cause I coudn't find it here in Brazil. Instead, I used a good optical instruments synthetic damper grease. I also play Squadrons and was worried about throwing the stick around violently. So what I did was I created a TARGET profile with zoom at 5 and curve at +4. That makes the stick very sensitive at the center, allowing for precise fine movements, but at the same time, it responds quickly away from center. There's also a deadzone at the edges of the axis, which is good, cause you don't need to force the gimbal. I've made a reddit post about in Squadrons subbredit: www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsSquadrons/comments/j6bhky/improved_accuracy_and_maneuverability/

[@ResQRaces]

Can this be installed on the Xbox version of the thrust master t flight?

[@SohaibkhanPUBG]

Can you do jf17 thunder vs f16 viper. Plzzzzzzzzzz

[@sully2695]

This stick hasn’t z axes? what kind of pedals do you use to rudder control ? Thanks for help

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

no Z axis on this one, I use the Thrustmaster TRP pedals

[@sully2695]

@@GrowlingSidewinder thank you so much

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

my pleasure

[@Xandeulson]

Hey, awesome video! Could you please name the music that is playing in the backgound?

[@Swift41]

GOD DAMN.....you sure you didn't bend that stick I SWEAR I could sit at coffee cup on it LMFAO

[@shinidigami]

Growling Sidewinder, what desk mount do you use? I'm looking for a good one for my Warthog Hotas.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

I will be doing a review on those very soon

[@shinidigami]

@@GrowlingSidewinder sweet.

[@macmusica]

THRUSTMASTER need to grow balls and make a FLANKER GRIP!

[@utley]

Dumb question as Ive found this out with my stick and maybe I need to send it in to get fixed...the weapon selector switch...is it a 4 position switch or should it be a 5 position? I cant get the left button to function, but does it have a left button? The CMS switch on the warthog has 5 buttons I know...that not the case here? Its been bugging me for a while now since Ive had it.

[@kengou]

It is 5 way just like on the Warthog cms switch. It should have a tactile click on every direction: forward, left, aft, right, and in/down.

[@utley]

@@kengou so mines fucked up

[@Joel-wf3bd]

No the weapon select switch on the hornet grip has 4 functions, forward, aft, right, and depress. It is not designed to move to the left (outward). I don’t think your grip is broke

[@utley]

@@Joel-wf3bd the reference I have in the manual says there are 5 functions on that switch...then again, a lot of references say there arent more than 4. This is why I ask questions...

[@BuggSmasher]

Great review ! So with one of the switches gone, either the DMS (Data Management Switch) or TMS (Target Management Switch), how do you pick up that extra switch when using for an A-10C or maybe the F-16? I trust you guys flying with this awesome stick have adjusted ok? I'm real curious as a long time CH- Fighter stick and Pro-Throttle user and have just purchased the standard WartHog setup.

[@BuggSmasher]

Damn it ! I've ordered one any way :) But still curious what you guys think ! See you in the blue yonder, while I'm looking up from a crater in the ground . . . .lol

[@SohaibkhanPUBG]

Plz do jf17 thunder vs f16 viper

[@dakkonfury]

Do you use rudder pedals? And if you use VR, which headset?

[@lanesilva9234]

He doesn’t use VR for videos. The videos are all filmed using TrackIR, but he said he uses the Oculus Rift S every now and then.

[@miracles7619]

OOh noice intro

[@nimrodquimbus912]

That weapons selector switch looks to have a set screw. Perhaps it can be rotated.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

It can’t as far as I know

[@sargetackleberry6485]

Looks like I can't find a Thrustmaster throttle anywhere. What's a good throttle to pair with this?

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

$?

[@LewisMR2]

Do you use rudder pedals, or just twist the stick?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

rudder pedals

[@mpnewhart8022]

What mount do you have to mount the stick ? Mine sits on desk and gets in the way.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

fox mounts, I'll be reviewing them in a video very soon.

[@liamnolan4890]

Can u do one for the winnwing please?

[@latein1148]

Love the vid amazing as always, got a question what is the little what looks to me a slider under the sensor select im guess that is?

[@SsgtHolland]

It's a small 2-way spring-loaded slider, it is also clickable. It can be mapped to any axis. It isn't on the real stick, but it's great for mapping it to your view zoom. I have the push button mapped to return the view to default.

[@latein1148]

@@SsgtHolland aaahhh thats awesome thanks for the awnswer

[@mantisushi]

Could you do a comparison of a su30 vs an f-16? I feel like it would be a very interesting fight for the viper but I think a guy as good as you could do it

[@abdulmismail]

Nice review, G/S. Funnily enough, I was looking at the Thrustmaster F/A-18 stick over the weekend but didn't realise that you need the base, A-10C, F/A-18C and F-16C if you want that realistic experience. Collectively, that will set you back £700 (>$900). My question is, do you use the Thrustmaster stick with the Thrustmaster TRP (pedals); which is an additional £480 (~$625)? I'm currently using the X56 and recently bought the Saitek pedals. That's because I've also invested in the Honeycomb Alpha Yoke and pre-ordered the Honeycomb Bravo throttle quadrant then plan to buy the Honeycomb Charlie pedals when the come out next year.

[@lanesilva9234]

Are you having any problems with the X56?

[@2Axiom]

How does it compare to the warthog in your opinion, since it has an extra hat?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

I think it’s better overall I really tried not to make the warthog look like a bad option cuz I really like that stick too but f-18 is better IMO just the layout and different button options

[@mururoa7024]

The A10 does have one more 4-way button than the F-18, no?

[@kengou]

Yes but Thrustmaster added a three way switch below the SCS castle switch to compensate. That plus the extra push function on the SCS hat makes up for the lost 4 way hat.

[@TheEnvy44]

Do you use another throttle beside the warthog ?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

for throttle I switch between the winwing and the warthog

[@bertrandtoussaint4332]

Hi Growling S! I just unboxed mine and did not even try it. The first thing I am surprised with is that when I hold it into a normal position (like natural holding), I feel like the base of my thumb could press on the left black knob not intentionally. Had the issue already? Thanks

[@wessnyder6192]

I find it a little large in my hand, I may be a medium but I haven’t tried using my flight gloves which may help compensate. If you have small hands this stick isn’t for you.

[@wb-4117]

whats the music in background

[@sidan____7180]

I think it’s moonlight sonata

[@wb-4117]

@@sidan____7180 i dont think so

[@sidan____7180]

@@wb-4117 oh ok, sorry lmao sounded like it

[@wb-4117]

@@sidan____7180 its ok

[@vincent4862]

Hello GS, is this only compatible with Warthog HOTAS ?

[@SGTcz90cz]

It should fit onto the TM Magnetic base. Virpil bases should be fully compatible with TM bases, so a Virpil base should also work AFAIK.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

@@SGTcz90cz ^^ this

[@eldridgefelder3427]

Is there a F-18C Throttle as well?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

negative. you'd have to look at winwing for something like that.

[@eldridgefelder3427]

@@GrowlingSidewinder Ok, thanks for the feedback!

[@jarlevanlandeghem8595]

So maybe an dumb question but is it good for other planes?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

I use it for every plane I fly it works great for all modules

[@jarlevanlandeghem8595]

@@GrowlingSidewinder ok thx

[@Mista_Spicy]

Are u still using the stick?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

yes its my everyday stick

[@hafizrouse2864]

Doesn’t the warthog have more buttons?

[@ByronLina]

Same - just a different arrangement (one 4-way hat replaced with a sort of backwards and forwards switch that clicks in - hard to describe but works really well, plus another button)

[@hafizrouse2864]

@@ByronLina thanks! Didn’t realize the scroll was able to be pressed in.

[@ByronLina]

@@hafizrouse2864 No worries - it's the perfect button for rebalancing shields in Star Wars: Squadrons :)

[@2157AF]

Grab some silver paint and weather up your stick. Make it look worn like that picture of the real one. :)

[@Tyetheberious]

Are you still using this as your daily flyer?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

yes, I changed last week for a new review but ya its my current fav stick.

[@miryamsiegers]

which base can i use for it?

[@Mista_Spicy]

Only the thrustmaster warthog base

[@InhaleMyAcid]

How much

[@bryceperkins6084]

Different I like it

[@joel-hg1xu]

why dont you put ads on your videos? i will be happy to watch them if they support you edit: i just had 2 adblockers on, i will disable them

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

you're the man buddy thank you. I appreciate that very much.

[@joel-hg1xu]

@@GrowlingSidewinder np, love your vids