Fits Any Plane: WinWing Orion2 Base + F-15E Grip

A very capable combination: F-15E Strike Eagle Metal HOTAS grip in combination with the The Orion 2 throttle base from WinWing together with the F-15E throttle is a recommendable addition to any HOTAS setup, doesn't matter if your grip and base is from WinWing themselves, Virpil, VKB or someone else. Watch this review for all the details!
Thanks to WinWing for sending me over the review samples! There were no strings attached so this is my personal opinion and not an advertisement.
Visit their website and store here: winwingsim.com/
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00:00 Overview
00:33 Base Unboxing
00:58 Orion 2 Base Overview
01:13 F15E Strike Eagle Grip Overview
01:26 Assembly
02:25 Orion 2 Base Details
03:46 F15E Strike Eagle Grip Details
05:28 What Could Be Improved?
06:14 Final Verdict & Conclusion
08:44 F15EX Grip Review Coming Soon!

[@WatchMysh]

Additions to the video: - Great equipment! I rate it 5 out 5 Heinzes! - F15E grip: On the Super Taurus base only one vibration motor will work. The smaller hat will function as a single push button. - Videos with this level of quality take a ton of time to make. To help me keep the channel going please consider to buy me a coffee ko-fi.com/watchmysh or drop me a super thanks. - Don't tighten the screws on the fingerlift too far. Only finger tight else you might break the plastic (Thanks @datamasked)

[@Paloch1708]

Starting the review at the doorbell. "Hey, there's someone at the door." "How do you know" "I'm being spiked"

[@thepacketnarc7634]

This video absolutely helped me make my mind up. Pre-ordered the next run of Orion 2's with F15E Handles and Base with F16EX Grip. An absolute bargain for under $500 shipped in the States.

[@WatchMysh]

You'll not regret it. For the price this is absolutely awesome.

[@dsc_dominic]

Good old „BW-Stumpf“ is still doing an important job,I see 😎 1:18

[@WatchMysh]

It does. :) It belonged to my beloved but deceased uncle and just got a free and complete overhaul by Victorinox I don't know how many decades later.

[@sedlo]

Very good review, very well put together, too. Thank you!

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks for the appreciation! Means a lot to me. :) Took me weeks to improve my filmmaking skills, record everything and then make the final cut. I'm very happy how it turned and you like it! :)

[@sedlo]

@@WatchMysh Your hard work has paid off. It's very, very good. Thank you for taking the time!

[@dunbar555]

very happy with my Orion1 and hornet grips. I have ordered orion2 with F-15E and Orion2 anniversary with F-15EX. cant wait

[@WatchMysh]

Nice!! But then you have... three bases?

[@dunbar555]

@@WatchMysh yes. I don’t feel like swapping grips on bases all the time I I change airplane. I also have 2 virpil WarRbD bases one with a thrustmaster f18 grip and the other one with a virpil f-14 grip… and then I have a thrustmaster warthog stick on a cougar RSS1 modded force sensing base, and… well don’t get me started. I am a bit of a sim junkie…

[@WatchMysh]

@@dunbar555 Comfy! My flight sim budget is a bit more limited - so I have to swap manually. But I'm okay with not always having the 100% correct grip. So I'll mostly use the F15EX with 98% of the planes in the future.

[@Cheiff117]

from a T1600m to a F16ex / F15ex winwing orion2 set up ... i cant wait for it to get delivered !!

[@WatchMysh]

That's an enormous step up. Congrats and have fun! :) The F16EX also is a top notch stick and gimbal. One of the absolute best I used to this point.

[@Cheiff117]

@@WatchMysh took me a while to decide what i wanted. EX just offers more buttons for the amount of variation in aircraft i fly in DCS im super excited to relearn with a more top notch set up !

[@ILruffian]

Update, please. I have T16000 and I am looking to make the same move.

[@lappodamy5826]

noice to see new tech stuffs

[@WatchMysh]

A ton more coming up. I've got lots of stuff delivered as you've seen in the video. :)

[@VirusVanquisher]

Excellent presentation! I have owned the Orion 2 hotas max F18 grip for a year or so and love it. My only issue was with the wing fold switch along the top row. My push function broke and I can no longer use it to lock the wings of my F18 :(. I see they have replaced the button in this video. Will be buying another base and F15E grip since I am planning on spending most my time in it along with the F18. Not about to switch grips. Also, periodically test the screws in the detents around the base, if one comes loose and falls into the base, you will be a monkey f#cking a football to get it out.

[@axiiio]

High temperature electrostatic spraying... Powder Coating in other words. Great review love it!

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks. :) Yeah, you're right, it's powder coating as far as I can tell. F50EX review is nearly done, too. I'll include the powder coating there. :D

[@romaniachin6751]

5:10 😂 a little inconsistency. I'll explain: as you said the vibration is only supported for DCS at the moment of the video but the stall footage 🤔 is from IL-2 Sturmovik. It might lead to some people believing it is also supported in IL-2 while your words said otherwise. Just a little remark. Besides that your review is awesome thank you.

[@WatchMysh]

Oops :) And thanks - giving my best to make reviews that are informative, entertaining and are respecting your time.

[@checkyoursix7401]

thank you for this review. The big downside with the Orion2 base is that Windows no longer recognizes it after a few months, for some people. I know someone who has the problem and who is in contact with Winwing support and still no solution.

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks! :) interesting - I'd be curious about the solution if there's any. Otherwise that's what's warranty for. Just have the unit replaced. :) I can't see a big downside here as long as it doesn't happen with more than a few bases. I'll have an eye on it. Let's see if this issue gets posted more often over the next few months. Reminds me of my Corsair Commander Pro. Had it replaced 3 times within 6 months and then finally switched to an OCTO. Something can always break down and sometimes we get unlucky.

[@checkyoursix7401]

@@WatchMysh The concern is that returning the equipment under warranty to China is expensive, from Europe. And and it is the customer who must pay the shipping costs. Winwing will indeed send back brand new equipment. Winwing will pay the shipping costs to Europe, but the customer may have to pay customs fees which are very high for us in Europe. In short, it can be expensive...

[@WatchMysh]

@@checkyoursix7401 yes, that's a problem. Still as far as I'm informed customs fees only apply on purchase, not on replacement. I didn't have to pay for review samples for example. The shipping cost are still there, though. But I guess Winwing is already working on a european support center. Long distance transport is inconvenient for everyone - company and customer. They are selling too much stuff here. I suppose it'd pay off.

[@crevetta6128]

@@WatchMysh I remember asking a few months ago if Winwing was planning to open a EU distribution center but the answer was no :(

[@WatchMysh]

@@crevetta6128 yes that's also my level of Information. But I guess they won't get around opening an EU office once delivery volume increases. Especially with the new pedals being a lot bulkier than the products they have right now.

[@romaniachin6751]

I watched so many reviews on stick's throttle quadrants & some additional peripherals, but i have not found yet what i am looking for. I think it's not made yet, if i was a flight sim hardware designer i would know, that some people need a 2/4 engine ww2 throttle control with engine power-prop-mixture, as well as prop feathering features. Next for the flight stick a virpil or a vkb design stick long or short version with a force feedback features built in. I see great products but never exactly what I am looking for 😢.

[@WatchMysh]

I use the Orion'*s two wheel axes for water and oil radiators and cowlings. Prop pitch, mixture and feather can be bound to the (spring loaded)encoder(s)on the F15(EX) grip. Or you could get a Gladiator and expand it with a VKB throttle quadrant module.

[@romaniachin6751]

@@WatchMysh Well from what i have seen, the best setup for my needs would be a honeycomb throttle quadrant with a virpl constellation alpha prime & a warbird D base + VPC ACE Flight Pedals. I usually fly in a IL-2 where i really need that ww2 stuff. The only downside to honeycombs throttle is that it can't be setup for a lefthand use! VKB throttle additional peripherals are looking like cheap plastic comparable to Saitek entry level stuff. They have good sticks though!

[@JohninCle]

Ok I see this on their website and I am SO confused. Does the fingerlift come WITH this kit? It seems to not be listed on the F15EX combo page. It says this is $235 now. Which the F18 orion 2 is 300 shipped with finger lift kit (sold separately) I wish someone would fix their website it is insanely confusing and I WANT to give them money RIGHT now. Your previous video got me to buy a Winwing orion 2 base and F16EX with rumble stick. now I want the throttle but Im just SUPER SUPER CONFUSED. I absolutely LOVE the F16EX stick. I couldnt even have dreamed how different it was from the X52. When you hold it.. WOW. So naturally i want a ww throttle now.

[@WatchMysh]

Hey :) The finger lift is entirely optional as far as I'm informed. But there are "combo packages". They are pre-configured. It might be included in them.

[@WatchMysh]

And yes lol ... Operating a cam/spring gimbal for the first time after only using "normal" gear is completely mind blowing.

[@tim-3705]

i have a question, was this sent to you for review. or have you bought this yourself?

[@WatchMysh]

As I disclose in the review within the first chapter: it was sent to me but without any strings attached. WinWing had no editotial rights. After flying with the Orion2 for half a year I'm still happy with the device except for what I've criticised in the video which still stands. The finger lifts should be a metal construction as well for example. Mine are still okay, though. If you don't overly tighten the screws everything should be fine.

[@rwhunt99]

I am still undecided as to which grip I should get, the E, or the EX, I like the versatility of the EX, but do I really need all that? I think the price is about $30 more for the EX grip.

[@WatchMysh]

It's just that. You pay more and you get more controls. I guess I'll use the EX 99% of the time because it doesn't take away anything from the E but adds more controls. More controls on the grip itself are good especially for VR.

[@rwhunt99]

yeah, I have the F-16ex stick so I will probably go with the F-15 EX throttle too.

[@WatchMysh]

@@rwhunt99 The F16EX is so good...

[@jamesm568]

I'm still using a Microsoft feedback flight stick.

[@WatchMysh]

Built for eternity it seems ^^ I wish force feedback would make a grand return.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Go figure the F-15E throttle grip is never in stock, at least not in Canada. Only the F-18 grip which doesn't have enough features. Maybe sometime soon. Looks like a nice system.

[@WatchMysh]

Everything is sold out the hour they restock most of the time :(

[@devilsoffspring5519]

@@WatchMysh That sucks, it means your whole life has to revolve around stalking a website. So be it.

[@WatchMysh]

@@devilsoffspring5519 lol. Yes. Oooor you can pre-order :)

[@devilsoffspring5519]

@@WatchMysh Yeah, you can pre-order and two years later they send you the wrong stuff and you've already had to pay off your credit card to avoid interest payments so you can't even dispute the charge since you've already paid it. Screw that noise!

[@WatchMysh]

@@devilsoffspring5519 Never tried to pre-order sth. at Winwing - but I guess you're just on a waiting list then? No need to pay up front. Never heard sth problematic about their process.

[@TimoZSimulations]

Bro´s doorbell sounds like a RWR, i would get PTSD if i was living in his apartment lmao

[@WatchMysh]

First one to notice lol! Congrats!

[@TimoZSimulations]

@@WatchMysh thanks haha! Hope you have a Great evening/night if you also live in Germany!

[@WatchMysh]

@@TimoZSimulations Thanks :) I do :)

[@Hyper2235]

Please show the f15EX vibrations when u make that video

[@WatchMysh]

Alright. I'll find a way to visualize it. :)

[@datamasked8632]

While the throttle grip is metal, the mount is cheesy plastic and VERY prone to breaking. One must be very careful to not over tighten the screws down, and then hope theirs doesn’t break. Many of us didn’t know this, and suffered a fracture right at the screw line where the fingerlift kit attaches to the metal throttle part. JB Weld has worked for many, along with snug and not tight screws.

[@WatchMysh]

I'd also rather have a proper metal mounting system (like I mention in this and another video). But I can't confirm the "cheesy" and "very prone to breaking part". The plastic does the job and from my experience you'd have to try hard to overly tighten the screws to a level which would break it.

[@datamasked8632]

@@WatchMysh I will accept your point. I still stand by the fact that the plastic piece is unnecessarily thin, there is plenty of room for a thicker portion right there. Sadly, I am not empowered with knowledge of proper torque for screws into plastic, and lacking any clear instruction provided with the item and the plethora of others with the same problem, you can see the limitation presented by WinWing's lack of guidance. A simple sentence provided by WinWing similar to the ones stated by those who comment on the sad fate of folks like myself would certainly help greatly.

[@WatchMysh]

@@datamasked8632 what do you mean by plethora of others? I've never heard of a broken grip connector from anyone else? They wouldn't go bancrupt if they'd ship a metal connector instead of the plastic one though ... it's the weakest part of the whole setup. Maybe they'll improve it in the next revision.

[@datamasked8632]

@@WatchMysh multiple threads with multiple people having same/similar failure mode of fingerlift kit breaking at the screw installation area. Your point about over tightening is certainly valid, if only that information was provided by WinWing so we could all torque those screws properly.

[@WatchMysh]

@@datamasked8632 ok thanks. Need to find these threads... Torque is "finger tight". Winwing really should mention this.

[@fishytails6639]

first 😁

[@WatchMysh]

Lol

[@Timberjac]

Ouch nice device.

[@WatchMysh]

It's really great. Still enjoy flying with it (if I can find the time lol ...)

[@Aflecow]

It’s so expensive though 😢

[@WatchMysh]

Yes, it's not entry level by any means. But in my opinion you get a lot for your money!

[@Aflecow]

@@WatchMysh yeah it’s understandable I’m saying up for it though since I want to upgrade from my x52 throttle

[@WatchMysh]

@@Aflecow Sound like a plan! :)

[@OneSoul2Faces]

warum machst du videos auf english?

[@WatchMysh]

Weil ich so viel mehr Menschen erreichen kann als auf Deutsch

[@andykdawg6005]

Their products are decent. However, if you need customer service or have a defective product, you are screwed. They will offer little to no help. They will expect you to repair your own product.

[@WatchMysh]

How do you know? Honest question. Happened to you?

[@mickhick619]

I had an issue with my old orion 1 stick base. If i applied right rolll to the stick it would max out and snap back to center and max out again even if it dont make any inpit past the initial input. I had recorded the screen running their sim app while having a side by side video of my physical inputs. You could see I wasn't adding any inputs while you could see the x input going crazy in the app. Thier customer service after I sent many recordings and emails on the issue. They told me to reset my dead zone and after I did that the base wouldn't register any right roll on the x axis. Sorry for the essay but it was a complicated issue and really horrible customer service experience.

[@cherchezlesoir7166]

Thats exactly the reason i would never buy it!!!!

[@WatchMysh]

@@mickhick619 did they replace the base afterwards?

[@mickhick619]

@WatchMysh no they instead told me I wasn't doing the calibration properly and that's why it didn't work. Which was bs cause even after I tried recalibrating it I no long had any right roll on the X axis.

[@tenToesUp747]

Get the f-15 NOT the f-15 ex throttle!!! The EX has no proper speed brake switch!

[@WatchMysh]

Yes. If you absolutely require a speed brake switch I also suggest to rather buy the F15E instead of the EX. I personally can easily work around the issue and profit from the additional controls.

[@tenToesUp747]

@@WatchMysh Agreed. I chose the f-16 ex stick for the additional button and kept the f-15 throttle. Honestly, whatever winwing hotas a person buys, there are plenty of buttons. I do love an actual air brake switch !