Helicopter Flight Simming! Pro Flight Trainer Puma Review + My PC Setup

[@JoshuaHambyOfficial]

Awesome! I know you'll enjoy it. It'll keep those helo skills fresh. Thanks for the plug!

[@Kiwi_Dave]

Hoepfully one day the actual flight modeling in the sims for helicopters will catch up and we'll see some exciting PMDG like releases for MSFS 2020

[@sonyaanddaniel]

This is a great product!

[@BDATKISON]

Hey guys, I bought my PUMA about 3 months ago after finding one of Joshua Hamby Video. Great Product, have fun with it.

[@CWLemoine]

@@emmnauelalexandergonzalez9078 it's all one connected system so you'd need a separate pair.

[@emmnauelalexandergonzalez9078]

@@CWLemoine thanks, well that's a bummer because that means I need to detach everything every time I'm going to fly planes on the cockpit

[@Anita95_original]

I am no pilot, at all, but a fan of DCS. I have flown the Huey and Mi8 a lot. When I got the opportunity to fly a real helicopter a year ago, of course I took the chance! The really strange thing is that the "muscle memory" from the simulator worked in real life - DESPITE the IRL controls moved very little compared to the HOTAS in DCS. The reactions and the complex relationship between the stick, collective and rudders just worked despite the different amount of deflections and the lack of feedback in DCS contra the feedback in IRL. It just worked. I got the helicopter under full control in hover and movement within 5 seconds, it just worked. So, if you intend to become a pilot or just keep it up, the DCS is good enough for you.

[@AliBaba-vw7mo]

I have flown in DCS for a very long time, particularly the legendary DCS Huey. I love the Huey. If i could, i wanna marry it. Huey physics is amazing, very close to IRL. One thing i’d say for certain is the handling of helicopters differ from one to another. In DCS Huey, at 100 knots, you need quite a bit of cyclic to get that thing to move. In an IRL AS350 B3, which I have been fortunate enough to control, a millimeter of cyclic would send you miles

[@seewhyaneyesee]

@fiendbastards Bro, why are you making me feel like a pilot already... I am just a skateboarder 😁

[@tomar5e115]

From my experience with old school pilots I have found that they generally look down upon sims and never use them. But sims these days are at a point where they can be similar to real life at least with the controls. Add in VR and its a game changer. It's great to see an actual air force pilot using this gear for practising and maintaining muscle memory

[@kareemspearman8067]

I got a chance to fly the air force c130 and h-60 sim and they are awesome, but a home sim setup can accomplish close go the same thing flight wise these days

[@dogboy0912]

I mean, more power to the home sim dudes. When you're in the sim or aircraft for work several times a week anyway, it's not exactly tantalizing to drop a couple grand on a home setup. There is a work-life balance piece. For everyone else where that's not already a part of life, sure go for it.

[@RandomRoger]

Mover, I think it's the appropriate time that you add a helicopter sound effect to your title opening lol

[@adamross2256]

I had been wondering if we'll see an R22 sweeping across his logo at some point :)

[@pauljrix]

Nice review. Regarding X-Plane, it is not the best looking sim out of the box, but with addon scenery such as OrbX True Earth (payware) or free ortho scenery, it can be quite stunning visually.

[@graciejiujitsu86]

Also if you are running the latest update on X Plane and have it on high setting the graphics are great. I’m wondering if he has his setup the right way.

[@francotenerelli3207]

Dear mr, cw lemione, thanks for the briefing that u gave on the puma setup. It helped me alot to trying to understand the world of flight simulator . Thanks Frankie t Bronx County.

[@thatguy7085]

This pro flight trainer is very helpful for helicopter practice in VR.

[@TheNordicVoyager]

A cheaper alternative is a stick extension for the Warthog. I'm using a 15 cm extension with the original spring so the stick does still (slowly) self center which helps with protecting the stick base and keeps a bit of resistance. Control is much smoother and more precise, the Huey and the Mi-8 but also the Harrier are a breeze to fly. I'm using it for all of my flying now in DCS and FS 2020.

[@astralnut6313]

I bought the PUMA controls for my rig. I built a dual RTX 2080 system. X-Plane is definitely more resource dependent. DCS is wonderful to fly in. I use a PIMAX VR headset Which is soon to be upgraded to the PIMAX 8KX. The wider field of view is really helpful. The PUMA controls are great and add nicely to the feel of realism.

[@MoonHowlerGaming]

Have you tried the Bell 407 in X-Plane. Much better than the 206, great GFX, and from what I read, real life helicopter pilots said it was the most realistic helicopter flight model they have flown in a sim.

[@wesleyhead3408]

omggg....I LOVE the Lester T-shirt!!!

[@Aerospace_Education]

Going to be really interesting when you get a chance to use this with MSFS2020 and VR when they release that a little later this year.

[@GalacticMilkfoam]

MSFS2020 does not have rotary wing aircraft yet, sadly.

[@jpalmer999]

@@GalacticMilkfoam I don't think it stops 3rd parties from doing it though.

[@GalacticMilkfoam]

@@jpalmer999 Yeah, I wasn't meaning to imply anything of the sort. They just need the physics added to the engine, to do it.

[@GalacticMilkfoam]

@@tuna7327 That is good to know and hopefully they will be worthwile, unlike what we had in FSX.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

@@tuna7327 Didn't know that yet, sounds great!

[@AV8R_1]

When I was doing my helicopter training, I used FlightLink helicopter controls for simulation. They were OK, but could’ve been a lot better for the near $4000 price tag. I still have them sitting in my basement. Also, I just want to note, that once you get used to flying fixed wing and Helicopters simultaneously transitioning between the two becomes very natural, and you don’t even think about it. I was flying fixed wing airplanes all through my helicopter training. There was even days I would fly my airplane to the Helicopter school, do several hours of helicopter flying, and then fly my airplane home again. You would be surprised how natural it becomes after a while It becomes no different then going between a motorcycle and a car and back again.

[@indianmarshmello.]

dope, currently a student pilot but i've really been eager to try helicopters, maybe one day.

[@13Coconuts]

Ok dude

[@AV8R_1]

@@13Coconuts I'm assuming your reply is you saying you don't believe what I said in my comment? I have plenty of pictures, videos, etc of my decades of flying quite a few different aircraft types, and I don't really care if some random believes me. 😆

[@AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-y5f]

I broke my Stick as well when i tried removing the spring. The warthog base is not friendly for maintenance or modding. I suggest getting a Virpil base.

[@kylecampbell4486]

Virpil base with an extension has been a very nice upgrade over the stock Warthog base. Would highly recommend even if your base wasn't broken.

[@bikeguy3034]

You adjust IPD on the Rift S in the Oculus software, and it adjusts the spacing of the images in the headset. Also you can map a button to toggle that mouse pointer in XP11. Best thing I found for Rift S in XP11 was the OVR Settings plugin - can force what ASW you want and change the supersampling on the fly in-sim. Saved my XP11 experience massively!

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Software IPD can never achieve what correct alignment of the lenses do. The move to the Index was just right. I bought a Quest instead of the S for this reason (one of them) as well.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

The Puma’s $1400 price is not bad considering that’s exactly what you’d pay buying a full Virpil or Thrustmaster Warthog setup with pedal bars.

[@NETBotic]

Don't get hung up on IPD in VR. It doesn't make things more or less blurry. It only reduces eye strain. The Vive Pro is the best looking HMD for sims IMO.

[@benshakespeare268]

Try the 407 in X-plane also by Dreamfoil 👍 The 206 model is really old (X-plane 9 vintage). Look out for the AS350 when the second version comes out! That's a fun heli!

[@thef-35lockheedmartinlight11]

The dog is the only reason my existence is validated.

[@toddie4usa1]

Wow! Christmas came early!

[@Chris_Bro_aka_MR_PLAT1NEM]

Flight sim 2020 coming in 6 days. There are no helicopter models or VR support yet though. I'll wait till they update for VR. DCS is good for now. I'll check out the options on the PUMA. Thanks for your input, and nice PC. If you want better CPU power for editing you'd want AMD. The ryzen 7 3800xt or ryzen 9 3900xt have really good editing power.

[@Chris_Bro_aka_MR_PLAT1NEM]

@@tuna7327 must be new news. Last week they didn't have a date for helicopter release

[@ldbrush9941]

Holy bovine Major. Being an old helo bubble chaser hurts on this video. I have no clue what you are talking about on the computer specs. Hell Sir, I am still using an old, slow windows seven laptop and even worse a 3G phone. Does Lester get a kick back when you fly rotorcraft on DCS ... haha? Keep up the GREAT work you do.

[@JohnKorvell]

Any of them come with Lester saying Clear Clear Clear! ?

[@TurboNeon185]

I would like to see you try the R22 in aerofly and give a direct comparison to the real thing. It seems pretty well modeled but never being in one it's hard to say. But while watching your training I have picked up a few tips and tricks that have improved my abilities in the fake one. 👍

[@Cofaciano]

I second that. In this article the R22 is considered the best heli of all: www.helisimmer.com/articles/best-helicopter-simulator-2019

[@anthonyhershko]

Thank you for talking about your PC setup. Great video as usual!

[@cartoonfoxes]

Check out the Realsimulator FSSB-R3 Lighting if you're interested in a force-sensitive stick for the F16.

[@muzzaball]

Hey Mover, that 3GEEZ T-shirt is excellent. Did you send Lester one? Cheers mate.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Literally cracked me up when I saw it /)

[@muddyboots1881]

This is now my routine whenever I get in my car 😂

[@Motorman2112]

That t-shirt! :)

[@crashburn3292]

Mover, You may have already covered it, but I'd love to see what you think of the Reno Air Races, if you've ever been, and maybe review the 2011 Gallopping Ghost accident. I'd like to hear a no BS assessment.

[@kennethhicks2113]

1080 or 1440 res? And Mr. Lemoine, I have issues with seeing other aircraft in DCS, in your opinion how comparable is finding boogies IRL compared to DCS? O7

[@Real28]

Get ready for the G2 to dominate the sim market in VR. I cant wait for mine, I have one on pre-order. Clarity is unmatched.

[@steak5599]

I just wonder what type of video card is needed to run it even on medium setting. I believe even RTX 2080 isn't enough to do it. I was watching a MS FS2020 comparison, 2080 Super can NOT handle 4k High. I thought 4k VR headset are more demanding than a 4k monitor. Most people still running 2070, 1080, or 1070 on their gaming rig.

[@coyotejohn3101]

@@steak5599 I would imagine that's because MSFS runs like crap anyway. Nobody I know can run it at max, even with RTX 3000 series cards.

[@donaldthomason4588]

Great review! Sounds like it's time for a CPU/motherboard upgrade. I went from a intel 9700k to a Ryzen 3950x, runs DCS like a dream. Keep the videos coming, stay safe.

[@jolupapi]

That sounds like more of a sidegrade honestly...

[@donaldthomason4588]

I thought that too. I was a huge fan boy of Intel until I built this Ryzen rig in January. It seems to run DCS a bit better than my Intel rig..... Back on point, he's running a 8600K...that's an upgrade and a money saver compared to Intel.

[@SlipFitGarage]

@@jolupapi From an 8 core processor, to a 16 core processor is considered a "side grade"???

[@lynnecheermom]

Yea! Kaiser Cameo! Nice review.

[@TheDNick]

Have you tired the beta version of xp11? It's the implementation of the Vulkan API and improves performance drastically. Also as someone else said give the Bell 407 a try. It's fantastic. Though check if it's compatible with the Vulkan beta first.

[@CWLemoine]

Yup.

[@TheDNick]

@@CWLemoine Well nevermind then. About to head off on a TDY. Great place to start the 4th book in your Spectre series. First 3 were great.

[@thomas_ger4098]

Thank you for this interesting review. Would like to know if you ever had other controls before. So if you can say anything about a comparison to Virpil for example. Currently I am equipped with Virpil (Cyclic, TM3 Mongoos base and deadstick) and thinking about purchasing a collective from them but I am not sure if I should go into the virpil collective or change the setup completely to the Puma X.

[@willthorburn1985]

Have you tried the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator? They recently release free DLC to play the simulation with various Helicopter models now

[@fredhill3565]

Good call on the helo flight training.

[@oliverschwarz9393]

If you have the ability to test or buy a Pimax 5k+ or higher, do it. I really can recomment you this bigger field of view. It feels so much more realistic. Thanks for all your videos.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

No less than 8k+. Even that one is less sharp than a Reverb. In that case, wait for the G2 (preorder).

[@Kiwi_Dave]

Hopefully will see some PMDG level helicopters for MSFS 2020 because that sim is going to be a generation leap forward from X-Plane. I'm most looking forward to the weather environment and the modeling of wind over terrain. Not to mention the stunning graphics and increased immersion we've never experienced in a desktop sim before.

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

Great video. ☺️

[@nathanadrian]

You should give the Dreamfoil Bell 407 a shot, it is probably the best helicopter flight model on Xplane 11

[@graciejiujitsu86]

That and the Freeware Bell 429 is really good. The R66 by VSkylabs is good but there is room for improve on that one. I’m also a fan of the S92 Sikorsky.

[@utsavpattni6838]

Views on India buying Rafael...advantages and disadvantages...please can u share a video on the same.

[@nocoaviation8353]

Just wait till FS2020 comes out 😉

[@tsangarisjohn]

Im not a chopper fan but when MSFS2020 goes live everything will change. Granted for the moment I haven’t seen helicopters. But no doubt they will be available!

[@TheNordicVoyager]

MS will provide a payware DLC for helicopters further down the road.

[@vibe5845]

I’m 16 yrs old and I have always wanted to be a pilot and fly fighter jets. Do you think a private pilots license will improve my chances of a pilot slot? And what route (Air Force Academy or ROTC) would you recommend? Would to hear from you and any other advice you have.

[@ExarchNZ]

Thanks for going over the setup and thoughts on the VR headsets!

[@phantomx2003]

Awesome stuff. Hope to see you in MS flight sim 2020. :D

[@allthehandlesweretaken]

they also sell a standalone collective if you alreadt have stick and pedals

[@CasmoTV]

The Ka-50 is a much better flight model. Huey has questionable deceleration and no inertia. Glad you are growing up to be a real boy and fly RW. 😉

[@redproweb]

Great review, you should get your hands on a PiMax VR Headset, dual native 4k & 200° fov, it really is a game change.. (not sponsored or affiliated)

[@OhItsThat]

What about Take On Helicopters?

[@JamesJohnson-iw9dh]

msfs 2020 has a helicopter now on the marketplace, I haven't used it yet though but we finally got one 🙌 👏 😀 😁 it's a m.a.s.h type helo though.Bell something or other.

[@jacksaloman9513]

Hp reverb G2 is super sharp.

[@Chukwillard]

Mover is going to be calling in sick more now. :)

[@hscollier]

Good, detailed review and commentary about other options. You may have said elsewhere, but was wondering what the story is behind still flying the T-38?

[@ericandi]

There are helicopters now in MSFS 2020 and a lot more are coming soon.

[@JohnKorvell]

I bet the dog is a tougher instructor than Lester!

[@indyjons321]

Thinking about picking one up.

[@AviatingWithMel]

Yeah the Vanilla X-Plane graphics are indeed "potato", as others have said, the Orbx scenery updates make a huge difference, but they aren't cheap and they take up a huge amount of drive space, I have UK central and UK south and a few free add on airfields and it tips the scales at 212GB. Add on aircraft make X-Plane 11, it would be interesting to see a comparison between the Nimbus Huey (I think its good but then I am a fixed wing GA pilot) in X-Plane 11 and the DCS variant.

[@uakkauakkafo]

hello, I saw you video, thanks for the good explanation for the mounting anf for the unboxing, I have question: if for example in this system I mount only the pedal + the collective or the pedal + the handle the system works in any way or all the 3 element must be connected all? Thanks.

[@FiveTwoSevenTHR]

I've been planning on buying something just like this before I start taking lessons. I figure if I can get the muscle memory down, it'll make learning to fly the real thing easier.

[@timcookermann1607]

You can install additional scenery for xplane. For example, I recommend buying orbx true earth for all the UK. Lima Oscar Lima.

[@CWLemoine]

I’m not sure it’s available for the US in Louisiana

[@timcookermann1607]

@@CWLemoine well, you can also install orthophotos using ortho4xp. And if you don't mind not having a highly detailed Louisiana, then you can check out other orbx's true earth scenery for US(buy SD versions if you need more fps and HD ones if you need more details). Thanks.

[@ashlingcullen5017]

Ooh, bubble wrap. 😊

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

CW LEMOINE: I have a question: For helicopters, why is there no gyroscope and computer to cancel torque? Fly by wire is the only thing making F16, F22 and F35 flyable. Why not helicopters?

[@hernzo9798]

It must have a tail gyro but maybe not it heading hold mode I’m guessing they have a gyro for the bareless swash plate mechanism. Seen videos of choppers lose their shitwhen these system fail.

[@jstorm7757]

Honest review of the hardware. I wish I had more space for multiple simpits to have a helo specific rig. Good luck with training. Are you planning on a video of your T-38 flying?

[@ericandi]

How to fly a helicopter in DCS and MSFS 2020 if you don’t have these helicopter controls and your using a regular flight stick and throttle like the Warthog? Which control do you use for the collective?

[@mattycross]

Praying the Huey becomes available for Flight Sim 2020 😎👍

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I have Logitech pro pedals + Saitek X45 I will eventually have the X-56

[@akulahawk]

I think XP11 is a CPU hog because of the flight model and it seems to depend upon the graphics frame rate so that it can properly run the flight model to match the graphics. I have XP8 and XP9, and I do enjoy those sims but until I can get a better computer, it's just not going to do me any good to get the latest XP version. From what I've seen in the XP forum is that if you have a decently good system that doesn't have any significant bottlenecks in data flow, it's a very good sim. Unfortunately the base graphics aren't all that good. If some were to combine the graphics from DCS with the flight model of XP, that would probably be a fantastic flight sim all around...

[@ALLGAMESYSTEMS]

Curious if you would do a video about the Van Halen Dreams video with the Blue Angels?🤔

[@boe7613]

Thanks Mover :)

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

If only someone sent me his "old" 8700k... **cries in 3570k** :D Guess I gotta watch that Puma in action, got the tab open somewhere already... :) You probably should try getting a Reverb G2 for simming. But keep that Index, set up a 8x8 - 10x10 ft playspace for it and do yourself a favour and get Boneworks. Oh, and get into Half-Life: Alyx which you got with the Index already. Would certainly watch you shooting up some headcrabs, zombies and Combine.

[@adsilite]

Try Aerofly FS2 flight sim. They have a quite realistic R22 model. EC135 coming soon.

[@supergenietale5334]

The best way for VR flight simulator is the HP Reverb G2

[@wigrysystems]

Regarding X-Plane, have you already switched to 11.50 beta with Vulkan? Gives massive FPS boost. However surprised to hear that DCS is superb for heli sim.

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

^ this.

[@Jonay1990]

get some payware scenery it'll make a massive difference to your XP11 experience.

[@파일럿주원]

Very nice video. I also purchased Puma controls recently but it seems like X-Plane 11 does not recognize throttle axis. I had to use mouse to roll the throttle. Do you know any solution for this?

[@luizucchetto2528]

Are you planning to get the new Microsoft flight sim with improved graphics? Just loved your helicopter series!!

[@ms-terious]

Are you going to give flight simulator 2020 a go?

[@apolloactual7666]

I have to agree about the Oculus Rift S. I don't have anything to compare it to, but the controllers are definitely annoying.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Didn't know about that issue. Having both the CV1 and the Quest and no problems with the HMD at all when the thing loses track of the controllers.

[@ironman6527]

What is your ram speed set to in the Bios? Almost all systems do not set XMP by default so it runs at like 2400Mhz. XMP on should run a higher speed (like 3000 or 3200Mhz) and better timings. Graphic card and CPU will run a bit better, should pic up a few FPS in games.

[@thebasementgamer408]

You should review Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 when it comes out!

[@TheMartieno]

Wow your dog looks exactly like mine (yours a little bit more white on the face) I want to get a nice cylic but i want one with ffb or some kind of trimmer which isnt easy to come by

[@airmanparker]

So what if I already have my own rudder pedals (MFG Crosswind V3 pedals)? Do they offer just a base platform to bring your own pedals?

[@thatguy7085]

Have you had any success setting this up in DCS. I’ve used it in X-plane, FS2, FS2020 and it works fine. Having trouble setting the axis

[@CWLemoine]

Works great in DCS with the Huey.

[@WesleyXXIII]

would you "ruins" tom clancys hawx? one and two in case? the first one was actually good to me but I guess not realistic at all :D

[@KoelJ]

Hi! Been watching your videos for a while now. Thanks for the great content. Have you tried Aerofly FS2 on Steam?? , they have a great R22 that comes out the box and about to add new chopper as well and brilliant graphics, Vr support and also use satelite imagery (Only problem is the water! Also satelite imagery so no movement!)so feels more real than xplane 11 or DCS, that is untill the much anticipated Microsoft Flight sim 2020 gets choppers. Anyway, I never made them tell me no and never went for it here in South Africa, probably would have flown old Mirages anyways. DCS in Vr feels as close to the real thing as it can get especially in Vr

[@emmnauelalexandergonzalez9078]

Grate video!! Thanks a lot! Question: Can i use the rudder pedal for a plane if im also using my warthog hotas? Or i need a separate pair of rudders every time im going to fly with the warthog?

[@SCVIndy]

Cool

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Great review! Nice shot at 7:20, do they have "Who Dat" on the tower? ;)

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

MSFS 2020 will have it for sure: www.bing.com/maps?osid=3872859e-abb2-4636-9a58-ddee264daed2&cp=30.042167~-90.025963&lvl=22&dir=270&style=g&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

[@peraguy3863]

Try using TrackIR. It's a pain to setup, but it's worth it. Especially for videos

[@CWLemoine]

It’s garbage.

[@Fellow_Traveller1985]

Why would you use TrackIR when you have VR?

[@peraguy3863]

@@CWLemoine For using, Yes. It's garbage. For presentation and making videos, tutorials. It's fine. Your choice.

[@peraguy3863]

@@Fellow_Traveller1985 read my other reply. It's a preference. I don't like it that much. But it's smooth. And if your making tutorials it's easier to see and understand.

[@PLHarpoon]

I've bees using TrackIR and I'm using VR right now. TrackIR is great when comparing to not using anything at all. Once I've tried VR I've put TrackIR away and intend to never use it again. It's not even close.

[@dunyakitai6462]

Any suggest link where to buy this pro flight trainer ..puma

[@generalpurpose6517]

I was more interested in how the controls feel compared to the real thing. Everything about the controls and nothing but the controls.

[@dukeskylar]

I cant wait for you to try MSFS2020 when it comes out

[@fulcrum_9162]

I like ur dog he is big

[@Shamdouh1]

Why do helicopter pilots site on the right side ?

[@billcarlin7411]

That stuff is pretty neat. Little to pricey for my bank account but neat none the less. I think I will just continue to watch over your shoulder if you don't mind.

[@menakeldebakel253]

you should mod the throttle with a cheap chinese steer-damper, feels 200% better than the default PUMA

[@JoshuaHambyOfficial]

Works pretty well. I have a video on that one too.

[@adsilite]

Joshua Hamby excellent video, btw

[@JoshuaHambyOfficial]

@@adsilite thanks!

[@PLHarpoon]

You can check out Aerofly FS2 if you want to fly helicopters. They have an R22 which is supposed to be very realistic. The only downside is that they don't simulate fuel consumption yet. www.helisimmer.com/editorial/aerofly-fs2-r22-pilots-perspective

[@Void304]

In regards to the Valve Index since I'm also not totally happy with my Rift S... I've heard a few complaints that it's a bit heavy or that it's uncomfortably warm to wear for prolonged periods. Would you agree?

[@denislandry4796]

It is running pretty warm with the faceplate.I leave mine off and its verry comfortable the weight is a non issue imo

[@Void304]

@@denislandry4796 Thanks.