HONEYCOMB YOKE: REVIEW & CONCLUSION (I MADE A MISTAKE!)

My honest review of the Honey Comb Alpha Yoke, is it really worth it?
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[@VRFlightSimGuy]

After 10 years using my CH Eclipse yoke it's time for a change! Let me know what YOU think about the Honey Comb Yoke in the comments below!

[@donc9751]

The Bravo throttle Quadrant with its Auto pilot function,buttons, and dials, even though It's taken time getting used to using it with VR headset on, I barely need a peek any more to set up my autopilot!

[@stephinder]

Hi Steve. I bought the CH Yoke in 2009 (when the new Saitek came out they added the LCD panel and renamed it Eclipse) with the Throttle Quadrant, and Rudder Pedals as well. They were cutting edge then and I still use the quad for its switches. I pre-ordered the Honeycombs A & B on their launch days. Maybe a year from now you'll realize that you'll just have to find room for the Bravo and replace that Fisher-Price device. Then you can map your fuel pump and pitot heat, and carb heat, windsscreen, de-ice, and ignition, cowl flaps, etc., to it. Steve

[@makersam37]

The bravo quadrant with the alpha is ultimate immersion in VR. With the new Kodiak 100 it is the perfect set up

[@SuperRealityKid]

I have had a Honeycomb yoke for more than a year but made some dramatic alterations that improved it so much. I was not happy with the fine control of the forward and back movements. It lacks smoothness and is slightly sticky when trying to make tiny adjustments in the flare. I have to mention I am a real world pilot where no such glitch would be acceptable. I overcame this problem by taking the mechanism apart and replacing the nylon bush of the yoke shaft by machining a new housing adapter and fitting a linear roller bearing that offers no resistance to small movements. Perfection. The second complaint I had was the resistance offered by the yoke in both planes of action. I removed all the spring systems and replaced it by multiple large silicone O rings to tension rotational and fore and aft movements. I find it more realistic now. Of course, all this modifying of a Honeycomb yoke will render it un warrantable but, hey, sometimes you have to do what you need to do. I am just using a re assigned button on the yoke to control the throttle. I'm very happy with the yoke now but I have resisted the impulse to go VR for years until I have now weakened at the thought of the Varjo which seems to have made a quantum leap. Trouble is, I suspect my 2070 may not be up to the job. 🤪🤪Ps. Great site 👍👍

[@Fury2291]

I've had my honeycomb Alpha for over a year now and I love it. Still working perfectly. I also highly recommend the honeycomb Bravo throttle quadrant as that is amazing.

[@_Majik]

The Honeycomb Alpha is a great value proposition. The Bravo throttle is even more so IMO.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

I am tempted if I can find some extra room on my desk!

[@_Majik]

@@VRFlightSimGuy If you're able, I definitely would! the Alpha, as great as it is, I could lose tomorrow and deal with it, but the Bravo? I 'd refuse to fly without it, or anything better.

[@tombulva]

@@VRFlightSimGuy You can do it. I also have a small desk and I attach Bravo with only one mount (left), and the right side of Bravo protrudes beyond the outline of the desk. One set of fasteners is sufficient, the device is sufficiently firmly attached. The qualitative leap between Saitek and Bravo is huge. The only disadvantage of Bravo in VR - its dimensions, sometimes it interferes with the operation of the VR controller.

[@cowboy10uk]

The Alpha and Bravo is the best Civilian flight sim kit I own. They just feel great together I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

[@markthomas9370]

I've had thew Alpha for around 6 months now and love it. My Bravo arrived yesterday as a xmas present and I think with the Bravo a number of your complaints about lacking some switches is fixed by having 7 programmable switches on the Bravo, hopefully you'll get a bigger desk in the future and be able to experience the full immersion of the two together. I would agree with the weight of the pitch. I have to just use the suction pad on my desk as the clamps don't fit on it and have at some points found the suction coming away when I pitch up. Good review and great channel. Cheers

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thanks Mark, hmmm I'm very tempted now!

[@martinhsl68hw]

Great video! I was upset about the tension in pitch initially, but I got used to it quite quickly - it makes me keep on top of trimming - although when my friend tried it in VR for the first time she pulled the table over

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Wow!! If anything, that shows how good that mounting system is!

[@NegdoshaManido]

The Alpha and Bravo together are the bomb! In fact, I think the bravo is even more amazing. I am just amazed that Honeycomb can sell these at the price they do.

[@PatJones82]

10:40 Maybe they updated the unit because I just bought one (2-24-22) and the pitch axis tension is spot on with my 172 I'm used to flying. Certainly not too strong. Feels great in fact.

[@FamKring]

Steve, a very good point on the 2D vs VR mode. Since I got the G2 and my own Uber computer, I only fly VR. But I sometimes struggle to find the right switch on my hotas warthog. I am tempted by the alpha and also bravo since they look damn amazing. Your video has not made that temptation any less. There are quite good deals at the moment for both, probably because a new yoke is coming out in Q1 with support for xbox and a spring-loaded ignition.

[@get_outdoors]

After returning my Velocity Flight One and a brief spell with the Logitech yoke, I’ve final managed to get a Alpha and Bravo for a little more than the VF1. Wow what a difference the Honeycomb gear makes, it’s an absolute pleasure to fly with…just fumbling around in VR trying to remember where and which buttons/ switches do what now.

[@Joe0161]

Hey, could I ask where you got your Alpha and Bravo from please? Many thanks :)

[@lukelucas68]

I flew a 172 IRL and my right hand was either on the throttle or the trim wheel at all times. Also, I've mapped the Avionics bus 2 switch to the fuel pump. Works well.

[@stevengunard8135]

Hi, Just stumbled across your vid and have subscribed, so look forward to seeing what you're bringing in the new year. My CH yoke tops yours as it must be at least 20 years old now. Same for the CH rudder pedals that have only just died on me - so I have a nice new set of TM pendulars :-) Holding out on replacing the yoke with an Alpha though, as I hear that the Mk.II Alpha is due Q1 22 and will Hall effect sensors :-D

[@simplysimulator]

Great review of a great product - tricky when you have the Saitek/Logitech panels as there is a bit of duplication then on the buttons - though with SPADNext you can of course reasign the buttons on the Saitek/Logitech panel if you need to. The duplication is what stopped me going for the Bravo Throttle (had it in my basket lol) together with the size which would have meant another major rebuild in the sim. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🥳

[@ksp1278]

I got the Alpha and Bravo for my birthday in December. They make the logitech set feel like toys. Note though, that I have seen that there's a weakness in the design on the bravo that means the reversers and go around button will stop working eventually due to wires snapping. The wires are bent every time you move the controls.

[@haraldjohansen1867]

Just got this and the Bravo Throttle Quadrant. It had a little bit of a deadzone but that was easily fixed with DIView. I don't know much about flying but I will be learning now that the equipment is on point. I paid about 380 pounds for both and they where very nicely used and came in the original boxes with everything. I'll be spending a lot of time in MSFS 2020 that's for sure!

[@1PeterLuu]

Calibrating the deadzone if anyone is interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4Sne2Csa5t2nLM

[@lordgeorgemaster]

You will love the bravo! Only had it a few days and it’s brilliant ! Can’t wait for honeycomb to release the Charlie next year!

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

You're absolutely right. It's bloody fantastic 😊

[@julianhall2008]

Having gone from a ch yoke the Honey combe for me does everything I need. 👍

[@Turbinepilot]

It is a little stiff at first but then after using it I feel like it works great and loosens up. Plus after flying many different planes in real life I can say every plane is different so it’s a compromise. A piper warrior might be too stiff but if you flew a piper lance or Saratoga it doesn’t have enough tension to compare lol. Those are super hard to do control with elevator force and you need to be constantly trimming. Plus in real life some planes are not harmonious. The embraer 145 has super light roll but the pitch is very heavy. But I absolutely love my Alpha and Bravo for the money it’s amazing!

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thanks Adam that's really interesting to hear nice one 😊

[@daveyoung2056]

Nice, now you need the radio panel steve .

[@Sean_Coyne]

I mostly prefer flying with stick in biplanes and gliders. But when I do use my Alpha and Bravo, I find the heavy pitch eerily reminiscent of learning on a Piper Traumahawk back in the 1980's, which had stupidly heavy pitch control at approach and landing speeds. I just bought the Kodiak though, so the alpha and bravo combo really is great for that plane.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Nice Sean I always love to hear people with real world experience 🙂

[@alanmountain5804]

Just bought the Honeycomb Alpha and it is superb! next I am eyeing up the Honeycomb Bravo (just have to save a few more pennies first). What a great yoke though

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Good choice!

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

Well worth the money; I am so happy with mine; along with the Bravo throttle quadrant eh :)

[@terhohalme]

As you said, high force in the pitch axis teachs you how to trim...

[@blackjack6259]

I told you that you would love it! lol I wish I had the room for a bravo too. Currently I use CH’s 6 lever throttle controller. What are you using for rudder pedals? I’m using the MFG Crosswind rudder pedals. I love them because there is no real center detent. Now I just need my Varjo Aero to show up! For me yesterday is too late for them to show up! lol

[@jericks06]

Tbh, I was shocked to realize you didn't already have a honeycomb or better with as much flying as you do.

[@sascenturion]

Hi Steve First of all ..thanks for your video and thoughts on the Honeycomb yoke and secondly a big shout out to Pyreegue studios for the great job on the Edinburgh airport addon ..ive a couple of his mods and they are all of the same quality...outstanding! . Glad you eventually got the Honeycombe yoke ( i posted up in one of your older videos about my experience with it) Overall its an excellent piece of kit and totally worth the price ..i have only one minor gripe that i agree with you on ..and that is the fact that the starter switch is not spring loaded other than that i have no other complaints. The light switches certainly don't feel fragile to me and i'm not sure how you would break them? I am the opposite to you and think the pitch "force " is very good but the "roll" on the yoke feels a bit weak ..but these are just my personal thoughts ( everyone is different) ...and are very minor things that certainly are not deal breakers. Thanks again for the video Take care

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thanks for your comments buddy, the switches aren't too bad perhaps I'm being a little too picky. I think it's because the rest of the yoke seems to be such great quality. I'm already getting used to the pitch tension and when I went back to my old Eclipse it felt really odd! Cheers.

[@sascenturion]

@@VRFlightSimGuy 😄👍

[@4secsharkmr352]

👍Excellent Steve👍 Thank you and take care

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

You too mate cheers!

[@mokumkat]

I still use CH Pro pedals (they need to be plugged in and out from the USB port before flying or else they won't work) also love my Alpha yoke however the (linear) pots need some clean up from time to time. But Steve shouldn't you be flying with your left hand on the yoke and right on the throttle sitting in the left seat? ;-)

[@EagleOne49]

Nailed the landing! Great video! Like you, I use an old hardwood oak desk with a center drawer. Can you tell me how wide is the clamp opening? Thanks!

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thankyou :) the opening is very wide, although I'd have to measure it to give you exact videos. Cheers!

[@Aleksandar6ix]

The pitch tension is a deal breaker for me, as well as the poor switches. I tried it a few times at my local pilot shop, and I couldn't get it to replace my CH. Despite the price and the crotch banger, I'm inclined to get the Thrust master (no pun intended) paired with the Bravo throttle for all my flying.

[@colourwheel20]

I don't mind the heavy pitch actually. However, I'd prefer the roll to be heavier, which light compared to a real one. I also wish it had a parking brake lever. Otherwise, I love the thing too!

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Yes! Definitely a parking brake lever, I forgot to mention that.

[@bostinaycock8316]

I spent HOURS looking at the higher end metal products from companies like Brunner, Virtual-Fly, Redbird, etc... trying to find a way to convince myself to dish out the cash for one of these but ultimately it becomes undeniable that the Honeycomb products are simply a MUCH better value proposition. Where the hell can you find a throttle quadrant that has landing gear, flaps, trim wheel, and autopilot integration? You can't. Excited to get the yoke soon

[@daedelus1982]

Just out of interest... What did you have your pitch and roll sensitivities set to on your eclipse and alpha? I also have the CH Eclipse yoke and am thinking about upgrading to the Alpha. I think currently mine is set to -25 for both pitch and roll in the sim but I cant settle on a value and am contantly trying different numbers for this. Also have the Just Flight Piper Arrow 3, which seems to require completly different values for JF planes. Think my profile for the PA is just left at 0 here.

[@grantwood8325]

Great video !! I just bought the yoke last week after having enough of the Logitech/ saitek yoke! looking forward to using it! Side note if ur still interested in obtaining an additional trim wheel - I have a barely used one that I will be moving as don’t need going forward let me know if ur interested! Thx

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thanks Grant. It's really a great yoke. Are you referring to the Saitek Trim wheel? If you have one for sale that's hardly used, I'd be most interested thankyou

[@grantwood8325]

@@VRFlightSimGuy hey mate apologies just realized what I have is the Flight Velocity trim wheel pro - which I understand was supposed to have same form factor as the Saitek and same size and mounting - but is not an original Saitek- apologies

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

@@grantwood8325 No worries thanks anyway :)

[@MichelvanGeel]

Thumbs up for the coffee! 👍

[@VR_Aviator]

You're not the last simmer to buy the Alpha. I want one, but rightnow my money is better spent on VR and computer upgrades. I'd probably buy the Bravo throttle first to replace my Saitek gear.

[@x-manx-man6666]

I bought it one year ago but now when I push forward yoke, plane suddenly going hard right turn and I didn't stabilse it do you know solution.?I tried every reset procedures.Its make me feel bad about yoke

[@billbaggins1688]

Wish Honeycomb had done some cost cutting with their pedals lol.

[@edcox1234]

I have the ch yolk, I have the Logitech yolk I " had" the honeycomb yolk for one day couldn't stand the pitch force! Sorry to say I returned it. The default trim buttons are also very stiff.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Hey Ed, yeah it's a tad too strong at first, but mine is starting to loosen a treat now.

[@edcox1234]

@@VRFlightSimGuy maybe I sent it back too soon?

[@murrayluker]

I thought this was a good place to ask my question. I have flown on VATSIM now and again but only in 2D mode. When flying I use skydemon as I usually fly VFR is there a way to get skydemon into the cockpit when I’m flying in VR? I doubt there is but thought I would ask.

[@rackum44]

Will the saitek throttle work with the honeycomb yoke? I want to get the bravo but I thought I would get the yoke first. I have the saitek yoke and it's very sticky when trying to flare

[@VRFlightSim]

Ah so glad you got one - awesome but of kit. I find a little bit of silicone gel on the axle, polished in, about once a month, helps to improve the fine tuning and reduce friction for the mid range when making small adjustments to pitch. Otherwise, I love the unit too... Don't know about you but my landings improved immediately upon use !

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Hey buddy nice to hear from you, I'm really pleasantly surprised by this one! Thanks for the tip and Merry Christmas :)

[@simonbaxter8585]

I was intrigued that your desk is set up for a co-pilot, not P1. I'm also conflicted over 2D for better hardware experience, or 3D for better immersion. In 2D I tend to use the Sim Innovations Air Manager instrument panels so that I don't loose the information when I look out of the windows. But then you need a bigger desk .....

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

I do need a bigger desk (and house for that matter)

[@djtaylorutube]

Yep that's tripping me out too. Need throttles on the other side. :)

[@sumitupreads]

Hi what type of computer would I need? What processor, memory or graphics required? Could you recommend a computer from Amazon that already meets those parameters

[@paulphibbs7162]

Hi Steve. I purchased the Bravo Throttle for Christmas but need to buy a new table as the one I use is too narrow. I believe a new Alpha Yoke is coming out that uses magnets for more precise movement. I use the Cessna Yoke, Pedals and Trim wheel at present. I’m interested in your success with the Trim Wheel. In Xplane, my trim wheel works perfectly. I haven’t been able to get it working as finely in MSFS - very course movement that is erratic at best. Any chance we could hook up on discord to go through how yours is set up and set mine the same?

[@larryjay]

"I haven’t been able to get it working as finely in MSFS - very course movement that is erratic at best." Me neither set my grumpy complaint above.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Hey Paul, I do have a discord, link in the notes. Cheers!

[@AGRANT716]

Is this yoke primarily focused on single prop planes

[@ComdrStew]

Don’t know how CH products last so long, since they are all plastic. I just upgraded my rudder pedals last year from my CH Pro Pedals to the Thrustmaster TPR pedals. My CH Pedals was a Christmas present from 1997. My son was born six months later to the day. I always kid with him they are older than him. The CH pedals was starting to get a little catch in them when using the left rudder, but they actually still work.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

That's pretty amazing! Yeah CH stuff, while not desirable looking, seem to last forever!

[@andrewvillela1135]

Can you mix this set up with the turtle beach rudders for PC?

[@Hotdognzz]

My CH Rudder peddles are 20 years old :)

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Mine are 15 years and still going strong ;)

[@Hyestar]

so i bought the yoke but now i dont have a way to control throttle or rudder

[@jimpinkowski3394]

What rudder pedals are you using?

[@DP-xz8xr]

Isn’t an updated Alpha yoke due in early 2022? Alpha yoke XPC?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

I believe so, will be interesting to see how the new revised version compares. Although I suspect availability will be slow to begin with.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

I got a Logitech Saitek Yoke system. Now £109 at Amazon. I immediately installed a Leo Bodnar A-D converter card to make the potentiometer sweep continuous. MSFS recognises it. Sweet as a nut. Also, the potentiometers Logitech use are 'off the shelf' items at a local electronics shop, and there is plenty of room inside to weald a soldering iron to swap them out in twenty years. Tip. For elevator trim, use the three position switch under the Throttle quadrant on the quadrant unit. BTW, you've got the TPM quadrant on the wrong side of the yoke. Right hand operates the Throttle, Pitch, Mixture, Trim and Flaps. Good God, way off centre line :-0

[@IcelandicWarrior]

Hi, thanks for a great review. You made it ~2years ago. I’m considering investing in one and wanted to know if your view changed given 2 years experience? Is the yoke still working well (and have the switches held out)?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Still going strong after LOTS of use. Thanks for watching:)

[@IcelandicWarrior]

@@VRFlightSimGuyThanks - I see a new version has been released (has a spring on the mags switch :-) and is apparently smoother to use - not sure about the switch quality though) - approx £120 more expensive than the original model (on Amazon at least) - Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls XPC

[@tekno55555]

Get the thrustmaster Boeing yoke, It’s smoother and more precise than the honeycomb.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

@@tekno55555 It's developed as an airliner yoke and I'm more into GA

[@hughdavisjr6427]

Nice video - New Sub

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thanks for the sub!

[@cbcdesign001]

A year later and I have only just bought one.

[@anthonypinder9384]

Hi Guys Just bought one Honeycomb alpha from Currys now at £148.00

[@indivestor]

Could you use this for elite or star citizen?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

I've no idea but I can't see why not.

[@GeekCanalForAll]

Hi do you have some little clicks moving close to neutral zone?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

I've just checked and no, none at all.

[@GeekCanalForAll]

@@VRFlightSimGuy ok ty it happens on my thrusmaster Boeing yoke ..just to compare

[@NateLongYt]

Should I get the alpha or the Boeing tca yoke?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Depends whether you're a GA or Airliner guy?

[@NateLongYt]

@@VRFlightSimGuy I usually fly the cj4

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

@@NateLongYt Honey Combe is best then

[@larryjay]

I like my Alpha but as of SU7, the Bravo is broken. It's trim wheel doesn't function like it should. I noted you "fly" with one hand on the yoke and one hand on the trim wheel to always keep the airplane in trim. In it's present state, I think you'll hate the Bravo Trim wheel. Maybe Asobo or some one else will give us a slider to set the number of up/down key presses that are issued for a given movement of the Bravo's trim wheel. Other wise the Bravo is excellent. But without a functioning trim wheel, I can't recommend it.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Thanks Larry very useful info

[@djtaylorutube]

You can do that work spad.next, and much more. I know it's an extra piece of software but in the grand scheme of things is nothing. You can do the same in other software which is available.

[@pilotkris7774]

Does your honeycomb make your game crash ???????

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

That's a negative 🤔

[@belgeode]

Definitely not the last flight simmer to have bought one. LOL. I have no need for it.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

With a setup like yours, I tend to agree with you ;)

[@Killswitch1411]

They did raise the price of this Yoke.. 279.99.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

I hadn't realized that.

[@Killswitch1411]

@@VRFlightSimGuy Cost of production likely went up, import tax and demand is still pretty high even this long after the release of FS.

[@mayamanign]

I have the junky Logitech. 😢

[@lovelaugh7299]

Jokes on you. My break ups lasted over 10 years

[@ericandi]

You really need the Honeycomb throttle to replace that awful Logitech throttle you have. I have both the Honeycomb yoke and throttle and I live everything about them. I do not have a single complaint.

[@kevinbrook7033]

Great video but...Honeycomb. ;-)

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

oops 😅😅

[@bryce.hooops]

@@VRFlightSimGuy have you heard anything about the alpha xpc wasn’t the preorders supposed to start by now?

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

@@bryce.hooops I've no idea sorry.

[@VRFlightSim]

P.s. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!!