WINWING Orion2 w/F-15E Throttles: Was it Worth it?

After several months of use, was the Orion2 and its F-15E throttle handles worth it?
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[@nemisis_wolf]

Hi Prickly Loved the review but you mention that there is no sensor attached to the detent lifters and you still need to mouse click or map a button to the Throttles to add fuel on start up or shut the fuel off on shut down this is not accurate the WinWing throttle has switches asigned to the Fuel cutoff/Add fuel point in the throttle movement! When you move the throttles out of the off position the throttle activates a switch on both throttles at the point that the detent reaches idle and also there are switches at the very bottom of the throttle positions that act as fuel cut off button you can map both of these points/switch positions in DCS so that you get a fully realistic start up / Shut down effect as you move the Throttles past the cut off point no need to mouse click or assign a seperate button to get the throttles in the cockpit to make that initial or final movement during start up/shut down. You can clearly see the position of these switches in the test page of the simapp pro software as you move the throttles to full shut off two green switches will high light and as you move the throttle forward to idle you will see two green switches activate at either side of the left and right throttle at the detent point. To program these to activate fuel or shut off fuel in the sim just by moving the throttles just goto the function in the DCS mapping software for set throttle to idle and move each throttle for left or right from off to idle to add fuel and you will see that the game will register button 30 to add fuel to the right engine and button 31 to add fuel to the left engine and then got the shut off function and move the throttles from Idle to OFF and you will see button no 1 asigned to fuel shut off for right engine and button 2 for the left one. Probably not explaining it too well but I'll try and put a video up on my channel to explain it as I see so many reviewers of this Throttle say the same as you that there is no way to just move the throttles into idle and start without assigning a seperate button or mouse clicking and it's just not correct information.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Great tip, thanks for that info'.

[@British_Dragon-4K-Simulations]

Yes, I can confirm this is true in DCS and it’s how I switch my F-14 and Viggen throttle/ s to the idle/ start position. I also have the detent add on and have even put the middle (Space Sim) detent in for Mil power in the F-14. It works great! I think this input also works in MSFS2020 as well but don’t quote me on that, I was very tired yesterday when binding my buttons in MSFS2020. Although I don’t have the 32x button mode turned on for that Sim.

[@redtailpilot]

Can someone confirm if this solution works successfully when starting the Strike Eagle? I'm using my Super Taurus and have the switches mapped to the finger lift settings in DCS. They work but upon reaching 26% and moving the throttle to introduce fuel, the engine never starts. The only successfully startup for me has been using a separate switch for finger lifts. I haven't tried my Orion 2, only the Super Taurus. The Orion has my F16 throttle attached. The engine shut off works properly. Maybe I'm doing something wrong

[@jaywung7616]

@@redtailpilot Yes it does work, sort of, as a workaround. Lifting the detent does not by itself activate anything. However, there is a button activated when the throttle is fully in cutoff. If you bind that button to the Throttle Cutoff binding in the DCS F-15E, it will move the throttle into cutoff AND raise the finger lift. Then when you move it slightly forward, but not into idle, the in-game finger lift is released (engaging the JFS to the engine). Finally, if you move the throttle past idle, the axis registers in DCS and the in-game throttle jumps into idle, which starts the engine. It works, but only because that's how DCS reads the throttle.

[@redtailpilot]

@@jaywung7616 Thanks for the reply. I already have that button mapped to the OFF position. Yes, I'm aware that lifting the physical detents does nothing (unfortunately WW didn't build that functionality into their throttles). There's no way to physically move my throttles "slightly forward" once it's in the cutoff position, unless I'm misunderstanding you. So, I'm not sure what you mean by that. When the WW throttle is locked in the cutoff position, you have to pull the finger lifts and your next position is Idle (which activates a button as well). There's also an "Off>Idle Hold" or something like that in the F-15E controls config screen. I tried that as well but it made no difference. Could you clarify or post your exact settings? Thanks. I'm old, so maybe I'm just not understanding what you're trying to explain 😂 OR the Super Taurus behaves differently than the Orion. The buttons (OFF and IDLE) are the same in both and I've confirmed that they register in Simapp as well as calibrated my axes and AB detent position.

[@scarletlightning565]

I just got my own Orion 2 woth Hornet grips the other day. Very happy so far, especially after adding the tiniest dab of grease to the AB detent. My mounting solution isnt the best, but that's because i need to have clearance for a collective to. Something I don't see mentioned in any review so far: the Orion 2 gives button press inputs for both OFF and IDLE positions. These are in the base, regardless of the finger lift kit and make start up binding dead simple

[@dannyd7714]

As mentioned above, you can indeed set the OFF and IDLE positions for the throttles. I've been using the Orion II for 6 months or so, and I am very pleased with it. Everything still works and feels like it did from Day 1, and coming from the TM Warthog, this was a big upgrade. More switches, the rotary encoders are especially nice to have, and the throttles themselves are far more accurate, making things like AAR and Carrier Ops easier. My main is the Mighty Tomcat, and the F/A-18 grips are perfect for that. The dual 4 way hat and push is perfect for wing sweep and radio controls. As well as all the other HOTAS controls that are found on the grips in the real jet. Worth every penny.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@lisa-azrabroad4137]

love the joystick with the F16 grip, with the throttle all the buttons you need for VR

[@angryginger791]

I'm very happy to see this review and all of the positive comments. I just ordered the Orion 2 with the 15EXII grips, along with the 16EX stick with the shaker kit. The whole shebang cost me $491 and included free shipping. I almost bought the TM Warthog, but the HOTAS kit is still going for around $550. I think I'm getting much more bang for my buck with the WinWing. The only part that may be lacking is in customer support should I have a defect, but I'm hoping that 1) it won't happen, and 2) that I can handle fixing anything that may pop up. I'm not too worried though as everyone seems to be pretty happy with the quality.

[@d1fballplayer]

One thing i dont like is the "push through" for the afterburner. It needs lubrication or its sticky. A touch of graphite on your finger rubbed on the plastic works pretty good without being a sticky mess.. just dont apply directly on it if using the powered form.. using a pencil on paper then rubbing it on your finger works too.😅 Also the tiny extra buttons on the front of the grip are in an awkward position to use and being flush its very hard to feel them. I do have a hack for this that has made those 2 buttons some of my most used! Hot glue!😂 yes, clean it well then dab it on and stretch it out to a nice long point, once cooled simply cut it down to your liking. I found that pointy being ideal to quickly locate them and press them even if your fingers arent lined up directly on the button which is a huge deal when using multiple other buttons at the same time as i use one of them for a modifier. Ordered them when released and did this "mod" immediately and its held up to 5 plus hours of near daily use. My original plan was to use the glue to see how much longer they needed to be to possibly see about making new buttons for it but the hot glue works so well and took 30seconds to do ive not bothered. For reference mine extend them about 3.5mm.. if i could do it differently id use black hot glue but being on the front one would'nt ever notice. If you dont like it, its not terribly hard to remove either, just cut down then scratch off with your finger nail

[@c.g.262]

I also made the change over about a month ago from the Warthog to the Orion F-15EX. I agree that it was worth it, while there was nothing wrong with the Thrustmaster.

[@shaneduc]

I love mine, I have it for over a year with out issue.

[@Meza240]

Thanks for this recommendation！

[@gregpruitt1647]

I recently purchased an Orion2 with F15e grips after using A-10 Warthog Throttles for many years. I made the switch because I needed more buttons. I was pleased to find out that the Orion2 throttle shares the same mounting hole pattern as the A-10 Warthog throttles. The shakers inside the handles of the F15e grips provide enjoyable tactile feedback. Comparing the Orion2 and the Warthog throttles, the Warthog throttle feels sturdier, but the lighter weight of the Orion2 is a plus. The switches are similar, but the Orion has more of them. As someone who primarily flies helicopters, I don't need the finger lifts. I feel that the Orion2 throttle is a better buy since I paid more for the Warthog throttle when it was new. Will the Orion2 throttle last as long as the Warthog throttle? Only time will tell.

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

This throttle looks great, the ability to switch the throttle grips is cool. But I already have a Virpil CM3 throttle and I find it very easy to adjust to various modules, it's more compact and there is no button on the base in front of the throttle.

[@ImpendingJoker]

I use a Saitek X56 Rhino HOTAS and I am quite happy with it. It works for any fighter or helicopter in DCS, MSFS, and IL-2, as well as Elite:Dangerous.

[@rwhunt99]

I agree with your assessment, although I can't compare it to the thrust master Wart Hog, I came from an X-56 myself. The question becomes - how good is Winwing's Customer Service, for when the inevitable happens? Also, I still use the clickable cockpit switches for somethings that I don't need to use quickly.

[@JSRJS]

I also own the Orion 2 with both the F15e and F-16 throttle handle(s). One correction. The Orion 2 is mostly metal, not plastic. The only plastic are some of the sliders and knobs and the 3 red buttons and of course the throttle handles themselves. But the base and all the structure of the Orion 2 is metal

[@nemisis_wolf]

Have to disagree with you here the Throttle base unit is 100% plastic. I've had it apart and definitely plastic both the top where the switches are and the bottom unit they sit in but high grade quality though.

[@PaddyPatrone]

For me the virpil cm3 hotas was the better choice here, basically because of ergonomics in vr. Would be hard to find all the switches & levers on the winwing hotas without seeing it.

[@otanguma]

I Can't quite get the afterburner detent on the software right for the F-16 module, despite using a couple how to's but that is my only gripe with the orion 2.

[@gopherbar]

Hi fantastic video thanks for sharing, a question, what chair/console setup do you have. Ive been looking online but cannot find anything on whats out there to buy for a flight sim setup

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

I'm using a standard office chair. I'd like a simracing flightsim chair, but the wife says no.

[@maxbest20s11]

Tempting...but my CH gear has lasted so well...though the CH throttle is a bit toltoy

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

I used to have CH products...f16 stick...it was nice enough, but wasn't a patch on the Warthog stuff from Thrustmaster I must say.

[@lisa-azrabroad4137]

Never been able to sync the afterburner throttle detent with in-game afterburner activation and never seen video to provide guidance

[@tenevas666]

Sur cette manette gaz tu utilises quoi pour les volets des avions ? sur le Wharthdog c'est a gauche mais ici je constate que ya rien de similaire pour les volets, donc baisser les volets pour le décollage ou atterrissage et pour les remonter une fois en vol.

[@MarverickGun]

Hi I have a question to ask, if I buy this accelerator can I use it to fly with an F18?

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

@@MarverickGun yes

[@USAF-AMMO-461X0]

@avengerbb1… would you mind sharing how you got the stick and throttle for 300 or were you just talking about the throttle itself?

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Just the throttle...

[@USAF-AMMO-461X0]

@@Pricklyhedgehog72 ok thanks

[@rustypope8753]

😑 Promo SM

[@fjb5894]

No. Broke after first use. The finger lift kit is made of cheap plastic. WINWING support refuses to replace it saying I was too hard on it. I spent $7k usd between myself and son. Won’t buy anything ever again.

[@Subi_Ghost]

Doubt you knew what you were doing 😂😂😂 nothing wrong with the fingerlifts

[@AvengerBB1]

Great review. I've got about 10 hours on my Orion 2 with the EX 2 grips. I'm extremely happy. The build quality is extremely solid. The software is actually laid out logically. Each axis is extremely sharp and precise. Maybe a little too much so in some places... lol I was torn between this, the TECS, and the Virpirl CM3. I couldn't pass up the price on it here in the States. Just a bit over $300 for the whole package and free shipping. I decided on the EX 2 grips because of all the extra hats and axes. More options for different birds since I fly a little bit of everything. I'm coming from two Warhog throttles. One that lasted 8 years, and my current one is at 3. I've had good luck with them so I'm hoping this Winwing can live up to them.

[@British_Dragon-4K-Simulations]

I’ve just been trying to bind my buttons with this in MSFS2020 and IL-2 BOS, since I received my Pimax Crystal and it’s been a bit of a headache. As you need to switch it to ‘32x button mode’ that only let’s you bind buttons on the handles and it doesn’t even let you bind all the buttons on the left throttle. I like to have consistent input profiles with each Sim for the same buttons and switches as it makes switching to other Sims much easier because of the muscle memory, such as landing gear, flaps, lights, parking brake, air brake and battery. This is not the fault of WinWing obviously. I just wish that MSFS2020 and IL-2 BOS updated this limitation in the simulation. I was quite surprised that MSFS2020 also had this button limitation as it’s the most modern one I’m on. I previously owned a TM Warthog HOTAS. In DCS the F15 Orion 2 throttle base and handles and the F16 stick with the Orion 2 joystick base with rumble extension has been great so far! The flight stick with the extension is so smooth! It’s just the other sims that have a problem with the hardware. Rebinding everything from the Warthog to this has been very time consuming and I just want to fly in the damn ‘Thropter from Dune in my new Pimax Crystal! Lol

[@generalgrevous2458]

Really like my Thrustmaster throttle and stick but if a company develops a reasonably priced stick with force feedback I'm on board.

[@JSRJS]

My F16 MIP unit came in today and I set it up in 30 minutes. AMAZING....2 MFD's and the F16 DED and center ICU button panel. Absolutely flawless. Worked immediately and setup was a breeze. Highly recommend. Set me back a little over $500 though but it's worth it

[@chrismoeller4517]

Glad you like it. I ended up going all Virpil a couple of years ago, back before they had the US store and had to ship from Lithuania. Specifically the Constellation-Alpha, Mongoose throttle (with finger-lifts), pedals, and the Blackhawk collective and respective desk/chair mounts. I've largely been happy with my purchase, and with the exception of the the Constellation's mini-stick x-axis recently going bad (which I use as the DMS hat in DCS for the Viper and Hog), they've held up pretty well I think. Chosen for flexibility rather than purity. If I'm unable to sort out the mini-stick, I'm contemplating replacing it with their Mongoose grip or Winwing's F-16EX grip.

[@Ginuwine-kx2iv]

Guess there are two versions of this Orion2 and the OrionT2. Didn't know that and your's looks a little different than mine. Glad you like it, I've had mine for over a year now and just one button stopped working for me. They said suck it up.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Hmmm...

[@Ginuwine-kx2iv]

@@Pricklyhedgehog72 my wing fold is not a round knob, and the three circular knobs at the back are black not gray and rotate freely with no stops (max/min) points.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

@@Ginuwine-kx2iv that's interesting. I wonder why?

[@lisa-azrabroad4137]

what I did notice is both throttles do not sync in game engine thrust levels very well especially when the lock bar is engaged, and the software calibration does nothing

[@SDsc0rch]

Q: is the radar elevation control dial spring loaded to the center??

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

no, unfortunately...