Review: VKB Gladiator NXT Flight Stick (Premium, Right-Handed Version)

[@eleshar]

Your review pushed me over the edge and made me by this stick :)

[@techchanneld1113]

Happy to hear this helped! Enjoy the stick! :)

[@DrPet80]

I have 2 VKB sticks (left and right) and those are my 2nd and 3rd most prefered sticks in my life! if you know what i mean...

[@DaringDan]

Really solid review.

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks!

[@SargeantKoranFlusher]

I have the premium Gladiator....... good stick!

[@techchanneld1113]

Happy to hear you're enjoying yours :)

[@miltonhines7831]

I just ordered this stick this morning after putting the Raptor Mach II back in the mail for the UK. The Raptor just collapsed to the point that the centered stick was noisier than an earthquake. And performed the same. Hopefully the adjustability of this VKB will make those issues moot.

[@techchanneld1113]

The EVO version of the stick is even better from what I heard. Have fun!

[@chartphred1]

Thank you, definitely interested in your FS2020 profile.

[@techchanneld1113]

Hi David, just got back from a few days break from work. I'll look into this and get back to you.

[@ShadowGirl-]

"and doesn't come with spare springs" *video shows image clearly indicating both versions have "spare springs"* What it's missing is the different spring weights, the premium version includes lighter and heavier pull springs to adjust tension. But both have spare medium springs.

[@techchanneld1113]

Good catch, thanks!

[@Wbroach24]

All the hats are 5 way, they all have a whole hat button press. I love my NXT'S I have right and left premiums and their T-rudder pedals. I Play Star Citizen mostly but, may get into other games that have flying in them soonish.

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks! Somebody noted the 5-way hats in the comments. I considered getting the T-rudder pedals too. Might pick it up later in the year. :)

[@baczek3233]

Is twist axis blockable by screw?

[@Wbroach24]

@@baczek3233 I think so I just don't have it installed in mine

[@baczek3233]

@@Wbroach24 Cause I consider buying ruddler pedals and I'm thinking if thats possible. Cause in older version you cold block it with a screw.

[@Wbroach24]

@@baczek3233 I ended up getting VKB's T rudder pedals lol I still don't have twist locked although may do that on my right one unless I can think of something to use the bind for 🤔

[@ChristopherM]

They're 5-way hats. Up, Down, Left, Right, and Push.

[@techchanneld1113]

Right, thanks for the correction!

[@NoRegret08]

I have never tried or seen either of these sticks, but one of the reasons I ordered Gunfighter MK III Ultimate over Gladiator NXT Evo is because that middle 5-way hat switch (on NXT EVO) is below the analog switch. I wanted to use that analog switch as POV to look around the cockpit and I suppose that 5-way hat switch would be in the way. They should have made that middle 5 way hat switch into 8-way hat switch on the NXT or placed the analog switch in the middle instead of that 5-way hat.

[@techchanneld1113]

Agree that the ergonomics of the Gunfighter's great! Hope VKB finally gets around to releasing the TECS throttle to go with it. One advantage of the NXT is that it already has a small, but very usable throttle at the base and still offers a very good experience if you have limited desk space. That being said, I wonder how it would be like if they had a Gunfighter handle with the NXT base.

[@NoRegret08]

@@techchanneld1113 I ordered Gunfighter MK III Ultimate edition tabletop. Its so expensive, but I do not need the NXT base since I have Thrustmaster TWCS throttle and my desk space is limited. I need a comfortable POV hat since I can't buy TRACK IR because I sit 8 feet way from the LG CX 55"

[@techchanneld1113]

​@@NoRegret08 I have the same throttle and agree it's a great setup. I use a webcam with Steam's ViewTracker for POV and it works great for me. You can try that.

[@NoRegret08]

@@techchanneld1113 Thank you . I sit 8 feet away from LG CX 55”. Do you think it will still work if I buy a very expensive webcam ? I can’t really put the webcam in front of the TV because it will block the screen . Maybe to the side or on top of the LG CX ? The 8 feet distance from the screen is the reason I can’t buy Track IR

[@techchanneld1113]

@@NoRegret08 That's pretty far, but some webcams like Nexigo's N940P allows some zooming in and it should work with Viewtracker. You can have a look at those.

[@BojanBojovic]

Thanks, this was just what I wanted to know. I would like to have only the stick for simplicity so I wanted to know if it is possible to fly without the throttle piece.

[@techchanneld1113]

Welcome! Glad the review was able to help you out :)

[@gilchecksix]

I have the Gladiator Mk2. The best joystick for this price.

[@techchanneld1113]

I've heard good things about that stick and it was priced well too. Too bad it got discontinued too soon.

[@AdminVortex762]

Nice review. :) Do you have to allocate functions in the Joystick software? I thought you could do it within MSFS?

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks! You define how the stick controls function with the software, but map it to the controls you want within MSFS. :)

[@wee6838]

haha I'm getting this stick in a few months and I have the Thrustmaster TWCS

[@techchanneld1113]

Congrats! I upgraded from the Airbus Sidestick which is another version of the TWCS. :)

[@saemonnosukesanada473]

Hello, Awesome review. Your review made me want to order this stick. 2 questions regarding your aliexpress order: - did you use door to door? (DHL?) -how long did it took for the stick to delivered? Thanks!

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks @Saemonnosuke! AliExpress shipped mine via FedEx and it took aroun d 10 days for mine to arrive. Where are you based?

[@saemonnosukesanada473]

Philippines sir

[@techchanneld1113]

@@saemonnosukesanada473 - it should just take around the same time then. I paid a total of P8300 for mine. :)

[@saemonnosukesanada473]

Good to know that FedEx does door to door. Thank you very much! More power to your channel.

[@techchanneld1113]

@@saemonnosukesanada473 Thanks bro!

[@npntube6847]

Your review pulled me away from Logitech X56 to better start with the Gladiator. The small controls for the throttle could be good enough for first flights w/o need for a complete HOTAS?

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks! Yes it's very precise. My TWCS Throttle broke down for a while so I used the Gladiator throttle as backup. It worked pretty well as plane throttle and chopper collective, though I did miss the rest of my controls mapped to my TWCS.

[@npntube6847]

@@techchanneld1113 I see! I ordered my Gladiator in the meanwhile and pretty excited… my thoughts are also going around the super promising TECS throttle, will it ever happen…

[@techchanneld1113]

@@npntube6847 Enjoy bro! I sure hope too that VKB finally gets around to releasing the TECS throttle system eventually.

[@alexkupfer9171]

Thanks for the good review! I want to buy the VKB NXT. As i am coming from sim racing, i am completely new to flight sims. I really don't know what are the minimum analog input requirements to fly comfortably. In a sim rig tour video from youtuber gamermusclevideo i saw, that i can substitute (more or less) the flight rudder pedals with my existing racing pedals (clutch and gas have the same resistance and travel distance). Keeping that in mind, is it enough to just buy the joystick and use its integrated throttle and these two dial wheels? I want to mount the joystick in my sim rig between my legs. So in this position i could use the integrated throttle an two dial wheels with the other hand. Is this a good idea? Which advantage would an external throttle add in this scenario? I want to try MSFS2020, IL2, Star Wars Squadrons (don't have the time for DCS and Star Citizen). My main focus is sim racing, but i also want to have some fun with flight sims and don't want to spend several hundreds of euros... Would be really nice to hear your opinion!

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks for the comment Alex! You could use the NXT completely on its own for MSFS, IL2, Squadrons and even DCS and it would be completely sufficient given the stick's precision and available controls. Having a throttle just allows more controls at your fingertips and a more immersive experience, but it's not a must-have to be able to fly comfortably in any of those games. It's a very versatile stick that can be used on its own if you have limited budget and space, but it can work just as well if you decide to invest in a full-blown HOTAS/cockpit setup later. Hope that helps!

[@Wbroach24]

Star Citizen is pretty great JS 😆

[@F.A.S.D]

Hello sir, i know this was a very old video but i hope you still reply to this. I want to ask sir currently in my country the only Gladiator NXT evo available is the F-14 combat version, my question is it also have standar and premium version or just premium version? Also does the F-14 version have omni throttle too?

[@techchanneld1113]

Hello, seems that model doesn't have a premium or standard version and it doesn't come with the Omni Throttle. That's bought separately.

[@bobgoat5994]

Was about to buy one until I saw that the shipping price to the US is $45.

[@techchanneld1113]

Hi Bob, thanks for this. You can try getting it directly from VKB North America (vkbcontrollers.com/?product_cat=vkb-joysticks-and-rudders). I edited the description to include these links.

[@bobgoat5994]

@@techchanneld1113 Yeah that's where I priced it out but that doesn't seem to really matter because it all comes from china, as their FAQ says "At this time, we only offer drop shipping* directly from VKB HQ’s warehouse in China". So i would be stuck with fedex for $34 which i refuse to use as 90% of our fedex packages get lost or heavily damaged, and DHL is $40 and at the moment i can barely justify spending that much on a just a joystick, especially when almost 25% of the cost is in shipping alone. its of lesser quality but it would probably make more sense for me to get an x52 at $150 which is a whole hotas setup and i can get with free shipping.

[@techchanneld1113]

​@@bobgoat5994 - Ouch, sorry to read about that. I didn't go through the US side process. Seems it's also the only way to get one there at the moment after seeing the posts on the forums. With that, the x52 may make better sense at the moment. Various users have reported on QC issues with that unit, so just give it a thorough test. Otherwise, it's a solid option and offers a lot of control for the price. Good luck!

[@trackhos]

Thanks for the review. I'm also based in the Phils, and wondering how much was shipping and customs ordering this stick from AliExpress? TIA for the info :)

[@techchanneld1113]

Hi trackhos, shipping was an additional $34 at the time, with no customs taxes or fees since it was below P10,000. :)

[@aybaws]

I'm in Thailand and I bought this stick from Ali Express, shipping was around $29 and plus 7% import tax on original $150 price.

[@techchanneld1113]

@@aybawsHow are you finding your NXT so far? We don't pay Customs duties if the item is less than US$200 in the Philippines.

[@aybaws]

@@techchanneld1113 I had the Gladiator NXT for around two months and it works wonders. I got it to replace my old T.16000M Stick and I could say that the Gladiator is much, much better. The amount of buttons, the smoothness of the stick, twist, encoders, throttle wheel, and its customizability. It’s great, that’s all I have to say.

[@techchanneld1113]

@@aybaws Happy to hear you're also enjoying yours. I hope VKB finally releases the throttle they've been developing the past 2 years already. If it's as good as their sticks, I can retire my TWCS Throttle. :)

[@reload54]

Wonder if I could use this stick with an X52 throttle?

[@techchanneld1113]

Windows should recognize it as a separate controller like how it is with the TWCS throttle. It should work well!

[@reload54]

@@techchanneld1113 thanks

[@somborcalling]

Hi Tech, do you know how to set axis on the Gladiator Premium? To set axes be less linear and more exponential? Thank you in advance!

[@techchanneld1113]

VKBConfig allows you to set axis, but not sure if you can set it work more exponentially from there. Best to check the VKB Forums for this one. I do know you can do this with games like MSFS since those offer axes adjustments via curves, so you can also have a look at the games you'll use it for something similar. :)

[@ichmensch5986]

Hello, I use both in Elite Dangerous and unfortunately the curve settings don't work, only when I turn off the throttle does the joystick work properly sorry for google translation 😂

[@CarlitoJr408]

I was ready to buy this for elite dangerous... What do you mean curve settings? I have no idea about flight stuff lol

[@ichmensch5986]

@@CarlitoJr408 It's about adjusting how fast the joystick reacts, so fine-tuning to your taste

[@unknown_-ed2rs]

what throttle are you using? i know you don't need one for this stick but I would like to have one for immersion and more buttons.

[@techchanneld1113]

I use a TWCS throttle which is relatively inexpensive and works really well. I reviewed that here kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5yYpaekf9yGpdk.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Thinking about getting a pair of these for mostly space sims. But I’d like to know what you think about the analog thumbstick? I’d like to maybe use them for character controls like on a console controller. That way I won’t have to switch to a controller or mouse and keyboard when on foot.

[@techchanneld1113]

I find the analog thumbstick is accurate and precise as a freelook stick and have it mapped as that for all my other sims, but I've yet to find a game that allows me to remap it for character controls like how you describe. I might miss being able to hold it down like I could on an Xbox one controller since it's currently a toggle switch for the thumbstick. (it shifts it to a plain 8-way hat switch and back) I think it could work pretty well for that if you can map it.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@techchanneld1113 There is software that lets you use the inputs for any device and assign it to to any mouse, keyboard or controller binding. So it should work, as its basically tricking Windows into thinking its an Xbox controller input. It might seem like I'm after this for the lols, but there is a legitimate reason why I want this. I can't actually play on a regular Xbox or PlayStation style controller for long. If I spend more than a couple of hours with my arms together like you need to do holding a controller, I wind up getting more and more aching pain in my chest. Longest I can do is 3 hours (maybe 4 hours at a push) before its to uncomfortable too keep playing. I can't even type on a normal keyboard for long, had to get a split keyboard. As a result there is a lot of games that I want to play, but I wind up passing on them because they're best played with a controller. (the Switch with the Hori Split Pad Pro has been a godsend thanks to how wide my arms are apart with it lol) I can play mouse and keyboard games all day and I can play flight or space sims all day too as my arms aren't together for hours. I currently use two ancient Saitek Cyborg Evo sticks for space sims (and Mechwarrior XD, piloting a giant robot with Hosas feels badass lol) and I can play on them all day too. But they don't have any thumbsticks, just a hat switch, so I've never been able to use them for non-sim games (I have tried, the hats are useless for character controls and the sticks themselves are too clunky, too inaccurate and have too much dead zone for it to work).

[@techchanneld1113]

@@RainMakeR_Workshop Thanks for sharing this, no worries at all, and sorry to read about your chest pain issues. Hoping there's treatment or therapy that will help with it, but it's good to know tech is giving ways to work around various ergonomic use cases. Seeing your question, I looked around and saw games like Star Citizen or Subnautica that might have this kind of mixed gameplay and thought it would be for those. I get it might be less clunky not needing to switch between controllers. I'll keep your question in mind for another video on the NXT. :)

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@techchanneld1113 Sadly I've had this issue for a few years now, so its permanent. But honestly, for the most part its pretty easy to work around. Plus its not a really bad pain or anything, its just an aching feeling that builds up. I also have to have my arms together for a couple of hours before its even an issue. I can still drive without issue, I can still hug the missus. I just can't use a normal keyboard or console controller. Oh it absolutely IS for mixed control games like Star Citizen. I do find switching from sticks to mouse and keyboard a pain in the neck (sure its fairly quick, but it still takes you out of it). But Its just also something that I think I can get genuine use out of for other games, that I've had to pass on due being optimised for console controls and not being available on Switch. Plus there are several games that I can play by using a console controller in my left hand and a mouse in my right hand. Sadly most split controllers for PC are overpriced for what they are. But I would be willing to pay for Flightsticks that can pull double duty as split controllers. Especially since I love space sims and mech piloting games and want to upgrade my current sticks anyway. If you ever get a second one VKB stick for the other hand, I'd love to see you give it a try.

[@techchanneld1113]

@@RainMakeR_Workshop Glad to know it's at least not getting worse and you're able to manage it well. Not sure if I'll get a left-handed NXT since it felt weird when I did that with the TCA Airbus Sidestick, but do stay tuned. :)

[@mcwally514]

What is the difference between this gladiator vs gunfighter mk III? Aside from the price

[@techchanneld1113]

Gunfighter Mark III has more controls on-stick and options for hardware customizations over the NXT like changeable cams, grips, etc. Get that if you have a specific setup in mind for your home cockpit. The NXT is more of a step up from the Logitech 3D Pro or T16000.

[@mcwally514]

@@techchanneld1113 thanks for the reply.. i have no prior stick experience. First timer. Love you for replying.😘

[@danroko9364]

Hello; Can you pair this stick with a set of rudder pedals, specifically either CH Products, or Thrustmaster pedals? ....And if so, does that knock out using a separate throttle set? Thanks.

[@techchanneld1113]

Yes you can. I actually used mine with racing pedals working as rudder and it worked pretty well. Just make sure it has the needed connections as it doesn't have any pass through ports for other peripherals. It doesn't need a separate throttle quadrant, but it's always better for immersion to have one. :)

[@RudeRaptor]

@ 1:57 "level of resistance is just right, " So what does that mean just right for you? Every player is different . You could have reference the resistance 1-10, but instead it's just right....your taste.

[@techchanneld1113]

Just right means it's not a 1 nor a 10. YMMV. I have no idea what other players may find soft or hard for their preferences.

[@RudeRaptor]

@@techchanneld1113 No disrespect but you set a standard ( the stick tension to the point where the base tilts. just for example. ) Nor did you mention stick tension is adjustable for all players taste or not. I assume it isnt .

[@RudeRaptor]

@_MaxCaulfield_ That's typically how resistance is adjusted

[@craftshow3477]

Does the vkb have its own amazon store?

[@techchanneld1113]

No unfortunately. You need to buy the stick from VKB's store page on AliExpress - www.aliexpress.com/store/3023007?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_864772585.0

[@ryanr6240]

Do most people use flight stick on right and throttle on left or vice versa? I want to buy a VKB Gladiator but am not sure if I should buy the left or right hand stick

[@techchanneld1113]

Hi Ryan, this is really more of a personal preference rather than a general rule. It will all boil down to which hand you're most comfortable with in using a flight stick.

[@turb0nasty887]

Are they xbox compatible

[@techchanneld1113]

Nope, unfortunately. Somebody already tried. www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/qka4ga/vkb_nxt_on_xbox_series_sx/

[@chartphred1]

Any chance you can repost your custom profile - comes up with heiroglypic characters in a text file.

[@techchanneld1113]

Hi David, just saw your other message on this. I'll look into it and get back to you.

[@techchanneld1113]

Here's my MSFS 2020 profile: drive.google.com/file/d/10D4jMc_2FOiKjA-u8g-ArJWCMjDi5s2c/view?usp=sharing As an added note, I keep the default sensitivity for all planes, and I only adjust the sensitivity curves (-75% on all axes) when I fly the Airbus 135 mod by Hype Performance Group. Linking to this highly recommended add-on here. flightsim.to/file/8970/airbus-h135-helicopter-project I personally find it easier to control the chopper cyclic this way, but YMMV. :)

[@ramygjerde6574]

Did you adjust the curves at all in MSFS or were they at 0?

[@techchanneld1113]

Thanks for the question. Didn't have to adjust it, but that's just me. You may want to tinker with the curves depending on how the stick feels for you in the game.

[@ramygjerde6574]

@@techchanneld1113 that sounds promising. Im looking for a stick that will let me fly with fully linear curves or close to that without being too twitchy

[@techchanneld1113]

@@ramygjerde6574 I can definitely say the Gladiator allows me to control the planes in the game very precisely. I had to dial in some deadzones with my old Logitech 3D Pro. Not needed with the NXT for me in any of the sims I used it with.

[@vadash9107]

Is there any bind for download for MFS2020 and VGB Gladiator Premium?

[@techchanneld1113]

@vadash - Unfortunately there isn't any. But once you save yours, its tied to your Steam or MS profile, so it will always get loaded with your account across reinstalls.

[@anttiruo]

Just a warning. This stick has very unequal damping. In my stick there is a lot of damping forward, and little to the rear. A lot of damping to the left and little to the right. This is obviously due to the fact that it's done by damping grease and it's impossible to make it equal to all directions. I don't like it and can't recommend this stick. I did take the gimbal apart and put some more Nyogel but that didn't help.

[@techchanneld1113]

Is it still under warranty? Haven't had that experience with my unit, but feel free to message VKB through their forums for more info on this or for an RMA if support doesn't resolve it for you.

[@Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un]

"Premium" Laughs in Virpil

[@nicobehrndt4650]

I have 2Sticks(L+R) and i use 'JoytoKey' for maping the input, works great

[@techchanneld1113]

You mean you replaced the middle stick with another analog one from VKB?

[@nicobehrndt4650]

@@techchanneld1113 no. I just have 2Joysticks from them(Gladiator NXT Premimum Left and Right) + the Software 'JoytoKey' were you can setup mousemovement, mousebuttons or keyboardbuttons for each input that you make with the joystick. That was a missbuy i think lol. I thought it would be cool when i use the left Joystick for the w-a-s-d input, it works but i must got use to it. I did not use them much yet😬

[@techchanneld1113]

If that doesn't work, you can try using the omnithrottle add-on by VKB for the left stick. Looks great to use for space sims. 👍

[@sugma-lucious]

I'm looking for a stick to use primarily for Battlefield titles, and also to use in Ace Combat. I assume this stick is a good option? It looks the best out of all I have seen so far. Does anyone use this for battlefield?

[@johnnytrongaming]

I have binded my stick to battlefield. I was unable to get both of my nxt’s to bind as it seems like bf4 only allows one joystick input. Not sure if there’s a workaround I’m missing. But short answer is yes you can.

[@greengamerguy623]

how is your stuff so dusty

[@techchanneld1113]

LOL. At least you know it's a long-term review of the stick. :) It gets mighty dusty in Manila.