Thrustmaster Viper TQS Unboxing and Test Flight

[@George-vm6tl]

My business partner Bob Carter (RIP) created the HOTAS at Thrustmaster which he started in the mid 1990's. We built the first game that used it , "Back to Baghdad". It's fun to watch how far this product has evolved. Congratulations Thrustmaster, Bob would be thrilled to see this.

[@trueclassiccars]

I was fortunate to fly the Brazilian Air Force F5 simulator outside of Santa Cruz Brazil. That base was used in the 1930s for the Hindenburg to dock. As luck would have it I had been using the original Thrustmaster stick and it was similar to the F5 controller. I aced their scenario testing. They were gracious to award me a certificate of completion signed by the squadron commander and base commander. Good memories.

[@jhmcglynn]

Did you see that the “Cradle of Aviation” Museum on Long Island put an F-14 on display? I worked on the F-14 project while at Grumman from 1967 till 1970. I was initially a summer intern at Grumman Computer Engineering before starting my Junior year at NY Institute of Technology. At 76 I’m still flying N519SM RANS S-19 that I finished building 2 years ago👨‍✈️.

[@DCSHacks]

THAT WAS AWESOME! I was afraid that Mooch had 'Lost that loving' feeling' on DCS. Nice to have you back and super impressed you did some homework on the Viper! Keep em' coming!

[@ParkerUAS]

Thrustmaster controls have really leapt forward in the past 5 or so years. They were always good, but the level of precision now is as good as anything in Level D Full Motion sim. There is a Part 135 charter operation on my airport that has three "sim pits" set up in their pilot lounge/briefing room. One is fitted with Boeing Yoke, one with the Airbus Captain Pack, and one with the Warthog HOTAS. There is something amusing to watching Challenger 604 crews dogfighting in DCS while waiting on passengers to show up for a trip,

[@richardhockey8442]

'This is the captain speaking... any of you ever experienced a split-s?'

[@TheNapalmFTW]

I just watched a 15 minute advert and I'm not even mad. Thanks ward.

[@Brees1986]

I owned one of the first Thrustmasters back in college in the early 90’s. It was an absolutely amazing piece of tech, relative to everything else that was available. There were mod kits you could buy to stiffen the springs and change out the potentiometers. Glad to see they are keeping up. They were an innovator.

[@RW-zn8vy]

They aren’t keeping it out though, literally so many other brands are better than them.

[@ILruffian]

@@RW-zn8vyAgree. They are behind the curve now. And overpriced compared to the competition.

[@williamedmonds9581]

You touched on 3 different phases of my enlisted military career. I was a Tomcat Airframer in VF-154 from 97-01. Then I went to the Air Force and was a KC-135R Crew Chief from 01-06. After that I was unwilling cross trained to a Drone Crew Chief at Creech AFB for 6 weeks and was stuck with drones until I retired in 2018.

[@Vortex31415]

Love the Viper work, Mooch! Keep up the great DCS content. Appreciate your thoughts on the TQS; I just pre-ordered mine.

[@WardCarroll]

Enjoy it

[@tayzonday]

My MS Flight Simulator installation is 2 Terabytes 😳 . . . And I’m still just keyboard/mouse. I should get more hardware

[@MergedSimulations]

bro what

[@Pellenkeller]

Let’s get Tay Zonday into DCS lol

[@KayoMichiels]

You should check your global map download limit

[@_vr]

Tay is just ALL OVER INTERNET. I love it! FIAT FIRE!

[@rydenclancy9519]

I love simulators but just getting started in RC planes. A totally new concept to control something from a point of view other than the cockpit.

[@iandavidson99]

You should try flying RC planes FPV style

[@Lupinthe3rd.]

I would love to see you Ward one day play the old arcade game afterburner as the seat moved with each movement of the jet.

[@johnnyp5573]

Now Thrustmaster needs to make a full F-14 HOTAS setup!!!

[@baconatoromg6062]

I'll go broke buying one

[@MavicAir1]

Having trouble not flying that plane.

[@aquamich129]

honestly, how many would buy vintage stuff? would be more intersting to have more mdoern jet. One day maybe an F35 in DCS? a rafale or something top nutch

[@digitalvictory8266]

Aaahh, that Shaw jet is a thing of beauty!!! I was stationed there in '86, and we had three squadrons of them (16th, 17th and 19th TFS). Great memories!

[@iamrichrocker]

well made..well packaged..we should support companies such as this..and dig the animal lovers amongst us..

[@williamparrish673]

With crew support like that you can go confidently in harms way. MAN! Ward. I am so out of touch ,I had no idea this level of stuff was available.

[@zachrengifo932]

I just found out military flight sims with set ups like this was a thing for consumers I always thought stuff like this was for military training or something lol. I always known about Microsoft flight sim and some of the crazy set ups but this is next level

[@letsridehard]

More DCS videos please! 🙏😎

[@charlesballard5251]

DAMN!!! I thought TM was out of business!!! Glad to see they are still alive. Great vid.

[@jamesmcd71]

I really want one. But I will never pay $500+ for a throttle stick. These insane prices will never come down if you keep paying these crazy prices.

[@hook86]

Then you will keep missing out. That's always been around the price point premium sim gear. You have to pay to play.

[@math1ass10]

Thats where winwing orion 2 comes in. The base version of the orion 2 throttle costs around 220 euro, and the f16 version costs around 300 if i remember corectly. This is euro prices tho, they might vary for difrent regions.

[@Bryan-cd9cl]

Sry bro but u wrong...500 dollars but hé gonna be there 20 years later..so for that Point of view...flying with your hotas every couple of day over 20 years.. it's cheap

[@jamesmcd71]

@math1ass10 I got my winwing in yesterday. $517.00 US with shipping. I ordered it Thursday night, and it was delivered by FedEx on Monday afternoon. It was 30%, but it's still $200 cheaper than a Thrustmaster set up. And it's much better in every aspect.

[@math1ass10]

@@jamesmcd71 exactly

[@LoydChampion]

Pretty trick set-up. Never knew you could get such a complete set-up simulator.

[@johnwallace4408]

Safe flying, Ward!

[@jedisdad2265]

Drahthaar is one of my favorite breeds I have had 3 of them in my life. Missing my last one dearly. Xerra was a great hunter and companion.

[@C6v1999]

Great review. You should really consider buying a Virpil Warbird joystick base (it works with TM grips). The feel and precision is so much better than my TM Warthog joystick base that I will never use the TM base again.

[@eustacequinlank7418]

I think he mentioned he was using one a while back. He may have pulled out trusty TM for the video! Warbrd D is fantastic with the TM F18 and 16 grips though. Each company seems to have its highs on "lows". I want more TM sticks. I wouldn't mind a Su-30 or a Mig-29grip either, you can get them custom made, but beyond my willingness to pay. I'm still rather happy with the Cougar TQS and the Warthog throttles. I wonder about modding the Warthog, but I think for each mod I think of, I'll more likely place toward and new throttle when the time comes.

[@jfiery]

I just got the Viper EX from Winwing and love it. It has a lot more switches and buttons but the base is the generic WinWing one. I won't be switching but really would have considered this had it been available.

[@bjrnchrstn]

Don't worry, you bought the right one. No need for expensive plastic TM junk.

[@jfiery]

@@bjrnchrstn good to know.

[@SDsc0rch]

ward, you're giving me ideas...... (this is gonna be expensive!)

[@HimmelGanger]

Is that Sailor on the couch doing the potato impression?

[@agidotexe7167]

Decker is the ultimate wingman and sailor in one hell of a rio

[@dpjordan75]

Omg that's amazing! You are very blessed to have such an awesome setup. Well worth the money!

[@Bruce_Warren]

Nice Fam-Hop and throttle demo Sir, Thanks!

[@craigh1790]

Another Mooch gear video...its like I've died and gone to heaven.

[@tap_water872]

Need more DCS videos

[@edwardbentley]

That looks like an awesome setup and the stick interface is great. You have convinced me to get your same sim and Thrustmaster TQS. Back in the day Falcon 4.0 was the best and I used Thrustmaster HOTAS. This looks like a lot of fun.

[@glennstasse5698]

I have almost no idea what’s going on here but it sure fascinates me. I don’t know where DCS comes from but it’s more than some weekend hack. It looks like you don’t have much chance of getting it all without actual experience such as Wards. In addition to building out the cockpit the guitar garden is growing nicely.

[@ndr226]

Now that's a clear and to the point review.

[@jackshittle]

I remember in the 80's when I was in middle school I bought a book about military aircraft and when it got to the F-16 it said that the F-16 is the only fighter that can keep accelerating while going vertical. Not sure how accurate that was but for whatever reason I think of that every time I ever saw an F-16.

[@thomasnelson2463]

Your setup is off the chart, I'd love to have one just like it, but I don't have room for it. I was a boom operator on KC-135A's a long time ago. I noticed at around the 12:06 mark as you eased up into the pre-contact position, the boom was down, but the Boomer's sighting door is closed. I doubt that it is possible to even lower the boom with the door closed, it is literally the first "prep for contact" check list item after hooking up to oxygen and radio!

[@AndrewSkow1]

11:26 Reminds me of that scene in Apollo 13 with the air filters. Why would different branches want to be able to refuel each others aircraft in war?

[@ramses2797]

I got mine on pre order can't wait till October 11th

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Nice flying there Ward.

[@donrumsey]

Just received my STECS Standard throttle. Programming now. Need to upgrade my Stick. I fly mainly Hornet C module. But have the A-10 & Strike Eagle

[@clydeberry8523]

In the DCS F-16 I recall optimal rate speed to be 430 knots

[@WonTONgaming218]

Huge fan Ward! Thank you for the in-depth review. Appreciate what you do sir.

[@greekveteran2715]

Dassault Rafale and F-16 Viper,are my favorite!!!

[@6omega2]

I love how you call analog instruments "steam gauges." I somehow got through a dozen years in the USAF without ever hearing that. LOL!

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

this thing looks badass, i want to try one, i know what ill be saving up for this next year ! and i love your fuzzy assistants such cute doggos !

[@mikeserds2333]

Dont, get the Winwing one for higher quality. The WinWing f16 throttle also looks much more authentic and are cheaper

[@RW-zn8vy]

@@mikeserds2333the winding one does not look as authentic but either way both tm and winning can be plagued with issues and both have horrible customer service

[@archiehenderson2744]

Love your pups 🐶.

[@doncrawford1255]

Wow. That is so awesome, Thankyou for sharing this, I really appreciate it

[@MrBumbles2]

sweet im working on new system being in lost my whole f16 cockpit to a fire. will never replace my access to singer link f16 sim. the real deal. was nice having access for years being my step father flew around the world setting up sims for singer link. was getting by with the thrustmaster for ace combat , but its time to do a serious upgrade like you have. would work great for my f16c flight sim. so its new computer time and cockpit time. cha ching.

[@cltnc571]

Sailor had that "oh great, nothing but video games for hours to come" look.

[@ainsleystones4600]

Hello Ward! Thanks for the cool video as always. 🙂🙂 It's always a real recommendation for a human being (in the Stones household anyway!) if you can see dogs, aircraft stuff and musical equipment in the same room. You'd feel at home here too!

[@tanberjan]

Great to see some more DCS content! Will you be getting the new Heatblur Phantom F4E? Looks absolutely incredible in the trailer!

[@power21100]

WARD CARROLL! YOU"RE A NERD AND I LOVE IT!

[@dudehuh5491]

you going to give your support team some stick time !

[@rongamblin2107]

Nov. 4 23 Thank you Ward. Excellent

[@PhilipMReeder]

02:48 Just my observation, I've always thought that the 2-seat versions of the F-16, A-4, A-6, Rafale, Mirage (various) as well as the Prowler (4 seat) among others are more aesthetically pleasing than single seat or 2 seat Intruder aircraft.

[@anthonyhershko]

Amazing video as always!!

[@Thomasnmi]

Wow, you are into this in a big way.

[@famlrnamemssng]

He's a former Tomcat RIO so of course he is

[@RW-zn8vy]

Very nice review ward

[@giamma3605]

bro.. what a setup!

[@cheddar2648]

We have come a long way since Falcon 3.0, geez. 😳

[@matthewrank109]

DCS being flown by a real pilot is just next level cool

[@HevyGee]

Thank you for the review! are you digging your Odyssey Ark?

[@pi.actual]

I've literally just started down this wormhole and yes, DCS is THE MOST EXPENSIVE "free" product ever devised by man. I've bucked the advice and other than maps and terrain I have only bought the F14 and the P51. The cool thing about the F14 is that you can let Iceman take over and learn the whole RIO shtick as well but learning the pilot's seat is one steep curve in itself. I'm not entirely convinced that the tech advancements have made it possible for a single guy to beat a good team of two guys (or girls) when the s h t f.

[@MaxOVRLRD]

Nice video! You should use a stabilizer for your video. I had just watched a video right before yours where they used video stabilizer and much less jittery.

[@86309]

Ward, get in the habit of not having the boards out on landing until touchdown roll and the nose is dropping. use max aero brake first on the mains until you run out of el authority.

[@DSherman911]

Love the new toy. Nice shirt! Hoping the one I gave you makes an appearance soon. 😂🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@karabinas]

Nice setup

[@hunt_club_1]

love your companions😀

[@jd8690]

You’re well on your way to being a viper, aggressor pilot

[@evolgenius1150]

The slapswitch for countermeasures is cool, but I think I'll go with the WinWing

[@milesfinch]

Dear Mr Ward Carroll, were you appropriately attired for flight operations??!! ;-)

[@rainerbowden2714]

Hey, you should reach out to Winwing too see if you can test out their Orion 2 Base and F-18 Throttle. Im sure they would be happy to send one over to complement your setup!

[@bjrnchrstn]

Would never use the TM plastic junk then anymore.

[@rainerbowden2714]

what?@@bjrnchrstn

[@RW-zn8vy]

@@bjrnchrstnif that’s the case then why do most creatures use thrustmaster Virpil basically you rarely seen anyone but the general consumer( who probably can’t afford anything better) use Winwing

[@glenncooper3524]

Have you ever checked out growling sidewinder? He's become an outstanding DCS player I've been watching him from the beginning like I've been watching you since 20k subs. Love your channel

[@drewjames8594]

Greased it! Almost like you’ve done that before..

[@HoundDogMech]

What Viseo Software are you using and what are your aidio settings? I ask because the audio is eminating through both my front speakers and My surround speakers of my older Vizio SB3651 e6b Surround system I use as a speaker system on my 50" UHDTV as a second monitor to my ASUS Gaming Laptop.

[@merkury06]

Now I want one!

[@schellenberg_pro]

Чрезвычайно интересно!!!

[@Edward135i]

I love watching retired military pilots play DCS, just like when Aaron Amick from Sub Brief plays sub games like cold waters.

[@gijoe775th6]

love the dogs

[@MikeLitoris66]

At least it has a proper axis for radar. Always hated the Warthogs "mouse nipple". Had to replace it with a proper slew mod which costed me about 80€

[@stevensutton2252]

Now all we need to do this is a joke just get him the afterburner seat so it shakes and rolls F-14 arcade games seat

[@go5582]

Hi handsome & puppies. Great looking set up. Have you considered using varjo vr headset?

[@daemon.mythos]

From your experience, do you prefer a side-stick or a center-stick when flying?

[@mraeromech]

Ward, My six year old grandson loves naval aviation and every time he comes to visit us we take him to the Midway here in San Diego. I’d like to start him on a flight sim. Hopefully for iPad. Any suggestions? Thanks for your service

[@iammorpheus7345]

I am sending mine back due to as they say "abnormal input." So my RDR cursor, antenna elevation knob, and about 3 more while moving my throttle back and forth. Let's see what happens with let you know.

[@lodragan]

Nice review!

[@marcelgordijn1400]

looks amazing

[@GDViperWorks]

How much of the grip, switches and grip connector are plastic?

[@HeidiSue064]

Ward do you have a twitch stream? That would be SO Cool!

[@cheddar2648]

Sick rig sea dad.

[@jameshoiby]

I wonder if Ukranian pilot F-16 familiarization needs were an influence behind the decision to produce this stick? I've heard reports of DCS being used in Ukraine to get ready for the shift to the new airframes.

[@flipcoin6301]

Winwing’s HOTAS releases forced Thrustmaster to respond after years of complacency.

[@jameshoiby]

Yeah, that sounds much more likely. I've spent thousands on HOTAS controllers in the last few years and it's never even crossed my mind to consider Thrustmaster.@@flipcoin6301

[@CocoDave37]

Ward, CAT3 with wing bags is not ideal for showing a good rate turn.

[@thestoneworks]

How do you deal with the sticking of the stuck bottom?

[@channelvr1293]

If you don't mind me asking, what software do you use for recording vr ? Thanks.

[@JIMJAMSC]

Tempting but my trusty A-10 throttle is doing well, not no big and has split throttles so I can jump into MSFS and fly helis and twins.

[@leveretth]

I only watch Ward's channel for the doggoze...😉

[@RickyD1968]

That is really cool !!!!!

[@spacecatboy2962]

tomcat tails is free on youtube

[@susanjones2701]

Good video!

[@half_r_mk5]

Nice hardware, what VR headset are you using?