Virpil V.F.X. F-14 Grip VS. VKB F-14 Combat Grip

This is a side by side comparison of the Virpil V.F.X. F-14 grip and the newer VKB F-14 Combat Grip. Both are easy to switch out with other grips on the bases of their respective manufacturers. They are both great grips, but have some minor differences. If you like flying the F-14 in PC flight sims like DCS, FSX, or X-Plane, then one of these grips might be of interest to you. One thing I forgot to mention in the video, is that both grips will also mount to the Thrustmaster Warthog or Cougar bases. The Virpil will mount directly to the Thrustmaster, but you lose the twist axis and the autopilot disconnect paddle axis functionality. The paddle switch will still function as a button press. The VKB requires an adaptor to mount to the Thrustmaster, and you also lose the twist axis, but no other functionality is lost.

[@Spookie425]

Really appreciate you posting this side by side comparison, I've been quite curious to see how they stack up against one another. I'm a VKB fan and have been a proud owner of a Gunfighter MK2 since 2018, It's a fantastic grip. I do however sympathize with the comments on it feeling on the lighter side but, I'm sure it will outlive me if treated well. The metal accents on VKB grips are a must, it just feels right. I put in an order for the VKB F14 grip and excitedly await it's arrival. This video has instilled confidence that I made the right move in continuing with VKB's fine products. Happy flying!

[@NegdoshaManido]

Can't believe I missed your comment. Sorry. Yeah, the VKB grips will last a good long time. I do however, really like the MCG pro Ultimate they released a while back. It's like they got tired of everyone complaining about the plastic-y feel and said "Ok, fine. Watch this. We can do metal." The mass of the new metal MCG pro ultimate grip is really nice. Can't argue with the feel of a metal grip.

[@rogerutley8738]

Nice video! Thank you

[@ghost4613]

Thanks You Sir 😘👍 From India

[@NegdoshaManido]

Thank you for commenting!

[@boxstar3d554]

Good job dude. Could you do a comparison with the VKB Gunfighter and the Virpil Base? I can't decide which one to get. If you could, just compare VKB and Virpil as a whole, but a comparison of the bases would be appriciated. Thanks and stay safe!!.

[@NegdoshaManido]

Hi Boxstar3D! Thanks for the sub! That would be a good topic. It may be a while before I can get to that, but I like both. I don't think either one would be a bad choice. The Virpil has the advantage of accepting Thrustmaster grips, and the nice selection of grips from Virpil themselves. The VKB will accept the Thrustmaster Warthog and Cougar grips with an adapter, and coming soon an adapter for the TM F-18 grip also. Both have changeable springs, cams and extensions to customize your set up. VKB can be slow to release product, and when they do the quantity is small, and sells out fast. Virpil seems to have a better production rate, so you likely will not have to wait as long for their stuff, if at all. I have both, and use both and honestly I can't say I prefer one to the other. Both are great.

[@boxstar3d554]

@@NegdoshaManido Thank you so much. Don't mention the sub, you deserve it. I take it your are a guitar player from those finger nails 😂. Maybe you should also review some throttle units. Keep going man, your videos are great!

[@NegdoshaManido]

Thanks! And yes, I do play guitar and some other stringed instruments. The finger nails are specifically for the nylon stringed instruments. I usually use a pick for my steel stringed ones. I will be doing a review of the WinWing F/A-18 stick and throttle soon. I've been using them in the DCS F/A-18 and they are impressive!

[@knightflyer7968]

@NegoshaManido Great video! Looks like you and I are in the same area. I'm about 30 min from NAS Oceana.

[@JohnFriendly]

I'm late to the game but thanks for the video. I'm looking to upgrade my THRUSTMASTER T-Flight Hotas One soon.

[@NegdoshaManido]

Virpil has recently done some changes to their F-14 grip which I really like. The buttons are a bit smaller, and the missile select switch seems easier to move from out of the bottom position. Virpil makes great stuff. If you go with them, you'll be happy. : )

[@JohnFriendly]

Thanks! @@NegdoshaManido

[@i7rooper]

I like VKB better and I want it for my warthog base but the extra cost pf the adapter is have me considering VIrpil instead...

[@DankTank374]

I like how small they are

[@bradykelce6297]

I spy a StarCitizen fan!!

[@NegdoshaManido]

Correct! My other gaming addiction! : )

[@johnressler18]

Hey my Hammerhead lol

[@CoachCleats]

I subscribed to this just because you have the NAS Oceana shirt on. Go VF 101 Grim Reapers!!

[@ranger6609]

Just noticed the Star Citizen mat you have. Does the stick performs well on Star Citizen?

[@NegdoshaManido]

Hi Ranger. I use the Virpil Mongoose T-50 Throttle, and the VKB Gunfighter MkII with MCG pro grip in Star Citizen. I attached the grip to the gimbal atop a 200mm extension and I installed the strongest springs you can put into the gimbal. It feels really nice, which is why I will probably use the VKB F-14 grip on this gimbal for DCS. With so many keybinds in Star Citizen, I find I really need all the functionality the MCG grip allows. The F-14 style grips just don't have enough buttons/axes for me. Great for the F-14 in DCS, but not so great for Star Citizen. Hope that answers your question.

[@JohnDoe-yr4ck]

“I like the way how the Russians...actually they are not Russians, they are from Belarus. Anyway I love the way The Russians put the brake axis”.... LOL))

[@NegdoshaManido]

Haha! Actually, I guess it's both....Virpil is a company based in Belarus, but they are making replica flight sticks that were designed by Russians.

[@zemmarus]

Belorussians is same Russians, idiot.

[@localbreadyboy401]

If I had the money I would buy a stick like this. I love the f14 but other sticks are more cost efficient for other planes

[@NegdoshaManido]

True that! The grip is very F-14 specific which is great for immersion in DCS, but it also reflects the era in which it was used and therefore lacks the functionality of more modern grips. We need LOTS of buttons for our sims since we don't have the full cockpit's many controls to access. And yeah, this setup is on the pricey side. No argument there. Thanks for the comment!

[@KayoMichiels]

@@NegdoshaManido To be honest, it has some features of the F-4 stick (and the A10-A also used the F-4 stick)

[@NegdoshaManido]

@@KayoMichiels Correct! The grip used in the F-4, and tons of other aircraft of that era, is known as the "B-8" grip. There are a few other designations as well, such as MC-2, but they are essentially the same. The B-8 was used as a starting point for the design of the F-14's grip, that's why you see some similarities.

[@murphnturph2664]

Quick question. I have a Warthog base. I looked on VKBs site and it looks like the adapter is for the Warthog stick to a VKB base. If I get a standalone stick is there still a way to mount it to my Warthog base?

[@NegdoshaManido]

I have not been able to get the VKB adaptor for the Warthog as they have been 100% unobtainium for quite a while. I dont think you can mount a VKB grip to a warthog base.

[@murphnturph2664]

@@NegdoshaManido damn. Thanks for the reply though.

[@CaseyBartley]

You can mount a VFX from Virpil to a warthog base, but some functionality will be lost so it's not advisable. The paddle and DLC axis wont register. I wouldn't be surprised if the weapon selector had issues, but can't confirm. VKB has an adapter to mount a Warthog grip to a VKB base not the inverse. Also, the Virpil and VKB bases are light years ahead of the Warthogs. It's not even close.

[@murphnturph2664]

@@CaseyBartley Do you happen to know if they are adapters for the VKB stick to the Warthog base or the Warthog stick to the VKB base? Thanks for the update though!

[@CaseyBartley]

@@murphnturph2664 No there won't ever be a VKB stick to Warthog adapter. Most of the extra functionality a VKB grip has wouldn't be accesible on the Warthog base. Same with the Virpil sticks, most of the extra features won't work on the Warthog base even though it's "compatible".

[@techleak3412]

vkb f14 on VPC WarBRD Base? does that make sense ? warbrd base looks best option?

[@NegdoshaManido]

It depends on how you intend to use it. The Warbird is best if you are using it on a desktop. It has a greater travel arc, so extensions can be problematic when it comes to clearances with mounts and other things in the area, like if you are using it in a sidestick configuration on an "L" shaped desk. However, the Warbird IS $100 cheaper! Big plus there! The T-50 base is a great base with shorter travel making it ideal for extensions. I am a fan of extensions because they provide a more realistic stick travel for most fighter aircraft. I am currently using a 200mm extension. With good, stiff springs the feel is great. I hope this helps! Good flying!

[@lks7357]

I know this is an older video, but could you tell me if the VKB F14 grip can be mounted twisted on its axis to the left, like it is in the real aircraft (for pilot comfort)?

[@NegdoshaManido]

Yes, you can rotate it to the angle you like and then tighten it down.

[@lks7357]

@@NegdoshaManido Really? While waiting for your answer I actually found another source stating the VKB grip is unable to be offset at an angle (I don't use an extension). Can you verify that you mean the VKB grip can be offset at an angle, and can it be done without an extension?

[@NegdoshaManido]

@@lks7357 Oh man, sorry. I was thinking of the Virpli grip. Yeah, the VKB's angle is not adjustable. Sorry., my bad for not reading close enough to see you were referencing the VKB.

[@lks7357]

@@NegdoshaManido Ah damn :( thanks for the info!

[@NegdoshaManido]

@@lks7357 No Prob. Sorry the letdown.

[@Angus_Gibson]

I'm torn between these two sticks...

[@NegdoshaManido]

I think they're both good grips. It may come down to which system you are already using. Virpil or VKB.

[@stewy4075]

is the F14 just just foe that type of aircraft or would i be better with the VKB Gladiator NXT EVO ‘Space Combat Edition for general use of other aircraft and helicopters?

[@NegdoshaManido]

You can use it with any aircraft, but it is quite limited compared to a stick with more buttons and axes. It's great if you are an F-14 fan and intend to use it in DCS in the Tomcat, but if you are into space games, and fly alot of other aircraft in various simulators, I think you would be happier with the Space Combat Edition.

[@stewy4075]

@@NegdoshaManido Thanks

[@NegdoshaManido]

@@stewy4075 You're welcome. Hope that helps in your decision!

[@daemon3spade]

Do you need to reconfigure the Software everytime you change grips?

[@NegdoshaManido]

You will have to go into the software for either the VKB or the Virpil units when changing between grips. You can't just swap them out without doing that. Setting up the profile for the new grip is not too involved, and once that is done all that's needed is to select the proper grip/base profile and load it.

[@kellyhartman7266]

I guess I've been putting the cart in front of the proverbial horse because I generally plug the thing and spend a few hours testing it before I spend a few hours making a video and putting on costumes and looping Top Gun songs for my review of them. Woulda been nice to hear how The VKB stick actually worked.

[@NegdoshaManido]

It's the gimbal that "works", which is the Gunfighter. I use it all the time with the MCG pro grip. This is just a grip that has a different feel in the hand, a different look, and button configuration. The gimbal will "work" with any other grip you put on it. VKB's quality control is excellent and they don't put out stuff that doesn't "work", so a test of every button to make sure they all "work" was not the focus. The rest is all personal preference for aesthetics essentially. That is up to the individual to decide. Some will love it, and some will hate it, but it will "work" no matter what. Even if it winds up not being a favorite grip, some may simply want an F-14 specific grip for flying a simulated F-14. The review was not of the VKB gunfighter gimbal, which is the most important part of the system.

[@MattBoone_]

You're definitely right about the plastic on the VKB feeling very cheap. I bought the VKB grip and I'm not sure if it was just a lemon but the plastic on mine is very creaky and overall wasn't a great experience. I own a WarBRD base and I'm interested in picking up the VFX grip hoping that it will improve my experience.

[@KayoMichiels]

0:48 love the low cost MIR scale display... too bad it's made out of terrible plastic and easily falls apart...

[@NegdoshaManido]

I know. The thing just barely stays together! I thought the MIR was so cool, I was willing to overlook the shortcomings of the little "Snap Together" model so that I could have that historic spacecraft in my collection.

[@jensfutterer9333]

Are you sure the weapon selector stick of the Virpil is more accurate? From what I have read and heared (from Jabbers video) the grip of VKB is a 3d laser scan of a real f14 stick. So I would be surprised that the weapon selector of Virpil would be more realistic than then VKB one.

[@NegdoshaManido]

Well, I certainly could be wrong. I have never held a real F-14 grip, but from the pictures I've seen of the real thing, the actual travel of the weapons selector switch seems more accurate on the Virpil vs. the VKB. As far as stick shape goes, I would expect the VKB to more spot-on if it was based on a 3d scan, but I was referring to the length of travel on the wep switch, not the shape of the stick. If that makes sense.

[@warmbeef4you833]

Virpil looks more realistic.

[@NegdoshaManido]

Yes, I think the Virpil is a closer representation of the real grip. VKB seems to have taken a bit of "artisitc license" on their product for reasons known only to them. In particular, the weapon select selector switch looks different, and has a shorter travel. It works, but is a bit different. Thanks for the comment!

[@cheesybread9592]

@@NegdoshaManido VKB f14 grip actually was taken from the real f 14 scans by heatblur . its 1:1

[@NegdoshaManido]

@@cheesybread9592 I'm basing my comments on a visual comparison with photos, since I do not have a real F-14 grip. The grip itself is fine, and I do remember them saying it was developed using 3d scans, but the implementation of the missile/gun select switch is obviously a bit different than the original, i.e. shorter travel. Virpil recently released their version 2, which made improvements to the buttons and switches, and adjusted the button coloration to be more accurate. Both are still great grips, and I do like Virpil's v2 better than their v1 of the grip. This is such a great time to be a flight sim enthusiast! We have a TON of great hardware to choose from! Thanks for the comment! : )

[@cheesybread9592]

@@NegdoshaManido yeah its a great time to be a flight sim enthusiast. just got my vkb f14 grip. hehe

[@NegdoshaManido]

@@cheesybread9592 Excellent!! How are you liking it so far?