Virpil Z-Extension First Look and Review

[@CMDRArsenCross]

I've been waiting for this part! So glad Virpil sponsored you to cover this. :)

[@ssjsjb]

I would love to get my hands on a virpil. Great video as always Astro! Hope the bunnies don't get too hungry while you're building your new cockpit set up. I remember you mentioning once they love low hanging cables. Also congrats on the virpil sponsorship of the video you deserve it.

[@xen1313]

Have a pair and yes you want this stick.

[@Issalzul]

YOOOO I DIY'd one myself and while it works super well enough not to replace i'm happy as hell they released this!

[@pitanpainter2140]

Having been involved with some of the discussion in Virpil's forum around self-built HOSAS extensions, I really like the idea of this Z extension. When you have it set-up, you may want to re-run the VPC Configuration Tool, and re-calibrate the Axies (sp?) in much the same way you should when adding a straight extension.

[@happyestus6688]

This is what I've been wanting for so long! Tbe omnidirectional throttle is just too convenient in my opinion. I just have to wait for the stick to get back in stock

[@hibiki54]

Been waiting for this. Bought.

[@NinjaZXRR]

I like the setup. It does look well built I’m still running my Hotas Warthog from thrustmaster. Once I get tired of my warthog I’ll get a Virpil setup.

[@Swatmat]

mine is arriving today, i cant wait!

[@CodenBahn]

Very fascinating option. I could see the twist access used for the speed limiter, or afterburner/space break.

[@patmurphy7266]

i used the twist for up and down, traditional axis were thrusters, no "throttle", button for boost

[@kyleturner6965]

This allows me to easily make the switch from keyboard and mouse to stick and mouse. It takes all my left hand controls, wasd etc. Love it and never even knew I needed it.

[@Avean]

Have anyone found a way to really feel the center when configured with a Z-extension? I am using the standard springs and Avia Soft Center but its so hard to feel the center that i have to create a huge deadzone around the middle to not overshoot. Especially important in space sims since i use the throttle to throttle backwards as well so middle is actually 0, back is reverse.

[@dirkconze1047]

Thanks mate. Immediately ordered :) o7

[@genomind]

I am wondering if you can abuse the z-extension together with a mongoos base as a collective for a helicopter, this would mean I could buy a left stick and base combo and use the left stick as a throttle, a collective and as a traditional stick by simply switching out or rotating the extension

[@auralynn3862]

"8 triggers is more triggers than anyone needs" MechWarrior wants to have a word.

[@theguylevi]

Vertical extenders do a lot for, say miners...extreme sensitivity. For this one, I would have to use two as you said. *Pro tip: If you have a slightly smaller allen key or screwdriver than you need, push a portion of a rubber band into the head of the bolt/screw with the tool before turning. No stripping. 👍🏻*

[@MacroAggressor]

There are other keybind based alternatives. A few that I've used: setting pinky lever as a throttle limiter in SC, using the VPC Config tool's "zoom" function, configuring JoystickGremlin to use precision axis curves when a specific button is held. I haven't found extenders to be necessary for precision work using any of these.

[@jakobhammerbertelsen]

As a Hosas pilot, I always wished for frontier to implement a tank control scheme for SRVs, so I can control it like a podracer with two sticks.

[@Bwrapable]

And just like that i have given Virpil even more money for a second Constillation Alpha, WarBRD, Desk Mount and Z extension. If no one hears from me again, asume my wife has killed me...

[@Floki3030]

2 years later... maybe someone should check on this guy? Ive spent around 5k on my setup, but uh no wife

[@SrChalice]

This stuff is just so expensive and it's because they have no competitor. Even with competition, they'll just cut corners.

[@mofous]

Very comprehensive review, thank you.

[@MsOpportunity68]

Just a thought, if you were running this with a throttle as well. This would work well as controlling all the independent thrust axes, particularly when running with flight assist off in combat situations or landing,

[@FeralLogic]

I like this. Cutos to Virpil. I'll probably be trying out a couple of these to go along with my double Constellation Alphas

[@michaelrobinson9643]

I think if you wanted to use it as an offset for the stick vertically I'd suggest the other base Virpil sell with sufficient force to stop the weight just dropping over.

[@guillaume6525]

Thank you for this review. Some questions : - Do you think it is mandatory to use the same base for both left and right joystick for SC ? Or is it possible to have like a CM3 on the left for thrusters and a Warbase on the right ? - What stand/support do you use ? Is it the the Large or Small version from Virpil ? - Do you recommend using height extension for the right joystick ? Thank you :)

[@DowntoEarthAstronomy]

- You can absolutely mix based. I dont have the same tension om my left and right stick so it's not a problem to use 2 different base. - I have mine desk mounted, but if you plan to have it on your desk you should use the lage support place. The small is only if ypu want to screw it down - I would not use a height extension, unless you plan on mouting it between your legs the base + stick is already plenty tall.

[@sunhawk1104]

I think it looks really nice and I would like to have the disposable funds to spend on a full setup. Alas, that is something that will have to wait indefinitely.

[@Tony2438]

I am thinking about buying Two VPC Constellation ALPHA Prime and the Z -Extension, Would there be Enough keys to get working with ED and Star Citizen or would I need the Throttle as well thanks?

[@Rohan96]

I think a cool idea would be to use what is traditionally the wheel brake axis for flight sims (the pull lever in front of the grip) as your throttle and assign a button to cruise control so you'd have very rapid throttle control with a few fingers, Not sure how good that'd be in long play sessions but I assume times when you're not in cruise control in games like star citizen isn't very long so I wouldn't imagine fatigue would be too bad.

[@Karackal]

This is exactly my setup and it is … okay. The only real downside is a lack of precision for delicate maneuvers and you're wasting one perfectly good z-axis.

[@perpetualomega]

Can this be used on a cyclic if i dont have a cut out in my seat for a helicopter?

[@auroralupton]

Definitely cool that would be fun with star wars squadrons if the game allows duel axis.

[@hj-redravenheng3822]

Wow, looks great!

[@Adrian890722]

What is the difference between both base stations in the website for the joystick? I’m new to sticks and I want to get 2 for star citizen

[@Floki3030]

you could also substitute this for a collective right? instead of angle left, angle it backward

[@Floki3030]

the positioning would be weird, but seems possible, use the right stick with a long extension and make it center- for helicopter

[@Floki3030]

id just leave them where they are close enough tough dont even need the long extension

[@markdonnelly1913]

I really like this. I find that the twist action of a joystick is wearing on my wrist, due to it being badly broken many moons ago. This may resolve that.

[@rooster1012]

Twist action joysticks are just unnatural to use and put to much repetitive stress on your wrist, locking my Virple in place was literally the first thing I did when I recieved it.

[@Cozzyhane]

Do you recommend these on the WarBRD-D Base or the MT50 Base?

[@NaughtyShepherd]

The ergonomics alone look amazing!

[@racingtheweb]

Hello, Alpha or CM2 grip? Which one do you recommend for DCS (not spacesim)? I'm not sure which one to buy, since I like CM2 but it seems many people go for the Alpha. Any advice can help me to make a better decision will be very appreciated. Thanks

[@jerrybarnette5148]

You can also twist it and use it for a motorcycle game

[@Mistersisterfister1337]

thx get today my setup like your dream setup from your video. Dont understand how to setup the left stick

[@maximilianyuen]

i would prefer it on pitching side rather than throttle side. i can imagine it will be much easier to twist/yaw

[@ericandi]

I use the Virpil Constellation Alpha for DCS and IL2. At first glance, I don’t see any use case for this new extension for DCS and IL2. Maybe it could be used as a collective and throttle when flying helicopters in DCS, instead of the much more expensive Virpil collective device.

[@DowntoEarthAstronomy]

I think this is more intended towards space sims where strafe left and right/ up and down is more important.

[@neilwatson288]

It's certain more ergonomic with your hands rotated in a neutral position.

[@PsiQss]

Hey, A bit late to the party, but have you (or anyone in the comment section) tried actually using both of these? I'm curious as to how intuitive would the right stick be in this position. Especially the twist axis, which I use for yaw. The pod racer style seems quite fun, but I'm concerned about aiming with the right stick in this position.

[@DowntoEarthAstronomy]

I have not tried a full pod racer setup, but it feel very natural on the left side

[@PsiQss]

@@DowntoEarthAstronomy Thanks for the reply :) Well, I'm planning to get one for the left stick anyway, I guess I'll just plug it in for the right stick and see how it feels before buying the second one

[@rnow2682]

If when I pick up a second virpil stick I'm sure it would be nice to get

[@Flynnycore]

My wrists are kind of hurting the next day with regular joysticks if I'm twisting them to the back of my hand. (Same goes to doing pushups) Would those Z extenders help avoiding such movements?

[@EuropaSteve]

Started order at time 1:00 finished at 8:00 good thing there wasn't a surprise ending.

[@quantumsneak1773]

Imagine left and right of these at same time

[@casfacto]

Question for you sir. I had a 3D printed adapter made that was basically the same as this, however, wasn't adjustable. After a few hours of use, I found that the distance needed to go all the way forward or back had increased to the point that I didn't enjoy it. What are your thoughts on that aspect of using the Z-Extensions?

[@DowntoEarthAstronomy]

I don't have enough flight hours to say yet. But once I have had some time to test I will be sure to include it in a future video.

[@casfacto]

@@DowntoEarthAstronomy cool, thanks man, love your content.

[@Glasairman]

How suitable is this for vanilla Heli's (no interest is space stuff) but ordered it by mistake

[@DowntoEarthAstronomy]

I don't know, Never really done any Heli stuff

[@eltreum1]

Virpil made it to market first after VKB teased something similar which is good there will be more options/competition. This has been a big wish list item for space HOSAS pilots. Left twist for up down in the traditional way to make an omni throttle and that becomes a 1:1 mental map of motion if the left stick is sideways. I don't see the need for the extra throttle levers myself because I use my speed limiter and cruise control for long/cruise flight and switch off to manual when I need to do precise moves, so I am not wearing out my arm or the gimbal springs.

[@patrickstach2928]

VKB teased something similar? Do you have any source?

[@eltreum1]

@@patrickstach2928 Their YT channel commercial ~ 1:35-1:140. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3m3eqKrosqgi9U

[@E30guySkye]

that’s so sick, i wish i could drop a cool 1k to drop on a stick setup

[@maddwolf]

PERFECTION!.......

[@auralynn3862]

Oh, yeah, "do you think it's silly?" No, it's ergonomic. I have tendonitis, so I know quite well just how valuable a *diagonal* grip like that is.

[@88Spint]

I'm sorry. Did you just use that as a motorbike handle????? ...I need to see this used to drive a bike asap. It would make the dream a reality :)

[@ruthless4645]

Over time and as those springs in the base start to wear I can see big problems with drift incoming.

[@sntxrrr]

I don't think that will be a big problem. Those springs in the base are pretty beefy and you can adjust their tension. The base is also expressly designed for the springs to be replaceable by the user, you get an extra pair of heavier springs when you buy the base.

[@GaryFlack]

Indoor plants and flowers 🌹 This is what happens when you get married 💍

[@jakobhammerbertelsen]

Welcome to the glorious race of Hosas pilots. We salute you o7.. (What you defiently want, is a slider for thrust for space trucking and stuff, so you don't have to hold the throttle down. or just have your throttle next to it)

[@jakobhammerbertelsen]

But this extension takes the throttle stick to a whole new level, I wanna try it!

[@weles1989]

Dual joystick is perfect for FA-off flying.

[@mk2design]

VIRPIL uses metric screws and allen keys.

[@tabasslaggle8737]

so uh ... a couple hundreds till it dies ?

[@neilwatson288]

The top of that stick looks like a xenomorph head.

[@Thin447Line]

Been looking for an alternative to the Thrustmaster Warthog! Awesome!

[@enfardabombarda8479]

Someday will have it... Just need 1000+ euros for dual stick. 😅😂

[@TheJack4000111]

Zed not Zee

[@patmurphy7266]

back when i flew hotas 2015-2018, everyone thought i was crazy as I flew two logitech sticks lol so much control in FA off who's crazy now!?! lol

[@dannymartin8690]

They can even make these stick enough to sell you one.

[@GameFrameGaming]

Controlling Elite: Dangerous ships, like a bantha.

[@heartwormskillcats8357]

Leave it to Germans to do everything the right way as usual. Long live Europa.

[@DawnTreaderPlaysEDO]

Not sure, but I think this guy deserves the credit for the idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX7Si4Rtarabj9U

[@IsisofDurnham]

VKB has the same setup with their EVO series for a cheaper price for us poor suckers

[@firemanmfd]

Problem with Virpil is the integration of their products into different flight/space programs.

[@alvatoredimarco]

"This video is sponsored by Virpil" I would hope so; a single Constellation Alpha and base is over $600, and you've got a lot more boxes than that on your table.

[@bar10dr]

All these reviews, none of you actually try it in game over a period of time

[@Pwwh0711]

As a Hotas X user...if you have all of this kit & lose in PvP to me, you're fucking terrible at the game!

[@deadmausish]

"pretty fun" ? grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@comcastjohn]

I just cannot support The companies from Russia and Belarus. I would love to get the high quality items but not under the current circumstances.