VKB Gladiator NXT Review

[@jcjammer8972]

I’ve been using this same stick for over 6 months and couldn’t be happier with it (previously had a TM T16000M). Quality and value certainly score high.

[@MoleUK1]

I've been incredibly pleased with mine. It feels like a steal at the price. I only wish there was an inbuilt way to have it fixed at a slight angle for centre mounting, but it's a minor complaint for the price and usecase. My initial complaint was that I wasn't a big fan of the tactile sensation of the plastic, but I quickly got used to it and worst-case you could always wrap it with something.

[@bencristofani3116]

I literally just received this for Christmas. Awesome! Now to find out how to put it together

[@ThreeSpeedBikes]

I bought the standard Gladiator NXT earlier in 2021. I think it's a good stick for the money. The biggest advantage is the fact that the user can repair many aspects of the stick if they break down. Mine had quite a few problems with the small disc magnets coming out of their mounts and then being unable to reliably use the stick. I eventually had to glue the magnets back into place, and that solved that. I had some issues with the stick getting hung up and not returning to center as well. This was solved by disassembling and putting in fresh grease. The proprietary set up software with these is also somewhat tricky to use. So it's a good stick for the money, but don't be surprised if you have to make periodic repairs. I did have to order a replacement wire set for it from the manufacturer because of an issue with the stick handle-to-base wiring. Their product support was excellent and the replacement wires arrived without a problem.

[@guillaumepare9651]

At the same time you should't have many problems with such a price point. Sure it can be repaired but that kind of products should be used at least a few years of light-average use before having some problems. Or you ended up seeing CHproducts outdated design with more respect...

[@c.j.1089]

In IL2 I use the main trigger for all guns, up trigger for my MG only, outer trigger in for rockets, and red button for my cannon. Just how I do it, and I like it.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

If you press extra hard on the main trigger it counts as a different button. That is what I set to fire all weapons in il2

[@virtualinfinity6280]

Good review and I would also recommend that stick. I have used the same Gladiator with the KG12 grip shown in the video as Sheriff's old kit. I swapped it for the "pro" version (without base, just the grip with more adjustable options in the gimbal, swappable springs, etc) which I honestly would not consider worth the extra money - its not being sold anymore anyway. That being said, I would like to add a few points which I have encountered as common misconceptions over the years: 1. There is no level of equipment purchase, that makes you yield better results or makes you a better pilot. Training and practice is the only way to improve. You buy better equipment only for longlevity. These small russian companies, like VKB or Virpril, make some incredible quality stuff literally lasting forever. You buy for that reason, not for improvement. If you are happy and comfortable with what you have, stick to it, unless it wears out. 2. I'd rather go for completeness in equipment than single, high-price items. Stick, throttle unit, rudder pedals and track-ir is what you will end up with in the long run, when combat sims, like IL2 or DCS, is what you like and stick to. 3. find out, what you like. Some people like to have as many controls as possible on your stick, others (like me) prefer a "clean" stick like the KG12 and rather have a more elaborate throttle (like Virprils mongoosT series). Take your time mapping functions to buttons, switches and the like. It takes time to get it "right for you". 4. take everything I said with a grain of salt. I fly with a large squad, and there are just as many opinions as there are pilots. Start cheap (Thrustmaster 16000 series) and swap out for the more expensive VKB/Virpril stuff later on. Spend time tinkering with settings and take your time making up your mind. YOUR mind. To get help, there are a lot of review videos available and it doen't hurt to watch many of them.

[@krmx37]

where is the advantage to the Gladiator 2 ?

[@badgermcbadger1968]

Good luck flying with a logitech 3d pro lol.

[@virtualinfinity6280]

To be more precise: I now use a VKB Gunfighter Mk.II with KG12 grip. Previously, I used a VKB Gladiator Mk.II as Sheriff did. I somehow had in mind, that the Gunfighter would have been called Gladiator Pro. No idea why. My bad, sorry. Point made in my original post: Looking back, I do not consider swapping the Gladiator for the Gunfighter being worth the money.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@virtualinfinity6280 you do get an option for an extended grip which could be very important for some people

[@geronimo5537]

As a long time t16000m user since 2016 with the same stick. It only has very slight play over the years at the start of vertical movement. With that said I will never buy another one and have wanted to make the move to nxt for some time. The 16000m I rate as "good enough" meaning I can get a plane where I want it yet not be pinpoint. After watching sheriff over the years I can tell you it's down to the micro precision moves in flight combat that makes this stick inferior to higher precision movements of higher tier sticks. Making the tiny split second adjustments is just not possible with the t16000m. I have done everything from beefing up the spring, oiling the rollers, hundreds of hours of fine tuning the software settings. It just cannot do those trick shots to land accurately on moving planes with deflection. I can get close real close but consistently miss the area I aim for by a small degree. Meanwhile all my flight friends with a nxt or warthog can zap a nat miles away. If you like Microsoft flightsim, bombing, or attacking ground targets the 16000m is great. For knife or turn fighting that dog fighting requires spend the extra dollar. Thats the real difference.

[@c.j.1089]

I have one rule in peripherals, and that is I never purchase Logitech. Because of that, I was forced to look elsewhere which is how I discovered VKB. They didn't exist the last time I had a stick. I have been incredibly happy with the stick, and every time I'm lining up a shot in IL2, I marvel at how accurate it is. My only complaint is the size of the base. I wish it had a smaller base.

[@FirstTheAdam]

Sorry to resurrect this comment: Why no Logitech? I’ve had good experiences in the past so I’m curious (or ignorant).

[@bonorye]

9:14 what button or control on the stick do you have mapped for your panning/looking around zooming at your target or enemy that's trying to get on your six in the video?

[@SheriffsSimShack]

I just use my track IR and zoom. So no button except zoom.

[@bonorye]

@@SheriffsSimShack had no idea about a "track IR"...new world (more cost dammit) just opened up for me there. Thanks!

[@aapje]

I'm very happy with mine and think that the extra price for the premium is worth it. The many buttons are great for VR flying, where you need all the buttons that you can get.

[@HolyOrangeJuice]

I'm very happy with mine. The price is so affordable. I can't believe thrustmaster and Logitech still sell the garbage they do.

[@TheWhoamaters]

Unfortunately they don't sell a throttle unit even close in price to performance

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@TheWhoamaters Tecs is coming "in two weeks"

[@TheWhoamaters]

@@badgermcbadger1968 From VKB?

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@TheWhoamaters it's a dcs joke

[@TheWhoamaters]

@@badgermcbadger1968 Ah, like how the F-16 patch, or the Mirage F1 will be there in a month

[@dylanguion6731]

Thank you for saying what you map your buttons for. Helps to get ne thinking while I wait for it to arrive

[@GrimThunder]

I am definitely going to make the switch. The only thing I don’t like is it looks like it is shipped from China which probably means it’ll take a month to get here .. my x52 is now drifting all the time

[@HoLDoN4Sec]

the reason why the NXT base lacks buttons is indeed because VKB wants you to purchase some of their module boxes. which is a very fair argument, their module boxes are actually fantastic and relatively cheap. personally i actually prefer it this way, i'd rather pay 70$ and get the module with the buttons i actually want rather than just get generic buttons which not all of them work for my needed use scenario. personally i'm looking forward to getting one of their module bundles, the x2 THQ + SEM + FSM-GA combo. it comes with the special vertical stand for the FSM-GA and personally i believe this is the best combo for most use case scenarios - multiple dedicated buttons, enough throttle sticks to control even larger fuel tankers in DCS, or large cargo planes in FSX. and that combo does look honestly incredible for 320$, none of VKB's competition offers such variety of buttons and throttles for such a low cost. and honestly i still think the NXT Premium is the way to go, it only costs 20$ more than the standard but it comes with much more flexibility for that 20$ price increase. the only real problem i have with VKB's NXT line is the lack of a tabletop hard mounting solution for their GNX MFH module station, it only sits on rubber feet and i think a way to hard mount this module station to a table or to a sim rig would be nice to have.

[@geronimo5537]

If their stick has less features then it should reduce the overall cost. As for the modules I can buy a gamer half keyboard or micro keyboard far cheaper than their modules.

[@HoLDoN4Sec]

@@geronimo5537 "gamer keyboard" this is where your argument falls short. most "gamer keyboard" or at least keyboards that are branded as such are basically overpriced garbage. a GOOD an RELIABLE mechanical keyboard costs anywhere from 200-250$. for 200-250$ you can buy TWO or THREE VKB module boxes. besides, if you are not interested in VKB's sticks and modules why the fuck are you even watching this video? go buy some shitty thrustmaster stick that they make for 80$ for cheap people like yourself. you seem like the type of guy who will even go out as far and say that a 400$ racing wheel is "overpriced, i can buy 5 GAMING keyboards for that price!!!" even though you really have no GOOD viable options below 400$ (G29/920) unless of course you consider the horrible plastic garbage thrustmaster racing wheels they sell for 50-100$, and to that i will say again - why the fuck are you even looking at stuff you yourself say is ""overpriced""?

[@functio1]

Really like mine, but had to swap out the springs to #10's so that I didn't get shoulder ache after a few hours. I just wish the overall profile was a bit more rounded as it feels a bit tricky to get a grip when using the twist axis.

[@something7239]

I honestly feel like you don't need more than this to get a brilliant flight sim experience, even if you are a big flight sim enthusiast. It works wonderfully and the responses are precise, really can't ask for more. I'll be sticking to mine for years.

[@oldlineaviation2830]

I'm looking for a stick I can use left handed to sim my Tecnam that I fly in real life but also a stick I can fly righty for goofing off in a jet. Do you have any thoughts?

[@abramo7700]

@@oldlineaviation2830 The t16000m allows you to switch the grips from left and right

[@DiggitySlice]

Just for stick, but you need throttle as well

[@YaddaYaddaDa]

I've had a t16000m for the past few years and decided to upgrade to this. Just ordered it super psyched it looks solid. Gonna try to use the t16000 as a throttle now

[@Birdy890]

So how is that going for you? I'm curious what you meant by using the Thrustmaster as a throttle.

[@YaddaYaddaDa]

@@Birdy890 pretty sweet the vkb build quality is unbelievable. Might get a second one now lol. What I meant is that right now, I have my old t16000m set up in my left hand with the throttle in star citizen set to the y axis. X axis is strafe left/right and the twist z axis is strafe up/down. The vkb controls the roll, pitch and yaw. It works decent but is taking me some getting used to. Took a lot of fiddling with the keybindings. A second left handed vkb would be ideal obviously

[@Birdy890]

@@YaddaYaddaDa Ah ok, I don't play space sims so now that you bring that up it's obvious haha

[@totallylegit4092]

The top grey button I use as a re centre for my vr

[@hvymtal8566]

I find for pushing the thumb switch right, it's easier to press on the smooth outside diameter of the switch. Personally I bind the ministick as either a HAT or an axis. Too confusing to do both

[@KhanGirey]

Hopefully VKB will send you the Gunfighter stick next. Upgrading to a longer stick overall has been a better upgrade for me than any grip module.

[@c.j.1089]

I'm looking to buy a gunfighter base to put my Kosmosima on that 200mm extension. I'm guessing you got more sensitivity? Better marksmanship?

[@KhanGirey]

@@c.j.1089 It allows you way more precision because of your leverage. You can make super fine adjustments, where with a shorter stick all the movements felt pretty jerky. I also like it because you can set your spring weights pretty high, and it feels like a real aircraft.

[@rpersen]

Gunfighter MK III is great.

[@tuningsnow]

7:47 Could the rotary "buttons" be used to change HEADING BUG and Alt selector?

[@SheriffsSimShack]

the what?

[@tuningsnow]

@@SheriffsSimShack The two rotary at the either side of the throttle. (En1 and En2) Can I assign them to change the HDG bug increasing/decreasing (generally on general aircraft)?

[@SheriffsSimShack]

I don't know what you mean by "hdg bug"

[@baneblade48]

Meanwile heres me still using my $50 CAD, 8 year old Logitiech 3D Extreme with loose springs and dead buttons lol. This new Gladiator would be very tempting if I wasn't in college.

[@geronimo5537]

I picked up my logi as a backup for $20 in 2016. At current prices they sell anywhere from $70-$150 I about fell out of my chair seeing the new age pricing. I feel sorry for anyone buying a 2001 stick design at that price. lol

[@SheriffsSimShack]

Reviewing the Gladiator NXT made by VKB. I don't review hardware very often so I don't have the necessary equipment for it :D So you get this very "bare" review with some shots out of focus at times etc. But I think I was able to get my points across. I want to mention that I haven't played around with the software at all. That would create more possible binds etc, or adjust curves.

[@simonaquilina3162]

Had mine for 6 months and in my opinion,is the best bang for buck stick going,the overall feel quality is quite impressive in the hand.the software is very powerful,you name it you can create it.once you work out how to use it:).the new throttle modules etc look good too,ordered a couple of them for Xmas,so time will tell.

[@rodezirkel9]

Я помню как VKB начинали) Это энтузиасты из Минска и Москвы решили делать педали и после успеха начали делать Джойстики. Я ждал появление самых первых педалей!

[@HerrmannThompson]

Owning a Gladiator Mk. II pro I echo you on the base, I love the button setup on it and wish I got one of their MCG grips for it when they were available, not sure if I will upgrade to the NXT, most likely something in a much higher price bracket if I decide my original Gladiator is not enough for me.

[@bryanjacobs5897]

Absolutely love my nxt awesome stick!!

[@somborcalling]

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

[@wakeupFFS2012]

And.....the KG grip is returning in March! An improved version, apparently. I'm very tempted - how was the trigger on your old Gladiator? And how was the hat-switch? It looks poorly positioned to me but until I get hands-on I'm just guessing.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

The trigger is great. the best trigger I had on my sticks so far. Loved it. That hat switch was als go great. No complains.

[@wakeupFFS2012]

@@SheriffsSimShack Thanks for the info! Now to break the news to the memsaab.

[@howarthd]

I just got one of these actually. Try this with the main trigger. First click ‘weapon group one’. This will fire usually your cannons first. Then second click ‘fire all guns’. When you want to snipe with cannons you can with very good precision. When you want to spray you squeeze it all the way. I use the red thumb button for snap zoom. You should consider grabbing a THQ if you don’t have a throttle you love. Three throttle axis’s with 6 more buttons. I also got the bracket that holds the stick just below the desk level. Oh also, try the other springs. I switched to the ‘soft’ ones before I even plugged it in lol.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

I like to keep the guns either completely seperated or one one binding. That way I can use either gun group or all of it at once

[@pnzrldr]

@@SheriffsSimShackBeen using the NXT since last DEC. I use the two-stage for mgs first stage, all guns second. You could set the black trigger forward press for cannons only, and would not have to reposition your trigger finger at all to get all 3 options. I don't do cannon sniping much, and use the black trigger back for bombs, forward for rockets. Out of curiosity, did you get any utility from the mini-stick? Not sure if it will bind in IL2 or DCS? I pulled mine and installed the 9-way hat, which I use for the 'neck-saver' VR app, as well as VR zooms. I use the 3 buttons on the base for the 3 color flares, and the 'throttle' for gunsight ranging. Still using an X-56 throttle, so shopping for a new one. No interest in the general-aviation style ones I see grouped with the NXT on their site. Do they still have one with a hats/switches coming out at some point?

[@SheriffsSimShack]

@@pnzrldr trigger forward for cannons feels wrong somehow. I do it lot of cannon work. Especially on 109s with 30mm or the yak. I use the stick for zooming the camera. I also look for a good throttle but the virpil stuff is just a bit too much money for my taste and the rest is often just crap.

[@Jimarass]

May I ask the users, I find one thing disturbing. The width of the base seems small. I have the Logitech 3d pro which has 32mm base width. This VKB has how much?

[@jbunboxingstuff2559]

You had complained about the lack of buttons on the base....isn't there a way to double or triple up on ALL of them. You never mentioned the RED and BLUE light indicators next to the F2, F1, F3 buttons. Could you explain their use and maybe cures your desire for more 'buttons'. Thx

[@Swift41]

i had the t.16000 for the past 2 or 3 yeas with heavy use and my stick is still going but i wont something better or shound i say newer but i play dcs and i was thinking i could use my throttle that I already have with this

[@Tonci87]

I would suggest that you add a link to the VKB website in the video description.

[@KarayaYT]

Good review, I had the VKB NXT with standard right grip myself for almost 2 months before selling it. Just my 2 cents: My biggest gripes with the NXT were the short throw (only 20° deflection to all sides) combined with the short grip (same total height as the T16k) which limits the precision you can get out of it. The other thing that drove me insane was the center bump on both axes which made small input corrections around the center point really annoying. I'm not a huge fan of the 5 way switches (on any joystick) because the push button fuction normally tends to be quite difficult to press accurately when in combat.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

The deflection angles are fine really and its really easy to be precise with it in my experience.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

Yeah i have absolutely no problems qith that either

[@stix_0910]

I also find the deflection very good on the nxt. my only complaint is lack of buttons on base, but with firmware software u can completly reprogram buttons. Various mode options can be programmed on buttons (axis also can be programmed). The firmware software is very powerful in this regard. The stick has eprom memory so settings remain with power cycle.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@stix_0910 you can by extension modules to the base for very cheap prices so that's not really a problem. Besides the joystick itself has enough buttons

[@maddrone7814]

Can you connect another brand’s throttle this stick?

[@JPsTechReviews]

I really enjoyed your review and would like to go the same way. I was wondering how you attached the Thrustmaster throttle, was it compatible with the Joystick?

[@SheriffsSimShack]

Why not? they are just two separated hardware devices for windows. They work independently and don't need to be compatible

[@Jay-Niner]

The cost of joysticks is outrageous nowadays. I am still using a cheapo Thrustmaster hotas stick that cost me £28 a few years ago. Nowadays, that same crappy plastic thing will cost over £80. The value for money ratio at all quality levels feels way off nowadays.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

Its kinda weird since those are in no qay comparable to the better sticks in term of build quality or precision but are now getting close to their price.

[@aapje]

@@SheriffsSimShack Yeah, but a lot of brands like VKB don't have good marketing. More casual players don't tend to know them. So they go to Trustmaster, even if other brands offer way better value.

[@jaycemiller6277]

hey Sheriff, can u please make a video about how to tail gun? I'm terrible at it

[@hansspadvii]

I hope they make a WWII grip like the Gladiator II had some time soon. I like the NXT but I really miss how the II was slightly bent to fit better in your hand. Also small question, did you manage to assign one of the rotaries to BF 109's stabilizer trim? I can do that with the elevator trims of other planes but it doesn't work with the stabilizer.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

I didnt try that but that should be no problem since the rotaries are just buttons

[@Newtype93]

Mine seems to not get along with IL-2, I try to bind zoom to the center hat switch but it doesnt work. It ONLY works if on my Warthog throttle. Anyone got any advice?

[@adidas3k]

I love mine. Can't wait for the TECS horas drops so I can replace my t1600000000000000 throttle lol

[@rpersen]

I couldn’t wait for the TECS anymore, so I ended up ordering the Virpil CM3. It was EXPENSIVE, but an amazing piece of hardware. I might buy the TECS also… if it ever releases. :-) Merry xmas

[@adidas3k]

@@rpersen hey brother Merry Christmas to you as well. When the kids 13&9 are all grown, I'll splurge on stuff like virpil or winwing 👌

[@krmx37]

hey Sheriff, do you prefer the old Gladiator 2, or the newer one shown in the video? It does not sound like there is any precision advantage whatsoever compared to the gladiator 2, but just another button/stick layout ?

[@SheriffsSimShack]

The different spring tension is much better. And it's also changeable. So I overall find the gnx an improvement

[@krmx37]

@@SheriffsSimShack but the older base looks just so much better, in my opinion... do you use your keyboard instead of the old base buttons or are you using the buttons on the stick for it now ?

[@xenozombie6200]

I'd be using it mainly in DCS. The low amount of buttons is really disappointing. Thanks for the review. 👍

[@phj9894]

Best flight stick ever. Screw extreme 3d noob and thrustfailer T-16000M, These two got broken in several months but gladiator NXT is still going rock solid after a year. Also it has a lot more buttons for such cheap price !

[@98based30]

Less button decision was not a good idea...

[@Eric-un2oq]

How long does it take them to ship them?

[@billwiley7216]

I have ordered from VKB on several different occasions, each order from the time the order was placed until it arrived on my doorstep to the eastern region in the U.S.A. was exactly one week. They have always shipped really quickly in my experiences.

[@ramtin-s8722]

I’ve been using it for quite a while..I like most things about it..For me a big downside is that the deflection distance is very small ..it has a small movement range

[@ustio834]

upgrading to NXT after playing with T.16000M for sometime kinda spoiled me. The T16000M has a bigger range of motion so its easier for me to make small control inputs, and adding more sensitivity curve didn't really help. where as in the NXT, small movement feels too much for me. my Aim is so off right now. also the roll axis is a bit stiffer compare to the pitch axis which cause the base sometimes to tilt, Unfortunately I have the standard one so I dont have the softer springs. but overall since I play DCS too, Im quite happy with the upgrade. Having a lot of buttons on the stick really helps.

[@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.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

I heard this from people a few times, but this was not the case with my sample.

[@s1kor]

👍

[@sim-junkie3493]

Dude the lack of buttons on the base are made up for on the stick... under your fingers... where they are utilized way better than having to take your hand off the stick to use lmo.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

The stick can be swapped out for sticks with less buttons. So a base with lots of buttons doesnt hurt, does it?

[@RudeRaptor]

geez spotting is horrible 0:17-0:33. all you see is tracers no plane

[@SheriffsSimShack]

Yt compressed the footage. I was able to see planes ingame

[@RudeRaptor]

@@SheriffsSimShack Ah...I see.

[@astrogumbie2399]

Have you tried WinWing Product by chance I think they are amazing myself, I got the Take Off Panel, Combat Panel, and Taurus and Libra Stick this was before they had come out with the Orion setup I might have went with it but I am happy with this setup I find my Throttle control I can dial it in where I have a Long Throw arm in the Axis lets me get the Correct % compared to throttles like Thrustmaster warthog or even Virpils. The only flaw I see with the setup I have is I wish they had did linked ability like Virpil where you can plug each into the other so they act as one makes things more simple.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

They are incredibly expensive tho

[@astrogumbie2399]

@@badgermcbadger1968 I 100% agree with you sir and can say that this hobby is expensive but really fun.

[@warmox1215]

I'm the 69th like.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

Nice