VKB Gladiator NXT Review

This is a review of VKB's Gladiator NXT joystick sent to me by VKB in order to give an honest review for you.
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[@RequiemsACTL]

You'll see "paid promotion" on this video, but I selected that just to be on the safe side because I was given this stick by VKB for the purposes of the review, which is my own and not representing VKB. Also, if you're currently a member of my Discord channel go check out the #giveaway page. I'm buying a Gladiator NXT to giveaway there, but you can only enter it if you joined before this video was published. If you join after watching this video you won't be able to see the giveaway until it's completed, sorry.

[@ShadeAKAhayate]

Well, that's exactly what "paid promotion" is. It signifies there may be a conflict of interests since you were receiving something but kind words from the developer/producer/distributor. This may in turn affect your judgement, even if involuntarily -- like, the reduced need to bash the developer for making the leftmost thumb hat available only in the more expensive model, unlike TM Warthog stick.

[@SheriffsSimShack]

if you arent paid, you dont need to do this :)

[@CaseyBartley]

@@ShadeAKAhayate TM Warthog is currently $279, while the VKB NXT EVO SCG standard is $135 and $165 for Premium, &175 for the NXT EVO omni (SCG Premium with angle adapter), $175 for the NXT EVO F14 & only $120 for the WW2 combat edition. So not sure comparing a stick+grip in a different price bracket makes any sense. IF anything VKB is giving the consumer quite a bit more choice for the dollar than Thrustmaster. In any case the difference is a full 30 bucks and in no way necessary to be able to fly almost anything out there. Also the EVO version has more adjustment at the gimbal, which is the biggest problem with the Thrustmaster option (not the grip). VKB, VPC and WinWing higher end gimbals are vastly superior to the Warthog gimbal anyway.

[@CaseyBartley]

@@ShadeAKAhayate Also I have in my posession gimbals from all the major manufacturers, and really the Thrustmaster gimbal is the weakest of those options, I would personally (and do) run an NXT in a secondary setup over a Warthog with a customized spring, relubed with Nyogel 767a as well as sanded gimbal to reduce sticktion. It's just not a good gimbal. On an extension it's okay at best.

[@torque-drive2488]

Where can I join your Discord at?

[@lwallace79]

Good, honest review. I had this same grip when it was first released for the Gunfighter line and really liked it. It's just about the perfect grip for WWII planes. The only reason I went back to the MCG is the lack of a handbrake axis.

[@akisakis7980]

I have this stick since the summer and it is amazing. My first stick

[@jasonf2252]

Great review! I own and fly this stick regularly after jumping around from a lot of sticks that left me unimpressed from all price points. The accuracy is incredible, and the number of buttons is perfect for my applications (mostly MSFS). The default tension is perfect for subtle corrections to flight path, unlike some heavier detented offerings. I love the warthog line. Heck, I still have. use, and swear by the throttle. However, the flightstick's detent combined with the tension, led me to move on from that part of the combo. If I could change one thing about the Gladiator though is I wish that the base had a larger footprint. It is not as stable as it could be, which was never a problem with the "forged by fire" feel of the warthog. For those of us that have to maintain a double duty desk and do not have a cockpit/mounted setup, it could be its Achillies heel. If I knew I could mount it to a steel plate and not damage my desk, it would be done. Ha.

[@TheHarvHR]

I must say I've absolutely adored this stick since I've got it. I had the Thrustmaster Hotas X, which naturally does not compare. I can say that the first time I used it I was really impressed by the movement and 'weight' of the stick, it felt much more like how I'd imagine flying a heavy machine going 400mph must felt rather than a toy. One thing I would like to say is that there was a batch of defective Gladiators I just so happened to be someone who got one. After having it for a few months, the stick became unusable as the input was all wrong over night. What had happened is that the manufacturer did not glue one of the internal magnets in properly, causing it to be dislodged. I contacted VKB and their support was superb, they offered me the option to send it to them for free or I could follow some instructions and fix it myself and receive a voucher. I chose the latter, the fix took 5 minutes and was no more difficult than the initial assembly of the stick, and I now have a handy voucher for when their throttle quadrant releases. Overall, really impressed with this stick. It is the best value for money stick in my opinion, whilst something like the venerable TM Warthog may be better, VKBs is amazing and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It is sturdy, it works great, and has improved both my immersion and ability in game considerably. Also, any company with good customer support is worthy of mention.

[@DicePunk]

I'm so happy with my NXT Evos, i can't express how much.

[@kuki5573]

I also fly this stick and love it! Both for realistic flight games and space sims.

[@tac-cobserver3788]

Cool, thanks for review this gladiator too, This VKB's gladiator NXT has good feedback so far i reckon and looking forward to get this flight stick too Well, stay healthy and Safety First! ✌😉

[@stix_0910]

Something not mentioned in video is you can reprogram all the buttons and save it in the firmware so it sticks on power cycle, (you can also save the profile configs on disk if you want) It's very powerful feature with options for modal buttons and axis configs. (from memory supports about 128 buttons options and 8 axis configs). I also use this feature to program axis trims on the fly (good for ww1 sim's that don't have axis tims on some planes). You can also download update the firmware on this controller with same software from VKB. The buttons are also high quality japanese (ALPS) switches that feel good and should last well (and he main (red) trigger is also two stage). I have the pro verison of this stick.

[@RequiemsACTL]

Very cool! I didn't feel a need to mess about with the software as it all worked as soon as I plugged in. The above is interesting to know though, thanks for sharing :-)

[@wudimusic]

Best price/performance out there.

[@jcjammer8972]

I’ve been using the Premium for over a year and it’s really an excellent piece of kit, particularly for the comparatively reasonable price. I had a TM 16000M before that and the difference is night & day. Because I don’t ‘fly’ jets, I swapped out the Premium’s analog ministick for the supplied hat switch (the video tutorial makes that look easy but since I’m all thumbs I had to be very careful and really take my time). It’s the bee’s knees, daddio!

[@GeekMAXX]

I've been eyeballing this stick for a while now as an upgrade to a T16000 as well and plan to do exactly what you did with replacing the analog with the hat switch. Glad you enjoy your upgrade, and I think after this video I want it more lol.

[@jcjammer8972]

@@GeekMAXX You may have noticed that they recently upgraded the NXT to the EVO model. Can’t remember what that’s an abbreviation of but there are some new features in this upgraded version. I believe there’s a video explaining this on their tutorial section.

[@Firefly1-1]

Same here but from DCS! Love this stick! Paired with a twcs throttle, the set up is absolutely the bees knees babay

[@buzzbladz7142]

Late to the party, Just about to start my journey in war thunder. Thanks for the comprehensive review of this stick. Will be buying one for sure.

[@RequiemsACTL]

Appreciate it. The NXT really is a great entry level stick compared to what's out there

[@bryanjacobs5897]

I absolutely love my nxt i bought a used thrustmaster master twcs throttle and rudder pedals to gk with it. It works perfectly for me in il-2 in vr

[@RequiemsACTL]

Seems like a lot of people have posted about using the TWCS with it

[@ColonelAkirNakesh]

Didn't see anyone else mention it but the flip up trigger guard is great for some of the Soviet era jets that have safeties there. I wish my Warthog had one!

[@l4dfanatic11]

I have this and I can say confidently I love it

[@hotel_india]

Interesting. I would of expect them to send the EVO version of the Gladiator NXT.

[@1SaG]

Nice review with just a tiny drawback: This version of the NXT is discontinued now and has been replaced by the NXT Evo - which has received some substantial upgrades to its innards. By sheer luck/coincidence, I bought my NXT Evo just as it was starting to become available in the EU for pre-order in early March - albeit only for an added airfreight surcharge of €15. Shipping from China was/is still problematic due to the virus. I did post a rather lenghty/rambling first impressions-/review- thread on IL-2's board ("Rebuilding my HOTAS..."), so I'll be "brief" here: I got the NXT Evo with the KG12 grip and so far, I couldn't be happier with the purchase. With a TM TWCS throttle and a headtracker, the KG12 still has enough functions (IMO) for WW2 planes... haven't tried DCS jets with it yet though. I came from literally over a decade of using Sidewinder FF2 sticks, and the VKB doesn't feel like a downgrade compared to that stick. Which is a rather good compliment IMO, since the FF2 was/is such a great product. The new stick feels super-solid overall, X- and Y-axes are super smooth, the revamped KG12 grip has some very nice improvements over their older model of the grip and the precision (both mechanically and electronically) is probably the best I've experienced in over 20 years of sim-flying. The only drawbacks I can come up with: 1. Stick is too light/base-plate is too small to use it in HOTAS mode without some way of fixing the stick to your desk. I'm using heavy duty velcro for that now, which works, but I'm already eyeing all sorts of metal mounting solutions. 2. Price in the EU (even without the added airfreight cost) is rather high for an "entry level" product. All in, I paid €174. Without airfreight it would've been €160 or so. Not sure about US sales taxes/VAT, etc, but prices there seem a lot lower. 3. The whole thing is so good that I'm second-guessing my decision to go with VKB's entry-level stick. Keep thinking I should've spent more and gone with their Gunfighter-model. :) 4. Stick is a bit too large for my hands and doesn't come with alternative/raised handrests and VKB don't even offer those for the KG12. Had to resort to a DIY solution using a velcro cable-tie and a piece of magic eraser/sponge material to raise the rest by ~ 12mm. Which works surprisingly well, but isn't pretty. Without it, my hand and lower arm will start to cramp up during longer sessions and overall ergonomics aren't perfect - for me.

[@watchmetry]

I've had my nxt prem right for over a year now, still a really good joystick.

[@rpersen]

I already have the VKB Gunfighter MK3, but the Gladiator sure looks nice too.

[@Firefly1-1]

This stick RIPS especially for the price. Paired with twcs throttle for a bang-for-buck HOTAS setup. Couldn’t be happier flying DCS with it!

[@HumanTank12]

Im looking at this combo for general use flying in msfs, elite and eventually dcs. I'm new to sims and flying, would it be good to go with those 2?

[@Firefly1-1]

@ I would absolutely recommend for anyone getting started the Gladiator. I still have not yet gotten a replacement for it, I truly love it. The Thrustmaster TWCS throttle is still a phenomenal choice as a beginner, is very convenient for desk/workspace, and is a great beginner throttle. I have since replaced mine with higher-end option, but would absolutely recommend the TWCS as a general purpose beginner throttle. That being said, I would also very seriously recommend VKB’s throttle offerings… they are a monstrous value for the price, and would be my pick for best throttle value on the market, plus it’s nice they have offerings at couple different various price points. Hope this helps!

[@pnzrldr]

I've got it and actually like the 'nose' trigger. The red one is a solid two-stage, but I use the nose for weapons release (backward) and rockets (forward). You didn't really state that the nose trigger trips in both directions. For overall grip, I also like it as it gives me a place to rest the side of my finger when NOT shooting, as I can lay my finger alongside similar to how one properly holds a pistol or rifle, with finger outside the trigger guard, until intending to shoot, then drop my finger under it when I want to get ready for guns.

[@Recon777x]

I've got this stick (premium) I love it.

[@SsgtHolland]

I replaced the Warthog base with a Virpil Warbrd and the difference is night and day. I regret not doing it sooner, the Warbrd is so smooth and precise. Just fantastic.

[@HolyOrangeJuice]

I can't get the word out enough about this stick. Unreal how good it is for the price. No reason to buy any of the name brand junk off Amazon.

[@geronimo5537]

Would love to see a comparison of this against the older warthog.

[@polo2506]

have mine for a few months, nothing wrong with it yet :D couldnt say the same about the thrustmaster stuff

[@karlhungus545]

For those of us with better things to spend our cash on than the grossly overpriced stuff from Virpil, this is an excellent stick and I'm glad that it exists. I have the Premium right version, and it's a big step up from the old Saitek X45 that I finally sold after 22 years+ (yes, I still got half my $ back on that one). It still worked perfectly, but the NXT combined with the TM TWCS (which I got new for $79 USD a few years ago) is a stellar combo with more than enough buttons/axes for anything in DCS.

[@stevedavey1343]

Now I'm a VKB fanboi from way back (but I've had Virpil sticks in the past, two V1 T-50 s base and grips, one right and one left hand) but I wouldn't describe Virpil kit as particularly overpriced. Virpil makes great kit. Now that said I have loved my Gunfighter base since 2017 and now I'm loving my MCG Ultimate mounted on it (had an MCG Pro before).

[@karlhungus545]

@@stevedavey1343 Oh, for sure they make great equipment (I should have said VKB/Virpil), but the Gunfighter or Warbird/Constellation would cost TRIPLE what the NXT cost me. There is no way it is 3 times as good, or will last three times as long. It had better wash my car and walk my dog for the prices they charge for those, just to play games. At a BARE minimum, they should come with lifetime warranties. To me, it's the same as a 3070 vs a 3090...(at the time) triple what the 3070 cost me for what, not even 25% more performance? I'd rather put that towards a new video card...or pontoon boat 😉

[@stevedavey1343]

@@karlhungus545 To say you _personally_ don't see the value in a cam and bearing gimbal that can reliably take a 200mm extension and be comfortably centre mounted is absolutely fair enough. Not everybody wants that and the NXT is an absolute blinder of a stick and I'm sure the EVO will be even better than the NXT. I was just challenging your 'grossly overpriced' characterisation. The Warthog stick is grossly over priced, the X56 is grossly over priced. The cam and bearing gimbal based sticks are just expensive...like a BMW M-series car is expensive, compared with a Ford Focus ;)

[@karlhungus545]

@@stevedavey1343 Yes, all of these are our personal opinions. Coincidentally, I drive a 2013 Kia Rio as I cannot understand how people spend so much on vehicles. Would you go into your investment adviser and tell them to put your money into an investment that will lose 70% of it's value in 5 years? That's overpriced vehicles...same concept. With a better warranty I might consider the more expensive sticks, but 2 year 'limited' is not even close to good enough for that price. They obviously don't have a lot of confidence in the build quality.

[@Ruweisat]

Great stick, but how does it compare to your Warthog?

[@Czar_Salad]

You sold me in ten seconds by showing that they make it left handed lol.

[@NoSTs123]

had mine for two years now. it is the best! My first stick also was the extreme 3d pro.

[@TheEpiccow400]

I have a VKB gunfighter 3 WW2 edition. Ive never regretted it, awesome stick with an extremely premium feel and action. Hell it feels better than most actual planes I’ve flown. Ive tried the gladiator and it is excellent as well, not near the gunfighter but i would recommend it to anyone who wants a mid range stick.

[@TheEpiccow400]

If anyone has any questions about it reply here and i will answer.

[@TheEpiccow400]

@@Toenism The gunfighter is perfect for the 200mm extension, its all about mounting for it to feel natural though. You will definitely have to use a center mount as it has a good amount of throw, which is great for making the tiniest adjustments when flying.

[@CaseyBartley]

@@Toenism I would say only go for the 100mm extension if you go with the all metal MCGU grip. Any of the other grips the 200mm extension is great.

[@CaseyBartley]

@@Toenism I have ran the MCGU on a 200 but I found it too light.

[@Silverhks]

@@CaseyBartley did you change the springs when you put the extension on? I'm running 2 #50 springs per axis and a healthy dose of clutch. It has a very smooth slow return to center.

[@Swift41]

im glad i found a video with someone who uses the tm warthog if you seen this and any one could help ive ben wonting to get the tm warthog hotas but everyone i see nowaday says there is better for the price and im still yet to find that better for price i got about 590 to get a hotas with out rudder cuz i already got some but i really like the a10 and the f16 stick so I'm just stuck what are some hotas around the 590 mark that up there with the warthog ?? for the set?... um trying to upgrade from a t16000m set i had for the past 3 years

[@jimmydesouza4375]

I don't know how you could go from FFB to non FFB. FFB, even the 940, is just so good.

[@RequiemsACTL]

I used to have the G940 and I do miss FFB but I currently prefer my stick without it as the one I would want to have with FFB is way outside my price range haha

[@jimmydesouza4375]

@@RequiemsACTL Have you seen the Rhino FFB stick kit? It's ~$500 for the parts and $800 assembled. It's expensive but it's not Brunner prices.

[@RequiemsACTL]

@@jimmydesouza4375 yeah that's the one! Long wait list but I'm finding it hard to justify spending that much...maybe one day.

[@paulsheather7657]

So do you think it's an upgrade from your hostas?

[@barone069]

How would you compare it with the warthog?

[@RequiemsACTL]

Because the TM Warthog with the stick extension is a complete HOTAS setup it is superior to the NXT, but that's to be expected honestly as it's in a different class in terms of the build and increased cost that comes with that. A more fair comparison would probably be between the Warthog and something from Virpil.

[@erfguuipo8084]

Isn't evo the latest one

[@WarlordFlanker]

I currently use the T16000M with the FWCS Throttle Control and T-Rudder Pedals. Would it be better to upgrade to a VKB setup or the Warthog?

[@RequiemsACTL]

The big thing I don't like about the Warthog is the strong centering force, so for me it's unuseable without the stick extension it. If you weren't getting a stick extension then VKB would probably be better for you.

[@WarlordFlanker]

@@RequiemsACTL Would you recommend the Gladiator series or the Gunfighter series? Id like to see a decent upgrade from the T16K if at all possible. Id had to drop the cash only to have basically the same stick with a different feel.

[@RequiemsACTL]

@@WarlordFlanker I don't have any experience with the gunfighter series so I can't really help there sorry. Maybe check out the HOTAS Discord/Reddit

[@ilejovcevski79]

Can the stick be offset for center mounts?

[@ColonelAkirNakesh]

Are you still using the Warthog throttle with it or have you switched throttles?

[@RequiemsACTL]

Still using the warthog throttle

[@MistaMeowmers]

If you ever get the chance, I'd recommend checking out Virpils WarBrd base and whatever stick you feel like, and maybe their throttle. I got mine less than a month ago and absolutely love it, totally worth the money if you're a combat flight enthusiast!

[@stevedavey1343]

Or the VKB Gunfighter too. ;)

[@MistaMeowmers]

@@stevedavey1343 haven't used, but I'm sure it's just as nice! :p

[@RequiemsACTL]

Virpil is something I'll be checking out in the future for sure!

[@cg_justin_5327]

Always wanted a VKB, but they are pretty expensive

[@RequiemsACTL]

Hey mate! Well you'll have a chance to get one at least! :-)

[@cg_justin_5327]

@@RequiemsACTL awesome! Gonna head over to the discord now!

[@krestonkurotani3231]

Does it come with throttles? or is that a seperate piece

[@RequiemsACTL]

A throttle is on the stick, but there is a separate throttle quadrant they sell

[@reddragon84n]

not enough buttons...

[@reddfoxx529]

3d pro ftw

[@RequiemsACTL]

Definitely good enough for a basic stick on the cheap!

[@JoshHarris88]

I'm surprised you'd switch from the more 'realistic' 100mm extension with greater throw and finer control for a short desk stick. Can you elaorate on why? Is the extension expereince not as great as it seems?

[@RequiemsACTL]

The NXT does not replace my TM Warthog setup. I love the stick extension on my Warthog:-)

[@mirshia5248]

i have this stick and gunfighter ultimate, let me tell you, the nxt is better

[@BCSchmerker]

+RequiemBoS *The Virtual Engineering Bureau MPO (RUS) Gladiator NXT EVO SCG Standard Right (SKU# GNE-SCG-R) is first place for a RIO grip* in a tandem-simpit concept formulation study I have underway as of March 2022. VIRPIL® Controls (BLR) builds the second-place 'stick in the WarBRD™ Base (C/N VPC-106) and Constellation ALPHA-R™ Grip (C/N VPC-009-R).

[@redacted5052]

I bought a VKB gladiator a few years ago and was massively disappointed; it was all plastic and cheap, with terrible software. Honestly one of the worst sticks I’ve owned, especially considering the price point. Id rather fly with a Nintendo wii remote than roll the dice again on VKB.

[@stevedavey1343]

Yeah I suspect you bought a knock-off Gladiator. There were a few around made by a company that VKB did some work for right at the start who manufactured cheap inferior versions using VKB's designs as a basis.

[@JK-dv3qe]

my country (Norway) decided to send anti-tank weapons to a very clearly nazi country (Ukraine) should we be sour AF if other side in that conflict decides to bomb arms supply point? (asking for parliament friend)

[@_PatrickO]

You are mentally ill. Russia is acting like Nazis. Ukraine has no Nazis. The old militia on 2014 was disbanded and reformed as a part of the Ukrainian military and anyone with pro Nazi sentiments were booted out. Some of those people may be fighting for Russia now.