WinWing ORION2 HOTAS F-16 FULL SETUP AND REVIEW

[@BogeyDope]

I want to note. I was incorrect on the throttle base being made of metal. I have been told by WinWing that: "all structures of the right hand of the Orion 2 are made of metal high-pressure casting (Aerospace aluminum alloy)(This includes the stick grip and the base}. The Orion 2 Left Hand (Throttle): Core and club head and the connection between them, made of all-metal (Aerospace aluminum). The base shell and limit plate are made of ABS engineering plastic" So, the throttle base, although it looks and feels like metal, is VERY high quality ABS plastic. However, the Throttle Grip, The Stick Base, and the Stick itself are all made of high pressure aerospace aluminum alloy casting. The Stick base plate is most definitely very well machined aluminum as well. I hope this clarifies my experience with the products in this video.

[@Off-The-X]

I certainly hope you know what you are doing. Its known that all these test bed simulation instruments and flight controls are implemented on the teenagers in China as part of their structured schooling regiment. You sure you want to push Communist products? Please, quit supporting China! Reading this *CHINESE* Agents!

[@themollerz]

Thanks, Dope! Honestly, your review holds a ton more weight than most, so looking forward to this.

[@MrRalphBraun]

yep, I agree, I have the same setup...

[@jfiery]

Same. It is great.

[@enochlearns6132]

I'm still saving for controls and the pc, so this is very helpful. I was especially curious about the throw of the stick, so thanks for going over that. I can't wait to get involved with dcs. Thanks for putting in the work to make this vid. I appreciate it.

[@coRb77]

Thanks! I had missed the tightning screw for the base of the joystick. Thanks for showing that.

[@BlackSockRepublic]

Immensely helpful. Especially when winwing’s website for instructions keeps timing out. Thanks bud

[@StandingCow2]

Love the winwing gear, I have quite a bit now. I always do my firmware updates through usb hubs with EVERYTHING plugged in and no issue so far... maybe I like to live dangerously.

[@OisinClissmann]

I've done both and so far no issues either. Apparently it's a question of power. If your usb hub is A/C powered it should have enough juice for the hardware to update adequately.

[@dripmaxiedol1889]

When he says nothing else plugged in, does he mean all hardware (keyboard, mouse, etc.) or just winwing hardwares?

[@jonssmohr]

@@dripmaxiedol1889 Just winwing hardware

[@RyanBennett1]

@@dripmaxiedol1889 i think just winwing but dont hold me to it i dont know for sure

[@hadroncollider17]

I found the proper way to use the suction cup from an obscure comment in a forum. You have to clean the suction cups with soap (and wash your table surface with soap as well, I used a sponge). Then wet the suction cup with a 50/50 solution of soap and water. Dawn dish soap works really well. Then press them firmly into the desk. It will be stuck in place. I have pretty high friction on the throttle and the suction cups are immovable now, no sliding or anything. I actually don't know how I'm going to remove it from my desk now, so I guess it's kind of on there permanently.

[@BogeyDope]

@@hadroncollider17 I tried that and it does not work for my desk. My desk is very porous.

[@kantngn]

@@hadroncollider17 peel the edge up and it'll be undone

[@hadroncollider17]

@@kantngn It's been stuck on my desk for the last three weeks, basically cemented onto there. It's actually a bit of a problem, I can't get it off, the only way I would be able to take it off is if I pried it with a knife and damaged it. It's all but permanent, as long as your desk isn't porous, I guess.

[@paulallen8597]

My desk has a whiteboard surface, so I bet the suction cups will work (though I don't plan to mount the HOTAS that way). Like the ICP video you made, this is extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@mikethrower1]

I currently work in F-16’s, but it’s depot so they are block 40’s. But they are building new block 70’s here, I’ll try to get some pics and dimensions from it. For the depot jets, I can get pics and videos.

[@BogeyDope]

@@mikethrower1 I would advise against that. Especially at Depot. Lots of stuff being upgraded right now that are very sensitive.

[@mikethrower1]

@@BogeyDope I'm good, nothing sensitive in there that isn't already out there.

[@realtimer3000]

thank you, great review! Would be great to see a comparison between the WinWing and the Viper TQS from Thrustmaster if possible

[@0i1s_Boomerang]

when it comes to the suction cups they really do only work on smooth tables. especially when they comes right out hte box they are honestly garbage and you need to manually bend them back down but after about a week id say they become pretty good. ive had my HOTAS for about 5 months now and they stick very well on table. my best tip is to simply give all them another bend down before placing it on the table whenever you move it around and they'll work great after that first week or so

[@hgerkicsig]

I have this base too, and my desk has a lacquer finish, and the sucktion cups work very well for me. So it is probably the desk.

[@kostaskaronis5046]

there are friction pads that FPV pilots use for their batteries...they work AWESOME and are for multiple uses!!!

[@Viper1Zero]

Looks awesome, brother. I gotta get my hands on this.

[@iammorpheus7345]

I got the thrustmaster vioer TQS. It's works great, thanks for the info in this product.

[@fjb5894]

Great video. Air Base AB is overseas bases OCONUS. Air Force Base AFB is CONUS. Nellis AFB is proper. I work now at Kadena AB, Okinawa JP but also worked at Nellis AFB, NV. Hope this is good gee-whiz info for non-military viewers.

[@rwhunt99]

Great review I agree with everything except - one little niggle, that is the lower case for the throttle is high grade plastic, not metal. I have enjoyed mine for a year now with no issues.

[@billpii6314]

Throw the suction cups into the trash. I used some thick clear two sided tape and it works perfectly and can be pulled off if need be.

[@mk_787]

Thank you for the informative video

[@markkelly7069]

I have the same setup. I found your comments at 18:38 regarding the movement of the stick in the base very interesting. My stick moves considerably more than what you show. Do you have the CAM/Spring Dampening Kit installed?

[@BogeyDope]

Mine came with the MFSSB kit already pre-installed. According to their website, this is how the Orion 2 stick comes by default now.

[@markkelly7069]

@@BogeyDope Thanks. I figured that out after I posted the comment. How do you find it works in flying the F-16 in DCS? Is it an improvement over the "looser" stick?

[@BogeyDope]

@@markkelly7069 I personally prefer it because I feel I have more control, especially in AAR and formation flight. Everything seems more precise.

[@patrickdrives]

Great video, thanks! I do wonder how it works in DCS with air refueling for instance. Currently I use a center mounted VKB with extension and that is already a bit of a challenge. It would make sense to have this F-16 stick side mounted without extension.

[@AlphaWolf198]

I can't agree what you said about the Winwing. Fior ,me is the TQS Viper the best and also it looks like the original and it's as well the most made on metal. The new base for the sick, I can't say something. But this one is also a very good product. And what I miss most are all the other panels for the F16C. And for me it's very important I just need one hand to use all buttons on the thrustlever, same for the stick.

[@yogiparashara4016]

Hey Bogie Dope , great video 👍. Can you do a follow up on Keybinding this Winwing product with the F16 DCS module please 🙏🏽 😊

[@nh6central]

Great review, thanks. May I ask: Did you wet the suction cups with saliva before pressing them down? That’s how they’re supposed to work. 😎

[@zaccav-t5e]

Hey man would you be keen on doing a Video on your set up for you Key binds?

[@BogeyDope]

Working on a keybinds tutorial for new players now. Not sure how helpful my keybinds will be for the community, as there are a lot of different peripherals out there that are significantly different and won't translate to my setup.

[@Trancecend]

I have the same setup as well, no MFSSB or Shaker Kit though. You should tighten down the throttle movement. There are 2 screw holes on the top, next to it, where you can do that.

[@BogeyDope]

@@Trancecend nope. I like it the way it is. Feels close to the real throttle friction.

[@wildbillkelso2083]

Great job! Well done, 👍

[@BeefSupremeAviation]

I picked up the f16 stick with the 15ex handles a few months ago. My only complaint is the trim hat has no tactile feedback, I only know I’m pressing it when I hit the hard stop.

[@KillerKev1961]

I bought mine almost a year ago, tried it out but didnt plug it into the motherboard and almost nothing subsequently worked. Didnt know about that, somehow missed that in the instructions lmao. At any rate, thank Mr. Dope, will try again.

[@Arakahn123]

It's a matter of how much electrical power they require, which tends to be lower on most computers external USBs (like the front of your case). So indeed plugging directly in the back USBs or if using a hub using a properly powered hub (it has an AC plug with it) you should be fine.

[@h.m.5924]

I would LOVE if you could do a side-by-side comparison of the Thrustmaster Viper TQS. I'm on the fence between the two. Great job, BD!

[@BogeyDope]

@@h.m.5924 I have reached out to Thrustmaster multiple times and have asked for that. I even met up with them at the expo and left them my card almost like a last try. No response. . . . I'm not cool enough. 🙂 Honestly, I feel blessed that WinWing honored me with a response!

[@h.m.5924]

@@BogeyDope Another PR loss for TM, then. You put out the best DCS Viper content out there imho. Silly they won't give you the time of day considering I know they sent review copies to channels way smaller than yours. In any case, thanks for this review! If you figure out how to tighten up the play in the stick when at center, let us know!

[@BogeyDope]

@@h.m.5924 well thank you. I appreciate the kind words.

[@maverikbursch2797]

Welcome to the club

[@StealthySpace7]

Quick question, how do they expect us to desk mount us? The rail completely covers any screw hole used for mounting this

[@BogeyDope]

That is a good question. Definitely something they may need to look at.

[@StealthySpace7]

@ all good brother. My solution was to just leave the far holes uncovered by the rails. Lets me get 2 out of 4 secured at least which is something

[@av8r.archer886]

Hi thanks for the video. How does the stick work with other planes like the F4/A10 in terms of stick range of motion? I understand the F16 stick is fly by wire hence very small range of motion but how does this affect other planes? Is it usable with the F4 and other planes like normal or is it stuck with that tiny range of motion for all aircraft? Thanks.

[@Jeckyll859]

Great review sir! Are rudder pedals required or can you steer with the joystick? Thank you!

[@BogeyDope]

@@Jeckyll859 you do not need rudder pedals to fly DCS. I had a stick that twisted for rudder for many many years.

[@pawel22ppw]

I'm glad you found it 😅

[@BogeyDope]

Thank you for your comment. Made me question and started looking through everything again.

[@hebleh5771]

And today I received my Gulikit KK3 max gamepad and thinking what an upgrade to my 5 year old Xbox One controller that served me well for the past 480 ish hours of DCS and many thousands on sim racing games GTA etc so far LOL

[@BelugaYTACC]

I wish I could have this, I play on a PlayStation 5 controller with no eye tracker😢

[@andresilvasophisma]

Had a chance to sit on a real one and a couple of things threw me off. 1 - I really had to stretch my arm to get it into full burner. The range of motion is considerable. 2 - The MFDs are farther away than I expected. Trying to operate buttons that are beyond your knees, while you're sitting back at an angle, it's not that easy. Computer games don't make it justice.

[@Carbon_715]

I've had my throttle for a year and a half maybe. Its table mounted so font have to worry about suction cups or anything. My 3 biggest complaints are the hog knob (manual range/uncage). Its not even close to comfort as the real thing and feels cheap. The ant elev knob also doesnt feel great. You can barely feel the center detent, at least is the case with mine. It should be almost as noticeable as those lever switch center detents that are on the base. Also im not a fan of the cursor/cursor enable. I feel it should be bigger. As for the stick I cant speak to it. I have a FSSB R3 Lightning and a grip from the same company.

[@michaelkphoto8344]

My thoughts exactly (I have the same setup). BTW the R3 Lightning stick is made by RealSim, a Spanish company.

[@adamheersink4710]

I picked up the same setup earlier this year. My stick has a lot more play in it. Did you get anything special to be so stiff? Been watching your tutorial and mission videos. Good stuff.

[@Flametux]

I bought a second spring and cam kit to double up, since they only use half the cam/spring mounting spots as it ships by default. That and I switched to one of the more aggressively centering cams.

[@flipcoin6301]

Two versions of the joystick base. One has traditional position based tracking(lots of movement). Other has pressure based tracking(limited movement). He has the second one - MFSSB.

[@capybarack_obama]

the Orion2 HOTAS 16 is on pre order, when will i be able to buy it

[@BogeyDope]

If you are in the US, it is available now. If you are looking at the Global shipping stock, it is not available now. If you click on the top right of the website where it says "Global shipping" and change it to United States, it's available now.

[@jusam6854]

@@BogeyDope Yep, just bought mine last Sunday. After getting the dope here. Thanks BD!

[@Duckfisher0222]

Those suckers don't work well i agree, but i noticed some dust... Make sure to clean your desk before doing that, won't work on a desk with a ruff surface area. And also, lik the suckers... Anyhow, they suck and I know, I make my own mounts now :)

[@krostouin]

Humidify the pads with a sponge

[@Alex_1652]

its not just your desk, those suction pads "sucks"(actually they dont suck).

[@AviationPlus]

This is way too complicated Thrustmaster Viper ready to go out of the box. Also the buttons on the throttle is something I do not particularly like. Thanks for your review. Might need to do another review on my TM Viper.

[@BogeyDope]

@@AviationPlus If they'll ever respond to my emails, I would love to. Left them my card at the expo too....still nothing.

[@PulsechainProfits]

did you moisten the suction cups?

[@BogeyDope]

Yes. It didn't change the results on my desk. The surface is too porous.

[@30K_ACTUAL]

You got the mfssb in the stick?

[@BogeyDope]

I received the stick with that already pre installed. If you order the Orion 2 F-16EX stick/base, it comes with it by default.

[@0tjn0]

suction cups won't work with a wood desk, the surface is too uneven to make a good seal and retain it. I have the F-18 throttle/16EX stick setup from WW and I find putting a wodge of blu tack on the same corners as the suction cups works far better on an uneven surface.

[@kevinmauga2500]

My grip moves more than a quarter inch, more like 3” to 4”. How do you set it up for quarter inch movement like the real thing?

[@BogeyDope]

Mine is the Orion 2 F-16 HOTAS so it is the Orion 2 Stick base with the MFSSB kit already installed. I apologize, as I should have explained that in the video.

[@kevinmauga2500]

Thank you. I bought the same version and I guess mines didn’t come with one. But I’m assuming you added the MFSSB kit to your purchase? Just curious to see if I have make additional purchases

[@BogeyDope]

@@kevinmauga2500 I received it with the MFSSB kit already installed and calibrated. According to their website - "Note: considering it is a sophisticated equipment, hard to assemble, recently we only sale the preinstalled version, “Orion 2 Joystick Base with MFSSB Kit”, no individual sale (as an accessory) so far. We will elaborately adjust and calibrate it before it left our factory, ensuring to “fly and fight, as it reached your hand.”" - winwingsim.com/view/goods-details.html?id=371

[@kevinmauga2500]

Makes sense. Thank you kindly for the information. My wife is going to kill me now once I give her some bad news with my additional purchase 😂

[@jebb125]

(Aerospace aluminum alloy)??? that stuff is far from 7075 or even 2024. 6061 is not used in any structures that carry a load. Be prepared to open the orion 2 up and clean and lube the clutches, you will see a remarkable difference in smoothness

[@BogeyDope]

@@jebb125 I'm unable to test the metal material itself to confirm what "type" of metal it is made of. I'm relaying what WinWing sent me.

[@tenevas666]

La manette des gaz de chez Thrusmaster donc la TQS est de bien meilleure qualité et plus réaliste que celle ci.

[@OisinClissmann]

Est-ce que tu parles specifiquement du throttle du F16 ou en general? J'ai la base winwing Orion + F15EX Throttle et le F16EX stick et je trouve que la qualite est superbe. Mon frere possede le Thrustmaster Warthog et ca l'air d'etre de bien moins bonne qualite (c'est moins cher aussi).

[@tenevas666]

@@OisinClissmann NOn je parle du Trottle oui "manette des gaz" que Thrusmaster a mis au point et qui pour moi est bien mieux que celle de Winwing effectivement. Et Thrusmaster la encore avec la base AVA est enfin de nouveau aussi bien que les autres bases pour stick. Mais oui je trouve la manette gaz TQS bien mieux effectivement

[@DankTank374]

Ha dude no rubber pads on the bottom ? Thats a huge deal breaker honestly.

[@BogeyDope]

Comes with suction cups. Once installed, they work as fairly good friction pads. On certain surfaces, they stick very well I'm told. So far, it's working for me fairly well.

[@ButterSausages]

WW has the worst customer service ever. Both stick and throttle seems lile good quality, but they have some bad flaws. Definetely going for another setup

[@nemisis_wolf]

2 Things. 1. The Orion 2 Throttle base is nearly ALL PLASTIC not metal! 2. The suction cups are total Crap! I have 2 Winwing Throttle bases and one Stick base they all come with the same suction cups and not one of them will stick on any any surfaces

[@stscc01]

I think the Winwing stuff is overpriced. It may be made mostly of metal, but the details like the cables on the throttle, the cheap looking connectors, the suction pads etc. are not what you would expect from a product in that price range. But hey, all the other gear from VKB, Virpil or Thrustmaster is very expensive, too. I got the new Thrustmaster base as a gift, and, regarding the price of almost 300,00 Euro, it's a piece of crap. All those flightsim controllers are still niche products, and I'm glad there are at least some companies that build higher quality gear, especially for military flight sims. But regarding the materials used and the production costs, all that stuff is much too expensive... It's still only game controller quality, not comparable to the real thing.

[@Duckfisher0222]

Not to mention the software :D

[@RW-zn8vy]

Virpil and vkb makes products that are well worth it. Winwing might be overpriced a bit but they have an illusion on people so they think they’re getting high end stuff.

[@sergiinlv]

I put 666th like!

[@nemisis_wolf]

2 Things. 1. The Orion 2 Throttle base is nearly ALL PLASTIC not metal! 2. The suction cups are total Crap! I have 2 Winwing Throttle bases and one Stick base they all come with the same suction cups and not one of them will stick on any any surfaces