@@Raso719 oh no the VKBs are fantastic don't get me wrong. They are not quite as premium as the Virpils though. Also the Virpils have an extra hat switch or two that I could specifically see using in Star Citizen or Elite dangerous. But no there is nothing wrong with VKB, I just wouldn't mind spoiling myself with a whole setup of Virpil like Astro is running.
Can't wait to receive mine. Ordered the alpha prime withe the warbrd, cm3 throttle and all three control panels. Thanks for giving me ideas and how to spend my money!!
I have the new Virpil throttle that I have been using for a couple of years now. A very impressive piece of equipment. As for a flight stick, I am currently using the VKB Gladiator NXT. Great stick for the price, and leagues above anything Logitech and Thrustmaster have. That said, I am looking to buy the Constellation Alpha (R) as an upgrade. I don't see the need to get the Alpha Prime, even though it is a very nice stick. Thanks for the review. Have a great day, Sir. o7
I have a new HOTAS system coming, it should arrive on 10/7/2022. I have the alpha prime (Right hand), CM3 base, CM3 throttle, side panel #2, and all desk mounting for them. Sometime in the spring or so I will be getting a second alpha prime (left hand) with base and the Z mount. I am counting the days for my order to arrive. I have been using an x56 since 2016 and it has been very good to me, some ghosting but not all the time. I have been seeing D2EA using and talking about Virpil so I decided it is time for me to upgrade my setup since I do play alot of Elite, MSFS, and DCS world. Thanks for the review !! Great job as always.
I bought a 3090 when they came out, so you’ve already answered which one I need. Been playing Elite on an Xbox controller, now I think it’s time for a huge upgrade.
Thank you, that was very helpful! One question remains: due to a full metal body, doesn’t it get heavy so that the plastic one is actually better in terms of control and precision?
You can feel the weight difference if you hold them side by side but once they are mounted on a base i didn't notice the added weight after adjusting the pre-tension in the springs a bit.
I went for the extra €70 plus tax, way I justified it was I'm spending that much money anyway, it's like going out for a nice meal and only drinking water to save money. Now I just have to wait for it to be shipped......
Great review. Gonna make the switch from dual gladiator to dual WrBrd+Alphas. While the primes look sexy they're not enough of an upgrade to justifiy the price for me. I'll wait for the next version before upgrading again. (god this hobby is an endless pit to throw money at)
I am so glad i found this. I was about to upgrade from a thrustmastet 16000m (bc of bad slop, in yaw particular) to the the Logitec G. I would have been left with thw same issue. Definitlwy saving my money and waiting on this one. Gonna go the whole kit and caboodle
I've been playing a lot of Star Citizen recently and have been looking for a decent pair of flight sticks. The entry in a little high but it seems worth it compared to others around $200.
I'll save for the prime. I stuggle with plastics, I have a werid allegy that flares up when I have too much contact with the type of plastics they make controllers etc out of. The Metal will help with that I think.
Finally bit the bullet and ordered the ALPHA PRIME sticks with the CM3 bases. I still have my dual VKB Cosmonaught with Gunfighter MkIII set up, but I was beginning to question their life span, so they will go on my Guest/BU rig.
I have the Alpha already (your fault D2EA!) and would feel like under utility to buy the prime, new base and offset Z arm to use it as a throttle. I like the idea of the all metal body though, so maybe if I upgraded to prime & sold the alpha. I’d like to try out a HOSAS set up though, so we’ll see what happens 🎉
While I love the idea of the metal body, the plastic body of the OG Alpha is definitely not a cheap feeling. I do like the looks of the new hat switches and mini stick cap, and I love the additional LEDs. I think one day I'll probably sell my old Alphas and swap them out for Alpha Primes, but I'm going to upgrade my bases first.
yeah I agree with this, this is not cheap thin plastic. better quality is good but at 40% or something market up I think I'd pass since in many cases your budgeting for 2 of these and bases.
Are there any issues with the metal construction making your hands cold? I already have constantly cold hands so if the new one is noticeably colder that might be a problem.
While I’m super happy with my recently purchased T16000M FCS space sim duo setup, if I stick with em over my HOTAS setup this will definetly be on my wishlist!
To be honest, I would choose the standard over the premium even if I had the extra money. I really don't like the Razer-style bling they put on it, all black buttons makes it lose part of it's personality and I'm not really bothered with the trigger being louder without rattle, If anything I'm inclined to trust more a trigger without tight tolerances as it makes it less likely to snag with gunk accumulation down the road.
Can´t wait for the base review. My question is what base is the best for space sim without the extension but with the desk mount. I mean we have the VPC WarBRD Base, it is there for use without extension but the VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Base have the internal breakes what would be intresting as throttle in space sim (like your setup with the Z Extension).
I've been flying the sh*t out of my Constellation Alpha (yeah I watched your review for it too ;) ) but with the quality Virpil delivers, I don't think I'll replace it any time soon :D
All the information that you just gave is good my information is how sensitive is it how good is it how well does it work I would like to watch it work
Can the Flip Switch be configured to activate missile mode in Star Citizen? Example, flip it towards you activates it, flip it away from you disables it?
@@DowntoEarthAstronomy I may go with the warBRD base then... Ill could just put them on the table in front of me. I travel and use a laptop so... mounting brackets will be extra weight IM thinking...
I was really annoyed origionally, the day my Alphas got delivered the Prime got announced, but having actually looked into them I'm not too fussed anymore. I am tempted to change my Left stick from a WarBRD to the new CM3 though.
Wow, you're the first person I have heard say this but I have only been looking at blogs, comments, and virpil forums for 2 days. I'll continue to research and keep what you are saying as part of a log I'm doing to weight the two options. Also, I'm weighing the options and taking comments about people who are replacing their CM2 Grip with this Alpha Prime grip for DCS World fighter jets and all sorts of other Flight Sim purposes (MSFS-2020 bush flying, etc.) Also, what do you like about putting this PRIME unit on the bigger base like shown in the video (Instead of the WARBRD Base)?
Your lights on your regular alpha might be turned down in software, those look dimmer than I remember by far, my alpha's brake levers do not rattle and stops dead for both of them. The trigger does have bit of wobble to it same as your
as for whether you should buy the Prime or not: Will you be clubbing people to death with the grip? Then go for the Metal! :) I do love my non-prime ALPHA and when I bought my second grip (LH), I did not feel the extra $80 USD was worth the LEDs and metal. Good review though! (Please, don't clubber people to death!)
For me it is the first virpil experience. so i decided to buy the prime one, because if you decide to swtich from 60€ joystick to first class, then it does not matter if it costs 70€ more. But I wonder why I have to wait so long (now nearly 2 weeks) to get any information about my order. I mean, targeted delivery date should be able to be announced, or not? especially with this price (i bought two + base etc.). That makes me unconfortable and a little bit angry. So customer service seems not to be the best. but the price it is... more i can not say or review, because i do not got my payed sticks till now.
@@doifeellucky yes, they arrived and the support really tried to make me feel comfortable again. it took a little bit time for producing etc. nice sticks, every cent worth.
@@DowntoEarthAstronomy I did not know that thankyou. Then i would say it is worth the extra as making something from metal is more expensive than using plastic. If i played flying games more ( i just play elite every know and then) then i would seriously consider this setup.
If I was still flying Virpil, I'd probably get these. However, I moved onto VKB a long time ago. Better ergonomics, better adjustability, and until recently, they were the only ones around with a dry clutch.
Worth an Upgrade 100% not , imo. New Buy , yes i would by the Prime if i buy a new one. My Stick is Nr. 134 so First Badge it is still as nice as the first day
Thanks Astro, for spending my money for me. I need to get these to replace my VKBs.
I've been eyeing a VKB Gladiator HOSAS setup for a while now. Have you been having trouble with rhe VKBs or is it just time for a change?
@@Raso719 oh no the VKBs are fantastic don't get me wrong. They are not quite as premium as the Virpils though. Also the Virpils have an extra hat switch or two that I could specifically see using in Star Citizen or Elite dangerous. But no there is nothing wrong with VKB, I just wouldn't mind spoiling myself with a whole setup of Virpil like Astro is running.
Can't wait to receive mine. Ordered the alpha prime withe the warbrd, cm3 throttle and all three control panels. Thanks for giving me ideas and how to spend my money!!
Just ordered the alpha prime last week, I'm super excited to step up from my t16000!
I have the new Virpil throttle that I have been using for a couple of years now. A very impressive piece of equipment. As for a flight stick, I am currently using the VKB Gladiator NXT. Great stick for the price, and leagues above anything Logitech and Thrustmaster have. That said, I am looking to buy the Constellation Alpha (R) as an upgrade. I don't see the need to get the Alpha Prime, even though it is a very nice stick.
Thanks for the review. Have a great day, Sir. o7
I have a new HOTAS system coming, it should arrive on 10/7/2022. I have the alpha prime (Right hand), CM3 base, CM3 throttle, side panel #2, and all desk mounting for them. Sometime in the spring or so I will be getting a second alpha prime (left hand) with base and the Z mount. I am counting the days for my order to arrive. I have been using an x56 since 2016 and it has been very good to me, some ghosting but not all the time. I have been seeing D2EA using and talking about Virpil so I decided it is time for me to upgrade my setup since I do play alot of Elite, MSFS, and DCS world. Thanks for the review !! Great job as always.
I bought a 3090 when they came out, so you’ve already answered which one I need. Been playing Elite on an Xbox controller, now I think it’s time for a huge upgrade.
Great review, definitely has me considering an upgrade over my x52 pro. Looking forward to a video about the base!
Thank you for this video!
Thank you, that was very helpful! One question remains: due to a full metal body, doesn’t it get heavy so that the plastic one is actually better in terms of control and precision?
You can feel the weight difference if you hold them side by side but once they are mounted on a base i didn't notice the added weight after adjusting the pre-tension in the springs a bit.
@@DowntoEarthAstronomy hey, thank you! Very much appreciated, I might pick up the Primes then after the price was reduced.
@@AW-po7jr if youre in the EU the price is now reduced by 5% per item you buy
@@voxdeusthank you, I have already ordered. 😊
I went for the extra €70 plus tax, way I justified it was I'm spending that much money anyway, it's like going out for a nice meal and only drinking water to save money. Now I just have to wait for it to be shipped......
Virpil's quality is impressive. I love my Constillation Alpha and Throttle.
Just moved to pc when I have funds again definitely investing in a duel set up 👍
Great review. Gonna make the switch from dual gladiator to dual WrBrd+Alphas. While the primes look sexy they're not enough of an upgrade to justifiy the price for me. I'll wait for the next version before upgrading again. (god this hobby is an endless pit to throw money at)
I am so glad i found this. I was about to upgrade from a thrustmastet 16000m (bc of bad slop, in yaw particular) to the the Logitec G. I would have been left with thw same issue. Definitlwy saving my money and waiting on this one. Gonna go the whole kit and caboodle
I've been playing a lot of Star Citizen recently and have been looking for a decent pair of flight sticks. The entry in a little high but it seems worth it compared to others around $200.
I'll save for the prime. I stuggle with plastics, I have a werid allegy that flares up when I have too much contact with the type of plastics they make controllers etc out of. The Metal will help with that I think.
Finally bit the bullet and ordered the ALPHA PRIME sticks with the CM3 bases. I still have my dual VKB Cosmonaught with Gunfighter MkIII set up, but I was beginning to question their life span, so they will go on my Guest/BU rig.
Have you compared these to the VKB MCG-U by chance? Any input would be appreciated.
I have the Alpha already (your fault D2EA!) and would feel like under utility to buy the prime, new base and offset Z arm to use it as a throttle.
I like the idea of the all metal body though, so maybe if I upgraded to prime & sold the alpha. I’d like to try out a HOSAS set up though, so we’ll see what happens 🎉
Upgrade to prime so if for any reason of failure you have a spare whilst you repair
While I love the idea of the metal body, the plastic body of the OG Alpha is definitely not a cheap feeling. I do like the looks of the new hat switches and mini stick cap, and I love the additional LEDs. I think one day I'll probably sell my old Alphas and swap them out for Alpha Primes, but I'm going to upgrade my bases first.
yeah I agree with this, this is not cheap thin plastic. better quality is good but at 40% or something market up I think I'd pass since in many cases your budgeting for 2 of these and bases.
Are there any issues with the metal construction making your hands cold? I already have constantly cold hands so if the new one is noticeably colder that might be a problem.
I have not had any issues with them feeling cold.
While I’m super happy with my recently purchased T16000M FCS space sim duo setup, if I stick with em over my HOTAS setup this will definetly be on my wishlist!
What would be really great is if someone were to do a comparison of this and the SCG.
Can you explain what the SCG experience is like?
Scg is 90 pounds, this grip is 200
To be honest, I would choose the standard over the premium even if I had the extra money. I really don't like the Razer-style bling they put on it, all black buttons makes it lose part of it's personality and I'm not really bothered with the trigger being louder without rattle, If anything I'm inclined to trust more a trigger without tight tolerances as it makes it less likely to snag with gunk accumulation down the road.
I bought a pair of Virpil joysticks that you recommended, I am curious how long did it take for you to get you order?
What is the smallest hand size that work comfortably with these?
Do you still have these? Are you able to weight them, I would like to know the weight differences between the Alpha and Alpha Prime.
It looks awesome!
Can´t wait for the base review. My question is what base is the best for space sim without the extension but with the desk mount. I mean we have the VPC WarBRD Base, it is there for use without extension but the VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Base have the internal breakes what would be intresting as throttle in space sim (like your setup with the Z Extension).
Prime ftw, love the quality feel of the metal. And as another commented here, if you are gonna spend that kind of money why not go for the best ;-)
I've always liked how they look like a xenomorphs head
I've been flying the sh*t out of my Constellation Alpha (yeah I watched your review for it too ;) ) but with the quality Virpil delivers, I don't think I'll replace it any time soon :D
All the information that you just gave is good my information is how sensitive is it how good is it how well does it work I would like to watch it work
Can the Flip Switch be configured to activate missile mode in Star Citizen? Example, flip it towards you activates it, flip it away from you disables it?
Don't see why not.
Bought a prime R and the CM3 base as I want the clutch for Helos but I have the gunfighter mk3 and MCG ultimate, no stick compares to that.
Is the new mongoose base have enough weight to use on a desktop with out having to mount it on rails?
No. You will have to mount it somehow
@@DowntoEarthAstronomy I may go with the warBRD base then... Ill could just put them on the table in front of me. I travel and use a laptop so... mounting brackets will be extra weight IM thinking...
Was checking out the new stick but really interested in the Star Citizen models. Does anyone know where to get the STL files?
I was really annoyed origionally, the day my Alphas got delivered the Prime got announced, but having actually looked into them I'm not too fussed anymore.
I am tempted to change my Left stick from a WarBRD to the new CM3 though.
Red missile button is a must for me. I play DCS and I will choose non-prime version.
I think the original alphas look way cooler but these seem like a desirable jump in quality
Wow, you're the first person I have heard say this but I have only been looking at blogs, comments, and virpil forums for 2 days. I'll continue to research and keep what you are saying as part of a log I'm doing to weight the two options. Also, I'm weighing the options and taking comments about people who are replacing their CM2 Grip with this Alpha Prime grip for DCS World fighter jets and all sorts of other Flight Sim purposes (MSFS-2020 bush flying, etc.) Also, what do you like about putting this PRIME unit on the bigger base like shown in the video (Instead of the WARBRD Base)?
Your lights on your regular alpha might be turned down in software, those look dimmer than I remember by far, my alpha's brake levers do not rattle and stops dead for both of them. The trigger does have bit of wobble to it same as your
Is this unit solely PC, or are they also compatible with xbox ?
This will only work on PC
I like my alphas but wouldn't mind a metal version of the same, but not enough to validate an update.
as for whether you should buy the Prime or not: Will you be clubbing people to death with the grip? Then go for the Metal! :) I do love my non-prime ALPHA and when I bought my second grip (LH), I did not feel the extra $80 USD was worth the LEDs and metal. Good review though! (Please, don't clubber people to death!)
For me it is the first virpil experience. so i decided to buy the prime one, because if you decide to swtich from 60€ joystick to first class, then it does not matter if it costs 70€ more.
But I wonder why I have to wait so long (now nearly 2 weeks) to get any information about my order. I mean, targeted delivery date should be able to be announced, or not? especially with this price (i bought two + base etc.).
That makes me unconfortable and a little bit angry. So customer service seems not to be the best. but the price it is... more i can not say or review, because i do not got my payed sticks till now.
Did you get your stick yet?
@@doifeellucky yes, they arrived and the support really tried to make me feel comfortable again. it took a little bit time for producing etc. nice sticks, every cent worth.
@@Meandrius Thanks. How long from the order to being delivered?
@@doifeellucky I waited at least 3 weeks. Normal you have to expect 2 weeks minimum delivery time.
why does a $200 stick rattle?
Do LED lights make it work better?
Yes! It uses the same physics and algorithms as the "gaming chair" /s
Left hand alpha - right hand alpha prime
Only thing I don't like is the divergence from the low fantasy aesthetic.
Wish I didn't already have the old Alpha's or I'd definitely spring for the new ones.
If it is all metal i get it!
I will reserve judgement until the next review as i feel this will show where the extra 70 euro's are.
Remember that the grip and base are sold separately.
The 200 / 270 is just for the grip not the base.
@@DowntoEarthAstronomy I did not know that thankyou. Then i would say it is worth the extra as making something from metal is more expensive than using plastic. If i played flying games more ( i just play elite every know and then) then i would seriously consider this setup.
If I was still flying Virpil, I'd probably get these. However, I moved onto VKB a long time ago. Better ergonomics, better adjustability, and until recently, they were the only ones around with a dry clutch.
@@s7r49 I've never used these, but I have the VKB MCGU all-metal grip, and nothing about it feels cheap.
Totally a legit comment not pushing VKB products 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Du er godt klar over at jeg virkeligt kæmper for ikke at købe dem ikke? xD
From what you are describing the prime sounds like a bargain..
I would actually bet that they have a lower margin of profit on the Prime.
I would say... if you have the money to spare... go for the higher end product.
vkb gunfighter top
7 Euro more of what, i doubt these things are cheap to begin with.
I don't care about LED zones.... Talk about the important stuff first, please.
Worth an Upgrade 100% not , imo. New Buy , yes i would by the Prime if i buy a new one. My Stick is Nr. 134 so First Badge it is still as nice as the first day
Helene Skyway