I love the modular approach of VKB take, customisation is something I'd not seen in flight sticks as I'd always gone for the cheap model from Logitech. Looks like this could be my upgrade, very impressed! 👍
You're right, I wasn't aware you could swap the hats as easily as that, and from a brief dry test, I already like the swap, for both hats. I also tried switching the other hat to the middle position, but didn't like that as much, so returned that one to its original spot.
Thanks for the video and the explanations. I am new to the field and have had the T16000 for Star Citizen. I also ordered the Gladiators from VKB last week. Am already excited. With the Thrustmaster I already had 2x the Z-axis problem. After the 2nd time I have now ordered from VKB. I think for the T16000 you have to be really lucky that they work without problems. 🤔 I'm looking forward to the VKB.😁
The z axis issue on the t16 is an easy fix. But it isnt a permanent fix as you have to clean and lube the pots every 3 months or so. The last time i cleaned mine though was last year and i havent had issues.
Amazing joystick. The base is very small (smaller than Logitech 3D Pro). The company is amazing too. I placed an order for $570 stick on their website and e-mailed tech support that I have small hands. They recommended Kosmosima grip instead of Gunfighter Modern Combat Ultimate. I highlight that I already placed a $570 order and the company gave me a choice to keep it or to cancel it and I cancelled it and got EVO instead. I bought a 2nd EVO for my other place of residence. I can't recommend this stick enough. I also support this honest company with my wallet. I use it for DCS World. Did not try with anything else.
Thanks for this video. Good explanation on the clutch to someone who doesn't play traditional flight sims. It was good for someone with two NXTs (one with the omni) to think about the EVO path. Cheers!
Glad you "finally" got it! You're way more patient than I am (or maybe you have plenty of other toys to play with already). I got mine the week it came out, but probably logged no more than 5 hours on it since! I opted for the Omni adapter pre-installed, partly to minimize cost. But I also figured I'd be ok with it in a "dual" stick configuration since it's angled and not fully horizontal, which I am actually happy with so far. I'm curious to see what you plan to do with your Omni configuration and if you'll completely replace your other throttles. Fly safe!
Sorry, but I got a question. I bought this Gladiator EVO as well, and one thing that seems weird to me is the grey dust cover around the sticks "foot" is making a lot of noise when moving the stick in X/Y axis. Is that normal, or did I get a bad model? Im not overly experienced with sticks like this.
@@termitreter6545 That's odd that the dust cover would make audible noise as it slides around while you use the stick. Not normal. I would open up the base and see what's going on in there. The baseplate is made to be removed for easy access to the internals. Good luck
Mine turned up two days ago. It was a huge change coming from a t16000 for DCS Apache flying but the refinement and control is great. It's really interesting basically having force trim on permanently with springless and dampers. Will be interested to see what you think of that assuming you haven't already got that with another stick? I keep changing from no deadzones or curves at all to using them. Still undecided. I guess a little deadzone is needed. p.s. I made a mod for the Apache as it is missing the cyclic pitch marker for you to line up centrally. Although my evo lights up when centered I prefer looking down in cockpit and quickly lining up before take off or whatever.
I could set up my Gunfighter that way, but I haven't set it up that way yet. I do plan on testing the EVO that way (And every reasonable alternative setup) it's going to be great.
Subbed. 21:30 don't forget that you have two adjustment screws for the Y-axis.. :P Been using PC sticks and flight-sticks since 1995, mostly plastic stuff. Very early TM-stuff, Logitech, CH, Gravis, MS, etc. And while the Sidewinder FF2 I've been using for over a decade is still very close to my heart (*sniff!*) and I would still use it if I hadn't put it in storage, the NXT Evo is the best plastic stick I've ever owned or used, hands down. The only ones I've ever owned or tried that come close to or surpass the Evo are the very early Mark I or II, all metal TM FCS, but that could just be nostalgia talking. Plus the WinWing F-18 and Virpil Mongoos T-50 I got to try a couple of weeks ago. But while those last two make the Gladiator feel like a bit of a toy in comparison (yes, they're that good IMO), they do command a hefty price and also make it look like a bargain. The VKB's feel, precision, sensors/resolution, dampened axes and adjust-ability are way beyond the entry-level class and probably the mid-level class, too. It's not cheap for a 90% plastic product, yes. And I probably should've paid even more and gone for the space-sim grip and not the KG-12/WW2 one for more buttons (I just love that replica-grip's look, sue me! ;) ), but overall, I couldn't be happier with this thing.
VKB is really killing it in this price tag, but I am still waiting for the mythical TECS throttle to complete the set, also, did gunfighter have axis lockout? Haven't opened mine to check...
Very informative video again. Finally I get more information on standard vs premium. For me, the difference between standard and premium would be approx 66 USD equivalent, so not worth it. VKB seem to be doing a terrible job putting information about their products on their website.
Mine came so heavily lubed that I got rid of the clutch-tightening screws and still get resistance. I have never had proper sticks without such resistance but people with wobbly Virpil sticks seem fine, even a master of precision like Terada, so what's the deal here? I remember thinking smoother = better with mice so I used a hard pad for a while, but what I found was that I actually lost accuracy because the mouse would glide out of position too easily when pushing buttons. I wonder if it's the same with these sticks.
A lot of people don't value damping because they erroneously believe that damping slows movement. And sure if for heavily damp, it will, but if you dampen properly it doesn't show it down at all, and increases accuracy and reduces overcorrection. In the end it's personal choice, but I absolutely love it.
Nice video, exactly what I needed. I almost bought the NXT before the Evo came out. What's exactly the difference between those two? I see you mentioned the small hand base having some structure, but besides that? Maybe I've missed it. Looking forward to buy the Omni for the left hand and vertical for the right hand. First timer here so I want something which will hopefully last long and provides some Pro feeling while playing Star Citizen.
Thinking on replacing my x52 pro with one of these and a left omni, would this be a decent upgrade? (Tired of fighting the mouse nub on the throttle and stick disconnecting
That is certainly one of the items that could use some work on my channel, thank you for the recommendation. I would also love to see the channel grow!
@@FalconsLedge I think I was unfortunate enough to receive a unit from the first batch when they didn't use Nyogel yet (October - November 2020). While everybody was showing that dampened return movement in videos, mine was just springy. But I didn't know the clutch could be adjusted. You think it's worth a try even with the cheap grease they used?
@@FalconsLedge I just realized that mine doesn't have a dry clutch. It's an early model Gladiator NXT, not an EVO which only came out recently. I didn't know they came up with new model. They had been some "EVO" models previously if my memory serves me right, so I was confused. So my only hope would be to regreasing it, but I'm not trusting myself on being able to take the twist axis apart and putting it back together without breaking something.
@@JAnx01 you can actually buy an upgrade for your NXT to bring it up to the EVO standard including the ball bearings on x and y and the clutches. It costs $45 and I think it's worth it. Alternatively you can buy some pg-44a grease and watch a video on VKBs channel that shows you how to regrease your gimbal
This is a good idea too, if I can bring in a bit more money I could do even more reviews, since everything this channel makes I put back into review stuff
It's almost a greasy feeling? Almost? Please do your research for these videos it IS a greasy feeling because it HAS grease to generate friction which you're supposed to replace after a while. This is exactly like on real planes. I.E. Acrobatics.
I have done my research, I know exactly what it is. The EVO doesn't just use grease in the gimbal though, it has clutches as well. The grease they use is P-44A and it should last years before needing regreasing.
Nice, learning about how you can go about adjusting a few things on this flight stick was cool, looking forward to the full review.
Subbed for exactly this, can't wait to see what you have to say about it!
Great content as usual. Keep up I love your style. Thanks for the switch hat on kosmosima. Great tip!
I love the modular approach of VKB take, customisation is something I'd not seen in flight sticks as I'd always gone for the cheap model from Logitech.
Looks like this could be my upgrade, very impressed! 👍
Holy shit, I did not know the hats come off.
i've been looking around and this stick looks the best by far!
It is definitely the best bang for the buck
You're right, I wasn't aware you could swap the hats as easily as that, and from a brief dry test, I already like the swap, for both hats. I also tried switching the other hat to the middle position, but didn't like that as much, so returned that one to its original spot.
Thanks for the video and the explanations. I am new to the field and have had the T16000 for Star Citizen. I also ordered the Gladiators from VKB last week. Am already excited. With the Thrustmaster I already had 2x the Z-axis problem. After the 2nd time I have now ordered from VKB. I think for the T16000 you have to be really lucky that they work without problems. 🤔
I'm looking forward to the VKB.😁
The z axis issue on the t16 is an easy fix. But it isnt a permanent fix as you have to clean and lube the pots every 3 months or so. The last time i cleaned mine though was last year and i havent had issues.
Amazing joystick. The base is very small (smaller than Logitech 3D Pro). The company is amazing too. I placed an order for $570 stick on their website and e-mailed tech support that I have small hands. They recommended Kosmosima grip instead of Gunfighter Modern Combat Ultimate. I highlight that I already placed a $570 order and the company gave me a choice to keep it or to cancel it and I cancelled it and got EVO instead. I bought a 2nd EVO for my other place of residence. I can't recommend this stick enough. I also support this honest company with my wallet. I use it for DCS World. Did not try with anything else.
Absolutely, and I agree with their assessment. My hands are about as big as I'd go on the Kosmosima grip
Awesome! Exactly what I've been looking for!
Thanks for this video. Good explanation on the clutch to someone who doesn't play traditional flight sims.
It was good for someone with two NXTs (one with the omni) to think about the EVO path. Cheers!
They actually sell an upgrade kit to convert a NXT to a NXT EVO!
Glad you "finally" got it! You're way more patient than I am (or maybe you have plenty of other toys to play with already). I got mine the week it came out, but probably logged no more than 5 hours on it since! I opted for the Omni adapter pre-installed, partly to minimize cost. But I also figured I'd be ok with it in a "dual" stick configuration since it's angled and not fully horizontal, which I am actually happy with so far. I'm curious to see what you plan to do with your Omni configuration and if you'll completely replace your other throttles. Fly safe!
Sorry, but I got a question. I bought this Gladiator EVO as well, and one thing that seems weird to me is the grey dust cover around the sticks "foot" is making a lot of noise when moving the stick in X/Y axis. Is that normal, or did I get a bad model?
Im not overly experienced with sticks like this.
@@termitreter6545 That's odd that the dust cover would make audible noise as it slides around while you use the stick. Not normal. I would open up the base and see what's going on in there. The baseplate is made to be removed for easy access to the internals. Good luck
@@simcoe8157 Thanks thats good to know! Ill check it out if I can get in there. Also made a tech support post.
Mine turned up two days ago. It was a huge change coming from a t16000 for DCS Apache flying but the refinement and control is great. It's really interesting basically having force trim on permanently with springless and dampers. Will be interested to see what you think of that assuming you haven't already got that with another stick? I keep changing from no deadzones or curves at all to using them. Still undecided. I guess a little deadzone is needed. p.s. I made a mod for the Apache as it is missing the cyclic pitch marker for you to line up centrally. Although my evo lights up when centered I prefer looking down in cockpit and quickly lining up before take off or whatever.
I could set up my Gunfighter that way, but I haven't set it up that way yet. I do plan on testing the EVO that way (And every reasonable alternative setup) it's going to be great.
Good first look and some great tips
Subbed.
21:30 don't forget that you have two adjustment screws for the Y-axis.. :P
Been using PC sticks and flight-sticks since 1995, mostly plastic stuff. Very early TM-stuff, Logitech, CH, Gravis, MS, etc. And while the Sidewinder FF2 I've been using for over a decade is still very close to my heart (*sniff!*) and I would still use it if I hadn't put it in storage, the NXT Evo is the best plastic stick I've ever owned or used, hands down. The only ones I've ever owned or tried that come close to or surpass the Evo are the very early Mark I or II, all metal TM FCS, but that could just be nostalgia talking. Plus the WinWing F-18 and Virpil Mongoos T-50 I got to try a couple of weeks ago. But while those last two make the Gladiator feel like a bit of a toy in comparison (yes, they're that good IMO), they do command a hefty price and also make it look like a bargain.
The VKB's feel, precision, sensors/resolution, dampened axes and adjust-ability are way beyond the entry-level class and probably the mid-level class, too. It's not cheap for a 90% plastic product, yes. And I probably should've paid even more and gone for the space-sim grip and not the KG-12/WW2 one for more buttons (I just love that replica-grip's look, sue me! ;) ), but overall, I couldn't be happier with this thing.
great vid, thanks for making this.
VKB is really killing it in this price tag, but I am still waiting for the mythical TECS throttle to complete the set, also, did gunfighter have axis lockout? Haven't opened mine to check...
You can 3d print a simple lockout, some people just use two 50# springs and call it locked out
Very informative video again. Finally I get more information on standard vs premium. For me, the difference between standard and premium would be approx 66 USD equivalent, so not worth it. VKB seem to be doing a terrible job putting information about their products on their website.
What happened to showing how you were going to use the omni throttle part?
I'm definitely going to be showing it in the review! That part is in production now.
Do you think this could work well with DCS? I might get it for Star Citizen and DCS as left Stick/throttle respectively.
Absolutely, I've used it with DCS
Mine came so heavily lubed that I got rid of the clutch-tightening screws and still get resistance.
I have never had proper sticks without such resistance but people with wobbly Virpil sticks seem fine, even a master of precision like Terada, so what's the deal here?
I remember thinking smoother = better with mice so I used a hard pad for a while, but what I found was that I actually lost accuracy because the mouse would glide out of position too easily when pushing buttons.
I wonder if it's the same with these sticks.
A lot of people don't value damping because they erroneously believe that damping slows movement. And sure if for heavily damp, it will, but if you dampen properly it doesn't show it down at all, and increases accuracy and reduces overcorrection.
In the end it's personal choice, but I absolutely love it.
Nice video, exactly what I needed. I almost bought the NXT before the Evo came out. What's exactly the difference between those two? I see you mentioned the small hand base having some structure, but besides that? Maybe I've missed it.
Looking forward to buy the Omni for the left hand and vertical for the right hand.
First timer here so I want something which will hopefully last long and provides some Pro feeling while playing Star Citizen.
EVO has ball bearings, clutches for damping, and lockouts for the x and z axis
In my full review I will demonstrate how to best adjust the clutches
The original NXT has a rubberized hand rest too...its just that its black and not gray. Mine has actually come unstuck after about a year and a half.
I guess I missed it because I don't use the pad.
Thinking on replacing my x52 pro with one of these and a left omni, would this be a decent upgrade? (Tired of fighting the mouse nub on the throttle and stick disconnecting
Yes it is an upgrade in every respect. It will show you just how bad Logitech sticks are
@@FalconsLedge Thanks and for clarification I have one of the MadCatz x52 pro's. Will order the two sticks later tonight.
@@Zer0megaXX my x52 was the original saitek. VKB sticks are very high quality for the price
@@FalconsLedge i am currently using a Saitek X-52 as well. All kinds of issues with it. Saving money now for the Gladiator + Omni
Don't forget the only the premium can be upgraded to the Gunfighter.
I didn’t know that ! So if I want to updgrade with a gunfighter mkIII , it will work ?
@@davidf5008
That's what I was told by the support, but you might want to inquire for yourself just to be sure.
it look's really cool
Are both string things for springs? I've seen the one with keyrings being used for that, what's the other one?
Both strings are for springs yes
@@FalconsLedge Good, I only need to keep my cat from eating it for her safety, because as soon as I opened the box, she zeroed in on that thing...
nice work
Wait hold on. It comes with the omni adapter!? It doesnt say in the website. I ordered a pair of premiums.
I ordered it with the Omni adapter included, it costs extra
21:25 makes my X56 look like a child's toy
Bro you should work on some thumbnails. I want this channel to grow
That is certainly one of the items that could use some work on my channel, thank you for the recommendation. I would also love to see the channel grow!
Checking it out now sir! ;)
Are you able to take the springs out completely and have it be a linear throttle and get rid of the return on the stick?
Nevermind you just anserwed my question in the video lol.
Can you switch the position of the thumbstick to the bottom center position?
No unfortunately not, the modules are different shapes
Should I get this or the gunfighter.
Dry clutches are basically a substitute for nyogel
Other way around. Nyogel was a substitute for clutches. Clutches are better by their nature of being adjustable.
@@FalconsLedge I think I was unfortunate enough to receive a unit from the first batch when they didn't use Nyogel yet (October - November 2020). While everybody was showing that dampened return movement in videos, mine was just springy. But I didn't know the clutch could be adjusted. You think it's worth a try even with the cheap grease they used?
@@JAnx01 yes, damping is good. 44a is what they used
@@FalconsLedge I just realized that mine doesn't have a dry clutch. It's an early model Gladiator NXT, not an EVO which only came out recently. I didn't know they came up with new model. They had been some "EVO" models previously if my memory serves me right, so I was confused.
So my only hope would be to regreasing it, but I'm not trusting myself on being able to take the twist axis apart and putting it back together without breaking something.
@@JAnx01 you can actually buy an upgrade for your NXT to bring it up to the EVO standard including the ball bearings on x and y and the clutches. It costs $45 and I think it's worth it.
Alternatively you can buy some pg-44a grease and watch a video on VKBs channel that shows you how to regrease your gimbal
You should have affiliate links!!
This is a good idea too, if I can bring in a bit more money I could do even more reviews, since everything this channel makes I put back into review stuff
Youre really making this hard to decide between the GF and the Gladiator NXT Evo.
It's almost a greasy feeling? Almost? Please do your research for these videos it IS a greasy feeling because it HAS grease to generate friction which you're supposed to replace after a while. This is exactly like on real planes. I.E. Acrobatics.
I have done my research, I know exactly what it is. The EVO doesn't just use grease in the gimbal though, it has clutches as well. The grease they use is P-44A and it should last years before needing regreasing.