Virpil Controls Constellation Alpha Grip & WarBRD Base
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มี.ค. 2021
- A review of the Virpil Controls Constellation Alpha grip and WarBRD Base. Is this the best HOTAS stick for DCS World, Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen?
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Damn i just found you looking for some HOTAS reviews, you've absolutely sold me on some of these, and as an editor on a daily basis I gotta commend you for your amazing cinematography. Hope you keep it up and keep growing dude
If winwing had a left handed grip, they would take the cake all day. I love the full metal grips.
Went from a Logitech X56 to this combo, and so far, I couldn't really have asked for more. Also bought a Virpil v4 mounting arm, which is excellent and brought the stick to the perfect height. It's too tall to use with the base, in my opinion (unless you have a separate, lower table for it, which I have for my throttle).
I think it's certainly worth the asking price, if you have the disposable income for it. Probably getting the throttle too at some point.
How different is the feel when crossing the center compared to x56? Btw if you still have it, is it for sale?
Thanks for the quality reviews.
I'm new to the flight/space sim scene and decided to buy the X56 for starter. If I like the experience I'll get the Virpil stick and base later.
Thanks for the video. I ended up ordering a dual set of Constellation Alpha sticks.
Verdict?
You're such an underrated TH-camr, keep it going bud!!
Will do bud and thanks you, nice to hear my work is appreciated
Nice shots!
God I REALLY want one of these!
@6:59 if its no compromise then it can't be 4/5? Seems odd to drop a star because the price. The best of anything in the vast majority of situations is also the most expensive. But would we rank the best of anything as 4/5 just because its price, don't think so, would be forced to give a higher score to a lesser product with a lower price. This is a hard core simmers stick, not a casual gamers peripheral. Perhaps your score is a value score, like benefits/capabilities vs price and competition?
There are obviously even better and more expensive sticks check brunner etc if money is of no concern ;-p
@@Fukurokujo Afaik, Brunner makes force feedback bases (and joysticks, yes), and it even says on their web page that the base is compatible with certain Virpil grips, indicating that the quality level between the brands is similar. Obviously, proper force feedback is going to cost more than without.
Really weird since the price is still lower than the VKB premiums (albeit much higher than VKB Gladiator, but then it's not comparable), and both of these don't have anything to do with the cheapo crowd. if it was something more granular, like 4.8/5, sure, but the Virpils are nothing like 4/5.
Man this thing is awesome. I will get that one day 🥰
It really is 👍
This thing is beautiful.
It most certainly is 👍
X-56 Stick just died. Warranty went up a month ago. This looks like the next contender. Thanks for the video.
I came to know Virpil BECAUSE my (3rd) X56 was dying. It took a bit of time and effort to save a bit of scratch, but I ended up with the ConAlpha and the CM3 throttle. All in all, 4.5 months of saving, scrimping, and sweating, I got them both. I'm now saving for Control Panel 1.
It's a chunk of money, for sure, but I've followed a saying for many years... "Buy once, cry once". Meaning, I went through 3 X56's because I was "familiar" with it. Then, I wanted something more robust. Hence, Virpil. It's worth it, but it stings a bit on the wallet. ;-)
Sweet shirt mate
Just got my Constellation Alpha end of Feb and I screwed up and had to order another one for Dual stick.
These joysticks are the best i have tried, tough and aircraft grade worthy except for those PS/2 USB connectors. At the base of the Alphas joysticks have a short cable that has a high risk of causing the pins to be bent when you put into the warbird base. You need to be extremely careful to not bend the pins of that PS/2 connector at the base of the joystick so they're overall great, but the reliability of that connector interface worries me everyday. Unsure if they offer replacement or repair service in case the connector or cable goes bad. I might even buy another joystick just in case so i don't need to wait for the repair service.
@virtual_Reality_pilot, please let us know which "throttle thing" we can use in conjunction with the virpil
Any new videos coming regarding the new Virpil gear? They got a new base and new sticks. Plus if you could do something with their Helicopter stuff it would be greatly appreciated.
two of these would be awesome. you could bind thrust to something. There are enough buttoms. Set you back 1k.
I wonder how this compares to the Thrustmaster F-18 stick
I’m so torn. Should I buy the Virpil Constellation Alpha with VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base or VKB Gunfighter MK.III Modern Combat Edition or WinWing F18 flight stick with Super Libra base? All around the same price. The Virpil is on a 1 to 2 week back order. The VKB and WinWing are in stock but have to ship all the way from Germany and China respectively.
Virpil/VKB offer more versatility, since they're meant for many games. After using Virpil hotas for 2 years now, I would not buy a dedicated hotas anymore. Plus I prefer to support European manufacturers.
It depends what you play. Alpha with it's ministick is meant for space sims. If you mainly play DCS, buy the T-50CM2 grip instead and use the hat for TMS functions.
Also, if you won't use the extension, buy the Warbrd base, instead of more expensive CM2.
hello good morning. I have buy now finally the stick Virpil Constellation Alpha R with the Base BRD. Now I can not connect with the Teamspeak? I think, is identified quickly.. - Can you help? Best wishs Harald CH
Thanks for your great review. What i would like to ask is, can you disable the button 31 on the axis that operates the brake, the metal brake lever, its showing as an axis and a button press at the same time in the Virpil config tool so not sure when i press this as my brake axis in FS 2020 it works without button 31 also coming on. Hope that makes sense.
You can probably, but just don't assign it to anything in game
All the physical buttons in vpcs software are mapped to logical buttons that the OS sees. All mappings can be removed and new mapping can be added. Just go to the button mapping list. Find the mapping you want to change - in this case logical button 31 to physical button 31. Double click and set the physical button column to 0. Save the bind and save profile to device. But as pointed out, why? Just don't bind it in game
@@davidd5523 Nothing happened when pressing the lever in game without me assigning that lever or button in game. Basically i just wanted the axis as the brake so i could make full use of that lever as my brake instead of what was happening, both the lever and the button coming on at the same time as a button press, but anyway its not an issue now as i have the stand alone MFG crosswind pedals now so no issues at all with the brakes, plus i now have right and left foot braking. Thanks for your reply my friend
@@gabrielgriffon9334 If i don't assign it in game nothing happened when pressing the lever. Its all sorted know. Sorry for late reply
I figured I was probably months late. Glad it worked out for you in the end
Would you say it’s awkward to use on a desk - ie too high up for wrist comfort etc, or do you not notice as much?
It’s useable but in truth is it too high, I’m planning to get a couple of monstertech desk mounts
It's too high for comfort. Just put the joystick on some small table beside your chair, or some such. Otherwise, you can get the desktop mount, but that will push you back quite a bit from the table and keyboard (at least with the Virpil mount + special WarBRD adapter). You also (probably) want to get the "cosmosim" cams without "center" for the space sims. Make sure you have two 8mm(?) spanners too. You'll need them.
Thank you for the great vid! I play Elite Dangerous almost exclusively. I absolutely need to replace my existing cheap desktop flight stick. I've grown to hate my Logitech 3D Pro's poor quality and can't take it any more and I've decided on a Virpil setup. Questions for you or anyone else! Obviously the Con-Alpha grip and the CM3 throttle. However I'm not sure which base would be best although I'm leaning towards the Warbird. From what I've looked into, the Warbird is built to be more similar to an existing desktop flight stick, having a wider range for use without extensions. Alternatively the MongoosT is made explicitly to use extensions. I have room for either base. So my question is, for a space game, which would be better? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to a base with extensions vs the shorter base for a space game?
It’s tricky, because personal preference plays a lot into it. Centre stick with extensions can be more comfortable, and has the widest throw, meaning you can make small, subtle movements of he stick much more easily than a shorter throw. But, you’re having to deal with a metal pole between your thighs the whole time.
Side stick lest you rest your arm to the side, and may be more natural for you. It’s easier to transition between HOTAS and Mouse/Keyboard. But, without an extension, to get a wider throw requires you to bend your wrist more, and that might not be comfortable.
Personally? Side stick, with pedals. But don’t take me as the expert.
I can't answer your question but like you I play Elite exclusively. I Acually had a Warthog but the lack of twist was a deal killer so I used a cheaper Thrustmaster T1600.
I ordered my Alpha grip and warbird base a few weeks ago. Along with the throttle. Still considering the button box.
Support says I'm a few weeks out for shipping.
Based on hours of research I don't belive a better solution exits for Elite.
Cant decide to just place them on the desktop or get a chair or desktop mount. I'll figure that part later.
Pre orders are being excepted. Figured the longer I waited the longer it would take. So I just pulled the trigger.
@@bobconradmail Button boxes might be a bit much, unless you want more targeting controls or issuing fighter commands. Elite doesn't use all *that* many controls for a 'simulator' title, and a lot of functions can be doubled up.
Update: Than you for the input! I ended up not going with a Virpil setup, but instead took a little bit of risk with a lesser known brand due the exorbitant pricing of all decent flight sticks and add-ons. I also learned prior to this purchase that a long throw stick, as mentioned by Watchmaker, is best for helo and flight sims and rarely suggested for a space sim like Elite Dangerous. I bought a VKB Gladiator NXT flight stick and their branded "VKB UCM Stronghold". The Gladiator NXT cost $150 and the UCM (Universal Controller Mount" - a desk mount for the right stick) cost $119 USD. I didn't know if I'd use the UCM, but the cheaper stick and mount when compared with a similar Virpil cost roughly half, which allowed for it in my budget, and I wanted to see how gaming would feel with my arm able to rest on my chair arm instead of raised to desk level all the time (their basic UCM actually costs $99 but for $20 more I I bought their combo UCM/cupholder/keyboard attachments as well). The one thing I REALLY didn't like, but was just so tired of trying to decide that I went through with this, is they charged $61 for shipping (their CHEAPEST shipping option btw)! I can only think the new tariffs etc would increase their shipping and everything else was a good price when compared with other premium brands, so I placed my order.
It turned out I've never received anything faster from China, so maybe the shipping was worth it!? I had the very well packaged items only one day past their estimated date, but that was due to the weekend. I work on computer and electronics projects on and off, so I'm used to very slow shipments from Asia, over-promised shipping dates, etc, but this is probably the fastest I've ever received anything, so I'm happy to say they didn't squander the expensive shipping!
The flightstick I'll give a 7/10 (please know I've never used a Virpil or any other higher end gear) but the UCM I'll give a 3/10 rating. The flightstick is incredibly accurate, centers perfectly, and feels great. The drawback of the flightstick is a couple buttons aren't placed very well and two 4 way thumb buttons have such strange textures which are so bad they're uncomfortable to operate. I think this was a poor attempt to give all the buttons a distinct feel so you don't need to look. There's also buttons on the base that aren't very useful because you either have to take your hand off the flightstick to actuate them or awkwardly use your other hand. The base controls are three buttons, two rotary encoders (scroll up and a single key stroke is repeated and down for a different keystroke, normal stuff), and an analog throttle (I mapped it was throttle but can be used for any analog). Due to their difficult placement, I only use the analog throttle. The flight stick was very easy to assemble and also comes with two alternative buttons/4way switch, encouraging customization - these are only the switches, but no alternatives for the uncomfortable thumb controls. I like that option. After I get my 3d printer orders figured out (I ended up ordering 3 expensive 3d printers instead of two and I'm emailing them been and forth at the moment trying to return one that arrived damaged), I'm going to make more comfortable thumb controls. In all, I really love the feeling using this flightstick despite having almost no use for the lower base 6 controls. The UCM though... I put together the flightstick in only ten minutes but the UCM took me three DAYS to put together without having any attachments aside from the flightstick and I'm still not sure it's right! In its basic form, it's very sturdy and solid, but they failed with attachments. There are no instructions for any of this, only relatively useless 2 min vids they publish. My flightstick has a very heavy base that bolts to their universal adapter which then bolts, able to swivel, to the frame. I can tell they have a good idea here, but their execution would have been done better by a child! There are tons (about 50 or more) of different and improperly sized bolts, nuts, and washers included. Only the larger ones to assemble the frame were of any use and I went to my hardware store to get replacements and thumbscrews for easy changes. My chief complaint is their lack of any protective connection pieces to keep the moveable parts from being scratched (like paper thin teflon or felt washers). I also had to add nylon shims to bring pieces level. It's great now, but damn, not a good experience at all with their UCM. I've since learned I should have probably bought the mount from a separate company called Monstertech.
As I only have the awkward throttle at the moment, I'll be getting a separate throttle soon. As their controller is really nice, I'll probably buy their soon-to-be-releaeed matching throttle, but NEVER again their mounting system! As a button box, I already have two Streamdecks, a 6 pad and a 32 pad, and they're absolutely fantastic! The flightstick can provide up to 5 way FOM (Freedom of Movement) and I dropped the least important 6th degree movement as it's not too important in a fight anyway. When I need the full 6 degrees, for landing or slow, very fine control, I use a Spacemouse for that (but it's terrible for fast combat).
Here's the rub (that's kind of funny)... I received my flightstick etc on the edge day Odyssey dropped!!! As you may know, we had no need for a flightstick the first week! I spent all day getting the UCM took at least attach to the desk and be useful, then loaded Odyssey and found out I didn't need it! Not only that, but I had to completely remap all my keymaps, especially the walking kind, for my Xbox controller on my PC! That took an unexpected 2 more hours! LOL
(Normally I correct typos, but if there are any, and I'm sure there are, I'm just leaving them uncorrected because this is WAY longer than I thought it would be! Sorry!)
#[Okay, one edit] BTW, I DEFINITELY like the flightstick on the mount MUCH better than on the desktop. It's MUCH more comfortable! While I would definitely buy their flightstick again, I'll definitely go elsewhere for mounting hardware. Mounted this way, the top of the flightstick is right at desk level and very comfortable despite the temporarily awkward throttle.
@@SaxosusToo VKB is in a funny position. The Gunfighter and MCGU blow Virpil's Mongoos line out of the sky, but their rudder pedals are helicopter style, and they don't have a throttle to compete.
Yet.
That makes it hard to recommend them right *now*, but in a few weeks or months, they might overtake Virpil completely.
The Gladiator is a lower-end stick, but as you've discovered, it makes a mockery of anything Logitech has on the market, and sits firmly just behind the Warthog stick from Thrustmaster.
Top to bottom of base, any idea how tall this is in comparison to an x52 stick with its boxy base?
I didn't compare the 2 directly and unfortunately I've already put the x52 in storage (goodbye old old friend) but my new vpc set up seems a bit taller
Hi fellow virtual pilots! Need to replace my old X52 flightstick! I decided with a grip . This would be "Alpha Constellation". But what is the best base for "Constellation"? It will be used mostly for military simulators. It will be used first on the table. But in the future I plan to move flight control under the table. But I'm in doubt. What is the best base to buy? Is it true that Mongoose base is better quality than Warbird base? Or are they the same? For me, it is the quality of the base, the "clear center" , the absence of central backlash and the response to the handle deflection is the most important. The rest I can get used to. What would you suggest?
Coming from X52, there such a gap to the quality of the Constellation/WarBrd, that it would be impossible to tell the difference between Virpil bases.
Came from an X52 after 18 year(yes it lasted that long) to dual constellations on mongoos bases. I have no experience with the warbrd base. The mongoos base is very very easy to adjust tensioning. The cam swap out process is also fairly easy but you do need to completely undo the tensioners to release the cam arms. Loads of cam(4)+spring(3) options/combination on the mongoos mean you can tweak until you find the true center/centering force you are looking for
@@davidd5523 thank you for answer!🤣👍
@@Trbrigade have you gotten anything yet? If so what did you go with?
there's no difference in quality from what i've read. There's a difference in usability. wrbird is meant for deskuse and has a wider angle of range, mongoose is for flooruse with extenders for the stick because the tension is alot higher. Maybe too late to answer for you, but someone else might read this :p
With all these features, I wish they would had given us a optional thumb trackball instead of the stick. I wouldn't mind the loss of the stick toggle button. There's already so many others
so when you purchase the sticks, you also NEED the base then? otherwise they're not really operational?
When you dont have a base, the stick can do anything other than look nice.
@@erinaisshu you meant cant* but yeah I get it. I just didn't know if the base or the stick relayed the input to be processed but I got my answer. Thanks!
@@anthonywright5275 Yes, sorry English isnt my first language and i generally have difficulties with finding errors
But you need a base to put the stick on.
@@erinaisshu yeah it's all good. But no I was just wondering because when I was on the Virgil site, it didn't necessarily sell the two together which sort of threw me off. It's like am I able to use my own base then? If not why don't they have something where they sell the base and the stick together ya know?
@@anthonywright5275 You actually get 10% off when you buy a base and stick together. And I assume that they think their demographic knows that they need a base and stick.
And yes, you can use your own thrustmaster bases. It isnt recommended, since you lose the analog stick, two stage mouse wheel and wheel brake axis or it just flat out doesnt work.
When you intend to buy a virpil stick i honestly would just buy the base with it (WarBRD is more thought for Desktop use, T50CM2 is for rigs and you can use extensions with it). Even if you have thrustmaster warthog, the jump in quality is insane.
Can the led strip colour lights be changed?
They can, the Virpil software lets you customise it.
did they ask to return it?
Is it possible to stack multiple extensions together? I was wondering if I could create a configuration for the base so that it sits on the floor, but it would look like I would need 4x 100mm extenders, plus the s-curve extender and then I would top it off with a z-extender as well...but I'm not sure if the wires would reach all the way.
Does this base plate slips on the table ?
No, it’s very sturdy
I think it`s a really good Joystick but definitely not the best!!! You really have to check out the VKB MCG Ultimate!!!
it is THE BEST!
I like them both, but why the VBK Ultimate is better? Maybe just because it's all metal? Are there any other reasons? Thx
@@racingtheweb th-cam.com/video/6UMEetQkkTw/w-d-xo.html
Can you extend the grip here ?
Yes Virpil sells extentions
Yes you can, but it isnt recommended to use extensions on the WarBRD base.
The top of the stick looks like a xenomorph
It does indeed, good look in my opinion
Would you say that this set up is travel worthy? Like can I break it down and travel? The Hotas warthog is 14 lbs and way to heavy for international travel practicality.
1:49 Lefty loosy, righty tighty.
You don't need such a stick for ED tho, a TM16k is fine for there. For DCS, you do. For light fighter PvP in Star Citizen, you can benefit from a good stick as well. Just be aware that for space combat you might want to go for the CosmoSim linear cams (which annoyingly at that price point, are sold separately) as you want the stick as quick and linear as possible in order to be really competitive and precise.
Can't really say this video is a proper review as it's really just a quick glance and subjective "feel" for the product, you barely scratched the surface there mate.
Is it just me or does the front of the joystick look like the head of a Xenomorph
It does indeed 👍
@@VirtualRealityPilot :Question, can you use another manufacturers throttle with this joystick
@@VirtualRealityPilot: That's good to hear 👍
@@loucyphers_nightmare Yes, you can use whatever you want as long as the game supports multiple joystick devices. I use an X56 throttle with my Virpil Constellation Alpha, for now.
not goina lie... you probably shoulda dusted it off a bit before makin the slo-mo video spins up close
"Virpil currently make"
correct way to say this is "Virpil currently makes"
Virpil is a singular company, not a group of people.
I could say that I don't want one, but that would be an outrageous lie.
It is a very nice flight stick
@@VirtualRealityPilot just like the throttle, this is art.
Hahahaha - the vid or the equipment? ;-)
@@VirtualRealityPilot fishing for compliments are we? ;)
Maybe 🤔 lol 😂
plastic lol, so its a nice looking toy for premium price
It isnt, this plastic is extremely high quality and more than strong enough for a game controller.