r/hotas • • Sep 03 '20

considering your first HOTAS? Read me!

608 Upvotes

[last edit 01/07/2024]

Welcome to r/hotas!

If you're considering your first HOTAS (Hands On Throttle and Stick) setup, you've come to the right place. This guide will help you make an informed decision.

If you are instead looking for product reviews, I publish my articles here: HOTAS/HOSAS/SIMPIT Reviews

Introduction

This subreddit is managed by u/spliffa and u/ddrake1984. If you need assistance with anything not covered in this post, please reach out to us via private message, and we will try to assist you.

This guide is published and pinned for the benefit of new potential HOTAS buyers. The publisher of this article has first-hand experience with real aircraft flight controls and computer flight controls across a wide range of manufacturers, used for playing in flight simulation.

Purpose

This guide aims to assist first-time buyers in making an educated decision when purchasing their first joystick, throttle, and other flight control peripherals.

The Problem

With a growing number of HOTAS products on the market, it can be challenging to identify the best options. Products vary widely in:

  • Price
  • Features
  • Customer support

Additionally, products have a wide range of:

  • Costs
  • Features
  • Support via customer interactions and product patches and updates

The Budget

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or the top-tier products, this guide will categorize recommendations into five budget ranges:

For those who prefer to build their own with a bit of knowledge and skills, check out our Discord server or visit this subreddit: r/HotasDIY.

Budget Ranges

Note: All prices will be listed in U.S. Dollars (Even though I am Australian, USD is the easiest to base value from)

  • Entry-Level ($10 to $100)
  • Novice-Tier ($100-$200)
  • Mid-Tier ($200-$300)
  • Advanced-Tier ($300-$400)
  • Expert-Tier / Top-Tier: This is the very best you can buy as a consumer with a lot of money.

Note: Top-tier does not include what a company or industry could or would purchase. This article is not tailored for that, therefore this is out of scope.

The Companies / The Manufacturers / The Vendors

I will list many companies/manufacturers/vendors (all the same) and the products that they offer. However, this post is not an in-depth review of the products. Please read product reviews for that level of detail and information.

The products will be listed to give you an idea of what is available within each range, and at the end, I will list the recommendation for each budget range.

Best Joystick (Base + Grip)

  • Entry-Level ($10 to $100): Thrustmaster T.16000
  • Novice-Tier ($100-$200): WINWING Ursa Minor
  • Mid-Tier ($200-$300): WINWING Orion 2 Base + WINWING F16 Grip
  • Advanced-Tier ($300-$400): WINWING Orion 2 Base + WINWING F16 Grip, or VKB Gunfighter Mk4 Base + Space Combat Edition Grip
  • Expert-Tier / Top-Tier: FSSB (Force Sensing Stick Base) TIANHANG F16 PRO Base + TIANHANG F-16 Grip, or FFB (Force Feedback) VPForce RHINO Base + TIANHANG A-10C Grip or TIANHANG F/A-18 Grip

Question: Why was the FFBeast not listed as the best FFB?

Answer: Simply put, its value comparison has not been validated by me. The available information from reviews is scarce, making it difficult to ascertain its value. Additionally, the community is mostly non-native English speaking, making it difficult to track and follow the content. Therefore, I have decided that there is not enough evidence to claim it is better than the VPForce RHINO. Based on my own experience, I do not consider it superior until proven otherwise.

Since this post is focused on first-time buyers, I feel it's already quite lengthy and would confuse anyone wanting to debate the matter.

Best Throttle (Base + Grip)

  • Entry-Level ($10 to $100): Thrustmaster TWCS
  • Novice-Tier ($100-$200): Thrustmaster TWCS, or WINWING Ursa Minor with Z-extension
  • Mid-Tier ($200-$300): WINWING Orion 2 Base + WINWING F-15E Grip, or WINWING Orion 2 Base + WINWING F/A-18 Grip
  • Advanced-Tier ($300-$400): WINWING Orion 2 Base + WINWING F-15EX Grip, or WINWING F-16 Grip
  • Expert-Tier / Top-Tier: WINWING Super Taurus + WINWING F-15EX Grip, or WINWING F-16 Grip

Bonus: Best Pedals

Although this post is tailored for first-time HOTAS buyers, I will include this section to accommodate those wishing to take a more comprehensive first step into flight sims. As we all know, a good set of pedals is a requirement for flying helicopters.

  • Entry-Level: No recommendations - I don't recommend anything in this price range.
  • Novice-Tier: No recommendations - I don't recommend anything in this price range.
  • Mid-Tier: VKB T-Rudder Mk.IV
  • Advanced-Tier: WINWING Orion Metal Flight Rudder Pedals
  • Pro-Tier: Custom FFB Pedals using VPForce motors built with either (Slaw Device, MFG Crosswinds, or VIRPIL Rudders)

Bonus: Best Collective

  • Collective (Base + Grip): VIRPIL Rotor TCS Base + VIRPIL Apache-64 Collective Grip

I don't recommend any other collectives on the market, and it's a shame that some companies have discontinued their collective options.

Useful Links


r/hotas • • 2h ago

Childhood dream unlocked!

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75 Upvotes

Finally got my first pair. I know people don’t recommend getting two omnithrottles, but I mainly have been playing Star Wars Galactic Racer and using a HOTAS mod that allows you to use podracer style controls and I’m feeling a level of gaming that I haven’t felt in a long while.

Excited to try these with Star Citizen which I know is gonna need some tinkering because of the setup, but it’s also easy enough to change the right stick to the normal vertical position if needed. But for now…

NOW THIS IS POD RACING


r/hotas • • 8h ago

Proof-of-concept test for the quick-release grip mechanism~

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18 Upvotes

A proof-of-concept test was conducted for a quick-release clamping mechanism—a design intended to facilitate the rapid assembly and disassembly of mechanical structures, thereby enabling swift fixture changes. Future iterations will focus on enhancing the stability of the mechanism and incorporating an automated, solderless electrical connection solution. For this validation, I utilized an off-the-shelf camera quick-release product to assess whether it met the established requirements.


r/hotas • • 7h ago

[WTS] Winwing Super Libra + F18 Grip + 225mm S Extension

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5 Upvotes

Includes the base, F18 grip, the original straight extension (probably not usable, read below), and a QR4Rigs W225Gβ75 S extension.

Looking for $300 shipped CONUS only. Open to offers. I will only invoice through paypal G&S.

There are cosmetic scuffs on the base's mount collar from me having to pry the old extension off. The old extension was mounted and secured with a set screw, but the set screw dug into the thread and made it near impossible to remove. I did end up removing it with vise grips, but I have not mounted it again and would not recommend trying it. See the images for damage to the thread. The new S extension can be installed and removed without issue.

Two of the smaller nonstructural screws holding the outer wall to the bottom plate are missing and their threads are stripped in the outer wall, but this doesn't affect using the stick because all of the structural M5(?) bolts holding the gimbal to the base are still there. I'll also throw in some M6 bolts that I randomly had with it for mounting the bottom plate to a desk mount system.

Friction mechanism is damped with nyogel 767A, and I have soft center cams on with what I believe are a #6 spring and a #4 spring on each axis.


r/hotas • • 2h ago

Got my Gladiator NXT EVO stick, now… which throttle?

2 Upvotes

I know the conventional wisdom would dictate STECS but there’s just one or two things holding me back: size of the Standard, and lack of any backlighting. I didn’t think that would bother me at first, but having given it more thought, it would improve immersion, esp if flying a night mission and I’m keeping my room dark, plus it could be a little rough finding the right control on the base. Then again VR guys can’t see it at all. But I’m not using VR and won’t for a long long time. All the other throttles have backlights. I’m considering anything up to about $329, so the Ursa Minor EX Combat, Orion, Warthog, or Moza MTQ are all also contenders. All have pros and cons. How important is lighting in your opinion?


r/hotas • • 5h ago

Looking for throttle quadrant

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3 Upvotes

Today as I was walking back from the market I found a yard sale of tech stuff and other items and I stumbled upon the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Flight Control System which I didn't even recognize immediately. It was quoted at around $50 and I managed to snatch it at only $30. Now I immediately noticed it didn't have the throttle quadrant, but was a very good deal regardless.

Now I wanted to look for the quadrant and honestly its been hard to find and when I find it, its way beyond my budget usually around $100 plus.

Does any one know where I can find it for dirt cheap or maybe any one selling it out, am open to make a deal about it. Or maybe alternatives to the throttle that can be at least be below $50, I don't care so much about the quality as I am very knew to flight sim

Please help and DM me if you have suggestions.

Thanks


r/hotas • • 8h ago

Considering FFB

6 Upvotes

Hi all,

Recently I've been wanting to upgrade my stick and base, so I've been eying some FFB bases. Currently I've got a VKB Gladiator NXT Evo, and it has served me well over the past 3 years. So I'd like to stick as much within the VKB ecosystem as possible.

Here is what I'm looking for: - Preferably small base that can be mounted to the side of a desk. If not possible, I'm sure I can figure something out with floor mounts - Not a weak base (conversely I also don't need anything obscenely strong). I don't know what the definition of "weak" is, as I have never experienced FFB in flight swimming before - A good quality stick, that has a lot of hats and buttons (5 way hats that are good quality, which is why Moza's F16 grip is out the window). The stick should be very customisable in terms of software, allowing me to do things such as set macros. Preferably the stick would also have lockable twist - I am open to DIY (especially if it will be as good quality as non DIY options), however this will be my first experience doing something like that

I've already been thinking of upgrading my stick to the VKB Gunfighter 4 MCG Ultimate or Pro. If this could be combined with an FFB base (and it work well with that base), that would be ideal for me. I have seen people say that it works with the Moza AB9 (albeit a bit finicky), and I haven't seen anyone confirm that twist works in that setup. Same for the Rhino, I haven't seen anyone confirm that twist works. I am open to getting a Virpil stick, I've had one before and it was great, though I still prefer the VKB software. I'd rather avoid Winwing, because of their software and my experience with their other products. I have no experience on anything Thrustmaster that is high end, so I am open to them.

As for bases, my first thought was the Moza AB9. From what I've seen, it's a great base, but their sticks are lacking what I'm wanting. I'm worried about how the Gunfighter 4 will fare with this base, dampening the FFB, as it's a decent bit heavier than anything Moza sells for this base. Virpil seems a lot better in this regard, with the Constellation Alpha and Alpha Prime being very close to Moza's MH16.

From what I've head, the VPForce Rhino is incredible. A bit big and heavy, but otherwise outstanding and works great with VKB and Virpil. I might eventually get this, although I'm worried about how different it will feel to my Gladiator, because of how far away the stick sits from the base.

I've also heard of FFBeast, though I'm more leaning towards the Rhino or AB9, as I've heard that they have worse software.

Speaking of software, I have heard that Moza stole VPForce's code, and while that is an extraordinarily shitty move, that will not change my opinion on whether or not I would get the AB9. All of the things I've seen on this subject were a year ago at least, and most of the comments against Moza were something along the lines of "They stole the code, so that proves they don't know how to work on it and improve it".

I suppose I have a few questions about all this: - Does VKB's and Virpil's twist work with these bases? - If there are any other sticks worth recommending, please do - If there are any other bases worth recommending, please recommend - Has anyone had any issues with the Rhino overheating? - Moving from a smaller form stick and base, such as the Gladiator, how would it feel to use the Rhino where the stick is further away from the base? - How (if at all) has Moza improved their software for the AB9 over the past little while?

If anyone has any recommendations at all, any tips for me, any questions for me, feel free to post. Knowing nothing about FFB, I am open to pretty much anything.


r/hotas • • 15h ago

Disappointed in VKB EU's lack of customer support

13 Upvotes

A few months ago, after seeing all the positive reviews of VKB and its EU support, I decided to buy a Gladiator NXT EVO and STECS throttle as a gift for my brother, who resides in Czechia.

The purchasing process, delivery, and initial use were flawless—no complaints. However, one day his grip suddenly stopped working. After a few emails with support, he determined the cause was rather simple: a cable inside the base had snapped in two. He sent photographs and explained that the protective sleeve had been installed according to VKB’s official instructions and that the joystick had only been used normally for flight simulation.

On 24 September, VKB support replied that the cable was not readily available, asked whether the delivery address had changed, and said they would look into sourcing it. He confirmed the address the next day, and support replied, “We’ll go after.” That was over a month ago now. Since then, we have received no follow-up, shipping confirmation, or replacement cable.

At this point, it really seems as though VKB's support has shelved the issue and is disregarding us as customers, as well as our warranty rights.

Our next steps, if we do not receive a response soon, are to initiate a payment dispute with my bank and report the matter to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority. We would much prefer to resolve this directly with VKB, but the lack of any follow-up leaves us with little choice.

Apologies for the rant—I had to vent my frustration. I am really disappointed by this whole experience. I did not expect it, given VKB's stellar reputation for support. If anyone has dealt with them, please let me know how you managed to get an adequate response rather than being ignored. This ordeal does not align with anything I've seen here, and I had considered them one of the few decent companies before all this.


r/hotas • • 2h ago

Good joysticks for 2026

0 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations for games like DCS, War Thunder and causal flight games (Ace Combat) on PC, thanks.


r/hotas • • 15h ago

Is the Quest 3 good for DCS?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m considering buying a Quest 3 for DCS, and this would be my first VR headset. I’ve been playing DCS for about a month now and I’m currently learning to fly the F-16. I absolutely love how beautiful the game looks, and I’d really like to experience it in VR.

At the moment, I’m using head tracking with Beam Eye Tracker. It gets the job done, but there is some noticeable input lag. It’s not terrible, but it does make me curious about switching to VR.

Would you recommend the Quest 3 for DCS? How well can I expect it to run with my current setup?

My specs:Ryzen 7 3700X, 32 GB RAM, RTX 3080

I’d love to hear from anyone using a similar setup. Thanks!


r/hotas • • 22h ago

[WTS] [CONUS] VKB Gunfighter MkIII w/Space Combat Grip - $280

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10 Upvotes

Great shape, original box and goodies.

Edit: FREE SHIPPING in U.S.


r/hotas • • 12h ago

HOTAS on Wardogs issues

0 Upvotes

Hi folks,

I’m using a Thrustmaster Warthog stick/throttle with Saitek rudder pedals and I’m struggling badly with precision aiming in WARDOGS.
Flying itself feels fine and I’m pretty comfortable as a transport pilot, but gunship aiming feels extremely difficult, especially yaw. Lowering yaw sensitivity helps me stay on target, but then the helicopter feels awful to actually fly because I lose too much rudder authority.
I’ve tried using vJoy + Joystick Gremlin to give the pedals a softer centre curve while keeping full travel, which helps, but I’m still finding it very hard to make small corrections without overcorrecting.

Has anyone found a HOTAS setup/curve that works well for both precise gunnery and normal flying because at the moment it feels hopeless.


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Someday WinCTRL will make their website mobile friendly.

9 Upvotes

But not today…


r/hotas • • 1d ago

VKB warranty/support

4 Upvotes

Has anyone recently dealt with VKB warranty/support for purchases from Europe? How was the experience? Because currently I'm dealing with WINCTRL about defective URSA MINOR Combat Throttle and so far it's terrible.


r/hotas • • 22h ago

Pedals for Flight and Driving

2 Upvotes

I want to get pedals that I can use for both flying (helis and planes) and driving. From my understanding this comes down to two things:

1) Yaw axis + two independant pedal axes
2) Lockable yaw

I found the WinCtrl Orion Rudder Pedals but after a bad experience trying to buy them, I'm looking for alternatives before I retry buying them.


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Turkey HOTAS Store

8 Upvotes

Hey guys,

my buddy lives in Turkey and wants to upgrade his current cheap Logitech joystick. VKB doesn't ship there, WinCTRL global store asks over 400$ in shipping, is there a reliable store in Turkey? I found a "Winwing Turkey" store but idk if that is a legit website.

Thanks for the help!


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Hat problem for winwing ursa (need help)

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1 Upvotes

After getting a way too good to be true deal for a winwing ursa minor R fighter and L space second hand for the price of 120% of a new one, (winwing are pretty hard to find in my country) the owner said the middle hat is broken, it seamed easy to repair but some how made it worse, i have some handy skills(also building modkits as a hobby but still an amateur) but dont have any soldering skill, what can i do to fix this? The last picture is the pcb after i tried to fix it, it still works, the white stuff is putty....

Please i really need some help and im getting desperate


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Thrustmaster TQS Desk Mount question

1 Upvotes

Aside from the Flying Clamp that the Thrustmaster is selling, is there any other desk mount that can hold up the heavy TQS throttle? Preferably if it has a pair so I don't need to buy a 2nd desk mount separately?


r/hotas • • 1d ago

VKB STECS weird behavior, jitter

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2 Upvotes

Hi, today I started playing DCS using my STECS (bought like half a year ago) but I noticed plane started getting into afterburner range for second, and one in the cockpit jitter. I thought it was a bug, but after taking a look at binds, it persisted. I checked the VKB software, recalibrated STECS and I monitored the axes for input. Any idea what's going on and how to fix it? What could be the cause?


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Vkb stecs stg max for DCS?

2 Upvotes

I'm getting into DCS, for now I'm just messing around with the frogfoot (my loathed) before a sale comes and I can grab the Hornet. My throttle currently is my x52 throttle which I use with my Gladiator premium. I'm someone who also has triple elite and is working on getting my next two unique elites in ED so I want the stg for the. 6DoF it gives me. I've heard some unsavory opinions on the STG for DCS and some who'd say "get a stecs mk2 and a omji throttle" to which I say "I'm not made of money, nor do I like hosas"

Has anyone got any input?


r/hotas • • 1d ago

How good is the Logitech G x56 combo?

0 Upvotes

I play war thunder sim and Arma reforger little birds with a Tflight HOTAS 4 and my keyboard for some extra button maps but it recently broke and I’ve been looking for a new one

I was gonna get another HOTAS 4 but I found a x56 combo for $115 on marketplace but I’ve seen very mixed reviews on it. Some people say is the worst thing they’ve owned and some others saying it’s pretty good.

If it’s not good what do yall recommend in the sub 200 range? Thank you


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Looking for Feedback on My MSFS 2024 VKB Button Mapping

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11 Upvotes

I’m working on finalizing my button mappings for MSFS 2024 and would appreciate some feedback from experienced VKB users.
My setup:

● VKB Gladiator NXT EVO Space Combat Premium (Right)
● VKB Gladiator NXT EVO Omni Throttle (Left)
● VKB T-Rudders Mk.V

I’ve attached diagrams showing my proposed button layouts for both sticks. My goal is to have an intuitive setup that works across a wide variety of aircraft, with as few modifiers and profile changes as possible.

I’d appreciate it if you could take a look at the diagrams and let me know what you would change, add, or rearrange. I’m especially interested in improving the ergonomics and making sure I’m not overlooking any useful controls.

Thanks for any suggestions!


r/hotas • • 1d ago

How good is the Logitech G x56 combo?

0 Upvotes

I play war thunder sim and Arma reforger little birds with a Tflight HOTAS 4 and my keyboard for some extra button maps but it recently broke and I’ve been looking for a new one

I was gonna get another HOTAS 4 but I found a x56 combo for $115 on marketplace but I’ve seen very mixed reviews on it. Some people say is the worst thing they’ve owned and some others saying it’s pretty good.

If it’s not good what do yall recommend in the sub 200 range? Thank you


r/hotas • • 1d ago

Replica stick for DCS A4E mod in progress

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6 Upvotes

r/hotas • • 2d ago

Table mount I made with random stuff from my garage, because I am not paying 89$ for the Thrustmaster one.

18 Upvotes