I absolutely hated my x52 the throttle it's utter garbage I would recommend the t16000 over the x52 all day as a my first stick. My x52 throttle crapped after the stick on my t16000 crapped out. So while I wait for my vkb to come in I'm using a t16000 throttle with x52 stick that setup works and is good but of I were to do it all over again I'd get t16000 throttle off Amazon and vkb stick direct from vkb.

In my mind I always hear eggo-nomics when I say it. Also when I simulator I hear Sim-uh-later.

great! im glad you found some useful info there!

Hi Alan, thank you for the comment! I did forget to mention it in this video. The next video will be an in-depth look at each button/axis on the stick so I’ll be sure to mention that! Thanks again!

Is it worth it in your opinion?

@@KvltKommando I would say if your setup only includes one joystick, it's worthwhile to get the premium version for the extra inputs. I currently have two Gladiator-Ks, the right hand one is premium and the left is standard. I find that I have more than enough buttons and switches to set up all the inputs I require with this setup.

@@alanhobson9121 you play with 2 joysticks instead of 1 joystick+hotas?

@@fontexstudios I play with 2 joysticks and a throttle. So HOTASAS.

No problem! My main issue with the x52 was that had such a low quality range of motion. This stick def resolves that, with the added plus of having a more comfortable grip. If those are concerns for you, you may find some value in it. Def do more research, and check out reddit.com/r/hotas

I am a former user of a X-52 hotas, and now I am using a Gladiator K Premium (not the Gladiator NTX but the special edition only sold for a few months and plenty of buttons on the base of the joystick) and a TWCS throttle. In my opinion, this joystick is much better than the X-52, more comfortable, more precise, more compact, more hats and buttons. I strongly recommend it.

@@currololo I could not agree more! I thought about getting the K back in the day but held off just using the x52. I'm 100% glad i made the switch though!

Thanks, TheToeCutter, i'm glad you were able to find some good info on the reviews. Thank you for the kind comment!

i went to VKB simply because 2 of them cost the same as a x56 and the quality is 10 times better. I play SC and x56 was not pulling it.

Thank you!

You’re right! I completely forgot about that! I’ll be sure to cover it in the next video!

Glad you enjoyed it, you should have your stick by now, what do you think??

@@Simenthusiast It's excellent. I absolutely love the action of the stick as it moves. Paired with my Twcs, I now have more buttons than I know what to do with.

That’s a great idea! Honestly I feel like it would only make you want to order 2 of them! Best of luck!

Thanks for sharing! I've been looking for a throttle to go along with it. Currently using the throttle that came with my x52 pro. It does the job, but i need more inputs on the throttle! Looking at the warthog, but don't want to get ripped off, prices are crazy right now!

@@Simenthusiast It's just nuts. I got lucky and got mine about a month before HOTASGate started. I guess my old WH throttle picked the perfect time to die. I would have been mad if it had waited another couple of months.. lol'

Glad I could help! Thank yoU!

Hi Leo, thanks for the constructive feedback. It was on auto focus, while I was hand holding the camera. I think if I do another video like this I'll hold the device and mount the tripod instead. Thank you though!

@@Simenthusiast So the reason why I liked your video is you got up close to the stick and moved the camera around it. I really appreciate that approach. It helps me to visualise the product so much better! So many reviews is just a tripod on a stick and it suuucks. Cheers!

Have you gotten your nxt yet? I mean honestly, 15 years of use from any $150 peripheral is pretty good.

You got a lot of time out of yours, just as I have so that's really good on the X52 for sure. My rubber did also finally do the same thing and I had to use alcohol and rub it all off so it's just shiny smooth plastic. I'm pretty sure I'll much prefer the NXT quality plastic.

How long did it take to ship to your house????

@@johnsmith-oh2xo Mine shipped in a week. It was much faster than I thought it would be.

@@tomfoolery1967 Thanks for the reply man i went and got a brand new x56 for now and will upgrade the stick later to a VKB or something better later.....

Glad I could help

Hi Kamukix, yeah dude it's that different. I don't think I can go back to using Logitech sticks again.

@@Simenthusiast totally agreed, I could never be truly happy with the Logitech/Thrustmaster stuff in the long run. I bought a superb cheap garbage HOTAS a handful of years back just so I had SOMETHING to use with VR. I am however very very very into sim racing and don't shy away from cost in the slightest bit lol, so I KNEW there had to be some high-end gear out there for Flight sims since they're arguably even more rabid about accuracy and gear. I known this one isn't the top dog by any means and I known that they make significantly sweeter ones I could nuur, but I don't want to buy anything expensive yet until late this year when I know what I'm going to do but I don't want to use this trash pile I've got right now since I'm getting back into it lol. I can scoop this guy for very little money while I decide how deep to jump in, but I was afraid it might not be any better than the higher-end Logitech/Thrustmaster stuff. I'm EXTREMELY glad you put up this (and other) video(s). Thanks a million times.

Not really, I guess since I never had it.

Thanks for the info! I think they also sell the parts in case anyone wants to try an install that themselves.

I actually hate taking my hands off the stick, which is why im so happy with all the hats on the GNXT. Now to work on getting a throttle with more buttons.

@@Simenthusiast I feel you, though to be fair in a plane with systems as complex as the A-10C, you're expected to take your hands off the controls quite often, unless you're right in the middle of an attack. Too many switches, MFDs, UFCs and CDUs to operate. That's why the autopilot is there. =) On the throttle subject, if you want to keep things budget oriented, I have had great success with the Thrustmaster TWCS. Can be had for 80-90€, has a pretty long throw on the single throttle (no detents though, though many have modded them in). For axes, in addition to the main throttle axis, it has a centering "rudder" paddle you can use for various things (I tend to use it for lateral thrust in space games, and occasionally I find a use for it in flight sims), an analog x-y stick for your index finger, and a single pinky wheel axis (cockpit zoom, trim, mixture, or something like that). Total 5 axes. For hats, your thumb has 3, one 8-way and two 4-ways, for the index finger there's the analog stick with push button, and for your middle finger there's a 2-way hat. Total number of hat "buttons" 19 (not counting the analog x and y axis here, but counting the push button on it). For buttons, your thumb has 1, your ring finger has 1 and your pinkie has 1. Total 3 buttons. The two buttons for your pinky and ring finger are especially great for using as modifiers, for getting more functionality. That comes up to 22 "buttons" and 5 axes. By comparison the Warthog's throttle handles have 4 axes (two throttles and x-y stick with push) and I think 27 "buttons", so for roughly 3rd of the price it's not too bad. It's not perfect, fully made of plastic and it can have some stiction to it (sorted by re-greasing), but for the price I haven't seen anything that can compare. The CH Pro Throttle is a good 60% more expensive with similar functions (24 buttons, 3 axis), Thrustmaster Airbus throttle is unsuitable for combat sims, X52 throttle can't compare (I have one, it's just on the floor, a way to plug in my X52 Pro joystick at this point, which I'll soon replace with this VKB I think...), X56 comes as a full HOTAS and costs more than a standalone Warthog throttle, and then we get to the high end like the Warthog throttle, Virpil etc. which are really expensive.

Hi Willem, The main reason i changed from the x52 to this was because of the clunky movement in the x52. Honestly, it's 100% accurate for all those simulators. I love using it for DCS, it has so many hats! FS2020 is fantastic, and so is elite dangerous! All the buttons were found right away in all three of those sims, and i was up and running after assigning functions. I did not have to use vjoy, or even the vkb sim configurator. Below is a link to my final review, and im planning to do some looks at DCS and FS2020 videos. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eN96p7qpqqq0gKs.html Let me know if there are any other questions i can answer.

@@Simenthusiast ok, thanks!

nice! let us know when you get it!

@@Simenthusiast the goal is to get it in April as im slowly building up a flight sim, just ordered the case, the screen, and my honeycomb yoke with throttle for the general aviation / training stuff, im going to get this for my fighter planes, and the boeing yoke for my commercial simming.

that sounds like a plan! I need to find a cheap t1600 so I can do a comparison video between it and the nxt.

@@Simenthusiast Finally, vkb is in stock! Just bought a Gladiator NXT yesterday to replace my T16000 on the right hand. Can't wait to play with it! The T16000 is still a very good joystick for it's price. I'll probably keep it for a while (left hand) and then if i'm really happy with the Gladiator NXT i'll buy another one for the left side! If you post a comparison between the T16000 and the nxt i'll be glad to see it (and like it) Happy new year man ! =;-)

Hi Sam, I think you're right! It's been over a year now, and the stick has held up great! I think I'm going to do a 1 year review so stick around for that.

Alexmusprime, I use a medium size glove. I find the x56/55 to be too big, but the x52 is a pretty good fit. The GNXT is smaller, but way more comfortable.

@@Simenthusiast Thank you!

You might want to look into the lizard skins, I've heard good things! This was one of my gripes as well.

I know this comment is over a year old, but I just wanted to point out that in my experience the rubberized plastic grip of the x52 is one of its biggest downfalls. It was a great common fad on gaming peripherals at the time, but after a few years of even just sitting on a shelf they break down and get covered in awful sticky oil. I had to scrape it all off and cover the stick in baby power just to use it again.

I was thinking of doing a separate video just on an in depth on the controls on the stick. I'll be sure to include a section just on the throttle.

@@Simenthusiast Hi mate. Any ETA on that video? I ordered an nxt based on your two videos :) But I would be really happy to see additional videos about it while I am waiting for it to arrive...

@@danielmajoros5291 Im recording an indepth look tomorrow afternoon, hope to have it up as soon as possible after that - so hopefully Wednesday afternoon or evening it should be up.

Nice! Thanks for the sub! Honestly, i'm still pretty new to DCS, my experience with the x52 was not very good but i would consider it to be an ok stick to begin with. However, i have heard that the throttle on the Thrustmaster t16000m FCS makes up for the lack of hats on the joystick. I've been trying to get ahold of one of these to review but it's proving to be a little difficult. It all really depends on your budget though, since there are some nice Stick and Throttle combos out there from Virpil and soon, VKB as well. Good luck on your search!

@@Simenthusiast thanks man.

@@Simenthusiast I’m considering the X56. It’s only $50 more than the X52, and I heard it’s perfect for VR which I will be using.

@@lanesilva9234 I've had the x56 before, while I thought the throttle was pretty nice the stick is so big that it's uncomfortable to use. I actually ended up selling mine. Here's a link to Ralfidude's review, where he explains a lot of the issues with the stick on the x56. Basically it boils down to this, unless you got huge massive hands, the x56 might be uncomfortable to use. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nr9goLeVlbmzfJs.html

The joystick has a cable that connects to the throttle. And the throttle has another cable that goes into your PC. So you can just disconnect the cable that connects the throttle nad joystick and just plug hte throttle into your pc. I see a lot of people recommending the thrustmaster TWCS throttle, it seems to be pretty cheap and has quite a lot of buttons. I dont own that one though so I cant personally vouch for it

Hey Craig, thanks you! I have the Thrustmaster rudder pedals and i kind of agree the build quality on them is pretty bad. They are so soft too, they have no resistance it makes it hard to enter small inputs. Wonder if i can mod them or stiffen them up somehow.

I can definately tell you - It would be a great Replacement for your TM Stick. That said, after you have the NXT for a while you will probably search for a Replacement of your TM Throttle. I recommend the MT Warthog Throttle or the Virpil. Or try to use your old X-52 Throttle for Comfort, if it still works 100% off course. That Windows 10 Problem seems to be weird. My X-52 has no Problem in Win10.

@@Simenthusiast I use my my big toes for tiny inputs. My stick showed up today. I set it all up. fired up IL2 and did a minimum radius turn at 20ft in a Spitfire. Wow what a stick. I am utterly blown away by its precision. I did not realise how bad my old one had become until I got this. Fantastic bit of kit.

seriously! for flight simulator i actually have spare buttons as well

I use the thumb button on my x52 pro for the zoom key. It actually works very well.

Yes this is true, and I never actually used it too often outside of Elite Dangerous. However the software for the x52 is WAY better than the GNXT.

The grip is the exact same for both versions of the VKB stick. The differences are just the extra trigger and hats, plus additional sets of soft and hard springs for the base (standard model only comes with medium spare springs). The premium version also comes with the parts to change it back to the standard configuration, if wanted for some reason.

Hi Daniel, the rubber feet on my stick were already affixed to the base plate. Have you reached out to VKB Sim Support? One other thing, make sure you didn’t mount the plate upside down, I almost did this.

No, it is not on the plate, and it is not upside down, I doublechecked. I opened a ticket with vkb support, thanks!

Mine were attached already, sounds like a support issue.

HI Sergio, i don't have mine hard mounted on my desk it it doesn't move. The base plate is very heavy compared to the rest of the stick and provides a nice stable platform. Check out some of my DCS live streams, i have a stick cam that is always on and showing how it reacts to my inputs.

It sits nice on desk I sit mine there too.

Awesome!

@@Simenthusiast Since that comment was posted, I ended up buying a Virpil WarBRD base with T-50 grip. The grip is okay but the base is unbelievable with the no-center cams.

I thought my old X52 was dying. The Y axis was lagging. I decided to lubricate it and it's like a new stick. Was thinking about the Gladiator NXT but wishing there was a better throttle solution. Now I'll hold on to the X52 a bit longer and see how things go.

I'm sorry, what lubricant? I guess the result would depend on the type on lubricant used.

@@romaroalte2645 I used Vaseline, but any kind of grease would work. Something that'll stick around and not just dribble into the body of the stick like oil.

I'm actually turned around on the plastic now, after owning it for a year. It's held up really well!

@@Simenthusiast glad to hear! Mone has held up also, really happy with VKB.

How are you liking your new stick!

@@Simenthusiast The stick is a joy to fly with. Super accurate, lovely centering springs. The finger switch above the trigger is super useful. Ive hit it every day for 6 months and zero problems. The Twcs is not registering z axis very well though just recently.

@@Moonmonkian Glad you're enjoying it!

Hey Matthias, mine doesn't have much resistance. It's more smooth and accurate than my old x52 pro, but i'm not sure i can say it's any more or less "stiff" (lol)

No doubt! Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

@@Simenthusiast nice content especially the review for the gladiator and for what throttle to use with is it helped me a lot thanks

...questions sometimes answer themselves when one watches a vid till the end..thanx for the vid and insights :-) I'm thinking about getting one for DCS as well... ;-)

@@PeeJott17 all good man! glad you found the video informative :)

Hi JRC, the Gladiator K is no longer sold by VKB SIM. With the NXT being sort of a modular successor to the Gladiator K. The Gladiator K had more buttons on the base as well.

@@Simenthusiast I see, thanks for the info!

Was thinking of getting a T16000M to do a similar comparison. Maybe when they come back down in price i'll pick one up.

VKB NXT does not feel like a starter stick tho,. way way better than the t16000m

@@daemon3spade I have t16000m and nxt premium on the way, they are a whole class apart in quality and difference, the 16000m is a great entry stick, but not in same league as VKB, while I love my t16000m its still an entry level stick in comparison to the vkb. this review is lacking a little on accuracy of function , this one is better www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/ivlgvl/vkb_gladiator_nxt_review/

@@Simenthusiast for real. It's like 100$ more right now for some weird reason...

This is my first VKB product and i can honestly say i'm super impressed by it. Even if it still is a plastic grip.

Amen to that

@@Simenthusiast Just because it's plastic doesn't mean it can't be durable. In real fighter jets they are also made from plastics.

@@Zgmflegend it could be durable, not speaking to the durability of it. I've only owned the gladiator for a month, so don't know how durable they are. IMO, hard plastics don't feel nice to touch, and I would've preferred a softer touch material, maybe still plastic. I'm not a stickler for "realism" so it doesn't have to be metal, or hard plastic, but remember IRL you usually have some kind of hand pro that can aid in taking some of the edge off the grip.

The VKB supports lockable twist rudder too (on both standard and premium)

What lubricant should I use on X52?

Hiu Svetroslav, i agree the problem is my "small" thumb. Just FYI i wear i size medium fox mtb gloves. I agree though, it is up to the buyer to make the correct choice for them. The X52 is not as bad as the x56/55 which is just crazy big for no reason at all.

@@Simenthusiast Never try X55/56 and yes they really looks bigger then X52. I really wondered which one to buy if i need a new one someday. I looking only high end models, middle and low class... Naah! I hope we will see something new and cool in near future.

The deadline between these 2 sticks is night and day, even though they can both be set to 0 deadzone. The biggest factor really is how much more accurate and noise free the Gladiator is when centered. If you ever look at an input graph of the x52, at center it's usually bouncing all over the place, which makes the x52 feel sloppy and imprecise. The motion in the center on the x52 pro is also kinda of bad, with lots of motion required to break the center plane. Hope that answered your question.

@@Simenthusiast Thanks!

@@mischi9203 whats deadzone?

Lol I’m listening, send me a dm on discord, links in the description

I should probably do a video on the long term review of the GNXT, the plastic feeling isn’t as big as a deal as it was before. However, this is not a bad idea.

@@Simenthusiast you can get some cool designs from Lizard skins

@@VENMGameZ hey, thanks man! Im going to order some of these and try them out!

Lol thanks just wanted something chill and copyright free

@@Simenthusiast quick question. how does the NXT compare to say a t16000m setup for dualies?

@@Kilted_Dragon Sorry dude, i don't really know the answer to that. I've been meaning to pick up a T16000m but right now prices are high and stock is low. If i were a betting man though, the NXT likely has a more comfortable grip. However, the NXT is like 2x the price of the t16000m. You could always go dual NXT!

@@Simenthusiast thats what im doing lol. when i got my t16km's they were only about $150 in total.

TomFoolery, how are you enjoying your sticks now?? I had the same complaints with my x52 as well, way too inaccurate and gritty.

@@Simenthusiast Hey! I've been using them for a 3 weeks now and I have to say, they are amazing. Some people re-grease them to lighten them up but I love the feel they have now. Very smooth and easy track to center. Putting these two on Monstertech mounts was great as well for how small those are. No regrets, even though I wanted Virpil. These are awesome!

NXT Pro has one more button above the fire button, a direction white hat, and a couple changeable buttons and springs.

Not necessarily, the GNXT has 3 different palm rest adjustments. Unless you are wear an XXL glove, you should be alright with the GNXT. But you should reach out to VKB SIM sales via email and ask them to make sure.

@@Simenthusiast ha ha ido wear a XXL glove. Thanks for replying

Hi Smite, it does check out the next video I show that kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jKuip6SUr92vZY0.html

@@Simenthusiast I just bought one of them, can't wait. Thanks for the useful Vids

@@smite0568 congrats, i hope you'll enjoy it as much as i have

Bruno, thanks for that in depth comment. I looked at getting a CH stick and pedals, but lots of recent reviews point to windows 10 driver issues. Maybe I can reach out to CH and ask for a review copy and do a comparison similar to this one.

@@Simenthusiast it would be great if CH could send you a review copy. Regarding the the issues in windows 10, with CH, it's not the drivers but the CH Control Manager. And it's instalation isn't mandatory. In my current computer it became broken (unable to download profiles), although it worked in my previous machine (also Windows 10), but I managed to repair it by reinstaling it, and instaling joystick Gremlin and Vjoy. Keep up the good work!

@@brunorbf well, I reached out to CH today, hopefully we can get a reply. I would love to see how their fightstick fairs against the GNXT.

Yes you can! That was my initial set up.

Hey Karl, I would say the warthog is a step up from this stick. They are not in the same price bracket though, with the warthog being about 2x the price. I’m still fairly new to dcs, and only fly the hornet so if you’re looking for 1:1 mapping def get the warthog. If I can get a warthog I’ll do a review on it, but it’s been very difficult to find one in stock and at MSRP.

@@Simenthusiast Ok, thanks. Yah, the Warthog is a lot more in the US for some reason. I've seen it recently (a few months ago) as low as $279 CDN ($210 USD), which makes it the same price as the VKB NXT stick by the time I get it shipped to me. It was at Costco too (the whole HOTAS) for $529 CDN, but I didn't get it...because I'm dumb! I'd like to get the VKB Gunfighter III, but it's closer to $675 CDN for that one, which I won't spend just to play games.

@@karlhungus545 Everything I've read on r/HOTAS suggests that the VKB Gladiator NXT is a step up from the Warthog stick.

Honestly I don't like the warthog. I own one. The grip is really nice and ergonomic but the base is horrible, prone to stiction due to poor moulding/design on the plastic gimble.people sometimes sand them down and regrease them to solve this, also the spring tension is ridiculously high and it feels like there is a massive bump in the middle, a popular upgrade is using the grip on a virpl warbrd base as they are compatible and apparently the feeling is night and day,or you can buy a green spring kit that can help a bit but it's quite expensive for what it is. also one of the internal screws in the grip can come loose from time to time do you have to pull the grip apart to tighten it or you will have a little bit of play in the stick as you go to move it too, sorry but my opinion of the warthog isn't great and I feel there are much better options out there. I've actually got a vkb on order to replace my warthog

100% yes!

the GNXT is fairly new and from a maker that doesn't have broad market appeal. If they did im sure the VKB Sim products would be price gouged as well.

Agreed, software doesn’t really work too well and I actually had to hunt down some old drivers and versions of SST. I’m still new to the gladiator so we’ll see if it’s any better.

i prefer urkle-nomic

@@Simenthusiast :D Good one

Thank you for clarifying that.

Hi Alex, these are my opinions only. Hopefully you’ll find value in one of my other videos.

Manonmars, i kind of agree, it does sort of look a prop you'd see in a budget scifi movie. However, it has that 3 mode switch, and throttle all for like $150-$200. Right now though, prices are out of control.

I think at 199 the x52 is actually overpriced. So yeah, i agree!