Thank you very much for your encouraging words. I tried not to repeat everybody else's review. 🙂

Thanks for the kind words. I wanted to say you should stick with your Virpil CM3 when you're happy... then reading you have Winwing as well, so now I'm thinking maybe you're a collector. ;-) I'm not (yet) making the same mistake like with my guitars, having more of them and not playing them. 🙂 I hope the STECS will last for many years.

@@dcsunscriptedHaha, save yourself and don't go down the collector rabbit hole with another hobby! I think I'm a lost cause with the flight sim hardware though...it's like Pokemon, gotta collect 'em all.

Thank you very much, sir! Be sure to watch the other two parts as well. 🙂

​@@dcsunscripted Still watching the end of this one; will do. Depending on the other two parts, I'll be getting this or the VPC Mongoose as an upgrade to my own TWCS. I'm interested to see if the stiction improves over time; re-greasing the Thrustmaster was a huge improvement.

@@GtsAntoni1 Stiction for STECS is a minor problem, I just "exercise" it when I start the session and it's gone. Stiction when it's stationary for a minute or so is really quite minor, more or less nitpicking. Second part of the review may give you some ideas about this vs VPC. But if you like switchable detents idea and can stand (or get used to) thumb TDC (ministick) then STECS may be for you.

If you're OK with the thumb stick - which is a bigger disruption for many (not for me anymore) - and you don't need any rudder or brake axis on the throttle, then the encoders as axis are not such a big deal. Yes, they are not that precise, but some axes are OK even when not super fine-grained. E.g. antena elevation doesn't need to have so many steps. Sure I'd prefer true axis, but in the end it's not a deal breaker. If the encoders are the only problem, just think of the axes you can serve with them and don't worry about it. If it's one of many problems, then sure, they may be another thing why not to buy it.

I'm glad you like your STECS. I like mine a lot too and many of my reservations are more observations than problems. ;-)

Thanks! Back-light may be a deal breaker for some, and it can be useful, but I don't miss it.

If you're happy with CM2 and it's not breaking for you, just keep it and wait. I'd not buy STECS if my TWCS (much weaker than CM2) didn't betray me. STECS is not a leap from Virpil's throttle (in my humbe opinion), although currently I prefer it - more on that in my next review part coming soon. However, it may just be my bias, of course. ;-)

@@dcsunscripted I had two twcs fail on me I waited a while for the vkb throttle to come out but I purchased a used CM2. It's been I love the amount of hats and buttons etc I just want to try out the vkb throttle... It's hard to see in the video is the right side where the analogue stick and hats switches flat? Or is it an angle outwards a bit ?

@@abbyabz6940 I'm not sure I understand exactly, but generally, the right side of the right handle is mostly flat in the direction where it travels. The thumbstick portion is slanted just a bit towards up - but it's hardly noticable (I only see it now when you asked). It should be clear that BRK is "higher" (more to the right) than RADIO or OP EXEC modules, which actually works well. Feel free to ask more, if I didn't answer your question.

Pinkie encoder as axis is the better one as it is easier to make longer moves there, so it can be set to 65 distinct positions (~3 rotations) and it's reasonably precise. Also, the pinkie wheel on my TWCS had strange uneven action, kinda more stiff in the middle. Encoder is much better feel. (Shame it is not an axis, really!) I wish you all the best with your STECS, if you know what to expect you should be happy with it!

Much appreciated! The thing l liked about the axis wheel was just being able to quickly move it around and have the absolute value sent to the game. As long as the encoder-turned-axis pinkie wheel on the STECS is reasonably responsive, Ill be happy@@dcsunscripted

I had Gladiator Kosmosima Premium before buying this one, and I liked it quite a lot. With STECS, I didn't consider the options below STANDARD because the additional modules and detents are not included with MINI and MINI Plus, so STANDARD was the first natural option for me. The aft mounted STEM has its cons, but nothing serious, the additional switches, encoders and buttons are good value.

@@dcsunscripted yes I thought about the MINI but once you buy the extra bits like detents or switches, it’s better just getting the standard one. The cool thing is that if one day I want more buttons, I can just get the front bracket from the MAX and put whatever module on it I’m curious to see the Thrustmaster Ava reviews later this month Also, maybe some surprises at FSExpo this June

@@falmatrix2r I wanted some additional panels because there is never enough switches and axes. I didn't like what VKB has to offere, the NXT modules do not impress me. Virpil panels look much better, but are also more expensive, and I'd one max one of them because I don't want so many pieces on my desk (I don't have dedicated simpit). And no panel is great for everything. In the end I decided to postpone any additinal hardware (beyond stick+throttle+pedals I have) and use tablet with Touch Portal and DCS-COINS plugin instead - short demo in this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/adh8ZKiku9iwlX0.htmlsi=gS3uJL1EWv3OqzEa There are other tablet based options, MATRIC, and many others. Similarly you can use Streamdeck and similar devices. It's not perfect, sure, but it's cost-effective when you have a device like that already - and very flexible, although it requires some customization. I like it and like playing with it. But - the additional devices don't make me a better pilot. 🙂

@@dcsunscripted yeah Virpil has nice stuff but it’s expensive Would be nice if they make more STECS modules in the future I’m sure they’ll make a V2 in the future, more refined The way I did to have more buttons on my x52 was using modifiers or using the 3 modes I could configure in the Saitek app I think Streamdeck is nice because you can label everything

Good points, I didn't want to go into details, but I tried that as well and didn't see big difference. Plus, if you make the pulse shorter, it will not make the events getting to the computer that much faster, there seems to be still some pause (not sure whether that is adjustable). And shorter pulse also makes up/down action even worse, but perhaps I should not talk about that anymore because encoder is totally unsuitable for up/down (inc/dec) actions, even more so than for axis. About no lag for axis, I suspected it is processed in the device, so I knew why it doesn't have any lag - but it was a good not when later shown how it is re-introduced if you want both (encoder and axis action with the same config).

The obvious answer for the most versatile (and ergonomic) solution is the STECS throttle from VKB + The Panel 3 from Virpil! That's what I've got and I feel like I've got it all!!

@@b34k97 No panel would add a zoom axis slider to the handle and Harrier style nozzle lever right next to the handle though ;) CM3 ftw haha

@@pjslon9219 I've owned the CM3. Sold it for the STECS and no regrets. I don't need an axis for zoom, those triggers under the finger work well for Zoom In/Out in DCS, and I have the palm trigger a reset zoom. It's quick and quite easy to press. i've had 6 different throttles in as many years, and STECS is the best for me. While this review hit every single negative of the STECS and described it really well, they're all pretty minor when weighed against its major benefit. It's detent system that make this a winner for me. I fly in DCS, MSFS, IL2, and sometimes some space games... so being able to switch both physical detents and the electronic configs between an F16, A320, A Center detent Space Ship, and detent-less warbirds, in less than 30 seconds... it's amazing.

@@b34k97 Thanks for the detailed reply! If I ever get to like detents, I'll give STECS a go! Although it would be STECS 2 or somthing as I still must have a Harrier nozzle axis - I love that plane (and zoom axis is also much faster than buttons). Detents for me personally are at the bottom of priorities - but I do get that we are different and your point on quick change system is a good one!

My TWCS had twitchy throttle axis (had to spray the pot every other day) and broken slew after around a year. STECS was a massive upgrade. Yes, I miss the paddles (spring loaded axis) and pinkie axis... but otherwise I'd not go back at all. Shown shortly at 8:31, I use middle finger MB2 5-way hat for zoom - up/down for out/in and press to reset it to normal. I actually use the hats on MB1 and 2 mostly for views, various snap views, etc. Not sure why I like snap views, even with my (admittedly no so good) head-tracking. STECS is great and I even got used to the slew on the thumb, no problem for me anymore. Use push (away) for up and practice with it a bit and it will click very soon. The amount of hats and buttons just on the grips is much bigger than with TWCS. But the throttle axis quality and precision is beyond comparison - at least with my old TWCS unit. Sure, some things are missing. There is no way you can have reasonable rudder on this throttle. But paired with Gladiator Kosmosima with twist... I'm lazy to use my TWCS pedals, not to mention they are narrow and not that good/precise either. Buying STECS without being able to replace the things like rudder is probably not the best decision. But if there is no showstopper, it is an incredible piece of HW. I love the feeling of it under my hand and ergonomy flaws are rather minor in my everyday use.

@@dcsunscripted Thank you for your long and detailed answer. I had a TWCS lubbed with Nyogel 767A so I had no issues at all, also have a Gladiator pro and T-Rudder by VKB I was so hyped by the stecs and the waiting for years that I took for granted that It would be a great improvement... so that I even sold the TWCS before stecs arrived. The stecs mini plus didn't come with the set of custom buttons so I only have the 4 way one, the first disappointing when I opened the box; I thought it would be included. I take the opportunity to say that if anyone sell any of these, please write me :D . I don't see the point of the two encoder wheels, as axis they aren't smooth at all so as zoom are unsuitable. And I find annoying the placement of all the knobs. Overall, I try the stecs two days and I'm kind of disappointed. Thank you, your message encourages me to begin the adaptation process.

@@OceanManu I see now. Nyogel was for action I assume, I didn't have problem with TWCS action as much as with the jumpy pot (sensor) - I used contact spray for that regularly. As for Mini Plus option, yeah, it lacks those add-ons, but you can at least switch the modules you've got if that helps, although it doesn't bring more actions. Missing accessory saves the money, but for me the modules were important for initial setup, and detents are also cool, I switch them after a few days when I go to another plane. You can still buy the accessory, although the final price with shipping can be annoying. But the throttle action is superb. Encoders can be used for less essential/precise axes (I don't like it, but that's how I use it). You're well equipped on the joystick and pedals side, good for you. 👍 Although their pedals don't have brake axis. I actually use the thumbstick with a mod button as a brake axis, crazy, but it works OK. 🙂

I don't play MSFS, so I have no idea, however, VKB Discord has a channel for MSFS as well, so perhaps try there: discord.com/channels/1009945611023429804/1012102978997604422

My answer is only theoretical, because I don't play space sim at all, so you have to make a qualified decision. 🙂With STECS you can't use thumb for anything else, when you're using the thumbstick. On the other hand, there are still buttons on the front, quite plenty of them - for other fingers. With Kosmosima, you have triggers and one button for index, but no hat, nothing for midfinger and one pinkie button. With throttle you have much more, encoders, 2 5-way hats and some buttons + two triggers (single-stage only, of course). On the other hand, Kosmosima can be setup in such a way that you controll all 3-axis (including grip) with the grip itself, so fingers can do a lot. And on the thumb you still have 3 hats + ministick/hat (with Premium version) and some buttons. Also, springs can be removed, so it doesn't autocenter, if that may be handy. STECS thumbstick always autocenters, of course. Also the travel of thumbstick and omnithrottle is incomparable. Omni will give you much more precision. STECS gives you just one axis (technically dual, but that's probably irrelevant for space) on the whole hand movement. Some people may also struggle with the thumb orientation, especially as it changes. Thumbstick precision is nowhere to the Gladiator stick gimbal and you can also drift off axis as you swivel the grip. I thought money can be a factor too, but then I realized we should probably compare STECS Mini with omni-Gladiator+Kosmosima, so money is probably not a factor.

@@dcsunscripted Thanks for the informed reply.

Omni throttle is best for space sims. That being said I use Omni throttle and a standard throttle and map the standard throttle to my speed limiter and cruise control, this causes the standard throttle to behave as your main throttle when you hit the cruise control.

STECS is a viable option for space sims, but as mentioned you will want to make sure to have enough inputs on your other fingers while the thumb is using the strafing thrusters with the ministick. So either go with a Standard STECS or the mini with extra buttons and hats upgrade.

@@jukahri I was thinking STECS Max with Gladiator NXT EVO? Would that Suffice with say a game like Star Citizen? Or should I also get a STEM GNX module for the stick, or maybe even the Aviation Module that would sit behind the stick?, for all the 100s of keybinds SC has?

Yes, I also agree. In EU, Mini is for 249€ and Standard for 346€. For around 100 euros you get STEM with quite a lot of new buttons, switches and encoders - and a lot of accessory (detents, modules with more 5-way hats). This makes a lot of sense. MAX adds the holder and ATEM module (6 buttons + 5-way hat/encoder combo) for additional 60 euros. So in terms of just controls, it doesn't make that much sense. But some people appreciate the holder as well and plan to use it. If you just buy the bigger base plate and the holder, you're on MAX price tag anyway. For me the STANDARD was the sweet spot, so I agree with your sentiment. ;-)