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#4613691 - 11/14/22 10:52 PM CH Products and alternatives  
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Does anyone know if they still produce Fighter, Combat Sticks/Pro Throttles/Pro Pedals ?
or is all distributor inventory old stock ?
The question was asked on Reddit, but it just tuned into "buy VKB of Virpil instead". What a toxic crap hole that place is.

All the threads turn into that.
Which is better Logitech X52 or X56 ? "buy VKB of Virpil instead"

As much as I like my VKB Gladiator K, when it was all said and done, it cost me $367 CAD. (shipping from China, and Canadian duty charges were about $150 of that)

I have my eye on VKB's new WWII throttle, but it will cost about the same as my VKB stick. My stick is 2 and 1/2 years old now. I have no idea how long it will last.
The one axis VKB pedals would end up costing me $460 CAD No toe brakes are a deal killer for me.

the 3 options I am looking at.

1- VKB GNX WWII Throttle with Logitech pedals. Continue using 2 1/2 year old VKB Gladiator as lone joystick.
2- CH FS/PT/PP (keep VKB Gladiator as backup)
3- Logitech X56 (with 40$ 3 yr warranty, for peace of mind) Logitech pedals. (keep VKB Gladiator as backup)

All 3 options are in the same price range. (a $50 difference)

I welcome advice and opinions.



Last edited by WangoTango; 11/20/22 10:49 PM. Reason: thread became more than a CH discussion.
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#4613693 - 11/14/22 11:07 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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Originally Posted by WangoTango
Does anyone know if they still produce Fighter, Combat Sticks/Pro Throttles/Pro Pedals ?


I don't know, but their website is not helpful at all.

Their pages on Amazon seem to hint at the lack of new stock, based on the inflated prices. The Fighterstick used to be $100 US, now it is $200?

Flight sim stuff from what I understand was never their bread and butter, but as a side project that was very welcome by those who went that direction, something must have happened for them to longer manufacture it.

I am sure 531 Ghost might know something. He loves that black plastic hahaha

#4613694 - 11/14/22 11:12 PM Re: CH Products [Re: Azshal]  
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Originally Posted by Azshal
Originally Posted by WangoTango
Does anyone know if they still produce Fighter, Combat Sticks/Pro Throttles/Pro Pedals ?


I don't know, but their website is not helpful at all.

Their pages on Amazon seem to hint at the lack of new stock, based on the inflated prices. The Fighterstick used to be $100 US, now it is $200?

Flight sim stuff from what I understand was never their bread and butter, but as a side project that was very welcome by those who went that direction, something must have happened for them to longer manufacture it.

I am sure 531 Ghost might know something. He loves that black plastic hahaha

I have owned them in the past. I love trim wheels on the Fighterstick. Yes, it is not pretty kit, but worked well. But is the tech getting long in the tooth ? CH Manager software is not recommended by CH themselves. They advise using Windows native game controller software.
I had an X56 before my VKB, so over 2 1/2 years ago. the twist rudder had a click sound. Sold it while the getting was good. I am wondering if Logitech has improved it's faults.

Yes, CH prices on Amazon are insane. I have found a Canadian distributor that will be $300 cheaper than Amazon.

#4613709 - 11/15/22 03:34 AM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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CH Control Manager was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately after Bob Church retired CH never kept it up to date anymore and it has way too many errors on Win 10/11.


"No power in the 'verse can stop me!!!"
#4613710 - 11/15/22 03:38 AM Re: CH Products [Re: Spidey]  
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Originally Posted by Spidey
CH Control Manager was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately after Bob Church retired CH never kept it up to date anymore and it has way too many errors on Win 10/11.

Would this keep you from recommending CH Products ?

#4613712 - 11/15/22 03:47 AM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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Originally Posted by WangoTango
Originally Posted by Spidey
CH Control Manager was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately after Bob Church retired CH never kept it up to date anymore and it has way too many errors on Win 10/11.

Would this keep you from recommending CH Products ?


I finally got tired of getting Control Manager errors all the time. If you are going to just use it as Direct X devices I feel like you are not really getting the full power out of your HOTAS


"No power in the 'verse can stop me!!!"
#4613713 - 11/15/22 03:59 AM Re: CH Products [Re: Spidey]  
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Originally Posted by Spidey
Originally Posted by WangoTango
Originally Posted by Spidey
CH Control Manager was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately after Bob Church retired CH never kept it up to date anymore and it has way too many errors on Win 10/11.

Would this keep you from recommending CH Products ?


I finally got tired of getting Control Manager errors all the time. If you are going to just use it as Direct X devices I feel like you are not really getting the full power out of your HOTAS

Good point.

#4613718 - 11/15/22 05:23 AM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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CH Products makes quality controllers, but they seem a bit limited compared to other controllers, especially the throttle. I realize it's about US$200 more, but for the money, I'd go with a Warthog. More realistic size and layout, more buttons, dual throttle, and I think at this point, better supported from a user base perspective. Again, it's not cheap, but once you're over US$300, I think the extra cash spent is worth it.


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#4613770 - 11/15/22 03:33 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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The Warthog Throttle is no doubt, a great piece of kit. The buttons and switches are labelled for an A-10. That would bug me (I'm weird that way)
My interests are WWII, and some WWI thrown in once in awhile. I am leaning towards the new VKB WWII throttle. It will cost me about $370 CAD after shipping, taxes and duty charges. That is what I paid for my VKB Gladiator K SCG Premium 2 1/2 yrs ago. Shipping and the import duty really is a kick in the pills.


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#4613772 - 11/15/22 03:56 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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I've used a CH Pro Throttle for a decade + and it does 95% of what much more expensive throttles do for a fraction of the price.


"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4613793 - 11/15/22 06:56 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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Originally Posted by WangoTango
The Warthog Throttle is no doubt, a great piece of kit. The buttons and switches are labelled for an A-10. That would bug me (I'm weird that way)
My interests are WWII, and some WWI thrown in once in awhile. I am leaning towards the new VKB WWII throttle. It will cost me about $370 CAD after shipping, taxes and duty charges. That is what I paid for my VKB Gladiator K SCG Premium 2 1/2 yrs ago. Shipping and the import duty really is a kick in the pills.


[Linked Image]

VKB WWII Throttle ordered.
Now to decide what rudder pedals.

#4613846 - 11/16/22 08:38 AM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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I'd be interested to know how you like that throttle WangoTango. I was looking at their site and I would really like there WW2 stick and that throttle perhaps someday. I like how their stuff is interchangeable so you can add more modern stick if you wanted. Are you also getting their custom mounts too? Pretty pricey stuff but it looks like its made well. The stick setup also looks quite a bit more involved than most other things out there with some assembly required.


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#4613887 - 11/16/22 04:11 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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A couple of questions. Does the VKB WW2 throttle set come in a complete kit as in the photograph? If you go with a different manufacturer for pedals (like CH) will they plug directly into the computer or into the throttle ? While I am currently learning on a much cheaper unit, am looking at upgrading at some point and like the Gladiator WW2 stick a lot.

Last edited by Snow46; 11/16/22 04:11 PM. Reason: Spelling

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#4613890 - 11/16/22 04:45 PM Re: CH Products [Re: Coot]  
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Originally Posted by Coot
I'd be interested to know how you like that throttle WangoTango. I was looking at their site and I would really like there WW2 stick and that throttle perhaps someday. I like how their stuff is interchangeable so you can add more modern stick if you wanted. Are you also getting their custom mounts too? Pretty pricey stuff but it looks like its made well. The stick setup also looks quite a bit more involved than most other things out there with some assembly required.

I am not getting mounts at this time. My current (old) desk is at decent height, level with my arm rests (which are not adjustable). I do want a wider desk.

the WWII gripWWII Grip (Addon) can be added to a GNX THQ Module.GNX THQ Module
I think this setup would not be sturdy (I am guessing at this point). The one I bought comes with a Multi Function Holder (their name), which would make it more sturdy. Multi Function Holder



VKB products price is very fair IMO. It is the Shipping/tax/duty that hurts the most. If only they had a distributor in the US or Canada.
I brought this up on the forums. They said they would have to raise the price of products by %30 to cover the cost of a NA distribution facility. So in the end, it would probably work out t what customers pay now anyway.

One thing about VKB, they do have very informative videos. Easy to follow instructions.


#4613892 - 11/16/22 04:58 PM Re: CH Products [Re: Snow46]  
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Originally Posted by Snow46
A couple of questions. Does the VKB WW2 throttle set come in a complete kit as in the photograph? If you go with a different manufacturer for pedals (like CH) will they plug directly into the computer or into the throttle ? While I am currently learning on a much cheaper unit, am looking at upgrading at some point and like the Gladiator WW2 stick a lot.

You can buy it as a unit, as in the picture. Or you can buy separate modules. (see my previous reply to Coot)
Any non VKB pedals would plug directly into your computers USB port.

I have decided to get the VKB pedals next. I'll have to save my allowance for a bit winkngrin Since retirement I have to discuss financial matters with the Minister Of Finance (My wife). She is pretty cool though.
Even though they only have one axis (no toe breaks) I like how they are low profile, and heavy. Plus I would have the option of plugging them in via the "black box/USB cord" that comes with them, or directly to my Gladiator K's ethernet port.

#4613898 - 11/16/22 06:22 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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Maybe someday their VKB TECS Throttle Unit will be released. It has been teased for a long time.

#4613905 - 11/16/22 09:53 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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CH Control Manager was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately after Bob Church retired CH never kept it up to date anymore and it has way too many errors on Win 10/11.


Basically most of what one can make in CH Manager can make in Joystick Gremlin + vJoy (freeware).

And can make in VKB DefCfg without need running this program alongside games, all buttons, axes programming is stored in controller memory like the Fox did for Cougar.

Basic buttons programming like alias, tempo, macros... is easy to get used, axis to buttons or axis to virtual axes too.

But the Boolean functions is very enigmatic. confused

MyPilotStore have all CH kit, with prices close to the pre-pandemic levels.

#4613907 - 11/16/22 10:07 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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My Pilot Store was the best deal I could find in the US. I did find a supplier with similar prices in Vancouver, Canada.
Trimex Marketing Inc. You have to communicated with them via email. These are the prices i was given, in CAD
#200-571/Fighterstick - $174
#300-122/Pro Throttle - $179
#300-111/Pro Pedals - $207

$53 shipping from BC to Southern Ontario.

They are legit, the information is from CH's website.
CH, where to buy USA/Canada

#4613908 - 11/16/22 11:31 PM Re: CH Products [Re: WangoTango]  
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I'm surprised nobody has mention Virpil. I picked up their throttle, and it's a pretty impressive piece of kit. Their throttle options are a bit limited but they do have a nice range of sticks and rudder pedals.
When I upgraded my HOTAS, I wound up with the Virpil throttle, the VKB Modern Combat Mk III stick, and MFG Crosswinds pedals. Pricey, but I'm set for a bit I think!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
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#4613916 - 11/17/22 01:17 AM Re: CH Products [Re: JohnnyChemo]  
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Originally Posted by JohnnyChemo
I'm surprised nobody has mention Virpil. I picked up their throttle, and it's a pretty impressive piece of kit. Their throttle options are a bit limited but they do have a nice range of sticks and rudder pedals.
When I upgraded my HOTAS, I wound up with the Virpil throttle, the VKB Modern Combat Mk III stick, and MFG Crosswinds pedals. Pricey, but I'm set for a bit I think!

Sounds like a great setup. Virpil looks like high end gear. More expensive than VKB from what I can tell. Do you know where they ship from JohnnyChemo ?

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