VKB SIM's Gladiator

From the makers of the Fat Black Mamba comes the Gladiator. A new to 2016 WW2 genre flight stick for a experienced simulator pilot or beginner willing to spend more on their first joystick.

This stick looks promising to with the ability to upgrade the gimbal at a later stage instead of purchasing the pro version and with more products under development the grip can be upgraded to a metal/more authentic KG12 replica grip (prototype seen below).

The differeence between the Gladiator's $99 vs the Gladiator Pro's $250 apart from the price and no rudder twist on the Pro is the metal Gimbal (as pictured immediately below) as opposed to the Gladiator reinforced plastic with fiberglass. (pictured at bottom)

VKB & Stratojet recommend your buy the Pro version intially if your unsure as it works out cheaper and they take no responsibility if you screw up the installation.

The future of this product line I find very exciting as they have explained the Sys (systems) plug/socket next to the pedals socket is for new potenial components i.e. control panels/displays aimed at immersion, which has my attention in including a HOTAS version called the Gladiator Plus and Plus Pro.

Which was due for pre-order/release about now (3/4 2016) but after contacting Stratojet explained that the prototype did not meet their standard builds my confidents in this relatively unknown (at least outside of Russia) but not knew brand.

Here is a quick comparison video that may help get a better idea of the movement and stick in general.

FEATURES: - Real WWII KG12 Grip Replica - Ergonomic Grip Angle - Smooth Precise Movement - Pitch, Roll and Twist Axes - Throttle Axis - Sturdy Internal Structure for Long Use - Metal Baseplate for Stability - Silicone Feet for Strong Surface Grip - Pre-Drilled Holes for Permanent Attachement to Surface (Optional) SPECIFICATIONS: - Contactless MaRS sensors (X, Y, Twist axes) with High Resolution - 32-bit ARM Controller - 17 Programmable Buttons - 29 Total Logical Buttons Using Shift/Mode Functions - 1 Hat-Switch (8-way) - 2 LEDs (Mode Selection) - Plug & Play with Driver Free Installation (Recommended for Most Users) - Firmware Upgrade via USB - Onboard Memory for Storing Profiles - Port for Connecting VKB-Sim Rudder Pedals - USB 2.0 - Optional Programming Software Available (For Advanced Users) - Calibrate Axes - Create Deadzones - Save and Load Profiles - Adjust Axes Resolutions

It's currently available from Amazon and StratoJet(N/A) in addition to VKB Sim(eastern Europe), I have not yet found any other distributors in the Australasia area as their information lead nowhere so I have paid approx $159 AUD and a 1 month wait min to get it shipped to Australia.

Remember the 'Gladiator Pro' has no twist for Rudder and requires pedals.