WinWing F-15EX & Orion 2 Throttle review
Vložit
- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- Many thanks to WinWing for providing this equipment for a review. Despite being given this product, I will provide honest feedback for the goods and bads of this kit.
#winwing #F-15EX
Join the Low Level Hell Discord!
/ discord
Join me on Twitch: / casmotv
Support the Channel and the Low Level Hell Community!
/ lowlevelhell
Merch Store! my-store-bb2c8...
Check out the "Low Level Hell Podcast" on your favorite podcast provider!
thelowlevelhel...
Amazing Orchestra Music provided by THE RIGHT MUSIC FOR VIDEO at / posts
Hardware:
intel core i9-13900k, 64GM RAM, Zotac 4090 GPU
Joystick: VKB Gunfighter III with 20cm extension
Pedals: Virpil ACE
Throttle: Virpil Mongoose 3
Wow an honest sounding review that isnt just gushing over the product. Good review, thanks for the info.
Respect credibility and trust.
Correct! thanks for the quality review since so many fanboys are just overselling their kit! True question, How do you really use their software because I find it super complicated (same as virpil though)
@@CasmoTVMan just discovered this company, realized it’s pretty close to the price of VIRPIL, a few hundred off is it a big difference in quality?
Finger lifts are great to use so you don’t actually cut off your engines when going to idle. That’s how I’ve got it set up on mine and love it.
But you have to engage the lifts “in game” so the point is moot. You can lift them on the stick and the game still won’t cut off.
@@CasmoTV the Orion 2 has a “button” press when the throttles are all the way back (button 1 and 2).
You can assign those in the game as your engine cut off, so that turns off your engines.
The fingerlifts will prevent you from reaching that button, the only way to slide the throttles back enough to engage the button is to lift the fingerlifts. .
@@sedlo the issue Casmo is pointing out I guess is you have to lift the fingerlifts in the F15E to start the engines - which isn't possible with this throttle
@@cwoomio4439 true but I didn’t realize what Sedlo was talking about. So I guess we are both right.
The same token.... If your throttle is all the way back, and you are engaging button 1 and 2... Moving the throttle forward, past the detents also acts as a button press, 30 and 31.
So in the game controls, bind those buttons as idle on, or engines on, or whatever they are called for your module, and it will engage after you move the throttles over the detents.
Enjoyed hearing your take on the throttle Casmo, I've had the Orion 2 with F/A-18 grips and fingers lifts since it's release.
The Simapp software is a bit daunting. Worth mentioning that DCS will recognise all the buttons and switches but other games and sims won't necessarily. So you enable the 32 button mode in Simapp which "splits" the throttle into 4 virtual devices to get around the input limitation. 32 button mode needs turning off to do firmware updates though.
I used the Simapp software to change the large sliders on the base to be buttons. DCS wants "VR Zoom" & "Spyglass Zoom" to be button presses NOT an axis. So the fact those levers are quite large makes it easy to find with a headset on. I have centre position as "VR Zoom" then full forward for "Spyglass".
I agree with you about the switches located at the top of the base forward of the grips. It's not ideal when placed on a desk to reach them, having them on a mount to have it lower at your side helps. Thanks for the video, enjoyed the content as always!
Nice to see you coming to grips with new flightsim hardware. ;)
The spring-return axis on the throttle grip next to the TDC is actually quite like the one on the F/A-18 (used for radar elevation). The Hornet uses a joystick-like relative (rate of change) slew axis, rather than an absolute (position) axis to control sensor elevation.
The DCS Hornet can use this input as intended, so the F-15EX can be regarded as a functional F-15 and F/A-18 hybrid, between the extra slew axes and 4-way hats on the side of the grip.
If you don’t like the axis controls on the grip for use as zoom, perhaps one of the base’s sliders might be handy for that after all.
I’ve heard other Orion 1/2 owner have frequently used one of the two for zoom, with the other being either radar elevation, (analog) flap, nozzle position (Harrier), or wing sweep (Tomcat) controls.
They also might be useful as a helicopter’s throttle(s), when using the throttle grips themselves as the collective.
The recentering axis on the EX right grip can have the spring removed easily. I did this on the F18 grip. F18 in the actual plane recenters so they probably left it that way. I also put some adhesive felt to give it a smooth feel. Easy peasy 2 minute mod.
How? Did you just remove the spring of the axis and put it back together or what
the t-16million joke caught me off guard. Touche, sir.
Same.
Great... thank you for your review! Helps alot.
The spring loaded center dial on the handles is designed specifically for how dcs accepts radar elevation axis inputs
DCS just replicated how the controls in the actual jets work. For example the F16 radar ant/el doesn't have a spring loaded return to centre, and is modelled as such in game.
I'm jealous it is SOLD OUT!!!!! Thanks for doing this, but I was already prepared to pull the trigger on this.
Good stuff, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. Agree 100% that the zoom feature being natural and accessible is of top priority. The Thrustmaster F15 TQS appears to excel in this category. But pricing is crazy compared to the WinWing, and build quality is apparently inferior. Decisions, decisions.
I've always used those sliders on the base for zoom, but then I have the F-16 grip on mine which leaves them fairly easily accessible if you just drop your thumb down. I believe the middle dial is as it is so you can map it to the hornet or similar aircraft where the antenna elevation control commands rate of elevation, not position, but it is a bit concerning to hear that the actual F-15E elevation dial is as stiff as it is. The elevation dial on my F-16 grip is too loose, so that seems to maybe be an area they could improve QC or product engineering on.
Thanks for the review, glad to see them coming out. Bought mine hour 1, only disappointing part is that it hasn't shipped yet, gonna wait till 10 days then contact them, doesn't feel like there should be this long of a wait if they never indicated it's on backorder.
Same exact situation as you. Purchased within hour 1 of release, still waiting to ship. Pure speculation but I wonder if they oversold on the quantity of units they had before they moved it to “pre order” for the next round in a couple week or so
@@tcr.dev.1556 hope you're wrong, seems like you may be on to something though
Same boat as you guys i hope we got them soon🤞🤞
Hope I am wrong as well. Really looking forward to these grips! 🤞
Nice review. I have the Orion 2, and I feel your frustrations regarding the ability to zoom. I also use the center dial for my zoom control. Having it snap back to center was a problem at first. What I ended up doing was turning that from an axis to a button. That gives you three buttons to bind. I bind both directions to slow zoom in & out in DCS, but I don't bind the center position. That way it doesn't snap zoom back out. I bound a button next to that dial set to go back to default zoom. That has been working pretty well for me. Give that a shot and hope that helps.
Ordered mine day 1, I’m waiting patiently for it to arrive. It will be my new 10/15/18 throttle 🫡 AATW!!
Great video as always Casmo!
Thank you kindly
Great video. I went from the Thrustmaster TWCS throttle to the Orion2 F-18 throttle and sorely missed my zoom wheel. The solution I came up with for an on-throttle zoom axis will work for this F-15EX throttle as well, and is as follows:
I looked at the 5 way hat I used the most(the top-most side mounted one), and bound the Z axis (Depress) to a modifier. Then I mapped the radar elevation slider wheel to Zoom Axis WITH the modifier button. I use it by pressing and holding the modifier with my thumb, scrolling to the desired zoom level with my middle finger, releasing the modifier, then returning the slider to center.
The modifier is crucial, because it allows you to enable the input, scroll and hold the slider at the desired zoom level, and then DISABLE the input at the desired zoom level. When the modifier is released, the slider will not impact your zoom level. This is also helpful because you can keep your radar elevation on the slider without the modifier.
excellent tip !
Both the E and EX have vibration motors.
Ah. Didn’t catch that. Is still get the EX. Much more buttons.
thank you for this review. The big downside with the Orion2 base is that Windows no longer recognizes it after a few months, for some people. I know someone who has the problem and who is in contact with Winwing support and still no solution.
Oh wow. That’s a big issue. Haven’t heard that one.
totally agree with the criticism of Winwing's knobs around 8:40. the knobs on my 16 throttle are a bit lacking in general, especially the MAN RNG knob. very uncomfortable to use. I miss the T16000000m knob as well
I just bought these. Orion 2 Anniversary and the F15EX handles with finger lifts. I purchased an F16EX stick. I figure these will give me all the binds I need for everything until I spring for the F16 throttle, and a Virpil F14 stick. I'll probably buy all their stupid handles to be honest. But this should do it for me for now.
The next thing I'm gonna get is either that Top Gun MIP panel or the new landing panel they have that loos really good.
Hey so I just got my F-15EX in today and it appears there's an update in the SimApp Pro software that allows you to change the middle spring loaded elevation knob from "absolute" to "relative" mode. Absolute means the axis position springs back to the center, but relative means you're moving the axis up or down when you bump the knob in either direction, and it stays where ever you release it. This, while it's not perfect and would probably require a little tweaking, may help you with the zoom wheel issue.
looks good! been contemplating buying one of these for a while!!
Thanks for the great honest review. I am so glad that I went with a full Virpril setup which is top notch without any doubt :D.. Now time to research the Index successor :-/
Top notch except for the hat switches not being gated, otherwise I love my Virpil
You can use joystick gremlin to create a virtual relative axis from the spring-centered dial for zooming
This is the best method, because you can adjust the speed of the zoom in the JG virtual axis too. I do it from a hat switch it works great, DCS button zoom was way too slow.
I use the dials for landing gear! For other aircraft like the Mig-21BIS which has a gear neutral position, it’s nice to have a 3-way gear!
Good work around.
Thanks for this video Casmo, I wasn't able to bag my own as stock disappeared almost instantly and I was at work due to my timezones but it gives me an opportunity to get some opinions and better descriptions of the product from these reviews. Ultimately I think I will still be buying it next restock, but this has solidified my decision to go with the EX.
It's available for preorder now, I've already put my name in the hat.
I might have to pick up the F-15E grips to throw on my old Orion 1 base. Seems like the best fit for something that could easily substitute for the A-10C while opening up the F-15E.
For my setup now, I've got the bottom slider as my throttle for the helicopters, and then the top slider I use as my manual zoom, with the throttle itself as the collective.
I zoom way too often to reach down and use that but that’s just me.
@@CasmoTV Yeah, that would likely be a bigger factor if I zoomed much, but it's honestly not something I've started using a ton...and probably why I constantly get shot down.
I personally like using the spring loaded dial to zoom. I have the hornet grip and it has the same dial in basically the same spot. I like it because its easy to zoom in to look at something and then you can easily let it go back to center which matters to me because I am particular about what zoom I have when im just flying not trying to look at something.
Then you’ll love it. I don’t.
Super devices with a lot of choice of button assignments. Unfortunately, this manufacturer cannot keep up with other items. I've been waiting for the finger lifts for the Orion 2 for weeks now. It's also unfortunate that you have to order them separately. In my opinion, you simply belong!
The more I read into other Hotas's especially WinWing's stuff, the happier I am I went with Virpil for my use-case. I fly a large variety of aircraft and the problem I ran into with most other manufacturers was their hyperspecialization and replica creation. Which isn't a bad thing but it's more difficult to translate an F-15's controls to something like an F-16 throttle and vice versa. Thanks for the review Casmo!
I feel the same. I prefer a general layout.
Hey, so the center dial.. it's the same as on the f18 joystick. you'll notice there are 2 screws on the side. on my f18 throttle i have unscrewed it, super easy to take it out and remove the spring that makes it go back to center. What you want to do then is grease is with some 767a or something and maybe put a damper in... i use the stuff that earplugs are made of. You need to experiment with how much. once you have it right, oh boy... smooth slider for visual zoom bind!
I fly the F-15 and FA/18 with my collective currently so I really need this
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned in the comments or not, but both the E and EX versions have the vibration motors 3:30. The EX has more buttons/hats, that's the only difference.
Correct. It was a mistake on my part when I received them.
@@CasmoTV Thanks for the review. Zoom is a big deal for me too, and I have never understood the use of the finger lift, or a split throttle for that matter. I still have my TWCS as I haven't seen anything I like to replace it yet. I'm leaning to this one however (the F15E) as it seems like a good compromise for what I own (helis, F16/18, A10, Harrier). I mostly fly helicopters, and being able to add the collective to this throttle base is a big bonus. Also, Winwing has a warehouse in Canada now and the cost difference between the F15E and the Virpil CM3 is almost $300 (!) after taxes, exchange, and shipping. I can't imagine the Virpil is worth almost double the cost? Their prices seem out of touch.
Good review Casmo. Thanks for your thoughts on its features and functions. What was your opinion of the exposed cables for each throttle handle? Do they get in the way of any of the switches or dials throughout their range of motion?
I kept an eye on that but didn’t see an issue. Looks like they made them just long enough to work.
Had my base for about a year now and I've never once had an issue with the cables, even when needing to press the AG/AA buttons right next to the right cable. There's little trenches built into the base that the cables lay into really nicely as the throttle moves forward
@@deadpxl Thank you for the response. Its good to know they thought about that design aspect as well.
Appreciate the criticisms of the WinWing throttle, these would be issues for me as well. While there are some improvements, I will stick with my modified (analog slew thumbstick) TM Warthog throttle. It's the same for a Virpil throttle ... I almost want to buy one to replace my TM throttle, but there are always several design aspects that I do not like.
As someone who made that transition from TM Warthog Throttle to Orion 2, you are missing out. Especially with the E grips being essentially the Warthog grips.
My biggest complaint with my Orion 2 was the Hornet grips have a lack of buttons. These new grips solve that.
The other thing is there is very little plastic on the Orion 2... a lot of metal. Contrast that with the plastic monster TM Warthog throttle.
Considering they are about the same price, when your Warthog throttle fails, don't rule out the Orion 2. Well worth the change, IMO.
Always. Need. MORE. Buttons 😁
It's looks like a better grip than the f18 one i have for my Orion 2. Time to save up for it.
i own the orion1 hornet. waiting for my EX
I have the 18 grips and thinking about getting the EX, I know what you mean about the front "antenna elev" dial, it is not comfortable and thank goodness I don't use it for anything other than that in the 18. But I have to say the Winwing throttle is by far the most flexible hardware in this price range on the market.
My biggest complaint: The top row of switches are too close to the throttle. I set the top slider to switch mode and use it for land gear. On the return-to-center axis on the grip: I have the F-18 grip, and there is a panel with three screws. Remove that panel, remove the spring, cut a piece of plastic/carboard/etc with a hole in the middle where the spring retainer is, and reassemble. I used the panel screws and nyogel along with the thickness of the material to adjust the friction on the wheel to taste. There is a sizable dead spot at the center; I don't know if its mechanically set by the sensor or by the grip firmware. I took advantage of it by tuning the zoom axis curve so that the center dead spot is my default view, giving me zoom in/out and a default view I like. One note: It's easy to move the wheel when you're moving the throttle, so it takes a little time to get used to making sure your finger isn't hitting it every time you move the throttle.
I agree about the top row. Probably my biggest complain the more I play with this thing.
The Winwing F-15E Xthrottle grip looks fantastic. The specific concern about having buttons and switches to use when playing other modules in DCS made me go for the Virpil CM3 Throttle. For me, I find this aircraft-tailored HOTAS design limiting in employing them for other aircraft. The EX grip is pretty rich in buttons, switches, and dials for that purpose nevertheless. Also, how easy is it to reach the buttons, and dials on the front panel when in mil-power/ afterburner ? Again like you observed, the back-side base panel seems more suitable for these buttons and all that is there. I like and plan to get Winwing F-16EX flightstick again because of the extension. This I figure would take care of my Copilot HOCAS need in AH-64D as my Thrustmater warthog flightstick is lacking in this area.. Thank you for the excellent review.
I have the Virpil as well and I agree with your comments. Frankly, The front situation switches are not easy to get to and probably my biggest “don’t like” after having used it for a bit now.
To their credit they have labelled all those switches for functions like flaps, landing gear, wing fold etc. Not things you would use when at Mil power or Afterburner. Although yes I understand people like to bind things to what they want, not what is labelled. It's also awkward to release the finger lifts when in afterburner, the grips are quite tall...well my F/A-18 ones are.
These are issues when people place it on a desk in front of them. If you have it on a desk mount or place it on a stool or bed side table, so it's lower and beside you...then it feels much more natural. If people can't do that then this probably isn't the throttle for them.
@@Honosuseri You are very correct about the mounting settings. Having it lower beside you does help in the area of accessibility and convenience.
I play in vr mostimes and I still groop for buttons and dials on my throttle. In my case, easy accessibility is key.
@@ernestwinslow7316 Yeah I dabble in VR too although my machine isn't really up to doing involved sorties or MP, still fun and immersive though. I considered the Virpil MongoosT-50 but I actually thought I'd find it harder to use in VR than the Orion 2. I get Casmo's points but simply put if people plonk it on a desk, they're using it wrong.
I was interested in seeing the F-15 grips and if it's worth me upgrading my F/A-18 ones. The fact the Orion2 F-15 throttle is the same price as the F/A-18 version seems to make the latter redundant now. I see VKB's throttle is finally due for release next month. It's great the community is getting more options for what suits their needs and simpit setups.
those sliders are perfect for the Harrier
"I'm a Zoomer" - Casmo 2023
Good review, the grip looks pretty nice.
Any plans on a review of the VKB STECS once it releases soon™?
Mayyyybe
I actually use the top slider for zoom, and the bottom slider for brakes
Regarding finger lift switches for burner - if you map your throttle curves to hit MIL power at the stops then you get an effective AB stop going up on the throttle. Going to idle is a different concern - the TM Warthog does have a button under there that's great for idle/cut-off. Sounds like that's missing here.
Yeah the burner, obviously. It’s the idea/ cut off that just doesn’t match.
The TM Warthog doesn't have a physical button anywhere on the throttle axis... it's a virtual button just like the WinWing is. The key to the Orion 2 is the software, which allows you to do a lot with the throttle. Yeah, you won't get the finger lifts to have a button, but you have other options for replicating it such as the virtual button at idle which can be used... or on the EX the two buttons on the left throttle on either side of the main button.
IMO, the Virpil CM3 is the best Throttle on the market. I love mine :D
I too enjoy the CM3
Just got mine today. Very happy with it so far, but the toggle for splitting the throttles I am not a fan of. Sometimes it gets stuck and its super difficult to toggle it back to having the throttles split. There's no way mid flight I'd be able to quickly switch.
The sliders on the base are really useful for things like radar elevation/ranging, brake axis, and some people use for zoom. I have the F18 grips but the finger-lift system is a godsend for startup/shutdown because, while the lifts themselves aren't buttons, the throttles themselves trigger button presses when fully-back and another when brought forward again. So you can effectively use it for engine start.
I'm actually pretty bummed if the F15E grip lifts aren't buttons, though. I specifically was looking forward to them for two reasons, the have that for F15 startup and to hats more accurate to the A10. I think I may actually skip getting these to replace my F18 grips. Shame.
Personally I find using the springloaded dial for zoom is pretty nice, being able to just let go and return to standard zoom is great. Only thing is to make sure you setup the axis curve to put it's center position at a comfortable zoom (which tends to be ~20 for my ultrawide)
What do you mean by f15 grip lifts? Are these not the same as f18?
@@ls1423ls That's the problem I have, they are just the same lift kit that you can use for the F18. But in the F15 the finger lifts are also the starter switches for each engine. So, to function as such, these grips would need to have bindable finger lifts.
@@deadpxl Ohhh I understand now, thinking about it that's actually pretty annoying. I never went with finger lifts with the f18 grip and watching this I won't get them for the f15 either.
@@ls1423ls I have the lifts for the F18 grip and they are great for having the cutoff/idle bind detents, but I was specifically hoping to have bindable lifts for the F15 startup on the new grips. But for every other module the lift kit has been great and worth it.
Nice review. Do you have any update on the virpril warbird with the clutch for Helo’s?
Not a clue.
I have the orion2 base with the f18 handle and the f16 stick from winwing but damn its so hard to deal with this company because so many things are out of stock or pre order unknown for weeks or months at a time. I love the products but i would have gone with virpil if I would have known about winwings problem with product availability so often!!! Great vid Cosmo!! You are the best!
They're expecting the next batch of F-15 grips to hopefully ship in about three weeks, from what Winwing has told me. I went ahead and pre-ordered, and I very rarely do that with hardware.
well the fingerlift dont really have to register as a key. its just there to let you use the 2 simulated keys for binding your engine cut-off step or whatever you call it. i dont know if thats what you ment but atleast thats the reason for the fingerlift.
allso since i am one of those that comment before watching through (ill never forgive myself) i have to add this about the vibration and light sync. the export script file that we use to sync winwing stuff is the same that we use for DCS-export profiles for streamdeck, same as for SRS and same for tacview. the problem with this atleast for me has been that it allways seem to crash when its used for more then just 1 thing. the vipration and light sync most of the time like 80% of the time does NOT work because i have SRS and a streamdeck to allso export to. its a TERRIBLE system but some if not most of the blame has to go to DCS on this one, but it is a factor to take into account when buying it, if the tactile feedback of the vibration is the thing that sells you on weather or not to buy it needs to be said that many ppl have issues with the syncing and most seem to just not sync at all because of it just failing all the time. dont get me wrong i love my orion 2 hotas setup its great bang for buck, but its frustrating when a big selling point for me just fails
Hey man, Im trying to decide between getting this throttle along with winwings stick or The vkb stuff. I see that you have got both. Just wondering what you think the better choice is. Thanks
I love that you do this but I am not watching because I need to save up for a decent GPU first!! (I gave it a like though)
here's a weird one... Where'd you get that Fox 3 t-shirt?? I think I want one!!
They sent me one. I’m sure they have a merch store.
@CasmoTV who is the merchant? I looked up fox 3 t-shirt but didn't find. Thx
@@keithbriscoe99 fox3msmerchcom.creator-spring.com/?_gl=1*1oasnkw*_ga*MjA3MzYyNzYxNS4xNjk4NzAwNjQ0*_ga_PKGJ770MJQ*MTY5ODcwMDY0NC4xLjEuMTY5ODcwMDg0NS4wLjAuMA..*_ga_G3GKJFR6Z9*MTY5ODcwMDY0NC4xLjEuMTY5ODcwMDg0NS4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.247617223.1333177769.1698700644-2073627615.1698700644&_gac=1.87021290.1698700704.Cj0KCQjwqP2pBhDMARIsAJQ0Czrf_8DJuoJIUgJb1mBTcQwbyaUnOxeq1fJzvhm2mik04PN7dgH_biUaAlXyEALw_wcB
I love my winwing which is the hornet model. I was really excited about having a pinkie wheel and getting this, but now I'm not sure based on what you said. Might get the EX one. I currently use one of the sliders for zoom, which sucks. Have to take my hand off to zoom ATM. The other one is really just for tilting the nozzles in the harrier. Overall the build quality is very good. I'm sitting in a 737 as I type this (on the ground) and the hardware on there feels better than a real plane. 😬
One caveat, you cannot use everything on here as an axis. You can map knobs as inc/dec value and such. But windows does have a limit on how many total axes it can use on a device.
Looking to pick this throttle and grip up, along with the F16EX stick , upgrading from my 4 year old T1600m
The T-16000000 is a great starter kit.
@@CasmoTV isn’t it ! Managed to bind everything to every jet with a modifier
Defo looking forward to upgrading my kit tho and getting rudder pedals !
@@Cheiff117 two modifiers on that bad boy and you have more than enough buttons for anything in DCS.
@@CasmoTV yeah at first I used two (the orange buttons on throttle) , but I managed to get it swapped to the “switches” modifier and that works way better for myself ( flight / weapons)
What’s your thoughts on winwings panels combat and takeoff pannel ? Are they worth it
@@Cheiff117 couldn’t say. I haven’t played with them. I think the Orion has more than enough buttons on its own. Especially if you are coming from the TM
does anyone know how to setup a button repeater for throttle in the software?.... I can't find anything on how to do this
Bummer on the fingerlifts issue, I was hoping they would work in game and not just be an "aesthetic" function. As I understand it, the F-15E grips should have the TwinShock motors in them as well, I sure hope they do. My main worry is the mounting bolt pattern, I hope it is the same as the TM Warthog base or I am going to have a tough time mounting this to my rig.
Apparently they do as well. I didn’t plug them it.
@@CasmoTV great! Will be excited to hear the ACS episode where you talk about these. Now, if you can use your influence to get Winwing to build a F-15E MIP, I can replace the UFC and MFDs I currently am using.
I use the slow zoom on DCS, I use the china hat on the warthog throttle and it's actually not bad if you get used to it, so the middle spring loaded thing would be perfect for me, you should give it a try and see if you get used to it!
Wait till you grind your finger into it for an hour.
@@CasmoTV I personally prefer the spring dial. The trick is to not try and grip the notch with your finger pad but to push/pull the outer edges with your finger tip. No issues even after hours of play holding it at zoom levels to stare at my TPOD lol. Really like to have that quick return to center. The only thing is to make sure you set the axis to be a slider and then adjust the curve to make center a comfortable zoom point (On my ultrawide that tends to be somewhere ~20).
@@CasmoTV is it that sharp!? I'd be tempted to get some sand paper on it!
How's the throttle grip angle and ergonomics.? I saw on some posts people complaining about grip handle that is opposite of the real thing, and very bad angled for hand resting...
I used them more last night. They aren’t bad at all. The fundamental issue I have would be the ability to easily get to the switches at the front cause the throttle handles are so tall, but it’s not a huge deal.
I'd love a right handed grip.
Thanks for the review. I was actually considering this since it always bothered me with my Virpil throttle that it has only 1 real axis slider on the grip itself. Now i wonder who's dead brain made this center dial spring loaded. There's really zero useful usage i can think of right now for it. So you really saved me some money there.
I’m hearing some people have removed the spring. So idk
The spring loaded center wheel is there on the F/A-18 grips, and it works properly with the Hornet's radar elevation axis binding. I'm assuming they threw it in there for people that want to use the EX grips for both the Eagle and Hornet.
@@CasmoTV Thanks for the info. Your concerns about the haptic of the dials is another point though. Not having 2 decent axis on the grips and no AB detent on my Virpil CM2 throttle are what made me think about it but it seems to bring its own disadvantages and just being a minor upgrade or just a change instead of a major improvement. Guess I'm gonna save the money until Virpil releases the Apache grip and finally get the collective base with it.
@@davidsolus9410 Yeah, that makes sense of course. I'm actually using the Y-axis of a TDC on my Flightstick for that but just couldn't think of it. :D Still wish to have a zoom and an F-16 radar elevation axis on the throttle grips.
Hey Casmo, the finger lifts don't map to an actual button command? That's a shame, the finger lifts are supposed to engage the center gear box clutch to get each motor started (VERY simplified process, there's a number of things that happen pretty quickly). In flight, they do nothing other than keeping the throttles from getting pulled back to the cutoff position.
If they don't do anything at all that'd kind of be a deal breaker for me. Thanks for the heads up.
Yeah they are just mechanical. It would be great if not but I also see how making them actual buttons could be technically challenging.
Quick question, do both the E and EX grips have proper speed brake switches (like the F18 grip)? TIA
on the F-15E grip:
are the boat switch and china hat depressible or just aft and fwd?
are they spring loaded or you have to manually return to center?
thanks
I just got my Orion 2 with F-15EX. I watched numerous review videos, but everyone seems to have gone with the Finger Lifts. I just got the Dual Throttle connector and I did not know that without the Finger Lifts, THERE ARE NO DETENTS, neither IDLE nor AB. I have an ORION 1 and I thought the -2 would have the same detents with more configurability with the FInger Lifts, but no Finger Lifts, NO DETENTS. This is a huge disappointment to me. Just putting it out there for anyone looking at reviews where this hasn't been mentioned, or I missed it.
I have the Orion2 throttle with F16 grip, very tempted to get this for use with the 15E and A10C.. I wonder how long it will take to swap back and forth between the different grips
About 5 minutes. A total of four 2.5mm hex screws and the two cable connectors.
I'm struggling between Winwing and Virpil. I've researched WinWing and I heard issues with product quality, etc. Who do you think I should go with?
I haven’t seen any quality issues with this WW kit. Honestly I think you can’t go wrong with either, just depends on which one looks like the best fit for your play style.
@@CasmoTV Thanks for your response!
You would think it would be shipped already assembled.....cuts down on shipping and packing cost.
Well I got three different products here
Do we know if these are compatible with the Super Taurus? Or just the Orion.
Edit: Nevermind, seems they have updated the website since last time I checked. Says it is compatible with all WW throttle bases.
IIRC, some of their throttles may lose some functionality of these grips due to button controllers or something. They mentioned it on the release video.
Yeah there is a disclaimer on the website about loss of functionality depending on what throttle base you have.
Also a virpil user here, i have the old CM2, but been thinking of getting these, or upgrading to the cm3. The nice thing about the virpil is it kind of does it all because it has so many buttons, but sometimes it seems cluttered. I fly the hornet alot, but looking to get into the f-15 here and there, the 15 has essentially the same style throtlle as the 15, the button config is a tiny bit different but not to much, do you think the win wing is worth it or stay with virpil? interested to hear your opinion since you mentioned the virpil in your video.
I have a virpil Cm3 but I’m using the WinWing to give it a fair shake. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a great product overall. I’m planning to do a side to side to side to side comparison in the coming weeks when I get my hands on some other options.
End of the day you can’t go wrong with either choice.
On the dial for zoom, could you assign that as an axis, then tune it?
Yes but it Doesn’t matter. It springs back
@@CasmoTV I think that is a DCS Issue, it should be like a Camera zoom, it springs back but the zoom is steady. Also you can switch between self center and absolute mode. winwingsim.com/upload/editor/image/20230709/1688885184108854795.jpg?imageView2/0/w/818
Whether it’s a DCS issue or not, it’s the reality.
As for changing the modes, I literally showed that in the video. 🤷🏻♂️
Does the comms switch have a push in as well as forward and back?
No
Thanks Casmo. Does the Orion 2 have a button for shutting the engines off by moving the lever out to the off-detent like the TM Warthog does?
Yes there is a button that the throttle triggers. Which is cool. The finger lift tho is the issue for starting cause that’s what gets the starter going
@@CasmoTV ah right. I guess the Orion 2 needs a revision for that to happen.
When do these release after preorder?
🤷🏻♂️
@casmo what's the model kit in the background (all I could focus on lol)
Which part? Don’t worry you will see them all soon…
@CasmoTV that model on the shelf I think I have seen it before. But.. if you are considering doing model building on the channel please do!
CZcams would disown me if I did model building in this channel cause of algorithms but it’s been considered loosely as another channel… you’ll see more on this tomorrow.
@CasmoTV ha I see what you mean now I was confused with the throttle video yesterday but currently watching the "Tour" video
whats the difference between orion 2 and orion 2 10th anniversary edition?
One of them had a cake? Idk, I’ll take the physical challenge.
This bullshit. I’m jelly, can’t wait to get my own lol
waited up until 3am here to be first inline to buy, got through to purchase and it wanted thousands in shipping fee, then it was sold out.........very negative experience, as an owner of a lot of other WW products very disappointed.
I was actually able to purchase the 10th anniversary throttle base + F-15EX grips within an hour after they went live. Got confirmation of my order, but a week later…still have yet to ship, so you aren’t missing out on much.
But this or VIRPIL????
You spend that kind of money and get no manuel?
Sand the spikes off
Awesome video
Can you take a look at your audio, you have a high frequency switch mode power supply type whine you may not be able to hear in the background. Might just need a little filtering.
Yeah it’s been driving me nuts for days. Think I found the culprit; a light set
Great review, but you show your face more than you show the actual throttle ;)
i need to buy ram, i want to buy a throttle, i better buy a burger and think about it.
87% of the video was of his mug.😅
Did you wanna see more of my hands? Did you lust for more of my fingers sliding over the stitches and knobs?
@@CasmoTV less of your handsome juicy face and more of the product.
No such thing as an honest revue with a product you didn't spend your own hard earned money on.
Yeah there is. You just commented on one.