Virpil MongoosT-50 CM2 Throttle Review & Comparison (vs. TWCS)
Vložit
- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- In this review, we'll take a closer look at Virpil's MongoosT-50CM2 throttle, comparing it with the popular Thrustmaster TWCS.
Outline:
0:00 - First impressions
2:04 - Auditory demonstration
2:59 - Comparison with TWCS
5:17 - Hat design
8:59 - Throttle axis performance
12:33 - Final thoughts
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback.
Really good review James, best on YT. I too was looking to upgrade from TWCS. Your precision comparison was just what I wanted to know. Also your focus on feel and ergonomics is very valuable. Just running through the buttons like most reviews do is pointless. I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. Keep it up.
As a fellow TWCS owner I have found this very helpful thanks a lot!
Nyogel 767A works. I use it on my TWCS. It improves precision and the general feel very much. You won't make a Virpil out of it, but it feels like upgrading to a higher class of controller. It is well worth it. I also used it on my T16000 which was a great improvement, too, especially around the stiff center of the T16000...
But I upgraded to VKB Gunfighter (+ MCG Pro) and could not imagine to go back :) You can become quite happy with the Thrustmasters and Nyogel, though, for substantially less money.
Depends on how much time you spend using the controllers. If you use them a lot and see yourself doing that for quite some time because you really enjoy it, go for VKB or Virpil right away - in case your budget allows it, of course. It is on a very different level - in terms of price but also what you get. When it comes to the enjoyment of playing - I play Elite Dangerous - it is for me like I play the game to use the controller(s) more than I use the controllers to play the game. People owning a VKB MCG Pro will know what I mean...
Thank you for your very detailed look into the hat functionality. This was very valuable to me. I have watched quite many videos regarding that throttle and other HOTAS controllers over the time. Let me tell you that yours is the most helpful one regarding how it might actually feel using the different controllers. Thank you for being so observant and taking the time to film all the details of the button movements and sounds.
You described gated vs non-gated hats. The CM2 hats are not gated. Also you can change the CM2 hats to 8w (8-way with diagonal press signals sent to Windows) or 4w (4-way without diagonal signals) in the Virpil software.
Thanks for the clarification! I wasn’t able to find a satisfactory definition of a gated vs non-gated hat before making the video, so I wasn’t sure which category the Virpil throttle fell into. I guess I prefer gated hats, though I can see the utility in being able to change any of the 4-ways to 8-ways using software alone.
Thanks a lot for the very detailed review, it's the best on youtube. I still think I am likely to go with the TWCS as I play IL-2 and a bit of space sims and I don't think I will need fine engine control. The independent engine throttles would be very nice for taxi and combat maneuvers, but then the hat's on TWCS seem like they would be much easier to use in VR. It's a tough choice though, the Virpil seems very nice overall.
InstaBlaster...
Some of these buttons are giving me chills
On my TWCS, I modded the thrust with actual bearings (there is a guy that sells the kit on ETSY. Wow! what a difference. You get complete precision - no sticking whats so ever. BUT, I am am thinking of getting this throttle. Thanks for the review.
man did ASMR in a throttle review lmaoo
Thats my kind of content.
I have the Thrustmaster one as well. Virpil looks amazing, a lot of money for playing computer games though. Especially as you buy each component separately, good thing or bad thing.
This was by far the best throttle/platform accessory I have ever bought by far!!. It's much easier to land choppers in DCS using this throttle as collective.
Well done you have shown the throttle in very detail. I like your review. I wish the hats were made of metal.
Thanks! While metal hats would be nice, I have to admit that the plastic they use for the hats is very nice. With the texturing they have, they feel nice to the touch.
Great review, very detailed and easy to understand!
Thanks for mentioning your glove size: it was great to get an objective measure to work from on how big the unit is!
I really enjoyed that review, thanks. I subscribed assuming you had more because this one was so thorough it seemed made by someone with a lot of experience. 😉 Nice job in any case.
Really great review. I think throwing in how you had mapped certain inputs and any changes you had made and why.
Need to sell my children to buy one of these.
You'll save money in the long run.
I have the 2 previous versions of the Virpil throttle. They make great stuff, for sure. Their 1st version had a detent you could set where you wanted it so you could have either a 50%, afterburner, or idle position detent. It was great, but they deleted it in their last 2 versions due to a high failure rate. Mine never failed, but whatever. I miss the detent, and wish they would re-engineer it and give it back to us. I use it for the 50% position as I use it for forward/reverse thrust in Star Citizen. Not having that tactile indicator for neutral thrust is a real inconvenience. Otherwise, I love it.
S
Good work man great video!! keep it op (found on reddit
Thank you! Appreciate it, fellow redditor 👍
Thanks for leaving a link for people that were interested!
Good review.
I'm glad you put the throttles next to each other as it really illustrates just how much larger and taller the Mongoose really is. I don't think I really have the desk space for it. For me the TWCS works fine for the moment, especially after using that nyogel stuff. Thrustmaster really should use that stuff out of the box or at the very least include a small syringe of it on their website. The 50g tube I got off amazon was roughly 35 dollars which is about half the cost of the throttle, and you'd be hard pressed to use more than 10%-20% for the application. The company would probably make a killing if it offered a 15g tube at a more affordable price.
Anyhow...
I think my only concern about the Mongoose is that with smaller hands I'd be worried about reaching all of the forward controls in a full throttle position where the angle would feel even more awkward.
The Mongoose really does have a large grip. I don't find the base to take up all that much more desk space than the TWCS, but the grip is certainly much larger. It's more of a challenge reaching all of the grip buttons, especially compared to the TWCS. Though the feel and weight of it, in combination with the smooth throttle action, makes up for it IMO.
I'll be getting my hands on the Thrustmaster Warthog throttle soon - which is supposed to be a bit smaller than the Mongoose - and I hope to be able to put up another comparison video in the next couple weeks.
Definitely agree with you on the nyogel, it's a shame you can't get smaller bottles.
I upgraded from TWCS (which got less reliable over time) to STECS and I also wasn't impressed by the hats... but I'd say they are better, from what you describe (no personal experience though). Comparing to TWCS alone is not quite fair, that one doesn't have push action, but I really like the hats action on that one, no question about it. STECS 5-way hats are similar to Kosmosima (I own that one), BUT the 5-way hat on the thumb (Premium option) is least precise of them all and easy to press in a wrong direction.
With STECS swivelling, it's easy to pull the hat (up) instead of pressing it, especially in the forward position. And sometimes you can do so with the sound exactly the same as a press - because otherwise it has different sound. So for some hats I often accidentally use wrong direction, especially instead of center press. It is probably not as bad as what you demonstrated, but I expected more precision/distinction with 5-way hats on STECS. It's probably not easy to make it so definite.
Good analysis, I like it. Some may call it nit-picking, we will eventually use to the action and be more aware of how to use it, but there is some play in the hats and it's good you pointed it out.
Great video! Looking forward to the follow up with the Thrustmaster Warthog throttle. 🥦🦖
I just want a HOTAS throttle for my damned right hand. Im going to have the build the thing myself from the looks of it.
That makes two of us...
The issue is that left-handed combat pilots are expected to learn flying right-handed so most HOTAS are made with that in mind, the few lefty sticks are more made with HOSAS and civil aviation in mind, the former not using a throttle the latter having by and large trottle with simple levers with few to no buttons.
Sadly, my TWCS rudder is failing.. But gonna keep on keepin' on with it til we have truly met death.
I disassembled my throttle and just moved that paddle switch back and forth (more throw after it's taken apart) a bunch of times and it fixed it.
Glad to find this review as I'm about to make the same jump (TWCS to Virpil). Pertaining to the accuracy on the TM throttle, I'd ask if you Nyogel'ed it. The Nyogel 767a makes a huge difference on both the T16k sticks and the TWCS throttle. It gets rid of the "sticking" on the throttle and allows for minute actuation, like the kind refueling from a tanker requires. Ah, you just said you greased it. I think you'd have found the Nyogel is better for this as it adds hydraulic resistance that smooths out the movement. Doesnt matter anymore I suppose, but the TWCS is excellent for its price.
I just got the Constellation Alpha grip and I agree with what you're saying about the hats and their lack of surety. I'm finding I have to press each button a specific way to get the results I expect, I cant simply press them. It's as if I have to position my finger appropriately before I actuate the hat. It's a little frustrating, but given how many more buttons I got moving from the WRDBird grip to the Alpha, I'll get over it.
Tri-Flow works better....It is available via Amazon or possibly local bike shop..
a very nice vid sir! well done!
Really great review well done !!!!
Thank you!
Appreciated the auditory
I got mine last week. The hat issue i find is only existent on the 2 small side hats. On the top big hat its not an issue and also on the hats behind. Further speaking about those hats the top one can be done like if done slowly but i have much bigger issue with that lower one being falsely activating stuff.
Useful video, but to be fair, the VIRPIL is more than 3X as expensive as the TWCS. It competes with the TM Warthog throttle more than the TWCS.
I agree with your comments on the TWCS - really tough to fly in formation, or hit the tanker, as fine adjustments are almost impossible, even WITH improved grease. This, alone, is reason to replace the TM product.
Agreed, the Warthog is a better competitor from a price perspective. I had a Warthog in hand very briefly and vastly prefer the Virpil, especially considering the price of the Warthog (vs the quality of what you get), but unfortunately I didn’t have it long enough to do a review.
@@jamesdolezal8936 , thanks. I fly almost exclusively in VR, and am trying to figure out if the VIRPIL or the Warthog is better suited for using "blind"? My main flightstick in a VKB Gladiator II.
@@Pics2FlicksDennis Both my father and I have the CM2 throttle and fly exclusively in VR, and we have no problem using it "blind". There are a lot of buttons and switches, but once you spend some time using and mapping everything, it's very easy to find all buttons without looking while in VR. I imagine the Warthog is similar in this regard.
Personally I don't think the Warthog throttle is worth it for the price compared to the CM2. The Virpil just feels so much nicer in the throttle action, with zero play.
Of the limited throtttles currently available, I personally feel the only ones really worth considering are the TWCS and the Virpil CM2; get the former if you are on a budget, and the CM2 if you can afford it. The Warthog just doesn't have a place in the equation at $250-300. If you can get it for
@@jamesdolezal8936 , I already have the TWCS, but it's very imprecise, and almost impossible to fly in formation, or to tank, with it.Thanks for your advice!
TWCS is a cute functional throttle ❤
I like this description :)
No great surprise its better than a throttle that costs 1/5 of the price tbf.
I wanna buy this or the warthog throttle with my gladiator joystick which one should I do?
Why don't more people know more about Virpil flight sim controls people say that they cost a lot butt if you look at the quality compared to all the others on the market i have tried all the others even the warthog from what i have heard and read i really want to review virpil products
So, VKB hats are like the old CH hats but with push? Good, I love those hats. My CH Pro Throttle will most likely stay (it's ergonomic, grease-less and has plenty of buttons) but the CH Combatstick is starting to feel a bit cramped for Elite. I've considered Virpil but their throttle is mighty expensive and their sticks seem made mostly for mounting, the way hat switches feel are just another point in favour of VKB.
@@BurntPlaydoh got the old NXT premium soon after that post. Love it!
Do the encoder dials have an upper/lower limit or do they turn freely indefinitely?
They turn freely without limit.
Why do people prefer pov hats over an analog stick??
2:54 Is that ring dial off centre? If you look at the bottom edge as he rotates it, it looks as if the rim goes higher and lower, indicating an (I assume accidental) off centre mounting?
Think i'll get the stick and throttle instead of the PS5/XBS. This is classy, precision gear.
Do they make these for left handers (in other words my left handed joystick in my left hand so would need this to fit my right hand)? If not, does anyone else.?
I have same problem with cancellation delta. All these buttons and hats are impossible to use. I keep constantly activating 2 buttons
Will it work with the Extreme 3D Pro Joystick??
Thanks for the review!
Just a quick question, does the throttle itself have a 50% bump?
I know this is not a big feature for flight sim pilots but it’s important for space sims.
It does not have any detents, unfortunately. You can use joystick software like Joystick Gremlin to create dead zones and trigger audio cues to help know when the throttle is in a specific zone, but it’s not quite the same. Some people have made idle and afterburner detents with 3D printers but I haven’t seen a 50% detent yet.
virpil is nice stuff. But man the shipping to the USA is painful.
Thanks for doing this. I have the same throttle. Does your throttle also have some movement (very little) when they are connected by the "peg"? I.e. like they aren't 100% connected?
Yes, this is common to the Virpil throttles. I initially tried several fixes but nothing really worked. It doesn’t really bother me anymore.
@@jamesdolezal8936 Thanks for the answer :)
is the flap selector an axis, dont think you mentioned it. is that normal for flaps to be controlled with a single axis? surely needs to be 3 way selection right?
The flaps lever is indeed an axis. Optimal flaps control mapping really depends on the aircraft you’re flying. Older aircraft especially tend to have flaps on an axis, so this input lever on the throttle works very well. The F14 in DCS has the option to map flaps to an axis, but there is no intermediate flaps position, so it functionally ends up acting as a flaps extended/retracted switch (despite being mapped as an axis). The F18 has flaps mapped to a 3 way switch - full, half, and retracted - with no axis option, so the Virpil flaps axis lever isnt a great input choice. For aircraft like the F18 - with flaps as a switch and not an axis - I like using the two-way hat on the front of the Virpil throttle, mapped to flaps extend & retract.
Whene u said it was cheap i thought i was around the TWCS price maybe 200€ but i found that the price is the same as the warthog! 319€... i love flying but my money don't...
Virpil doesn''t make anymore the Mongoost-50 CM? On the site there is only the CM2 model.
Juliano Bondan correct; the CM (of which there were three variants) is no longer in production. They were briefly selling B-stock units a few weeks ago, but those have now sold out.
Curious if u have a virpil stick? I like a few things y did with thus review
Thanks! Unfortunately I do not.
thx
When he cut the thrustmaster in I literally laughed out loud. Man I wish someone would compare the mongoos to the TM warthog.
Is this compatible with Microsoft flight simulator 2020?
It works as a standard joystick controller under Windows, so it will work without issue.
How long does it normally take to get one once ordered?
I’ve ordered two (one for myself and another for a family member), and in both cases I had them on my doorstep within about a week of ordering.
@@jamesdolezal8936 Thank you so much for the information!
Does it work with series x?
…
If only you could actually buy one.
Their entire suite of grips and throttles are “out of stock” on their website.
Virpil stuff is super sought after. Their stock sells within 10 minutes of getting online. It's crazy.
Nice video but comparing them is actually silly since they are at a very different price point lol if you would have compared the Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog with the virpil than it would have made more sense otherwise nice video but comparing something that is 50-80 to 200-300+ is a little silly tbh
I agree that the Warthog would be a really helpful comparison, and I wish I had access to one. I do think the TWCS is a valid comparison though, even if the price ranges are very different, for two reasons: 1) these are two popular and commonly recommended throttles, and 2) it can be helpful to know what you are getting when you pay more. For some, the extra $250 for the Virpil would not be worth it. For some, it is. I tried to leave price and value out of the discussion because I think “value” and “worth” are highly subjective, rather focusing on the objective differences between the devices. It’s up to you whether you think the differences are worth the price differential in your region.
It’s less helpful if you are coming in with a set price range, and more helpful if you don’t really know how much you should spend, or if you’re considering upgrading from the TWCS.
But I’d like to get my hands on a Warthog, because like you say, it’s a more direct competitor to the Virpil.
Worked well for me. I'm making the same move he is.
does it has a afterburner dent?
No detents, but there are some 3D printed aftermarket detents available. They were designed for the earlier version of this throttle though and I’m not sure if they would be compatible.
@@jamesdolezal8936 hmm i need to look into this. I want to replace my thrustmaster warthog throttle really bad (already got VKB Stick)! But i do need a Afterburner dent, i cant live without it :(
1:20.5
Hard to reach ALL THOSE BALLS
Can someone explain to me why a keyboard isn't used instead of the throttle? Wouldn't that be more efficient?
Because a keyboard is just buttons, it either on or off. Imagine the gas pedal of your car being a switch, you touch it and it accelerate 100%, you lift your foot and it's 0%. Impossible to drive in that fashion, an analog signal is what you need, from 0 to 100 with all the in-betweens, that's what an axis like the throttle is. Same for a joystick.
How tall are you?
That waffle cut texture will be nightmare to clean.
medical size seven hands are tiny
Well I hate this Throttle for one reason look at the old throttle they sold was better and cost the same or little less you got more buttons same mode button then the new one now we get basicly same Throttle with less buttons but higher cost BULLSHIT!!! People seem to keep forgetting to call VIRPIL out for this BS
Why ya need so many buttons
lol
DCS, MSFS2020, IL2, ED, SC to name a few.