VKB Gladiator NXT full review

[@VKBSim]

It is so nice review) Thank you for choosing VKB. Keep doing your amazing videos!

[@dcstutorial]

Thank you!

[@Pacheenee7]

TECS quicker please!

[@RobPearlman]

Any news on a DevConfig instruction manual?

[@dcstutorial]

@@RobPearlman Yes go to their website click downloads scroll down to the documentation section and click VKBdevCfg Manual

[@BigSunn0]

Hey, VKB are there any modular throttle add ons for the Gladiator NXTs base?? I'd like to get a 2nd one for my left stick, but would like a throttle also.

[@treefern5438]

The stick moves up when you twist because it is using a sensor detecting the change in height to determine the amount of input. This is much better and precise than other joysticks that have simple turn based sensors that usually break

[@Philminator]

Oh so that's normal then. I almost didn't want to buy it because I thought it was a flaw.

[@treefern5438]

@@Philminator 100% buy it. Best flight stick I have ever owned for amazing value. There are some other options these days such as winwing but I haven't had any experiences with them so can't comment. I have had my vkb gladiator nxt for over 6 months now and haven't run into a single problem. Plus the premium one has soooooooo many buttons which is extremely beneficial when playing dcs

[@Philminator]

@@treefern5438 thanks. I’d be using it for MSFS 2020.

[@racingtheweb]

@@treefern5438 Hi, how about helis? Is his wrist rudder enough precise for choppers or do you need rudder pedals anyway?

[@treefern5438]

@@racingtheweb I have not had too much experience in helis (only flown in Arma 3), but I have never had an issue with precision. If your flying in DCS and you find it not precise enough, you can adjust the curvature of the yaw or even reduce the maximum input.

[@latch9781]

I was skeptical to watch this due to the low number of views. I am very glad I did. Very professionally structured, analyzing every aspect of the product, it has influenced my decision so that I will purchase it. Only things to improve on would be turning off auto-focus on the camera and fixing it in place, rotating the product instead.
Otherwise, great review
2023 Edit: not so low now, still a good stick

[@dcstutorial]

Thank you!

[@DrPet80]

the low number of views is at 58k now :)

[@blahblah2545]

Now 84k views

[@acidiccow.63]

@@blahblah2545 now 101k

[@thomasseeley8124]

@@acidiccow.63 122k!! lol

[@teddyharvester]

The way this joystick just smoothly goes back to its starting position is oddly satisfying.

[@dcstutorial]

i agree

[@CaseyBartley]

The twist axis is designed on purpose to move up when twisting. This is so there is no axis bleed in X or Y axis without actually wanting to twist. Other sticks that have just a standard twist it's very easy to get axis bleed on the twist while using the X or Y axis. All VKB twists work like this (F14 / MCG Pro addon / MCGU).

[@thomasseeley8124]

thanks! good to know!

[@Mr.Funplayer]

That is the first and only review of this stick i've seen so far on this level. Nicely done. Not just "look at this ohh its so awesome" But actually showing the individual features an Options. :D

[@dcstutorial]

thank you very much!

[@LIKWID]

What you talked about at 4:40 about the different feelings of each encoder wheel is sometimes because every different part of a stick has a unique feel or texture to the button. If you were using this stick in VR the difference between the 2 encoder wheels would allow you to identify which one you wanted to use.

[@dcstutorial]

i never thought about that

[@crazybobby14]

This video was so in depth, that I actually bought one. I cant wait to have my hands on it!
Thanks for your professional review.

[@markrogers7304]

Yup just ordered the premium based off this review. Figured it was time to upgrade my 1997 usb converted ch fightstick...lol. its done me good for a long time.

[@FoxSock]

i appreciate how casual this review is, going over the stuff that most people would care about but also some slightly more in depth things (button configuration in software). very good review!

[@syzygysyzygy8332]

Ordered Jan 20, 2021 because of this review.
Signed up for Fedex notifications. Jan 25 (today) email that it is in transit. With many flight sim devices out of stock in the US it's great to be able to find something that is at the higher end of my budget but looks better built than anything else in my price range.

[@GuyFromJupiter]

This is a great review, you seemed to put a lot of effort into making it professional and informative. I like that this is a sort of middle option between low end like the t16000m or logitech offerings and high end options like the Warthog, Virpil, or other VKB options. I may pick this up myself.

[@dcstutorial]

thank you :)

[@gustavriis9221]

I've been looking at different sticks for a little while now and landed on this video. and with it ive now made up my mind. extremely well made review, great detail and good pace. all around very informative

[@dcstutorial]

thank you

[@a-aron3847]

I'm so glad my dream joystick is considered "budget". Thanks for the detailed review!

[@dcstutorial]

it is when you look at the prices of all the other joysticks

[@alexlee289]

Ordered one back in November and it's been great so far. I can confirm that the left scroll on the base is slightly louder than the right, so it's not just yours.

[@dcstutorial]

ok good to know

[@gasser5001]

Got my 2 NXT standards and MKIV pedals in a few days ago. I fucking love them. They are the best joysticks I've ever used. They might be a tad stiff OUT of the box, but give them a few days of usage to break in. They feel smooth as butter now. That Z-Axis is AMAZING, too. It's supposed to move like that, it's in the design.

[@TheHighlander71]

I found this video really valuable. If I'm not mistaken, VKB doesn't readily show this information when browsing their shop. I've been having a hard time finding the actual button configuration of this stick. Thanks for this, very well done!

[@HappyFamily1004]

Great Job!

[@pancake4425]

A no nonsense review that tells loud and clear what to expect. Good job and thank you.

[@MyNameisStorm]

I've always been into sim flight games but always used the keyboard and mouse. Just ordered this stick paired with a Logitech G X56 Throttle, super excited! Thank you for the amazing review.

[@donaldallred2654]

Nice review man, I actually ordered a left and a right both premiums (a space sim style set up for Star Citizen) a few days before you posted this. I was a little nervous that I wouldn't like them, but after seeing this I'm even more excited to graduate from my dual t16000m's. Now all I have to do is wait maybe another week for them to arrive. Thank you!

[@dcstutorial]

you will be very happy with them they are great joysticks!

[@thenecroguardian19]

Ayy t16000 upgrade crewww!

[@MasterMojo85]

Thank you so much for the tutorial to configure the mini stick. I would have never figured that out by myself.
I own the joystick since yesterday and I like it very much so far. Since I don't have a throttle, I'm impressed by the throttle axis on the joystick itself. It is so precise that landings are no problem anymore.

[@dcstutorial]

Thank you! The only way I found out how to configure the mini stick was from some Reddit post, so I figured I should make a video about it so others can see.
The throttle axis on the base is indeed really nice, I use it all the time.

[@MasterMojo85]

@@dcstutorial Yeah. I guess the only throttle I'll buy will be the one by VKB.
Quick question: What did you bind to the analog mini stick axis in DCS? I'm flying the F-15C actually and use headtracking, so I have no idea what's smart to bind on that axis. :>

[@dcstutorial]

@@MasterMojo85 The throttle designator controller. (The thing that you can slew around on the radar screen) Some planes call it different things like the radar cursor.

[@dunka12]

The thumb hat is meant to be used with your thumb resting on it. That's why it has that curve. You move and click it it with the middle part.

[@FireRisinWithin]

Thanks for the in depth review. I ordered one of these with vkb's rudder pedals yesterday

[@jcjammer8972]

Very helpful, thanks. My NXT Premium just came in yesterday and luckily I got it up and running for IL 2 and MSFS 2020 by just following the company’s quick start & calibration video. My head would have probably exploded if I tried to decipher the software (something about old dogs & new tricks). If I decide to go more in depth I guess I’ll have to resort to the software, but so far so good.
Thanks again.

[@LukeSkywarp]

How are you liking the NXT for IL-2 so far?

[@jcjammer8972]

@@LukeSkywarp . I like it a lot. Still haven’t had to resort to any software luckily and all’s well. The dampened movement of the stick feels much better (possibly more realistic, according to one review by a pilot) than the Thrustmaster 16000M that I used previously. I think the quality of the product is excellent, especially considering the price-point. The company will be offering a thrust control in the near future and I’ll be getting that at some point as well.

[@joelperry]

Thanks for this! just ordered mine about 30 minutes ago. fyi they show in stock now for anyone interested.

[@williamw9050]

Great video, best review for this stick so far. All the info you want without the extra fluff.

[@daveyjoneslocker4703]

Man oh man this review has me pumped, mine is set to arrive in a few hours

[@lukebraddford3287]

How are you finding the stick?

[@daveyjoneslocker4703]

@@lukebraddford3287 haven’t had much time on it, I barely got it set up yesterday before I had to leave. Software is complicated but they are putting out tutorials for it, and the software offers endless options and customization for those able to figure it out. The dampening grease is too heavy and makes the stick return to center too slowly and require too much force in my opinion, but some people prefer that feeling. But these are both problems that you can fix and work around. VKB encourages users to reapply grease and make adjustments. It’s a stick that’s modular and easy for the user to work on and modify. The stick itself is fantastic.

[@user-fw4kk1ym9y]

Thanks for reviewing man, that's what I was looking for. 👌

[@HAZ2B]

This is great, even went over how each button sounds!

[@greatdanexlks]

Extremely happy with my VKB Gladiator NXT. Customer for life.

[@oldmanfunky4909]

Okay, there are a lot of reviews of this joystick. But your the only one to show the buttons close up that I've seen. Gold Star to you Sir! Also there is a User Guide for the Config. I have yet to read it myself to see how helpful it is. Hope it is as I just ordered the Gladiator NXT EVO Premium. The Evo is new and has a dry clutch.

[@dcstutorial]

Thank you sir! I am aware of the guide, if I have time to make videos again I may read it and do some tutorials for the nxt configuration software. Haven't done any research on the evo but it sound very cool!

[@megapleb]

Very well done. This helped me decide to buy the NXT, thank you.

[@dcstutorial]

your welcome, you will be very happy with the NXT

[@davidpowers746]

Great video. I actually bought a premium a few hours prior to watching this after a month of hell with the t.1600 stick. Got me feeling like a kid on Christmas Eve.

[@wun1gee]

This video sold me on this stick. I'd been thinking about it for a while because that proportional hat is fantastic for 6dof games where normally I'd just have on-off.

[@christiansvideos]

Best stick ive had. Me and my buddy had great experience. Buy it if youre on the edge. Well worth it. Premium comes with lots of spare parts too!

[@marshall2828]

Super high quality video. Went over everything I possibly wanted to know about the stick. Thank you

[@tom-xf9xs]

An excellent review. You're refreshingly concise.

[@dcstutorial]

An excellent comment. You're refreshingly kind.

[@Ducksnuget]

I wish I knew this existed before buying my 16000m. Also I’m shocked you only have 160 subs with this quality. Great video!

[@princeofcrows9672]

Brilliant review, best yet! I'm waiting on mine to be delivered and super keen to get going, Cheers!

[@MetalShinS0lid]

Thanks to your vid I took the jump and bought one! Awaiting impatiently for it to arrive! TECS can't come out soon enough. Hope @VKB Sim sends you one when it does so you can review it as well!

[@MetalShinS0lid]

After 5 months of owning it I can say, at that price point there is NOTHING that compares, I've been doing some flying in DCS and then some space faring in Elite Dangerous, and it works perfectly, super smooth and it has the right amount of resistance to be precise with it. I went for the premium with the joystick and the 5 way hat, and I recommend that if anyone's thinking about buying it go for the premium, it's a lot more functionality for not that much of a price difference. I have it paired with a Saitek X-55 Rhino throttle, got it for very cheap used, and it's all you need to play pretty much anything that requires a HOTAS. Thank you again for the review!

[@alexscherr9960]

Great review! You answered all of my questions and showed features I didn't know it had. Convinced me to buy the premium. And I just placed my order! Thank you for this.

[@snorday8478]

Im impressed with the detail of this review. Good job!

[@trentonhevener6349]

Hey man this is a really solid video, thoroughly impressed

[@draleharnett1843]

Great review. Just got two of these and I love em. You display them and their capabilities well.

[@dcstutorial]

Thanks

[@xxSgt_Aryes]

11:44 lol i cracked up hard on that one, thanks for the review

[@dcstutorial]

lol, thanks!

[@stofsk]

'or you can wait for VKB to release the TECS, which is coming out soon'
*still carrying that torch*

[@charlie7mason]

It's much closer now.

[@AvengerBB1]

Excellent review. I've had my NXT for about 5 months now and I love it. Considering getting a left hand model to modify into a collective for some upcoming helos in DCS!

[@feffy380]

Very good in-depth review. The close-ups and demonstrations make it easy for a newcomer like me to understand the unfamiliar terminology. My only complaint is the camera autofocus. Fixed focus is probably preferable here.

[@Randomguy-sq5sj]

Nice review bro! WOO GOT THIS IPSTICK AND WOW

[@scooter-bq1iv]

Excellent review and glad I wasn't the only one who struggled with that software!

[@NathanWind99]

Outstanding review. I will be buying one of these when I finally grow tired of dealing with my T16000M yaw isssues.

[@armsupwithlawrence]

I ordered it because of your Review! I just recieved mine right now. Took just a week to ship to Austria and i am so happy with it.

[@gtnasty]

Nice review! I had not heard of this brand before, but after your review I went ahead and purchased one. I’ve been looking for a while, but the lack of stock & prices of other sticks is insane. I’ll be using this with DCS paired with my thurstmaster throttle.

[@dcstutorial]

Thx. I agree that the prices of other sticks right now are absolutely ridiculous. That is the reason VKB is becoming so popular, they are the only company offering a quality stick for a reasonable price.

[@dualsportrider7144]

Great review helped weigh in on my decision decision on buying this stick!

[@christophermcdaid696]

With the hat on the side I find it comfortable to place the the crease of my thumb knuckle on the on it instead of the way you were doing it. Not sure which way is the intention but I find the way I use it more comfortable and natural

[@BeardedSinner]

Great review! I ended up purchasing one and it's fantastic. My only gripe is the feel of the trigger but it's not really a big issue.
I cannot wait for them to release their TECS throttle. It will be an absolute game changer for the beginner/intermediate flight sim world.

[@pablogafiloco4916]

I want to get into flight sim (mainly space ones, but will try normal ones too) what do you think of using the Gladiator NXT with mouse and keyboard? I've seen so much stuff on HOSAS or HOSAT or HOSAM im going crazy at this point hahaha

[@tbomgardner4647]

​@@pablogafiloco4916 Three months since you type this, but if you haven't bought anything yet... I've been playing Star Citizen for a year using the Gladiator NXT EVO, mouse and keyboard. I couldn't fly just using the mouse and keyboard alone, although many people do. This stick has been great. You can use the center axis control on the base for the throttle. I just upgraded by adding the VKB WWII GNX Throttle Combo, with plenty of extra buttons, throttle, one more axis control, flaps and landing gear. Getting use to a throttle control instead if using W and S on the keyboard is taking a little effort. When I took my hands off the keys, it would slow down. Now I have to remember to pull back on the throttle. It's getting better though. My last order shipped from China and was delivered in 7 days with Fed Ex. I'm happy with both the stick and throttle combo. I've used the stick for a year with no problems. Also, if you're planning to play space sims, make sure you get a stick with the twist handle for the z-axis, like the NXT EVO. Some airplane flight sticks don't come with the twist.
Take care.

[@dcstutorial]

thanks! i think the tecs is going to be awesome!

[@louissarrazin660]

Great Review.
The LED"S configuration pannel is accesible trought Global tab then External, then on the lower left side there is a side tab for LED's. There's also a video on there you tube page. Was able to modified existing fonction but unable to create new ones.
Like some of you I recently got mine. Great quality stick for the price but "man ho man" was that instruction manual ( as been recently made available on there download page) and the configuration software been written by and for Rainman? Seriously, just the tought to have to read a manual to TRY to understand the configuration software of a joystick must be alien to most of you by now.
On the other hand, for those who like to go deep under the hood to tweek every little details and have the patience to do it, you will feast on caviar.
That's where options should come in. To Configure the first 30 fonctions is easy enough, it's when you want to add more "layers" or "modes" to your stick, that it becomes overly complicated.
For people who only want to add the 3 layers that it seems to offer, it should be made easier.
Apart from the steep learning curve The grip is awsome and it feels like it can outlive any thrustmaster of the same price range. No doubt that i will seriously consider VKB's for there higher line of product when times come to upgrade. Altho price range are similar to Virpil,, there base's are said to be better, unfortunately the sticks are uncompatible with Thrustmaster or Virpil.
In terms of quality, at it's price range, it stand on a island. Those are entertainment dollars you wont regret spending.

[@lemonydes]

Very informative, thank you for spending the time!

[@montokk1006]

Great review! Very informative and detailed. Will be purchasing the premium.

[@AlekseyStrakhov]

hi! regarding thumb hat, you should use the lower part of your thumb, i do it with this stick for over year now and it's feels very natural. I have Kosmosima premium with GF base in right hand and NXT premium in left hand

[@dcstutorial]

ahh thx for advice i will try this

[@charlesinglis9091]

Fantastic review, just bought one. Thanks!

[@daveyjoneslocker4703]

I think for squadrons this stick is going to work perfectly alone . Then for other games it’ll be incredibly simple and clean to pair it up with my Razer Tartarus v2 that I already have on my desk.

[@KillerofGods]

Thank you for the video, subbed.
Thanks for the info that they are also coming out with a throttle.

[@hogrider9249]

I like the button sounds.

[@narq5099]

Excellent, thorough review!

[@ppt999]

This is a great video and was put together very well thanks

[@dcstutorial]

thank you

[@WardenWolf]

I haven't bought a new joystick for around 20 years when games that used them went out of style. I think my last purchase was the USB Saitek X36. I am interested in purchasing a new one. I do like the look of this one, and very much like that you can disable the twist with a set screw so you can use rudders instead.

[@ollie-t7862]

Great review bud, this just came in stock in Europe so I've made the purchase

[@sbssmachine1]

Top review. Gg. Btw the rising motion on the twist axis is a self centering mechanism. Also useful in vr as a detectable center

[@prowoto]

Incredibly well made review nice job

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Great video, seriously. Ordering mine soon!

[@DanielHrncir]

Damn good review, thx for that. Had to watch three not satisfying reviews, before I found yours.

[@omniges]

I bought a premium left and premium right after this video. I can’t wait to replace my T16000s

[@diamantis26]

nice review! I got one with the first batch in EU sales, but haven't had the time yet to use it.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Great review thankyou

[@karlhungus545]

Awesome review, and pretty much exactly what I found after using it for a bit. If you don't install that Devcfg program you will get flashing red lights on the stick after Windows 10 'installs' it the first time and nothing will work. The instructions are non-existent, and I had to google the issue to resolve it. It does work perfectly in DCS though, as easy as the 22 year old, but still perfectly functional Saitek X45 that it replaced. I love this stick especially for helicopters. It has more than enough hats and buttons for the A10C as well (I have a TWCS throttle and TFRP rudder pedals).
It is a PITA however to map in MSFS. The axis don't work right for some reason. Luckily I don't even play MSFS, so I don't really care (have it on my kid's Gamepass sub). Really nice stick for the price though. Cost me about $275 CAD all-in with shipping, exchange, GST and duties.

[@Power5]

Very good review. Well done. That software seems very in depth. I am sure I will be as lost as you are when I receive my stick. I will be using it as right stick with my T16000m Throttle and may use my t16000m joystick as my left stick for star citizen if I need to. I have been flying well enough with just stick and throttle in SC so may not need a left stick. Biggest gripe about the t16000m stick is the ridiculous lack of buttons on the stick. Base buttons do not count since you cannot touch them if you are hands on a stick and a throttle. So those 12 buttons are useless in any combat situation.
subbed hoping for more amazing content like this. Please update when you get a better handle on the software as my stick should be arriving about that time.

[@xenozombie6200]

Great review. Thank you. 👍

[@dcstutorial]

your welcome

[@hunter4229]

Awesome review! I’m also a T Flight HOTAS user (PS4 version) and am looking to upgrade to VKB. Just need to save up for this and still deciding what throttle to get.

[@optrirominiluikus]

Great! I have the Logitech Extreme 3D pro right now, but I'm looking to upgrade, and it looks more and more like the Gladiator will be the one.

[@veteran35th]

Great review. Definitely getting this stick, but waiting for the TECS is going to drive me crazy, might just get the Warthog throttle on its own.

[@dcstutorial]

i am also waiting for tecs but I have no idea when it will be out.

[@Caedn]

It's my understanding that thumb hats are meant to be used further down the thumb, around the joint area rather than the tip, which is why they're usually Pringle-chip-shaped.

[@dcstutorial]

hmm i never thought of that

[@jordanmurphy4156]

On your old flight stick, you can open it up and disconnect the flightstick from the throttle! Then you could use it with the GNXT

[@1PPPete]

Amazing and very informative video. Thank you 🙂

[@legobuildingsrewiew7538]

I bought two L and R and The mounts. Theyre soooo amazing

[@dcstutorial]

Thats rlly cool

[@SQTierHog]

Excellent, very thorough, no hype (as in you got it for free. If you did, you remained professional).
Subbed!

[@g3rg73]

Bit late to the party but excellent review. One thing I noticed is at the 5 minutes mark with your issue about the thumb hat switch...it's not designed for the tip of your thumb but for your thumb bone to rest in it off the grip if that makes sense.

[@jonaswallmyr]

First , what a great review!
Living in Sweden, i was pretty much only aware of the big brands like Thrustmaster and Logitech/Saitek so when I was looking for something to replace my old trusty Logitech Extreme 3D (which I loved) I didnt have much to choose between unless I wanted to break the bank..."looking at you, Wharthog stick!"
Then, after some digging around in Discord chatts and the ED forum I found this VKB brand and WOW!! I bought the Gladiator NXT as a christmas gift to my self and its amazing! For that price, there is simply no competition, not when playing DCS. For a space sim, you could maybe prefer a TH1600, maybe.... :)
I'm running it as a stand alone "mini HOTAS" just like you and it works fine but I'll probably go for the Thrustmaster TCS in the future or the VKB solution, haven't looked at that yet :)

[@dcstutorial]

im loving it too!

[@casper4x137x]

Great video review! Thank you!

[@n94hilra]

Nice vid! Bought it on your recommendation 👍

[@NoRegret08]

I have never tried or seen either of these sticks, but one of the reasons I ordered Gunfighter MK III Ultimate over Gladiator NXT Evo is because that middle 5-way hat switch (on NXT EVO) is below the analog switch. I wanted to use that analog switch as POV and I suppose that 5-way hat switch would be in the way. They should have made that middle 5 way hat switch into 8-way hat switch on the NXT.

[@Shaftoeforever]

The software manual is on the same page where you download the software.

[@felipeaca]

great review bro, very concise and with excellent diction. the product looks of great quality. the software seems to be complicated. They have updated the interface?

[@dcstutorial]

thanks! they haven't updated the interface yet, however there is an english manual now. there is also a tutorial for it on my channel.

[@Belfort23]

Great review!

[@dcstutorial]

thanks!

[@jaynuck]

Great review, thanks.

[@dcstutorial]

thanks!

[@SixplusonemediaAu]

Awesome review, thanks!

[@daniellombardi3670]

Hell of a nice review, nice

[@Roebuck325]

If you want to fly both helicopters and planes, I can't recommend enough that you get the Saitek throttle quadrant, it's cheap and works pretty well as a collective due to its construction.

[@declinox]

Nice review! It's interesting to me that the joystick motion is damped... I *think* I would like that. This looks like a really nice joystick, but I could think of some improvements. First, in my experience controls on the base are next to useless; I want to keep my hands on the sticks pretty much all the time, and if I take them off, I might as well use the keyboard.
Second, specifically I would like a persistent analog axis control (throttle) on the stick itself. I modded my VirPil Constellation Deltas to add this, and it has worked out great.

[@dcstutorial]

I can agree that if you are using this with a throttle, you probably won't want to use the buttons on the base because you want to keep your hands on the stick and throttle the whole time. You have to keep in mind tho that some people are using the stick alone so they have their right hand on the stick and left hand on the base.

[@turkills67]

Nice review thx ! 👍

[@dcstutorial]

no problem