DCS Discussion

Jarhead0331 · January 30, 2026, 08:49:30 PM

2026 and beyond...

Destraex · January 31, 2026, 06:57:11 AM

The Dassault Rafael. One of my fav fighters of all time. Nice. Carrier ops French style. A lot of focus on the command and control ground forces part of the game as well. They have a lot to finish in any case, still a lot of content already being developed shown in this video. Tornado, Eurofighter etc. Was hoping for a full fidelity Zero, for now no cockpit has been shown.

Killjoy12 · March 15, 2026, 04:16:00 PM

For anyone who uses the Winwing controllers, do you have any security concerns with the software being from China? I'm considering these, and that is the main thing holding me back.

Jarhead0331 · March 16, 2026, 11:13:22 AM

Quote from: Killjoy12 on March 15, 2026, 04:16:00 PMFor anyone who uses the Winwing controllers, do you have any security concerns with the software being from China? I'm considering these, and that is the main thing holding me back.

This is not something I've considered. I have a shit-ton of winwing gear, now called WinCTLR, I believe. I barely use the software...really only to run firmware updates. Also, the rigs that I use the software and gear on are exclusively used for simming. I really don't think there is much of a risk there for me and honestly, I use so many other chinese made products that if they want my data they can get it and in truth, they probably already have it. In short, this issue would not be high on the list of things that would keep me from using the gear.

Killjoy12 · March 16, 2026, 12:08:41 PM

That's a fair point. Are you pretty happy with their gear?

Jarhead0331 · March 16, 2026, 03:05:55 PM

Quote from: Killjoy12 on March 16, 2026, 12:08:41 PMThat's a fair point. Are you pretty happy with their gear?

I love it! I have the following:

Super Libra
Super Tarus NavyAce Throttle
Orion 2 ViperAce
Orion 2 CarrierAce
Orion 2 Throttle with ViperAce Grip
Orion 2 Throttle with StrikeAce EX Grip
Orion FLight Rudder Pedals with Damper
PTO 1
PTO 2
PCR
Viper ICP
NavyAce UFC
NavyAce HUD Unit
MFD Unit (x3)
USB 3.0 Display Unit (x3)

That is many thousands of dollars worth of kit there. My primary sim pit is built around WinCTRL hardware. Just about the only things I have in my pit that are not WinCTRL are a Virpil collective and a button box. I also use an MFG rudder unit and a Thrustmaster warthog Throttle on a secondary rig.

I'm a huge fan of WinCTRL, although I will say that in the rare instance of having to deal with customer service, it is a pain in the neck.

Killjoy12 · March 16, 2026, 07:29:11 PM

Yeah - I've heard the support can be troublesome. Thanks for the info. I'm looking to replace my TM Warthog, and theirs seemed a good value price point for what they offer. I'm planning on fewer items than you have though.

Jarhead0331 · March 16, 2026, 09:33:48 PM

Quote from: Killjoy12 on March 16, 2026, 07:29:11 PMYeah - I've heard the support can be troublesome. Thanks for the info. I'm looking to replace my TM Warthog, and theirs seemed a good value price point for what they offer. I'm planning on fewer items than you have though.

Virpil gear is highly regarded too. People who favor their stuff are religious about it and tend to be quite zealous in their support. I really like the collective I use. I have two separate grips for it. They are both very high quality. I have a throttle too, but I actually prefer the TM warthog over it. I just don't like the design philosophy of it and the Virpil software is not as user friendly too.

Killjoy12 · March 17, 2026, 12:01:01 AM

I don't like that all the Virpil stuff is on backorder; seems like the wait times can be quite long. I've had this Warthog for 16 years and it's getting pretty old now. I like the F16 style stick, and winwing seems to match it pretty well. I did like the capabilities of the TM software though.

Destraex · March 17, 2026, 04:59:34 AM

Quote from: Killjoy12 on March 17, 2026, 12:01:01 AMI don't like that all the Virpil stuff is on backorder; seems like the wait times can be quite long. I've had this Warthog for 16 years and it's getting pretty old now. I like the F16 style stick, and winwing seems to match it pretty well. I did like the capabilities of the TM software though.

My main gripe with my WARTHOG is that unlike my older COUGAR it has no real way of doing rudder well. You really need pedals. There is not really any good radial dial to use with a detent in the middle. Closest is the tension slider on the side of the throttle and that is a pain. I had huge problems playing choppers in DCS when my pedals gave up.

Pete Dero · March 17, 2026, 08:43:59 AM

Quote from: Destraex on March 17, 2026, 04:59:34 AMMy main gripe with my WARTHOG is that unlike my older COUGAR it has no real way of doing rudder well.

That is why I still use my cheap Trustmaster T1600 throttle with my Warthog : the flaps are perfect for rudder.

Killjoy12 · March 17, 2026, 03:20:06 PM

Well I pulled the trigger:

StrikeAce EX II Metal Throttle Grip (With Dual Throttle Connectors)
ViperAce Metal Joystick Grip

I would have gotten the Finger Lifts, but they weren't in stock, and the bundled HOTAS package was about $100 cheaper than if I ordered separately (which did have the lifts). I can look at lifts, extensions, and the damper kits as needed. Hopefully it all comes through ok.

Skoop · March 20, 2026, 04:35:22 PM

My virpil warbird stick is the best. I've shot down ten thousand players in pvp dogfights ranging from dcs, il2, and star citizen, and war thunder sim over the last seven years using it, and it's still going strong. I have the virpil throttle too and its good, but if I was buying today, I'd get the vkb throttle. It's best in class. I also use MFG pedals, really good, but when I bought them, there weren't the options of today. The fact that 10 years later the MFGs are still cutting edge and you can upgrade them with the damper mod is a testament.

Jarhead0331 · June 10, 2026, 09:07:26 AM

Haven't flown much at all in the last several months. Hoping my passion will be resparked this weekend. Friday's update will definitely bring the F-14B(U) upgrade. This is practically an entirely new Tomcat with modern avionics and weapon systems. If we're lucky, we may also get the F-100D. Looking forward to trying to tame the notorious Hun!

Redwolf · June 10, 2026, 01:14:59 PM

Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 10, 2026, 09:07:26 AMHaven't flown much at all in the last several months. Hoping my passion will be resparked this weekend. Friday's update will definitely bring the F-14B(U) upgrade. This is practically an entirely new Tomcat with modern avionics and weapon systems. If we're lucky, we may also get the F-100D. Looking forward to trying to tame the notorious Hun!

I also scheduled some DCS time. Never got to explore the Germany Cold War map after I bought it. And the F-4 Phantom II needs some cockpit time.