Product arrived well on time and works perfectly, really fun to play and use.
Simple product, but works perfectly. The 40cm Type-C to Type-C cable connects my VKB modules cleanly and keeps the setup tidy. The connection is solid with no issues at all. The only thing I’d mention is that a slightly longer option would offer a bit more flexibility depending on mounting positions. Overall though, it does exactly what it’s meant to do.
The UCM-S for the Gladiator EVO has completely improved my setup. The desk space is cleaner, the ergonomics are better, and the joystick feels even more precise with the solid mounting. It’s very well built and easy to adjust. If you’re running a Gladiator, this mount is absolutely worth it.
The UCM-S mount for the STECS Standard is rock solid and makes a huge difference to comfort and immersion. It positions the throttle perfectly and feels extremely sturdy with zero flex. Installation was straightforward, and the quality matches the high standard I’ve come to expect from VKB. A must-have if you want to get the most out of your STECS.
Over the years I have used many throttles attached to HOTAS and they all have had their problems. Then one day I upgraded to the STECS MAX and literally every issue I had with other throttles in the past was not there. This thing feels good in the hand, everything is within reach and most importantly it looks good too. No regrets, would definitely buy again
I have used allot of HOTAS setups over the hears with a great many sticks. But the moment i used the Gunfighter was almost like the first time i used a stick, it felt amazing in my hands, it moved well. It is well made with good materials....And then there is the accuracy, or should I say SENSITIVITY. This thing is sensitive and allows me to make very fine movements when necessary. I am super happy with this stick and if I had to buy it again I would in a heart beat. I RECOMEND THIS PRODUCT! Try it and your flight experience will change immediately.
Overall this is a fantastic throttle and i can see exactly why so many people say great things about VKB products, The build quality is stout without being overly heavy and all the buttons and particularly the joy axis buttons feel superb and very responsive and tactile, there is also a great deal of customization that can be done, however it appears that if you get a STECS Mini or Mini Plus, you don't get all the available switches, those need to purchased separately, you do get a choice of a 4 way hat or a joy axis both with push function. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and no doubt will be (and already have) be purchasing more VKB products in the future!
after a few weeks of research on various joysticks I purchased the Gladiator Evo and was very happy with the purchase, the stick is good quality and has plenty of buttons to map, now it's time to save more $ to get the omni throttle or the stecs throttle.
These accessories are absurdly well made. The UCM phone holder grips my phone with the confidence of a G-suit at 9 Gs—no wobble, no slip, just rock-solid stability. My phone now sits perfectly in my peripheral vision, faithfully displaying checklists, Discord, or evidence of my last terrible decision.
The UCM keyboard holder? A masterpiece of false hope. It positions my keyboard exactly where a real fighter jet wouldn’t have one, but somehow still feels incredibly legit. It’s sturdy, adjustable, and makes my desk setup look so serious that visitors assume I know what I’m doing.
Sadly, none of this has made me a better pilot. I still fat-finger the wrong key, open the wrong menu, and occasionally pause the game instead of firing a missile. The hardware is flawless; the human interface device remains the weakest link.
In conclusion: if you want your sim pit to look professional, feel indestructible, and eliminate all remaining excuses except “pilot error,” the VKB UCM phone and keyboard holders are outstanding. You may not fly better—but you’ll definitely look like someone who should.
These accessories are absurdly well made. The UCM phone holder grips my phone with the confidence of a G-suit at 9 Gs—no wobble, no slip, just rock-solid stability. My phone now sits perfectly in my peripheral vision, faithfully displaying checklists, Discord, or evidence of my last terrible decision.
The UCM keyboard holder? A masterpiece of false hope. It positions my keyboard exactly where a real fighter jet wouldn’t have one, but somehow still feels incredibly legit. It’s sturdy, adjustable, and makes my desk setup look so serious that visitors assume I know what I’m doing.
Sadly, none of this has made me a better pilot. I still fat-finger the wrong key, open the wrong menu, and occasionally pause the game instead of firing a missile. The hardware is flawless; the human interface device remains the weakest link.
In conclusion: if you want your sim pit to look professional, feel indestructible, and eliminate all remaining excuses except “pilot error,” the VKB UCM phone and keyboard holders are outstanding. You may not fly better—but you’ll definitely look like someone who should.
These controls are phenomenal. The VKB Gladiator stick is smoother than my excuses after missing a shot, the STECS throttle has more buttons than my brain has remaining brain cells, and the UCM mounts hold everything so solidly that I’m convinced they could survive atmospheric re-entry.
Build quality? Tank-like. Precision? Surgical. Ergonomics? My desk now feels like a NATO-approved flight simulator.
And yet—despite all this premium engineering—I regret to report that my fighter pilot skills have not improved at all. I still overshoot landings, panic in dogfights, and occasionally deploy the wrong thing at the worst possible moment. Turns out elite hardware cannot overcome elite incompetence.
That said, every time I lose, I lose in style. If you want top-tier controls that make you feel like a deadly ace while flying like a confused intern, VKB absolutely delivers.
Would recommend to anyone who wants to remove “bad equipment” from the list of excuses and focus entirely on blaming themselves.
These controls are phenomenal. The VKB Gladiator stick is smoother than my excuses after missing a shot, the STECS throttle has more buttons than my brain has remaining brain cells, and the UCM mounts hold everything so solidly that I’m convinced they could survive atmospheric re-entry.
Build quality? Tank-like. Precision? Surgical. Ergonomics? My desk now feels like a NATO-approved flight simulator.
And yet—despite all this premium engineering—I regret to report that my fighter pilot skills have not improved at all. I still overshoot landings, panic in dogfights, and occasionally deploy the wrong thing at the worst possible moment. Turns out elite hardware cannot overcome elite incompetence.
That said, every time I lose, I lose in style. If you want top-tier controls that make you feel like a deadly ace while flying like a confused intern, VKB absolutely delivers.
Would recommend to anyone who wants to remove “bad equipment” from the list of excuses and focus entirely on blaming themselves.
Really easy to install and setup. Highly recommend it!
Massive upgrade from x56 rino that had issues after 1 year of use.
Fits in the hand with every button easy reach.
The Mk 2 comes with a front mini stick pre installed and a side mini stick that can be swapped out from one of the 5 position hats. I havent done this as I find using a mini stick easier with my finger then my thumb, but having the option is awesome.
The extra hat switches and detent frames are great to fully customize your throttle.
All the 5 position hat caps can be swapped, I have also 3d printed my own (makerworld have some great stl files for this) to further customize the feel of this throttle.
The throttle axis is smooth and precise.
With modifiers set on dcs and paired with the nxt evo gladiator stick, I can bind every button I need to fly fully hotas.
Awesome product and highly recommend.
At first I was overwhelmed with the number of buttons to configure - coming from a very simple throttle previously - but fairly quickly got a setup going for Elite Dangerous that I really like. I added the Detent pack a few weeks later and now it's perfect. For Elite insiders: the 75% throttle trick can sit on a Detent, and I have a second Detent set for zero throttle, below which is reverse thrust. So good.
I know there are higher priced throttles probably closer to the real thing, but this price point was in my budget range and I'm super super happy with it. It's beautifully built, feels high quality and looks like a serious piece of kit rather than an expensive toy.
If you're upgrading from a starter throttle, and can jump to around this price then I recommend having a good look at the Mini STECS.
I'm left handed, and am really grateful there are options for those of us who want to run a throttle in their right hand.
Super sturdy and easy to assemble. also easy to attach to my desk.
Great quality and worth the buy!
Works as advertised and feels great to use!
Perfect for reliably scratching that sim itch without an astronomical price; fast delivery, good quality and easy to set up.
Having come from one of the cheapest budget HOTAS set ups on the market to this, the feel of the Gladiator EVO in comparison was like night and day! As a tinkerer I loved assembling the unit myself - the video guides were easy to follow and learning all the customisations was much more satisfying than a simple plug-and-play device. Spent some time programming the LEDs to just how I want them and I'm sure I'm just skimming the surface of the variety of options provided by the software. Looking forward to enjoying this for years to come!
Fast and safe delivery from AU to NZ. And it works well with easy installation guide. Love it.
This made setting everything up where I wanted really easy.
I made a quick mounting system to my playseat challenge and have the throttle and flight stick separate.
It was a little messy to get the GNX THQ and the WW2 grip talking to each other but once I found the step in the video I missed, it hasn't missed a beat.
I did end up putting a tiny USB extension (10cm) to make it easier to put on / off the rig as the recessed USB connection is a bit fiddly, but USB-C makes it easy to find cables for
I purchased this and paired it with the WW2 throttle grip (which I'm very glad I did). Together they make a really nice feeling throttle for the price, with a good amount of buttons too! Mounted up to my rig really easily.
Exceeded all my expectations. It was easy to set up, has plenty of switches and controls, and has a really nice solid action to it. I especially like the damping on the 'twist' axis. Was expecting a reasonable 'budget' joystick but got a mid range system instead!
Great controller and fits well in hand.The button and hat placement feel natural. Software setup is quick and easy and the UI helps with the process greatly.
In terms of customer service, all questions were answered quickly and competently. Delivery was faster than expected and via DHL (who provide exceptional tracking).
High quality very sturdy and customisable 100% recommend plus fast delivery