Hi,
I am using the thrustmaster hotas one at the moment and its starting to jitter in y axis,
looking to upgrade to a new desk mounted stick
I have looked at Virpil and VKB but they are out of stock with no details of restock,
I am based in Scotland so not sure of ordering outside UK for import tax
any recommendations
thank you
I use turtle beachs velocity one flight stick for rotor craft and jets, its a solid piece of kit, the springs a bit tight, but I replaced mine for a softer one and its perfect (easy to do). It has four screw mounting points in the base, but obviously depends how you mount it to your desk!
I recently installed a Virpil joystick and collective. It was a 3 month wait, but definitely worth it - especially the joystick with its customizable cams and tensioners.
Pricey, to be sure.
I’m running a VKB Gunfighter base with a Space Combat Grip and it’s a superb option for on the desk use as the base and stick do not stand too high compared to others. It’s not the cheapest option but it is very high quality with contactless sensors, adjustable cams and dampers.
The Gladiator from VKB is also a good option but the base/gimbal is not as high quality as the Gunfighter. I also recommend Virpil stuff, I currently use one of their control panels and throttle but their flight sticks for desk use do sit higher and are better suited to use with a mount instead imho.
Also in Scotland too! 
A few Scots on here then, I’m Scotland too, Eilean Siar woohoo!
For sure. The CM3 base and the Alpha Prime grip are quite tall. I couldn’t see using it on top of a desk.
My Virpil uses their long clamp-on deskmount adapter and a 200mm extension, which puts the top half of the grip above the desk, in perfect position when my forearm is resting on the chair arm.
I like the look of the VKB gunfighter,
how did you get on with import tax to Scotland
On July 8 2022, I ordered the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo Premium Space Combat Edition and so far no issues. Also works with Spadnext without any problems.
Just looked up my order. It was from 2020:
| Product | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gunfighter Mk.III - SCG Premium-R(ght) | 1 | €393,00 |
| Subtotal: | €393,00 | |
| Shipping: | €17,55 via DHL | |
| Payment method: | PayPal Checkout | |
| Total: | €410,54 (includes €71,25 Tax) |
I guess it’s the weather - much more pleasant to stay indoors and sim! 
http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?t=7462
https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/p2dgj7/uk_postbrexit_cost_of_buying_from_vkb/
I think these discussions could provide some useful information.
Using a vkb galdiator for heli.
Easy to remove centering springs and adjust tension. Purposely designed for this.
I second the motion - I have two of these and I don’t believe there is any other stick that has a better performance/price ratio.
The VKB Gladiator is in a totally different league to anything made by Logitech, Thrustmaster or Turtle Beach. It is the entry-level to high-end controllers, and makes the others mentioned look like the cheap plastic toys they are in comparison.
Design and build quality, materials and electrics are all far superior to TM,TB and Logitech products. The standard Gladiator NXT Evo has everything you need to fly, and you can add modules for throttles, extra controls and autopilot as time & funds allow. These can mount separately or on the side of the Gladiator base, whatever you prefer.
The EU store in the NL services UK buyers, and once in stock your order will usually be with you inside a week. When you enter a UK address at the checkout, the site will automatically deduct EU VAT. If your order is over £135 and therefore eligible for UK VAT on import, the courier (UPS) will contact you prior to delivery, and you pay UK VAT and any import / customs charges to them. Sometimes you might get lucky, but not always.
The Gladiator is currently on back order and awaiting stock, some Gunfighter sticks are available in stock but they are pricier (although very definitely worth it).
I had a Gladiator NXT Evo that did over 1,000 flying hours in MSFS, and it looked and felt exactly the same at the end as it did on the day when I first unboxed it. I had zero problems with it, and the configuration and calibration software is superb.
I’ve since traded up to a Gunfighter / MCGU stick with the S-TECS throttle, T-rudders and all the side modules, and I would buy from VKB again in a second. The flying feel, performance and build quality of their products are just superb, and if you have any issues or questions the company is responsive. There is also loads of help and advice available on their forum.
Actually been decent here the last week, even got all the sheep done without been eaten alive by midges an clegs 
I suspect the isles are getting better weather than the mainland at the moment then. Certainly grey and windy most days although it makes it great for flying with live weather enabled.
Just to be a bit flippant…I use a ancient (2008) Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 for my HYPE H160 heli… made in the USA.
Bought it on eBay and it is an amazing flightstick.
Take a look:
There are a lot of folks who are jealous that you were able to snag one of those.
Cool! I was of the opinion they were unobtanium.
