Thrustmaster F/A 18 Grip Add On (Compatible with PC)

The Viper is the exact same grip that comes as standard on (newer) Warthog sticks. Older Warthog grips didn't have a "press" switch built in to as many of the 4-way hats as the Viper, but I was surprised to learn that this is simply a more affordable way to get the Warthog grip (maybe for use on a 3rd party base or something?).

What do I like about the TM AVA BASE?First, you can feel the difference between a mechanical gimbal base from a regular base which is the resistance when you pull and push on the Axis.Second, the centering and calibration of the base is simple and straight forward, just push a button next to the power cord for 5 seconds or until Green LED starts blinking do not touch the joystic, push again center saved then move the Axis, push again, done.I have a joystick extension which make the joystick off center and with this calibration made extremely easy.Third, you have 3 spring choices and two cams ( jet of aero). If you fly combat simulator I find that the Jet cam is the way to go.The base only problem is the provided dampers are to soft which make the joystick a little jumpy if you let it go but when you are dogfighting is very rare that you will do that. Maybe flying helicopters will be and issue.The price. A little high but is worth it, every penny. Overall awesome!

I wanted an extension for my ThrustMaster Warthog Joystick that would give me more precise movement. This AVA ThrustMaster offset was the right length, not too tall and not too short. The only problem is, it does not fit the original ThrustMaster base, but with a dremel tool you can modify it to work with your TM base. All modifications are done to the AVA offset, you don't have to modify the original TM base. There are some really good videos to show how to do the mod.I am very satisfied with the AVA offset. It gave me just the amount of extra movement that I needed.

I’ve had this grip for about 1-1/2 years now and I must say Thrustmaster did an outstanding job on it! No issues so far with it. Really adds to the immersion in game and the1:1 replica is a real game changer. If you have this and the F-18 throttle another company sells, it makes for some pretty fluid HOTAS functions like selecting the Litening targeting pod on your right DDI with the castle switch followed by a double press of the undesignate/nose wheel steering button on the control stick to un-stow the pod and then using the TDC slew on the throttle to look around and then designate a target. Really makes you feel like you’re flying the really thing! Apparently some people actually replace a few of the factory switches with real mil-spec switches, those things are a bit expensive lol. Maybe I’ll look into that some more down the road. Definitely worth the price!!

Thrustmaster for the longest time was known as the best of the best when it came to flight controls, for a little while however they have faced stiff competition and sort of scrambled to compete leaving the quality behind. This stick is proof that they learned from their mistakes and quality first priority. You simply will not regret this stick if purchased. Pair this with their new AVA base and AVA Adapter, and you’ll get the most authentic F/A-18C experience possible.

The screws are very, very tight and the screws themselves are very flimsy. I broke the screws on the housing the first time I tried to remove and replace the damping spring. The hexagonal buckle is badly damaged and the metal is flipped out to the sides like it was hit by a bullet, indicating that the screws are very low in hardness. As a result, I can't perform any modifications at all and I have to use a power drill to destructively remove them. The default damping force is very high, so high that the base can't stay stable when I pull the rod full, so removing the screws to replace accessories is inevitable. Very unbearable default adjustment and screw quality.

I am a big fan of flight sims (primarily DCS) and getting a joystick grip that mimics the jets I fly in the simulator adds a tremendous amount of immersion. The grip feels to be the same level or high quality than the Thrustmaster Warthog grip. The head of the grip is significantly larger which can be a pro or con. The hat switches all have a distinctive 'click' when activated so there's no ambiguity around when a button has been depressed. Speaking of buttons, the level of force to activate the main trigger, pickle button feels significantly heavier which I find to be a positive -- they don't feel like toys with very little resistance.The grip is not 100% metal as with the Warthog grip but it's not a detractor. The parts of the handle that you interact with is metal and it feels solid. One other thing to note is that the Hornet grip has fewer buttons than the Warthog grip, so if you were looking for a single grip to cover all your bases, the Warthog grip may be a better option.The grip pairs nicely with the Warthog base or with the higher end Virpil base. While the grip is expensive, it is worth the price and I'm glad Thrustmaster continues to make products to cater to our niche flight sim market.

Decided to upgrade from Thrustmaster Warthog joystick base. Whoa what a difference! After a few adjustments (switch led the medium plate and tightening spring) it is buttery smooth. I mostly fly DCS and occasional MSFS. Instructions are a bit lacking but online videos helped.