Thrustmaster info:
Create your own piloting style with AVA (Advanced Versatile Aviation) — the new high-end Thrustmaster joystick base, customizable for each pilot and adaptable to any type of aviation.
AVA adapts to your style for subtle handling, and sensations that are tailored to you. Thanks to its all-metal mechanism, you can easily change the four functional elements of your joysticks: the axis curve, resistance, travel and damping. AVA’s design was specially created for quick modification of all its elements, allowing for customization between flights, and on-the-fly adjustments.
Experience total control of the movements at the heart of the action, with precise piloting employing AXY (Accurate X&Y) sensors. Excellent for military, civil, space or helicopter piloting, the AVA base will adapt to your requirements and transport you into a world of simulation that’s more realistic.
It looks like an upgrade from the Warthog base, but comments below the video state another opinion.
Does this AVA base looks promising or is Thrustmaster lagging behind the competition?
I don’t see anything that VKB, Virpil and WinWing don’t already have and I question the all metal statement… Is that black center ball with the stick grip connector really metal? If it is it’s most likely a brittle zamak casting, if I know Thrustmaster.
But, I could be wrong…
The tech looks cool but the price is a turn-off for me. After CH and Suncom left the peripheral market, TM became my hardware of choice. That has changed. I bought a Winwing F-16 throttle and must admit that TM seems less attractive these days, especially at the price points offered.
I love my Winwing stuff. I don’t have the new pedals because the MFGs I got a few years back are perfect, and I have no MFDs/panels, but I do have 4 bases (2 each stick and throttle) and 5 grips (2 Hornet, 2 Viper, and F-15).
Buy their stuff in pieces and it is pricey. Buy a grip and base together and they knock down a lot of the price.
So I think stick base alone that price isn’t too far off. I think it’s like $220 for the Orion stick base right now.
HOWEVER. Total price from TM is off the scale. The Hornet grip + base from TM at preorder is $600 US?? Winwing is $315 US, discounted from $430 by buying as combo.
Wait a second…their Hornet grip is $250. The base is $300. Buy them together and pay…$50 more!
Buzz would be apoplectic his company was doing that.
