I just flew the Carenado Mooney from Kodiak Island to Anchorage. I’m quite smitten with this yoke.
The tablet holder is a really nice touch.
The landing was a greaser too. 
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Sounds like the Honeycomb lacks a damper. Good to see you enjoying your Thrustmaster yoke! It certainly looks realistic
I think the problem with the Honeycomb is the strength of the centering spring on the pitch axis. It is still a nice yoke but I guess I’m spoiled now. I guess it is worth mentioning that for the past 10 years, all my RL flying has been on airplanes with a floor mounted yoke. Maybe I’m just used to that motion rather than the straight forward and back of a panel mounted yoke. Also, the TM yoke feels heavier physically, but lighter when it comes to resistance while making control inputs… it’s hard to describe properly.
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So, I’d be less than thrilled that said high dollar peripheral ships in a plain box… 
Yeah, I can see that with the Alpha yoke; MSFSs tendency towards overly sensitive pitch mixed with the hefty resistance in pitch on the alpha aren’t a great match. I’ve been debating looking into lighter pitch springs, to better match roll resistance.
Does this resistance build on either axis as travel increases? Or is it more linear.
I was expecting a plain box over the decorative one just like you see on the unboxing videos…so maybe this was just an Amazon thing.
As far as the resistance, my perception is that with the roll axis there is increased resistance the further you turn the yoke. In pitch, there is more resistance in the ‘push’ region than the pull, but it doesn’t seem to increase as you get towards the extremes of motion. It isn’t something I noticed as being a problem when flying with it. Also, the package comes with an Allen wrench/key and an extra spring so that you can increase the resistance by adding it to the mechanism, or if you prefer, reduce the resistance by removing one or more springs. There are 4 in total and it comes with 3 installed by default. With 3 springs it is lighter than I am used to on the Global but I am probably not going to add the 4th spring because is feels pretty good as is.
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Great news for USA customers!
Hello VIRPILs!
Today we have some incredibly exciting news…
VIRPIL Controls is in the USA!
This is something that has been asked for by the community for a long time, and it is something we have been working on for a long time. As some of you guessed from our post earlier this month, we are preparing the opening of a new store and distribution centre - VIRPIL USA!
VIRPIL USA is an official VIRPIL Controls entity, serving the North American community.
However, we are not simply opening a virtual online storefront - VIRPIL USA is based out of Tampa, Florida. Inventory will be held on location in our new warehouse, allowing for fast and convenient order shipping. Warranty repairs and servicing will also be available in-house at VIRPIL USA, facilitating quicker turn-around times and improved service.
As an official extension of the existing VIRPIL Controls project, you can expect the same high level of service and support but with all the improvements and convenience of a local outfit.
Stay tuned for more news on the grand opening of the VIRPIL USA store after the weekend!
Happy Flying,
VIRPIL Controls Team
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That’s really goods news. Shipping has been a third or more of the cost.
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I could actually drive there, and back (~11 hours round-trip). Too bad they didn’t do this about a year ago as I’ve replenished my HOTAS kit recently. 
That lil box with the gear handle and such though…ohhh, I can make room for it 
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Couldn’t have come at a better time. Will be one of the first customers.
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I guess it was the sensor
I dont know if we mentioned it here anywhere already.
But the updated Alpha Yoke from Honeycomb, called XPC, should sport, instead of 8bit potentiometers, 12bit hall effect sensors …
increasing the resolution of the pitch
and roll axis by 400%, resulting in crisp and precise control inputs.
did someone the upgrade from Alpha to Alpha XPC ? and whats your impressions ?
IMHO, the original Alpha Yoke suffered from too stiff springs in the pitch axis. The roll axis was perfect. If they would have reduced pitch to match roll, it would have been fine. Not sure if that was changed in the XPC.
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That’s a lot of additional buttons.
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I want that collective handle…but do I have the dexterity to use it in VR…?
Also, I may have to get a motor kit for the collective. I doubt a damper will hold that when you let go…
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That is true. I don’t like having the friction set high enough that I have to put effort to get past the static friction, know what I mean? I like it right on the edge so that it doesn’t ‘pop’ out of stationary.
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Maybe a counter weight and a light damper setting will work? 
But a motor would be more fun…! 
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Motor for collective trim. Take my money!
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zactly !
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I want. And you know that they will sell like hotcakes, regardless… I am constantly amazed by how easy it is for an average consumer to buy off the shelf hardware and build an airframe specific sim pit these days!
But, leading with my head for a change, I’m pretty sure that a left hand constellation grip on the Virpil collective will give you enough ‘buttons’ (or at least close enough) for an Apache collective if you aren’t bothered with having a searchlight or chop button mapped for example.
And that would address the need for a FFB collective, which by the way. I want.
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