STECS Throttle System - Max

Since I recently found myself heavily back into flight sims, a quality HOTAS that wouldn't break the bank was high on the list of things I "needed". I wanted something with a solid build quality, flexible to not tie me down to a single game or airframe, and something that I could build on when I need to extend. Everything I read and watched about VKB range told me that this would be the right choice, and it was absolutely correct.

After starting with a Gladiator EVO, I knew that the STECS was next on the list. I had trouble deciding between the Standard and the Max, ultimately going with the Max as I preferred the layout with the STEM on the MFH and I wanted the additional buttons of the ATEM. Ordering and shipping the STECS was a cinch, and having VKB in Australia meant that I had the box in my excited hands the same week.

Putting the STECS Max together was easy enough - the only videos I could find for the build were from upgrading from the Mini to the Max, but it was easy enough to identify which screws went where. The build quality is rock solid, and with the weight of the unit it takes a fair amount of force to accidentally shift this around. I've swapped around a number of the replaceable switches and that process couldn't be more straightforward - just remember to recalibrate the unit to save the facepalm I had to give myself.

The switches, levers, buttons and knobs are tactile and let you know when they've been pushed. The throttle levers themselves are a joy to use, responsive and smooth, and I find myself playing with them when sitting at my desk even without a game running. The detents are easy to setup and swap out. The VKBdev software to set these up takes a little getting used to, but is easy enough to get used to with some experience.

There are two things that I have minor gripes with, and these are the same as I see from other people - the hat on the thumbstick, and the thumbwheel. Both of these are uncomfortable to use, particularly the thumbwheel, and the design on the thumbstick hat makes it hard to depress. I've swapped these out myself for 3d printed replacements with minimum fuss, and they don't overly detract from the great quality of the rest of the unit.

I love my STECS, and I'm glad I saved the extra to get the Max. The layout suits my gaming and desk setup, and I have even more buttons that I can find a use for. If you can afford the extra and have the space, the STECS Max is definitely the way to go. Next on my list are the UCM mounts so that I can continue building my sim rig and annoy my wife even more!

Got the STECS Max and I've been really impressed with it. The hardware is really well built and solid, and the swappable detents is such a great feature making it easy to swap when you jump into another plane. The other awesome feature is the software that it comes with (and the videos to show you how to get started). It turns the STECS into whatever you want, making this system a truly customizable throttle with more buttons and axis than you would ever need. I mounted it with the appropriate VKB mount, and the combination is an absolute winner and worth every $.

Great quality and realistic feel. Perfect addition

I bought this too upgrade from my previous setup, and WOW! Is it an upgrade!

The whole thing doesn't just look good, it feels good! It's comfortable to use, the ability to create your own little modifications both hardware and software make this an incredible purchase!

Really stoked with the product. The price I paid and what I got left a huge grin on my face. It is really well suited to DCS and combined with my f14 gladiator stick had me living out my faux Maverick ambitions