After a lot of research and comparisons, I decided to import the Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Premium and the STECS Throttle System Mk.II - Standard from VKB to India — mainly to enhance my experience while playing DCS and Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) — and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my decision.
The build quality is exceptional — solid, premium feel with precise controls that truly elevate the flight sim experience. It’s clear that VKB takes craftsmanship seriously. The packaging was top-notch, ensuring both products arrived in perfect condition.
What really stood out to me was the support team — they were extremely approachable, responsive, and helpful throughout the ordering and shipping process. I always received prompt replies to any questions I had.
And to top it all off, the delivery to India took just 10 days, which is impressive for an international order.
Highly recommended for anyone serious about flight or space sim hardware!
have had this throttle for probably a month now and have enjoyed the time spent using it. software has a learning curve but definitely the best I've worked with overtime, makes programming the smallest of things possible if that's your fancy. Having the modular buttons and switches was what mainly sold it to me compared to other gear as I'm an all rounder pilot and fly an abundance of planes and not have interest in the replicas bur is a great option for those that are similar. Great customer support and shipping process what quick and easy.
I was upgrading from the Thrustmaster T16000 and the feel of the EVO by comparison is so smooth. The ease with which the movement can be changed using different springs (supplied ) or the clutch, means that it's very easy to get the movement feeling just the way I liked. I chose the EVO Space Combat for the number of easily accessible button and have not been disappointed.
I have owned and used several flight control systems, and the VKB stick stands out as the most impressive to date. It is exceptionally well-built, comfortable to use, highly customizable, and offers outstanding performance. The construction is of premium quality, with smooth action and excellent responsiveness.
VKB Australia delivered a seamless customer experience, marked by efficient order processing and prompt shipping. All components arrived securely packaged, and the included instructions were clear and easy to follow.
I highly recommend this product to anyone seeking a top-tier flight stick, and I look forward to adding VKB's rudder pedals to my setup in the near future.
This thing feels so nice to use. It also becomes very naturally very quickly. Cannot believe I did not get this sooner.
Feels solid and long lasting too.
I was initially uncertain about the EVO Omni Throttle, but it has exceeded my expectations. It has significantly enhanced my experience in Star Citizen, providing a more immersive and precise level of control. I’ve already recommended KVB sticks to several friends and consider the EVO Omni Throttle an essential addition for serious players. I’m extremely satisfied with this purchase.
VKB Australia provided an excellent customer experience, demonstrating prompt processing and swift shipping. All items arrived securely packaged, and the included instructions were clear and easy to follow.
Great joystick, well made and lots of configuration options. Good support from the company too! Highly recommended. I bought it for airliners and I’m so happy for all the extra buttons that can be configured.
High quality product. Lots of customisation options, doesn’t move, much nicer position for flying airliners than on the desk. Great product.
The adjustability and creature comforts of this stick make it well worth the money. I can see myself getting a good amount of use from this before upgrading to the Gunfighter.
Coming from a Thrustmaster T Flight One this was almost too many buttons! The customising available is second to none. Serious value for money and the build quality is fantastic.
For almost 6 months I had a ‘Gladiator EVO Omni Throttle’ and this ‘Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Premium’ in my cart trying to justify spending the money on them both. But I can comfortably say I should’ve done it sooner!
The immersive experience you get with a set of duo sticks playing space combat games like Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous is unmatched. If you’re considering it but are not sure on the price, trust me it’s worth it!
For almost 6 months I had the ‘Gladiator EVO Omni Throttle’ and a ‘Gladiator EVO 'Space Combat Edition' Premium’ in my cart trying to justify spending the money on them both. But I can comfortably say I should’ve done it sooner!
The immersive experience you get with a set of duo sticks playing space combat games like Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous is unmatched. If you’re considering it but are not sure on the price, trust me it’s worth it!
Exactly what I needed. High quality product and awesome service
Great product. Super sturdy and the perfect height for my desktop.
Having had my gunfighter IV for 18 months now it was time to buy the grease for it to make sure it works well for a long time to come. Arrived within a few days of ordering.
Having had the STECS for about 18 months, I think, when VKB announced the upgrade it was a no brainer to pay the money for it. They make amazing gear and it is as robust as anything I could ask for. Highly recommend if you had the STECS and want the new version. I use it several times a week and it never lets me down.
Great upgrade overall except for the mini stick which is tiny and not as easy to use as the one on the mk1.
Arrived very quickly and easy to install - just had to drop the base of the simpit by about 100 mm after upgrading from the 100mm straight version.
This product is exactly as advertised. It SHOULD have come with the original unit. If you are buying a high end joystick it should be conceivable that you would be installing it on a Flight SIM setup. Unfortunately with the base provided (size of a dinner plate) with the original purchase this is not possible (unless you want to cut it down) thus requiring you to purchase this smaller base. Its just a money grab.
Hi Trevor,
Thank you for your review.
The Gunfighter product page clearly specifies that a 'Wide stance tabletop baseplate' is included in the box. The size of this plate is required so as to provide a stable base for the controller on the desk.
The Small Base Plate, available as a separate purchase, is ONLY required by customers who wish to install the Gunfighter on various 3rd party mounts.
All this information is clearly specified on our website.
Most customers are perfectly happy with the wide base plate.
To state that this product is a money grab is misleading as it is NOT required by 99% of customers.
Customers who purchase one of our UCM Gunfighter desk mounts do NOT need the small base plate.
Therefore it does not make sense to include the small base plate as a standard item with the controller.
We trust this clarifies the situation for any customers who may read this review.
VKB Support team
Easy to assemble, install and great feel
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We're glad to hear that you are enjoying your T-Rudder Mk.V Pedals and found them easy to assemble and install. We take pride in providing our customers with a great product that also offers a great feel. Thank you again for choosing our product.
Happy flying!
I bought the right hand EVO Omni Throttle as a gift for my partner who is really happy with it. I will be looking at buying the left hand one later in the year to complete the set.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We're thrilled to hear that the Gladiator EVO Omni Throttle was a hit as a gift for your partner! We hope they continue to enjoy using it. Happy gaming!
Let me start with my only two complaints because that's what most of you will be looking for. I didn't buy it sooner and now I'm spending all my time playing with the buttons.
In all seriousness it is an amazing throttle. Not only is on par with other throttles cost wise but it in my opinion beats them for functionality and versatility. The Franky ludicrous amount of buttons/encoders/hats ect and the interchangeability of them to design the throttle however you want is something I was missing with other throttles. The detent system is amazing. I never thought I wanted the detents but now having them and seeing how easy they are to use and work with I could never go without. The build quality is as good if not better as any other mainstream throttle and it doesn't feel like I could break it even If I dropped it.
More importantly thank all of that, the VKB team seem to actually care about their customers and listen to them. This is not my first VKB product I also own the pedals, gunfighter and gladiator. The few problems I've had with the products the VKB team have been right there to help me within a day at the longest which is more valuable than any other aspect of their products.
I'd be surprised that the the STECS doesn't become THE sim throttle for DCS and similar games. I couldn't recommend this enough, even if you can't afford the standard get the mini, the option to upgrade in affordable steps is there and will only get better in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed and positive review for our STECS Throttle System Mk.II - Standard. We are delighted to hear that you are enjoying the product and that it has exceeded your expectations.
We are especially glad to hear that you appreciate the functionality and versatility of our throttle, as well as the detent system. We are always striving to improve our products and it is heartening to know that our efforts are being noticed and appreciated.
We take great pride in our customer service and we are happy to hear that we were able to assist you promptly and effectively. We value your support and loyalty as a VKB customer, and we will continue to work hard to ensure your satisfaction.
Thank you for recommending our product, and we hope you continue to have many enjoyable hours using it.
Great button for expand my stecs mini plus just knew something stecs layout almost like su-35 if you a flanker fan and you buys stecs mini plus this great for you need more button 10/10
Thank you for your positive review of our STECS Button Module upgrade kit. We're so glad to hear that it helped expand your STECS Mini Plus and that the layout is similar to the SU-35. We appreciate your 10/10 rating and we hope you continue to enjoy using our product. Happy flying!
Was running the Saitek X-55 HOTAS system purchased in 2014.
First off holy hell buttons. Went from maybe 30ish to 80ish amazing for some of the more advanced games that exist in 2025. Being able to swap some of these buttons physically to the specification you want it also amazing. Having the Triggers front and back really nice.
Throttle are so much smoother than the X-55 they split easier for swapping between dcs and star citizen. These are just better hands down easy to adjust and respond well.
Detents - did not realize how much I need these in my life very handy for setting 0 point on star citizen throttle and afterburner in DCS.
Only criticism so far is the z-axis pot / thumbwheel cannot tell where middle point is without marking it with a permanent marker.
Learning the software is an on going process with lots of tutorials required.
Great product would recommend your getting a lot of value in this throttle.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review of our STECS Throttle System Mk.II - Max. We are thrilled to hear that it has been a significant upgrade from your previous Saitek X-55 HOTAS system. It's great to know that you are enjoying the increased number of buttons and the ability to customize them to your liking. We're also glad that you find the throttle to be smoother and easier to adjust for different games. We appreciate your feedback about the z-axis pot and will take it into consideration for future improvements. Thank you for recommending our product. We hope you continue to enjoy using it and please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance with the software. Happy flying!