I’m humbled.
This is the Mount Everest of flight stick setups. Though, I don't mean that literally, because thankfully it doesn't require a Sherpa to set up. While I've enjoyed my previous controllers, this VIRPIL setup brings a whole new level of sophistication and control to my space sims.
Support Captain Collins on Amazon by clicking this link: https://amzn.to/3urDdje
For 24 hours ANYTHING you buy on Amazon will support Captain Collins.
We're looking at the VIRPIL Constellation Alpha Prime joysticks on a WarBRD-D Base. They're mounted on a VIRPIL Desk Mount V4 Small with an additional Flightstick Z-Extension for the left stick.
Before we dive in, full disclosure: This review is not sponsored, and VIRPIL hasn't seen it yet. But they did send me this entire package for free, so big thanks to them!
We'll be covering everything from unboxing to performance in games. Here's the plan:
Unboxing galore (because seriously, there are a lot of boxes)
Build quality breakdown (think spaceship-grade metal and satisfying clicks)
Software configuration (prepare for a slight learning curve)
How they perform in games (spoiler alert: amazing)
My experience with VIRPIL's support (fingers crossed it's stellar)
So let’s finally get going and let me show you what’s inside of all these boxes. Every single piece has got its own box, since you're completely free to configure your setup how you want it. Different base, no problem. Different grip, even from other companies if compatible, you got it.
Virpil Constellation Alpha Prime Grip
First up: the grip. This is the Constellation Alpha Prime, which is available for left and right hand. Unfortunately, due to its construction, it’s not possible to switch a grip from left to right hand or vice versa. Inside the box you’ll find the grip completely assembled and secured by foam. First impression? Heavy, durable, and built like a tank (mostly metal with some tough plastic accents).
The buttons feel satisfying and nothing’s jerky. VIRPIL even throws in a spare hat replacement and some tools for adjusting the stick behavior and tightening it to the base.
By the way, the Alpha Prime grip is compatible with Virpils Warbird, Mongoos and Rotor bases, as well as to Thrustmasters Warthog and Cougar bases, although Thrustmaster could have some limited functionality.
The stick has got a brake lever, a dual-position flip trigger in front of a dual-stage trigger which if both pressed combined can perform a combination trigger, a pinky button, a side-mounted 4-way hat with button, a scroll wheel with another dual-stage button, on top it got two more 4-way hats with buttons, two simple buttons and an analogue stick with a button. At the outer side, there’s another 2-way hat
with a button for your index finger. Plus, the hand rest is adjustable for maximum comfort. Overall a total of 32 possible buttons and four axes build into one single stick.
Virpil WarBRD-D Base
Next piece of the puzzle is the WarBRD-D base. This is a high-precision, dual cam flightstick base with detachable usb-cables and attachable AUX devices. Inside the box, you'll find the 4-pin to USB cable, three different cams, and two additional sets of springs. Then there’s the pre-configured base itself. The beauty of this base is that it comes with a base plate set, so you don't necessarily need a separate mount to use it. You can save some bucks and just use it straight on your desk.
The build quality is nothing but exceptional. Again, there’s nothing janky, the entire metal body has not a single spot where you could cut yourself and everything feels like it will last forever.
The Base itself offers the missing two axes, to complete all needed inputs and make it a total of 6 axes and 32 buttons for one fully assembled combination.
Virpil Desk Mount V4 S
If you’re like me and you like your setup to be detachable and easy to stow away, you go for an additional Desk Mount. Virpil offers three sizes, the mini, the small and the large. Each mount requires an adapter specific to the base you choose. In my case, I've already attached the WarBRD-D base adapter, and funnily enough, it connects to the top of the base. Seems counterintuitive at first, but after using it for a while, I understand it keeps the cables routed more efficiently.
So, what’s inside the mount box? It’s the pre-assembled mount, almost ready to use with a bunch of screws to attach the adapters. Just like everything else so far, the build quality is rock solid. Every single piece of Virpils gear so far has this great black grainy coating that makes it nice to touch and to look at. The desk mount version 4 has got the quick release clamp, perfectly adjustable to your desk thickness and easy to lock. Here's a pro tip: when adjusting this, make sure the lever is almost at a 90-degree angle when closed to avoid any unexpected rapid detachment.
Now you just need to find a suitable height of your sticks and you connect everything with the provided screws. Remember, keep the round part of the screws at the outside, to avoid cutting yourself when you move the gear around.
Customizing the WarBRD-D Base
Alright, after unboxing about 10 boxes now, I am going to customize my base immediately before using it. You can do that whenever you want in your journey, but I knew from the start that my dream setup would utilize the CosmoSim cams without center point. That’s what made me excited. I couldn't believe there was a mechanical stick out there that could achieve a completely smooth range of motion. In my mind only motor-driven, full range sticks are capable of that, although I’ve never used one.
Since the WarBRD-D is pre-configured with AviaSim cams with a soft center, I had to change those. Luckily, VIRPIL provides excellent and detailed instructions on their website for basically anything you need to do with their gear. You will find a QR code to them on every box or you can check it out directly on their website at their support portal.
Some patience and a little force, and voila, the base changed to CosmoSim, no center. I did this for both bases, and on top of that, I also swapped the X-axis spring on my left stick to a heavier one.
This makes it easier for me to control throttle movements and avoid strafing due to higher resistance. I came up with this when using my VKB Gladiators beforehand and liked that feeling a lot.
Virpil Z-Extension
A quick addition before we move to gaming. While I love a good two-stick setup, I also prefer having the left stick angled for more comfort. That's why I added the Z-Extension. Just like the sticks themselves, it's made of durable metal and what I appreciate most is the adjustable angle. Finding the perfect angle is all about natural hand positioning. Reach out with your left hand and grab the stick naturally. If it feels comfortable, that's your golden spot. Your wrists will thank you for this little bit of ergonomic consideration.
First Setup
Your sticks are built the way you want them, now off to our PC to configure them. I won’t go over the details on how to set up and calibrate them, there’s a great video I was following myself, which I will put into the video description, since it’s not from Virpil. When you follow this guide for the first time, it’s confusing with creating profiles and that the stick always disconnects and reconnects, but after some tries and messing around for a while, you should understand the basics and that’s enough to get going. Inside their software, there are numerous customizable configurations that you can dive deep into if you like, for me it’s okay to run them as they are and maybe change a single setting here and there.
I also found out, that you can use the sticks under Linux, but you will need to do the initial setup on Windows. The settings will be saved on the sticks themselves afterwards. If you're missing them as inputs, I found some answers on Reddit and Github, though I advice you to look yourself for your version of Linux you're using.
Gaming with Virpil Setup
The initial feeling is absolutely mind-blowing.
The metal sticks feel incredible in your hands, the Z-axis is super responsive, the precision while flying is unmatched, and the centerless design is a dream almost come true for smooth control. Almost, because you feel the center a little bit due to the mechanical design, but it’s neglectable. Paired with the multitude of buttons readily available for every in-game action, this is exactly how a space sim setup should feel. If done right, you don’t even need to take your hands off of those in X4 Foundations for any situation. You can even emulate the mouse cursor and buttons.
However, after spending some quality time with these sticks, I did notice a few minor shortcomings.
Support Captain Collins on Amazon by clicking this link: https://amzn.to/3urDdje
For 24 hours ANYTHING you buy on Amazon will support Captain Collins.
One, the cutout for the analog stick is a square instead of a circle and that’s odd in my opinion. The edges of the square are a little rough, especially noticeable when using the stick at its maximum angles. I've heard some folks use 3D-printed alternatives, but I personally prefer to stick with the original parts.
Two, and this one is highly subjective. The single buttons at the top could be better. Don't get me wrong, they're not bad by any means, but I've used another stick with buttons that I absolutely loved. They are a bit more clicky, the button was a bit less rounded and the sound was less hollow. Still, they are better than almost anything I’ve ever used before. Sorry, I can’t disclose which stick I was referring to.
Three, it’s hard to reach some of the input options. The scroll wheel in the middle is particularly tricky – I can't comfortably use it with the underside of my thumb and have to bend my hand quite a bit. The pinky button on the other hand (or on the same hand, ha ha) is a bit too far out of reach for me. I understand you can’t build a one-size fits all, but that’s my observation. For reference, my hand size is medium or 7.
It's important to mention these minor issues because we're talking about a very high-tier product. However, they don't detract from the overall experience in any major way.
During your play sessions there’s another great feature of this combo.
You can change the behavior of your sticks on the fly. You can lock the Z-Axis with a simple screw at the joystick if you need higher precision or you want another device like pedals to handle this axis.
The base has got two holes where you can adjust the stiffness of your x and y axis if you prefer some resistance. You could even change your free-roaming throttle to a sticky one.
The connection between stick and base allows you to change the angle at which you want to put your stick on the base, which is another great customization. If you prefer to grab your stick slightly turned inside or outside, that’s no issue at all.
Support
One of the considerations when buying top-tier equipment is the level of after-sales support offered. Buying such an expensive piece of gear, you want to make sure that the company is able to handle all your requests and help you wherever possible.
I tried out their customer support to help me with an issue that was basically my fault. Not only did they respond quick to my message, but stayed in touch until the issue was fixed, proving guidance through the entire process. Virpils user-friendly customer support dashboard allowed me to easily track the entire process on a single page.
When there’s something wrong or missing or you need a replacement, the company tries to help out as much as they can. Knowing they're readily available to assist with any questions or concerns adds a layer of reassurance and completes the overall positive package.
Overall, this has been a fantastic experience! Every time I grab these sticks, I'm filled with joy.
Here's the review on Youtube if you want to see the sticks in action and if you would like the motion images instead:
Comments