Brand | THRUSTMASTER |
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Series | Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick |
Item model number | 2960738 |
Hardware Platform | pc |
Operating System | Windows |
Item Weight | 8.98 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 10.55 x 9.65 x 12.36 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.55 x 9.65 x 12.36 inches |
Color | Black |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Department | Electronics |
Manufacturer | Thrustmaster VG |
Language | English, French |
ASIN | B00CBVHJ00 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 13, 2013 |
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- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty.
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- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
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Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick for Flight Simulation, Official Replica of the U.S Air Force A-10C Aircraft (Compatible with PC)
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Brand | THRUSTMASTER |
Model Name | Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick |
Compatible Devices | PC |
Controller Type | Flight Stick |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
About this item
- Joystick replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft flight stick
- Stand-alone HOTAS Warthog joystick, from the creator of the original HOTAS concept and the worldwide benchmark flight sim controllers: the HOTAS Cougar and the HOTAS Warthog
- Detachable handle, crafted entirely of metal; Also compatible with the HOTAS Cougar (and vice-versa); Replica shape of the A-10C flight stick
- 19 action buttons in total plus one 8-way "point of view" hat: 1 x 8-way "point of view" hat; 2 x 8-way hats; 1 x 4-way hat with push button; 1 x metal dual trigger; 2 x push buttons; 2 x pinkie push buttons
- USB connector and upgradeable firmware; Super-stable, weighted joystick (over 6 lbs.)
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From the manufacturer
Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog Joystick
The Hotas Warthog USB dual-throttle joystick is the result of an intense collaboration between Thrustmaster's development teams and members of the 'simmer' community. Exchanges and studies were carried out constantly throughout the product's development phase, in order to create a joystick which meets the most specific and precise requirements of the experts. The result is the Hotas Warthog : a replica set of the joystick, dual throttle system and dual throttle control panel of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft.
Additional Information
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Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog JoystickWeighing in at more than 14 lbs and using metal for the joystick, throttle handles, and bases, the Hotas Warthog joystick is physically imposing. When you take into account the 55 fully programmable action buttons and 2 four-direction hat switches, each with a built-in push button (the first joystick in the world to incorporate such a feature), it becomes clear that the Hotas Warthog is in a class of its own. |
Most Precise and Feature-Filled Joystick You Can GetThe joystick features 19 action buttons, along with a 'Point Of View' hat. It provides extreme precision, thanks to the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology magnetic sensor system it employs: 16-bit precision (65536 x 65536 values), with no gimbals (cardan joints). What's more, pressing on the joystick's buttons and triggers requires pressure identical to that required in an actual airplane – a true first in the world of joysticks. Particular attention has been paid to freedom of use for simmers, with the joystick's handle being detachable, and its base being detachable as well (allowing you to install the joystick in a cockpit). |
Pull and Push Throttle System with Disengageable AfterburnerThe throttle component has also been very carefully designed, with a dual throttle system allowing for independent control of 2 motors: a locking system lets the user either attaches the 2 throttles together, or else keeps them independent of one another. The magnetic sensor technology used for the throttles (14-bit resolution, with 16384 values on each throttle) provides unrivaled precision. Switching to the Idle and Afterburner detents is carried out via a Pull and Push system, for even greater realism. The Afterburner detent is disengageable, allowing users to perfectly adapt the throttle control to the type of airplane they are piloting. The throttles feature a total of 17 action buttons, a 'Point Of View' hat and a 'mouse hat / slew control'. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Control Panel with 5 Programmable LEDsThe product's final mechanical component, the control panel, provides an extensive number and variety of controls. It includes a friction wheel, allowing users to manually adjust the resistance of the throttles according to their own taste. It also features backlighting for functions, which users will certainly appreciate for night flights; the 5 programmable LEDs are also a plus for use in dark or low-light conditions. The base includes a 'trim wheel' and 15 action buttons, including numerous push buttons with resistance identical to that on a real airplane and industrial metal switches (2 or 3 positions) with highly realistic pressure. |
Thrustmaster expert flying ecosystemThese products are part of a range of flight simulation peripherals that can be used in conjunction with one another: a complete ecosystem featuring the Hotas Warthog, TFRP rudder pedals* and MFD* (Multi-Functional Display) cockpit panels. These elements are also compatible with the T.A.R.G.E.T advanced programming software**. * Sold separately. ** Free of charge, available for download from the website |
T.A.R.G.E.T advanced programming software** on PCThe Hotas Warthog joystick's deadly weapon is known as T.A.R.G.E.T (Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor). T.A.R.G.E.T is a software suite allowing users to test, configure and program Thrustmaster controllers. In this way, T.A.R.G.E.T allows for total interaction between different Thrustmaster USB controllers, with simplified configurations in simulators, and the use of a single preset for all controllers, rather than having to use as many different presets as controllers. Finally, T.A.R.G.E.T includes built-in presets for well-known games (both recent and older titles), and lets users create new presets too. ** Free of charge, available for download from the website. |
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
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Best Sellers Rank | #9,437 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #33 in PC Game Flight Controls |
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Product Description
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick is a Joystick replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft flight stick. This stand-alone HOTAS Warthog joystick comes from the creator of the original HOTAS concept and the worldwide benchmark flight sim controllers: the HOTAS Cougar and the HOTAS Warthog. It features a detachable handle, crafted entirely of metal which is also compatible with the HOTAS Cougar (and vice-versa). There is a detachable metal plate for desk or cockpit-style use. The buttons and trigger offer incredibly realistic pressure. There are a total of 19 action buttons plus one 8-way "point of view" hat: 1 x 8-way "point of view" hat; 2 x 8-way hats; 1 x 4-way hat with push button; 1 x metal dual trigger; 2 x push buttons; and 2 x pinkie push buttons. The USB connector allows for upgradeable firmware. This super-stable, weighted joystick weighs in at over 6 lbs!. This Flight Stick features H.E.A.R.T Hall Effect AccuRate Technology: 3D magnetic sensors (Hall Effect): surgical precision, that won’t decrease over time; 16-bit resolution (65536 x 65536 values); 5 coil spring system: for tension that is firm, linear, smooth and without any dead zones. The HOTAS Warthog is compatible with Thrustmaster's T.A.R.G.E.T (Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor) software suite, available free for download. This suite lets you test, configure and program the following Thrustmaster controllers: HOTAS Warthog, MFD Cougar, HOTAS Cougar, T.16000M and the HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick. It uses Drag and Drop principle and features three different programming levels: Basic, Advanced and Script.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, smoothness, and weight of the video game accessories. For example, they mention it's built like a tank, has incredibly smooth movement, and is extremely responsive to slight movements. That said, opinions are mixed on ease of use, value, buttons, and performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the video game accessories. They mention that it's built well, the stick feels rock solid, and it'll provide them with flexibility and durability. They also appreciate the consistent resistance on the full range of axis, and the quality and precision of the controls. Overall, most are happy with the quality, precision, and durability of the product.
"...It provides consistent resistance on the full range of axis. Some reviewers are mentioning sticktion in some of the early units...." Read more
"...The meticulously designed switches are solid, and provide enough tactile feedback to resonate through gloves (as the real stick was designed)...." Read more
"...It's heavy and you can tell they use good quality materials to build this. Nothing plasticky about it. None of my friends can steal it from me...." Read more
"...taken my enjoyment flight simulation to new heights, and shows no sign of 'going bad' or wearing out. In fact, it will most likely outlive its owner." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the video game controller. They mention that it looks and feels very impressive, and is awesome to behold. Some say that it's neat to look down and see the switches in sync. Overall, most are happy with the quality and layout of the product.
"...The buttons are slightly stiff, but real looking. They are not overly stiff, but they are just right...." Read more
"...The meticulously designed switches are solid, and provide enough tactile feedback to resonate through gloves (as the real stick was designed)...." Read more
"...Just like the stick, every control, switch, button, etc. is accurate, crisp and smooth...." Read more
"...The Warthog -It's sleek, and boy does it look good. And that's the wow factor that made me even consider this throttle to begin with...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the video game controller. They mention that it's very heavy but sturdy, and the mostly metal construction has a weight and feel which is satisfying for sims. They also appreciate the weighted bases and the fact that the throttle and joystick stay fairly well located.
"...The throttle base is weighted, and feels extremely solid. I've used real military equipment that wasn't half as sturdy as this...." Read more
"...It's heavy and you can tell they use good quality materials to build this. Nothing plasticky about it. None of my friends can steal it from me...." Read more
"...I mean, this thing is REALLY heavy, but when you open the box and take it out, you immediately understand why...." Read more
"Yes, it is arguably the best HOTAS available. Built like a tank, heavy, stable - milspec level switches and on most buttons...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the smoothness of the video game accessories. They mention that the throttle has incredibly smooth movement, everything moves smoothly, and the motion of the stick is also very smooth. They say that it's extremely responsive to slight movements and perfect for precise maneuvering. Customers also appreciate the smooth and predictable mechanisms.
"...The "feel" of the movement of the stick is amazing. It provides consistent resistance on the full range of axis...." Read more
"...not only does the stick center flawlessly, but it is extremely responsive to slight movements, while being stiff enough to resist accidental input...." Read more
"...Response is fast and accurate so far, and it helps that they use a very strong spring in the joystick...." Read more
"...The throttle was pristine and worked beautifully. The software from the antiquated website recognized it and all was right with the world...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the video game controller. Some mention it's well worth the money, the quality is worth the price, and the precision alone is worth it. However, others say it'll take your enjoyment flight simulation to new heights.
"...Yes it is pricey, but it is absolutely pure quality. So is Amazon. Great product, great customer service. I am recommending this." Read more
"...Its quality is worth the price, it has taken my enjoyment flight simulation to new heights, and shows no sign of 'going bad' or wearing out...." Read more
"...I'm not saying the Warthog is a bad buy, I just think it's a bad buy at the price they're asking...." Read more
"...other options including Virpil, VKB and Winwing, the Warthog is the cheapest, most available and easy-to-acquire joystick to get in the upper..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the buttons. Some mention that it has an incredible array of buttons and switches all over, making it a pleasure to use. However, others say that the buttons are slightly stiff and the joystick is very stiff.
"...The throttle is also very solid, with enough variety of switches, knobs and buttons to satisfy most people...." Read more
"...This makes it possible to program the hats and switches to do true hands-on-the-stick (and almost completely off the mouse) flying...." Read more
"...The buttons are slightly stiff, but real looking. They are not overly stiff, but they are just right...." Read more
"...The hat is smooth and extremely responsive. The pinky switch is a welcome feature that I had never run across, all making for a great solid 6+ pound..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the video game controller. Some mention it works extremely well with the DCS A-10C and F-16C, as well as FS2020. However, others say that it stopped working, the throttle light stopped working like a normal throttle, and the joystick has begun to malfunction.
"...The throttle was pristine and worked beautifully. The software from the antiquated website recognized it and all was right with the world...." Read more
"...It looks great, feels great, works precisely well...." Read more
"...The computer wouldn't acknowledge it. So I went to another friend's house and then to another friend's house and then to another friend's house...." Read more
"Works extremely well with the DCS A-10C and F-16C, as well as FS2020...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use. Some mention the program is awesome, easy, and intuitive. They say it's a plug and play swap that works well. However, others say that it requires some getting used to, has a fairly steep learning curve, and is time consuming.
"...The Thrustmaster Warthog is built in a way, that it is easily disassembled if you should ever want to...." Read more
"...As for using it, it definitely requires some getting used to. I've probably had this for about a month now and still haven't fully mastered it yet...." Read more
"...The new switch was easy to install (soldering and hot-glue required) and all is fine again!..." Read more
"...It's not hard to set up (it's plug and play) but because of its size and weight you're going to get an extra workout for your arms every time you..." Read more
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A little history:
The A-10A Warthog used a different stick back in the 70's thru 90's. In the late 90's and early 2000's, The USAF upgraded a bunch of their A-10 Planes with a new cockpit, computer system, guidance system, and stick system. They added the F-16's stick, because pilots preferred it due to it's easy to reach controls. After everything was upgraded, the A-10A, was changed to the A-10C. This allowed them to drop GPS guidance bombs, and calculate projectile logistics while the aircraft was accelerating or moving. I learned a lot of this stuff from DCS World's, A-10C Simulator. This is a officially license designed from the USAF, which means for every stick sold, Thrustmaster has to pay the USAF a royalty fee. Feel good about supporting our military when you buy this stick.
This Thrustmaster Replica stick, is so good, it has been used in tons of movies as a official prop. The newest movie to use this stick, is "The Martian"
About the Stick:
Quality: a lot of reviewers are mentioning the stick grip itself, is made of plastic. But you can't tell. When you grip this stick, you will think it's metal. It is cold to the touch. It does not move, or creak when you grip it. The "feel" of the movement of the stick is amazing. It provides consistent resistance on the full range of axis. Some reviewers are mentioning sticktion in some of the early units. I have revision 3, and have not noticed any sticktion at all. I believe thrustmaster has changed the grease, and upgraded the ball joint. The buttons are slightly stiff, but real looking. They are not overly stiff, but they are just right.
The Throttle is a amazing piece of engineering and is a testimate to thrustmaster's design team. All of the flip switches are superb in quality, even beating audio equipment switches. The LED lights on the throttle are a nice touch, but i wish they were interactive. There are more buttons than you could ever use, however it does lack a rotary dial. Some space sim fans will want a rotary dial, or a full analog joystick. This throttle does not have that. It has a little mouse nub (similar to IBM thinkpad laptops), that you use with your ring finger, but its no where near the function of a analog stick or rotary dial.
The throttle is amazing, but i'm more into space simulators like Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, No-Man's Sky etc..
My Dream Setup would be the Warthog stick, with a Saitek Throttle which has a trackball. The new star citizen saitek sticks coming out later this year, will have a track ball on them. But there is no way Saitek's actual stick, will be even close in feel and quality to this warthog stick.
You can play Space Simulator games fine with the full Warthog setup, but the way Star Citizen works, is you have free floating gimbled weapons, which do not "auto-lock" like they do in Elite Dangerous. So aiming is a bit of a challenge because your effectively trying to hit a 2mm square pip (target), on a 24" monitor. Sticks are not the best a precision aiming, thats why mouse and keyboard users will have more precision. But with a stick, you will be able to out-maneuver them every time. You can pull off the most complex maneuvers, that a keyboard and mouse simply cannot.
The Thrustmaster Warthog is built in a way, that it is easily disassembled if you should ever want to. Some users replace the grease with a thicker variety. Being able to repair, and mod this stick, justifies the asking price. There are a ton of mods, exensions and how-to video's on modifying this stick. It is a very popular stick, my particular unit is number 32,678, so that means they have sold over 32,000 of these sticks. And that's saying a lot because it's so expensive. Bottom Line: This stick will last you your whole life, because your able to repair and get parts for it.
I am not going to go over the software much, because other reviewers have touched on it quite a bit. Some people don't use the software at all, but i think that's a mistake. Thrustmaster's software is the most powerful control software to ever be written. You can do anything with this stick, it has it's own full programming language similar to C#. This puts competitors software to shame.
I'll end this long review with a glowing recommendation and i will also mention that Thrustmaster support is A+ should you ever need it. I really wish Cloud Imperium Games (Makers of Star Citizen) would have worked with Thrustmaster instead of Saitek, because there sticks are so much better. Really, almost everything thrustmaster makes, is the best money can buy, in that price bracket.
Stop reading and throw your money at the screen.
Thanks for reading.
I went to a friend's house and the same thing happened. The computer wouldn't acknowledge it. So I went to another friend's house and then to another friend's house and then to another friend's house. It just wouldn't work. It wasn't my computer it was the joystick. Apparently sometimes the wiring can get loose in the base but everything seemed to be in order. Sad, disappointed and broke I lost all hope of ever purchasing stuff online again. I decided to e-mail my predicament to Amazon anyway.
In less than a week Amazon sent me a brand new Warthog to turn my frown upside down. No muss, no fuss, they were intent on ensuring I wasn't disappointed. I can finally fly with the Warthog. I can fulfill my destiny to be a fake virtual pilot. It was simply good customer service from Amazon. It's not easy to shop online when you're not based in the US but then Amazon comes along and makes it easier for the rest of us. My confidence in shopping with Amazon just went up a couple of notches. They made a sad customer happy. Time to break out the credit card again.
The throttle and joystick itself is very solidly built. I've had other joysticks before, like Logitech and Saitek, but the build quality of the Warthog is just phenomenal. It's heavy and you can tell they use good quality materials to build this. Nothing plasticky about it. None of my friends can steal it from me. The thing is massive and heavy. Good luck sneaking it out of my house without me noticing.
So far the joystick has never slipped from its position during gameplay. The grip feels nice for my medium-sized hands. The hat switch and triggers are all positioned comfortably within range of my fingers. Response is fast and accurate so far, and it helps that they use a very strong spring in the joystick. The cables are long enough to enable you to set your joystick and throttle in the right position for you. The bright green lights are a nice feature although I usually set it off because I don't want to burn it out. It takes time to configure every switch, knob and button to your liking but once you do you are going to get a more immersive gaming experience. You will still crash in your flight sims but at least you will crash in style.
The throttle is also very solid, with enough variety of switches, knobs and buttons to satisfy most people. They actually feel solid and strong and look like it's made to last a long time. But don't ever let your kid play with it. Something like this needs to be taken care of and protected. I like that you can control the throttle for two engines independently. The feel is good too. It's responsive without being too tight.
I can't give you a more technical review as I am just a casual sim gamer. I like my flight gaming experiences to be realistic but balanced without being too difficult. The Hotas Warthog enables me to use it casually when I want to, with just the single joystick and simple controls for arcade gameplay or go full retard and use the whole Hotas Warthog complete with 6 monitors, instrument panels, rudder pedals, flight suit, helmet and parachute under my computer chair for when I want to pretend I know how to fly a plane.
Should you buy it?
If you absolutely must have the best, appreciate good quality, have extra cash, like setting up and binding your own controls and play flight sims regularly then yes you should get it. If money is tight for you and you don't play flight sims regularly then there are other options for you in the market.
Take note that if you don't have a permanent spot for the throttle and joystick it might feel like a chore to set it up every time you want to play it. It's not hard to set up (it's plug and play) but because of its size and weight you're going to get an extra workout for your arms every time you take it off the shelf or out of the closet. Maybe that's a good thing. You spend too much time reading Amazon reviews instead of exercising.
Yes it is pricey, but it is absolutely pure quality. So is Amazon. Great product, great customer service. I am recommending this.