Thinking of Buying the VKB F‑14 Stick? Here’s What Sim Pilots Actually Say

The iconic F-14 layout recreated with high precision by VKB

Let’s get this straight, This VKB Gladiator NXT Evo F-14 Combat Edition review is based entirely on real user feedback. I didn’t test it myself, but I researched the hell out of it on Reddit, Stormbirds, and everywhere sim pilots gather. If you’re considering this stick, here’s what you need to know. This article is what sim pilots and actual owners said after putting it through its paces.

If you’re thinking of buying the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo F-14 Combat Edition, this is what you need to know. No sugarcoating. No marketing BS. Just the good, the bad, and the weird button placements.

If you are planning your whole control setup, start with the Best Gaming Mice, Keyboards and Peripherals Guide, which plugs into the bigger Gaming PC Hardware Guide for your full hardware ecosystem.

This VKB Gladiator NXT Evo F-14 Combat Edition review cuts through the noise and focuses on what simmers actually said after long-term use.

VKB Gladiator NXT Evo F-14 Combat Edition Review: What Are You Really Buying?

This joystick is a lovingly crafted replica of the F-14 Tomcat stick, complete with a working four-stage weapon selector, dual-stage trigger, and DLC (Direct Lift Control) axis. It’s mounted on the EVO base, which comes with an upgraded ball-bearing gimbal, adjustable spring tension, and even the option to lock the twist axis entirely.

The F-14 grip is ideal for Tomcat fans who want immersion so deep you’ll smell jet fuel. But if you’re a general sim enthusiast or space sim pilot, you might find yourself missing a few buttons… or a lot of them.

Build Quality: Yes, It’s That Good

VKB doesn’t do cheap. The grip uses a mix of industrial-grade ABS and rubberized inserts, while the trigger and weapon selector are actual metal components. Everything clicks and presses with confidence.

The EVO base is where the magic really happens: you get swappable springs, a dry clutch system for tension adjustment, and gimbal movement that sim pilots described as “buttery smooth” and “damn near surgical.”

Still, it’s not perfect. The base can shift during aggressive maneuvers unless mounted properly, and the encoder wheels (on older models) aren’t always intuitive to bind. Worth noting for the heavy-handed crowd.

F-14 Grip: Immersion Monster or Mapping Headache?

Here’s where things get polarizing. Reddit users praised the F-14 grip’s authenticity but quickly pointed out its biggest limitation — it’s built for one thing: the F-14. Outside of DCS’s Tomcat module, that slick ammo selector? Mostly useless. The button count? Lower than the SCG (Space Combat Grip). And trying to map it all in War Thunder or MSFS? Not fun.

To quote one pilot: “It’s great if you only fly the F-14. If you fly anything else, you’ll start to hate it after two weeks.” One’s immersive. The other’s practical. Choose wisely.

Gladiator EVO Base vs the Old NXT

If you’re upgrading from the original NXT, here’s what changes:

• Ball-bearing gimbal replaces the older pivot system
• 3-position switch replaces one encoder wheel
• Includes extra springs and tension adjust tools
• Can lock the X-axis to use as a throttle

For anyone who values smooth input and long-term comfort, the EVO base is absolutely worth the extra cash.

SCG vs F-14: Which Grip Should You Actually Get?

Here’s the cold truth: most simmers end up swapping the F-14 for the SCG. Why? Because the SCG has more buttons, more hats, more flexibility — and zero weapon selector drama. It’s the generalist’s weapon of choice, especially in VR or space sims like Star Citizen.

Is It Worth It for You? Use Cases That Make Sense

Buy it if: You fly the DCS F-14 a lot and want the real feel. You’ve got button boxes or a throttle to back it up.

Maybe: If you love the look and are okay with some mapping compromises.

Hard pass: If you want one stick to rule them all, especially for games like Star Citizen, IL-2, or general aviation sims.

OK! I Didn’t Buy It, But I Know Who Should

This whole article came from someone on the hunt for their next joystick. I went in hyped about the F-14 grip and came out with a lot of forum wisdom in my face.

If you’re a Tomcat diehard, it’s one of the best sticks you can buy. If you’re literally anyone else, you’ll probably swap it for the SCG. Don’t say Reddit didn’t warn you. Hopefully, this VKB Gladiator NXT Evo F-14 Combat Edition review helped clarify whether it’s the right choice for your sim setup, or a $200 mistake waiting to happen.

Built for the Tomcat. Literally.

Where This VKB Gladiator NXT Evo F-14 Combat Edition Review Came From?

This article wasn’t born from a test bench it came from user forums, cockpit photos, hours of video reviews, and brutal honesty from real sim pilots.

FAQ: VKB Gladiator F-14 Edition

Does the F-14 grip work in MSFS or War Thunder?
Technically yes, but the weapon selector and button layout aren’t ideal. Mapping can be a pain.

Can I upgrade to the SCG later?
Absolutely. VKB sells all grips separately and they’re plug-and-play compatible with the EVO base.

How’s the DLC axis in DCS?
Smooth and responsive. It’s a dream in the Tomcat, not much use outside of it.

Is this a good joystick for VR?
Not really. The SCG has more tactile buttons and switches that are easier to memorize in the dark.

Also Read

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External sources: VKB Official Product Page | Stormbirds Full Review