In this unboxing and first impressions video, Subliminal introduces the Virpil V-Max Throttle and Cadet Aeromax right stick, highlighting his excitement after years of anticipation to try Virpil’s mid-tier products. He emphasizes the solid build quality, noting the extensive use of metal in the base and gimbal components, complemented by thick, high-quality plastic in the less critical areas. The throttle features smooth Cosmo Sim detents and a well-placed button layout, though Subliminal mentions some minor ergonomic quirks, such as the placement of certain buttons being slightly awkward. He appreciates the inclusion of a brake lever and the option to attach a throttle adapter to the stick, adding versatility for different flight sim setups.
Subliminal compares the Virpil throttle to his VKB STX throttle, discussing the detent positions and their utility in space sims like Star Citizen. He expresses a preference for more customizable detent options, such as having a reverse throttle zone, which Virpil currently does not offer. The throttle’s locking mechanism and rubber feet contribute to a stable and premium feel, though he notes the throttle’s split functionality might be less useful in space sims. Overall, he praises the build quality but points out that the product leans more towards simplicity and durability rather than extensive customization.
Moving on to the Cadet Aeromax right stick, Subliminal highlights its robust steel base plate, rubber foot pads, and metal connection points, while acknowledging the grip and brake lever are made of plastic—reasonable given the $219 price point. He praises the button quality, which feels slightly superior to VKB’s, and admires the inclusion of a flip trigger and multiple hats and buttons thoughtfully placed for accessibility. While he would have preferred a scroll wheel instead of a mode-switching hat, he appreciates the stick’s ergonomics and overall design, noting that it’s a strong option for mid-range users who want quality without the premium price tag of Virpil’s top-tier grips.
A significant part of the discussion focuses on the software experience. Subliminal finds Virpil’s native software somewhat outdated and clunky, similar to VKB’s, with a Windows 98-era user interface that lacks polish and intuitiveness. He expresses frustration over the need to use multiple separate programs for configuration and testing, and criticizes the physical mode switch on the throttle, preferring software-based modifiers like those in Joystick Gremlin, which allow more seamless and flexible button layering. Despite these software shortcomings, he acknowledges that third-party tools like Joystick Gremlin are essential for advanced customization, especially in niche space sim setups.
In his concluding thoughts, Subliminal is overall very positive about the Virpil V-Max Throttle and Cadet Aeromax stick. He praises the metal construction where it counts, the excellent button feel, and the ergonomic design, particularly the flip trigger functionality that integrates well with his custom bindings. While he wishes for more customization options and a better software experience, he recommends these products as solid mid-range choices for space sim enthusiasts who want durable, well-built hardware without the premium price of flagship models. He plans to continue testing and streaming with these devices and promises a more detailed review in the future.
