VKB-Sim, the makers of the Gladiator and Black Mamba series of joysticks, has announced their new Modern Combat Grip product. Compatible with a whole series of joysticks, this is a new VKB product for people who fly more modern combat aircraft.

It’s a grip?

So this isn’t a joystick announcement but rather an extra feature that you can add on to one of several sticks. It’s a grip that you can install on the joystick base that you already own or plan to buy.

• VKB-Sim Black/Fat Mamba Mk.II/Mk.III
• VKB-Sim Vintage Mamba
• VKB-Sim Gladiator Pro Mk.I/Mk.II
• VKB-Sim Gunfighter
• Thrustmaster® Cougar™
• Thrustmaster® Warthog™

There are a couple of caveats with those last two where the ministick and brake axes work as hat switches only and you need to get a separately sold adapter. If you have a VKB-Sim product you can swap your current grip for this and get all of the features that this offers.

Flanker inspiration

Similarly to how the Gladiator and Gladiator Pro sticks were inspired by the KG12 stick from German World War II fighters, the MCG draws its inspiration from the stick found in the Flanker series of combat jets.

The stick has a dual stage metal trigger, contactless ministicks, and what are apparently high quality components for the other switches.

Though the aesthetic may be different, this seems to be of a similar caliber of equipment as the other VKB-Sim products as they blend a mix of good quality and durability with a fairly good price. Its not Thrustmaster Warthog-level metal switches but it doesn’t cost nearly as much either.

Speaking of price. The grip is $99 USD (plus shipping) and production is expected to commence shortly with products shipping in late May or early June.

Find out more from the VKB-Sim website.