The Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition headlines the range, replicating the real-world sidestick used in the Airbus A320 and A320neo. The partnership birthed an officially licensed range combining a legacy in accessories with iconic A320 signatures under the "Thrustmaster Civil Aviation" series. Thrustmaster unveiled its collaboration with Airbus in 2020, introducing a new flight accessories line under the aerospace icon's name. The Warthog Flight Stick is just one piece of the puzzle, with the Warthog and Cougar throttle quadrant suitable solutions to assemble a complete Thrustmaster ensemble. The stick can be used standalone or as part of a larger modular set, and like many on this list, it shines when paired with other accessories.
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The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick retails at $280 in the U.S., which falls just above full mid-range HOTAS solutions. The stick also packs plentiful inputs, with 19 action buttons, two eight-way hat switches, and various other assignable buttons to get you into the air. The company also boasts its five-coil spring system, which it claims provides tension and consistency without dead zones. Thrustmaster's HEART technology seen in the best flight sticks backs the Warthog, using magnet sensors for 16-bit resolution high precision, while also durable for multi-year usage.
And weighing in over 6.5 pounds, this joystick won't be moving anywhere even if you're not using the included mounting solution. It also includes a detachable metal base, which helps on the desk while still adaptive to integrate into a cockpit setup. The construction is on the high end, lining the plastic stick with metal accents you wouldn't find on cheaper alternatives. The Warthog Flight Stick design comes from the similarly nicknamed A-10 Thunderbolt II, which helps nail down an ergonomic in-hand feel while also grounded to realism. The result is a consistent and robust stick for all forms of flight, including the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. The peripheral is a favorite among enthusiasts, granting both responsive and precise control over your aircraft, with a build quality that surpasses closest rivals. Venturing into the premium-tier flight sticks further opens your options, but the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick has remained on top for several years. While better build quality comes with premium alternatives, including its high-end Warthog HOTAS, it's a balance of function and savings that makes this the best joystick in 2021. Thrustmaster is the leader in simulation accessories, with this HOTAS solution providing insane value for its price. And if you're looking to get deep into the range, matching pedals and panels are also on the market. The throttle makes it easier to tame even the most advanced airliners while serving a cohesive experience with minimal investment. The matching TWCS throttle builds on shared design philosophies, with another 14 buttons and a POV hat switch to maximize your inputs. While Thrustmaster sells its T.16000M as a standalone flight stick, we recommend the accompanying throttle quadrant. Thrustmaster's aesthetics aren't for everyone, with its all-black plastic and orange accents and backlighting, but help create a centerpiece for your flight setup. Other inputs include a rear-mounted trigger and another 16 assignable buttons, ideal for mapping essential functions inches from your fingertips. That includes an eight-way hat switch placed up-top, which is essential when looking outside the cockpit with Microsoft Flight Simulator's stunning backdrops. The flight stick delivers a comfortable, ergonomic design when in-hand, with a variety of inputs to bolster functionality. The internals almost mirrors its enthusiast-geared Warthog joystick, nailing that same robust functionality at a more palatable price. It primarily comes down to the in-house HEART technology, providing accurate 16-bit resolution for stick inputs and tension that feels right.
The joystick axes provide high-precision control over pitch and roll, with a twist of the stick also handling yaw for horizontal adjustments. The Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS is a staple from a revered manufacturer in sim gear, checking numerous boxes for those with a taste for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The best flight sticks come with myriad benefits, including granular input over fundamental control surfaces and components, with assignable keys for everyday functions.
While there are dozens of sim-ready peripherals out there, the trusty joystick is a must-buy to improve the adventures ahead. When looking to elevate your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience beyond the entry experience, securing the best hands-on throttle-and-stick solution is an investment you won't regret.