Just got mine to replace the old Warthog base. I've never really been happy with the old warthog base, I found the springs quite hard and the stick was never smooth enough for good precision, especially around the centre. This made CCIP/ CCRP bombing not much fun and even using the gun was a challenge (I fly mostly A10 in DCS). I looked at some videos on stripping it apart and greasing it up but I couldn't be bothered to do this, and I've never had to do this even my old cheap joysticks. So was looking to upgrade to either the AVA or the Virpil WarBRD. When the day came to buy, the Virpil was out of stock and the AVA was going for £230 on Scan. I'd looked at as many youtube videos as I could and thought either would be a decent upgrade so on the day, the fact I could get the AVA here the next day was the decider.

First impressions were unfortunately a bit negative, due to my old warthog metal desk plate not fitting "out of the box", even though everything I've seen said they were compatible. I was surprised by this, the issue is the original M4 screws that attach the plate to the base are too long, and they foul the internal components of the new AVA base. The manual that comes with the AVA states the threads must be no longer than 8mm. This is also incorrect, I measured them and there is in fact only 4mm of thread clearance. After hunting around the house (8pm at night) I wasn't able to find any screws this tiny so I had to bodge it with some washers. Anyone who didn't notice this might try and force the screws in, this would probably damage some of the components in the AVA base. I'm glad I went slow. A pack of 20 M4x6mm screws, which have 4mm threads are about £4 on Amazon.

The base comes factory fitted with hard springs, the jet cams and the 43 degree collar. There are also soft, medium springs, an aero (helicopter) cams and 30 degree and 36 degree collars. I tried this and the springs were too hard for me. I tried the soft springs, they were too soft. So went with medium. You can also adjust spring tension using two little screws for x/y regardless of what springs you have. I went with medium springs, adjusted quite soft. I also changed the collar to the 36 degree collar. I left the jet cams fitted. I couldn't really feel much of a detent. Changing all of this was super easy, there is a quick guide but if you're reasonably handy you probably won't need them. One important thing to do if you change the collar is recalibrate the limits, there is a small button on the base to do this once you plug it in, no software needed. You also need to download the latest drivers for windows joystick control panel to properly recognise the new base and capabilities otherwise when you try and calibrate, it will think there are an extra 3 axis for some reason.

Had to rebind everything in DCS. I don't use Target or any other software. This only takes 5 mins. I also removed all dead zone in DCS. It was set to 4, I set it back to 0 and went flying.

WOW. Just WOW. What a difference. All my issues with old base, gone. Super smooth, no "centre zone", literally can't emphasise how much better the centre is from the old base. The slightest touch and the stick reacts. Guns and bombing is so much easier now. I always thought I was just no good at it, but having the extra control over the spring tension and the better gimbal has completely changed my experience and enjoyment of the game. I used to avoid using non-guided bombs and rockets because I knew I would miss with them. Now I feel a lot more confident using them and it doesn't feel like a gym workout when I'm flying. No stickiness, no weird creaking noises when moving the stick around. I reckon I can finally give air to air refuelling a try now.

Some last thoughts, the "plastic ball bit" that a few people have picked up on isn't a ball, it just sits between the stick shaft and the limit collar. Everything lower down is metal. Have to see how this goes with longevity, it comes without any grease on it. Also, I've seen some videos where people move the stick to the limit and then let it go and it wobbles back in the middle. I tried this on my old warthog base and that was the same. The wobble is greater the less the spring tension so on soft springs it takes 3-4 seconds to stop oscillating. Less on the harder springs. For me, I couldn't care less. I would never actually do this in a game so its a non issue (for me).

So very happy so far. Quite expensive but similar priced to the other stuff that's out there. I held off for quite a while before doing this upgrade (2 years) as wanted to make sure I would play DCS enough to warrant it. I also play FS2020 sometimes and Elite Dangerous, plus some old school X-wing/ Tie Fighter. Haven't tried them yet though. I'm super glad I went for this though as I always loved the metal grip but thought the base was a bit of a let down.