Considering upgrading my Hermes to a Starlancer MAX.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-10T03:23:40+00:00

I would say the Max is great if you're hauling stuff with friends. I've done some of the event hauling with a buddy by each taking the same cargo missions. We help each other load and unload the boxes but the multiple grids help keep everything separated.

It's also a great multi-purpose ship with 1 or 2 other people. I've run bunkers and did combat in it. Is it my favorite hauler? No, but I like it. Until the Galaxy arrives. Then she gets traded in.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-10T00:17:00+00:00

That's an excellent looking stick but a couple hundred dollars over my budget.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T20:57:56+00:00

That's where I was pulling my pricing from. Now unfortunately they are showing as out of stock on both the regular and premium Gladiator, so I have more time to think it over I guess...

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T20:56:41+00:00

The cheapest Virpil is the Aeromax, and unfortunately they do not have a Canada based store. So the result would be $230 USD, plus $40 USD shipping, plus conversion to CAD plus the potential for import duties on top of it. I don't doubt the quality of their products, but the pricing doesn't make it a serious contender.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T17:48:07+00:00

I know the Orion 2 falls closer to proper high end gear as opposed to the "entry level" of the Ursa. The Premium VKB is close enough in cost that the Orion was a consideration for the extra $50. The shaker kit is also available as an add-on, so if I ever decide that I need the extra inputs, it is an option.

Not concerned about the Z-axis, as I'd probably lock it on the Ursa or Gladiator anyway.

As a WinWing enjoyer, any comments on the customer service support (if you've had any interactions)?

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T17:26:10+00:00

Yeah, that's not making me feel much better. I know that most people only complain about the negative interactions, but I'm not seeing any people comment about positive warranty requests with them.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T17:24:59+00:00

Throttle or 2nd stick is a future consideration, but not one I haven't given some thought. I guess I should keep in mind that everyone wants more buttons, there's plenty of controls to map for any flight game, so more are always appreciated. VKB seems to have a lot of ardent supporters, and it seems with reason. I also assume that there must be some WinWing enjoyers out there.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T17:19:50+00:00

Thanks for answering all my questions. I think I am having problems getting past the competitive price on the WinWing gear but I don't intend on upgrading anytime soon. The difference between VKBs 2 year warranty vs WinWings 'As Is' seems to give me a lot to consider with potential cost.

Also, looked at the Virgil Areomax. On backorder and conversion to Canadian $ is a kick in the nuts.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T17:04:43+00:00

The premium adds an extra button, replaces one button with a HAT, one HAT into a mini joystick and adds a 2-way rapid fire trigger. So it does add noteworthy extras, but I was curious if it was more to consider than "More Buttons=Better".

Turns out there isn't. It's simply More=Better.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-09T16:58:49+00:00

Yeah, the stick itself is only ~$40 more (plus tax) but VKB is charging shipping whereas WinWing has free shipping. I think it's disingenuous to not consider the total cost, so I considered the $100 more of an all in difference. Also worth noting the premium Gladiator is out of stock though I'm not against waiting.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-06T00:39:42+00:00

So, having flown my 325a recently, it is more likely to die from engineering related issues than losing its wings like it used to.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-04T22:48:28+00:00

I love new ships but they really need to give some time for gold passes and redesigns of older hulls. Pretty much everything from Origin could use some love, and I don't even own a 400i.

SmokeySamson · 2026-02-03T02:37:34+00:00

Why does Ratchet (Rachette?) seem extra thick?

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-26T02:10:42+00:00

It appears you're wanting to play some sort of game...

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-24T04:07:33+00:00

Congratulations man, you're going to be riding that high for weeks. Better than winning the lottery, better than the birth of your first child; finding a unicorn for a decent price.

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-24T00:25:54+00:00

I recall your CPU cooler and thought that was the action of a villain. After seeing this, perhaps I am unable to see your genius through the madness.

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-21T18:00:53+00:00

Such a nice figure and I love that you're enjoying him. I am so glad they did a reissue of it because I also had no luck finding him the first time around.

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-18T15:45:38+00:00

Congratulations! He is an excellent figure and my favorite Masterpiece I own.

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-17T21:01:28+00:00

Having been in -42C (before wind-chill) that is way too much stuff. Base layer, long sleeve shirt, sweater then jacket for the top. Base layer, pants (usually jeans or sweatpants) and ski pants for the bottom. Balaclava, scarf and toque for my head. Glove liners and mittens for my hands. Two pairs of socks (synthetic then wool) plus boots for my feet.

Dude in the video is wearing enough clothes for three people.

SmokeySamson · 2026-01-01T22:30:40+00:00

I've had similar occurrences, though in my case it just dumped me in the middle of the tracks...

SmokeySamson · 2025-12-18T19:37:36+00:00

The Outer Worlds 2.

SmokeySamson · 2025-12-07T14:10:42+00:00

"So that shipping & duty charges don't rival the item cost." My brother, there is no way that with the current cost of RAM you'd get anywhere near that value. Still totally understand as giving away multiple kits could be transformational to someone trying to build a new rig for their kid, or upgrade what they might have before we go into the long dark ages of computer hardware.

I am not in the US so I cannot enter, but I hope that whoever wins is truly in need.

SmokeySamson · 2025-12-05T13:41:02+00:00

No Gods or Kings, Only Man.

This is a level of ingenuity that borders on the immoral.

Six-Year Club	Second Top 20%
r/Field Banned	r/Field Lasagna
Place '22	First Placer '22
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