Gladiator Pro worn out

[Print744]

I have a Gladiator Pro that's getting worn out, needs new springs and the top thumb button repaired. Does VKB offer restoration/repairs? If not, does anyone know where I could send it? I live in Nevada, USA.
I can't ask for help through the official website because I bought it through the X-Plane store, not direct, so there's no support available to me.

[fallout9]

Is it Gladiator Pro or Gladiator MKII? If unsure please post pics.

[Print744]

Pretty sure it's a Pro. As far as I can tell, they look the same, right?

[fallout9]

The do look the same. Remove the base plate please and post a pic with the internals, that would clarify which one it is.

[Print744]

Easier said than done. I’m on the road, no tools. I’ll try when I get home. Thanks.

[blackram]

I would say it is a gladiator MKII since my PRO has sticker writting "Gladiator Pro" on the bottom of the grip (on the left side below handrest) and not on the top of the grip (like it is here on the pic with just "Gladiator" written) and on the bottom of the plate there is writting : GLADIATOR PRO and then serial number.

[Print744]

I find it interesting that mine says GLADIATOP, with a P at the end, so I was assuming it was a Pro. I tried going back to the X-Plane store to find my order but it seems to have been removed.
Anyway, Pro or MKII, what can I do, where can I send it, to get it repaired and restored?

[Ron61]

Pro or not Pro is easily determined without removing the bottom plate - there is no twist axis on the Pro, so the grip does not turn.

[Print744]

That simplifies things a lot. Mine's a twisty stick, ergo MkII.
EDIT: The X-Plane store guys replied and confirmed it's a MKII.
Now that that's established, though, now what?

[fallout9]

Now it's up to you to decide if it's worth sending it for repairs and paying for shipping more than you paid for the joystick or just ordering the missing or broken parts and fixing it yourself.

[Print744]

Where do I order the missing parts from? I think I need the top button assembly and new springs.

[fallout9]

I suggest to run a test first to make sure you order all needed parts at once. Download this tester and try all buttons and axes on the joystick. You could do the same in the Test panel of the native software.

[Print744]

Other than the big, round top button, all the buttons work. The back and left axes are weak, creating too much wiggle in the center. I don't know where to get the parts needed, though.

[fallout9]

You could order parts by sending a request to sales@vkb-sim.pro, with this thread linked so they would see what you need.
If the springs are not broken it doesn't make any sense to get new ones (other than having some spares at hand), but your gimbal needs regreasing; the best result you'd get from Nyogel 767A or PG-44A. Any other grease is hit or miss.

[Print744]

The springs don't stretch out and lose their springy elasticity over time? That's what they "feel" like.