VKB Gladiator NXT Evo - sticky pitch axis

[whandke]

I've discovered that the pitch axis of the flight stick is quite sticky/grabby when a delicate force is applied. It makes it especially hard to do some precision landings when very small adjustments are needed. I know that something is not working correctly, because the roll axis is not experiencing this issue at all. I've been using the stick for a week (delivered 29/08/2024).

I'm placing one finger at the top of the stick and then applying minimal force, just to beat the initial friction. In the roll axis it just smoothly tilts until the limit is reached. In the pitch axis it tilts a little bit, then bites/sticks/stops and requires applying just a little bit more force to beat the static friction again - and that multiple times before reaching a limit.

I've tried different spring tensions, dry clutch settings (from fully engaged to fully disengaged, all 3 screws) and I've even changed the lube on the gimbal itself to a very light, speed-cubing lube, but the problem with sticky pitch axis is still there. It's almost like the fitment of some parts of the gimbal is too tight. With the gimbal disassembled I could feel that the pitch axis is behaving completely different than the roll axis - without the leverage of the stick the stiction was even more pronounced while the roll axis was still moving smoothly.

Moreover, I've tried to open a support ticket, but I'm not able to register correctly - I'm not receiving any emails from the support portal.

[fallout9]

It might be, if it's a new device, that it'd need a bit of time and use for the grease to settle.
About the service ticket - try to contact the local provide by email about the issues.

[whandke]

Hi fallout9, thanks for the reply.
Unfortunetelly, more than the week passed, and the problem is not getting any less severe. As much as I like the stick and the quality itself, the stiction of pitch axis just makes it super frustrating to use, and overall worse than my t.flight Hotas X. I've recorded a video that showcases the problem, that I believe is not related to grease settling period, but to a faulty gimbal. For the test both of dry clutches of the pitch axis are disengaged.

https://youtu.be/h4g80XHgYOE

I'm still unable to login to the support portal, as I'm not receiving any emails from the service, either about account creation nor password reset (I'm using gmail email account).

[fallout9]

All hardware issues are handled only over the ticketing system. Please check your spam folders for confirmation email, there are no issues from our side with any of the local stores' ticketing systems. You can contact the local provider through email for further assistance on this matter.