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The Thrustmaster AVA F/A-18 Super Hornet is a fantastic flight stick that took my setup to new heights
5:00 pm | March 2, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: One-minute review

If you’ve read our Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack review, you’ll know that flight sim tech is getting closer than ever to turning your setup into something plucked right from a fighter jet.

The Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet follows on that same line of thinking, dovetailing beautifully with its sister product while offering a fantastic flight stick in its own right, packed with input options and plenty of settings to tweak the game feel to your liking.

It’s ludicrously expensive, though. The review unit we’re testing is formed of multiple modular sections, with the company’s AVA base, a flight stick, and a base plate. These all combine in a nifty bundle for $579 / £450 (cheaper than buying them piecemeal) but it’s definitely an investment for a flight enthusiast.

It’s still hard not to be impressed. It’s a hefty stick, one that would feel right at home doing loop-de-loops in the sky, and it’s absolutely packed with inputs with switches, buttons, and triggers all over it.

If you’re looking to take your flight sim experience to new heights, it’s hard to look past, but don’t forget that the HOTAS X is a much more affordable, entry-level model that comes with a throttle – something the F/A-18 Super Hornet doesn’t have in the box.

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Price and availability

  • List price: $579 / £450
  • Available worldwide
  • Offered in parts but this bundle is much cheaper

If you do want to pick up each part of the setup we’re testing here for the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet, you can expect to spend a fair amount more, with just the baseplate alone coming in at $25 / £25.

That makes the bundle the way to go, and thankfully it’s easy to put together. It took me around five minutes to get everything hooked up, and the weight is a dead giveaway that it’s built to last, weighing in at 7.6lbs / 3.5kg once it’s put together.

The bundle includes the offset adapter, too, letting you tweak the angle at which the stick rests, either for realism or just for comfort.

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Specs

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Design and features

  • The base plate could do with better feet
  • Feels great to use
  • Satisfying inputs

As with the Viper TQS Mission Pack, it’s hard not to be in awe of the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet once you unbox it.

It’s easy to put together, with a few screws attaching the AVA base to the base plate, and the stick basically screws on without any strenuous effort. It’s really easy to get started, too, since you just need to plug in your USB-C cable (included in the box) and you’re away.

Compared to the T Flight HOTAS I’ve been using for years, there’s a real weight to any movement on the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet, and it makes flying feel more authentic as a result.

Button-wise, there’s a trio of hat switches. Two are at the top, while one rests under your thumb, and if the game you’re playing supports all of them you’ll have more buttons than you know what to do with. Two are four-way, while another is eight-way, and combined with physical buttons you have a whopping 19 on a stick that really doesn’t waste any space at all.

Everything feels great to press, and there’s enough effort needed to hit things like the rear buttons so that you won’t find yourself accidentally hitting them too often.

Special props should be given to the trigger, too, which registers full pulls and half pulls if your game supports that, and always feels great to pull whether you’re playing something more grounded or more fantastical.

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet: Performance

  • Plug and play
  • Customizable innards
  • T.A.R.G.E.T. software is basically just for drivers

As with the Viper, Thrustmaster recommends using its T.A.R.G.E.T. software, but you can really just use it for the drivers and little else. I found everything was detected nicely in Windows’ own control panel for input devices, and that was a better spot for quick testing of deadzones and the like.

Flight sim fans may lean on it for preloading layouts built to approximate real flight controls, but as I’ve mentioned before, I fancy myself more of a Han Solo than an airline pilot, and the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet helps fulfill those dogfighting dreams wonderfully - once you map controls.

If you’re using this and the Viper, games should switch to make the latter the secondary input, but it’s worth noting I ran into some bother as certain games mapped functions to the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet that it doesn’t have access to, leading to a bizarre endless spin in the likes of Elite Dangerous and Star Wars: Squadrons. Remapping buttons did the trick, but if you’re worried you’ve got a dodgy unit, rest assured it’s a minor issue.

That aside, both games feel great when using the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Intentional) barrel rolls and locking onto TIE Fighters became second nature, even without using the Viper, and I found myself tinkering with the inner chassis just to get things dialed in.

The AVA base can be opened up with ease, letting discerning pilots adjust resistance, travel, and more. It’s easily done and adds a level beyond simple button remapping that experts will no doubt have an awful lot of fun with.

In fact, the only real complaint is that in the heat of the moment, as I pulled back on the stick, I found the feet on the baseplate didn’t give quite as much resistance as I had hoped. That could be down to me and having a relatively smooth-feeling desk, but it’s something to consider.

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet?

Buy it if...

You’re a flying enthusiast
The price of admission is high, but this weighty stick has everything you could need for just about any flying title.

You’re a tinkerer
Digital aviation experts will no doubt delight in customizing the inner workings of the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Sadly, it’s not the cheapest stick around, making it likely to be out of the reach for more casual flying fans.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.

Turtle Beach VelocityOne
As we mentioned in our Viper review, Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne is a slick stick (say that ten times, quickly), with an OLED display and a comfortable stick with plenty of inputs. It’s not as weighty, though, which makes it feel less premium.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach VelocityOne review

Logitech T Flight Hotas One
Our trusty fallback, the T Flight HOTAS remains a very comfortable stick with a throttle included, all for less than half the price of the F/A-18 Super Hornet. It works on Xbox One and Series X|S consoles as well.

For more information, check out our full T Flight Hotas One review

Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet

  • Tested over a period of months
  • Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070 Ti
  • Tested with Elite Dangerous, Star Wars Squadrons, and Microsoft Flight Simulator

I’ve been testing the Thrustmaster F/A-18 Super Hornet for a couple of months, but the aforementioned remapping issues meant things took a little longer to settle than I’d care to admit.

Once that was sorted, though, it was off to the races (or airport?). I tested it with Microsoft Flight Simulator for some trans-Atlantic trips, but as I mentioned above, I mostly used it for dogfighting in Star Wars Squadrons or hauling space cargo in Elite Dangerous.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

HMD unveils the Fusion X1 aimed at teens. Barca Fusion tags along
3:37 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

HMD unveiled a few new devices at MWC 2025. Chief among these is probably the Fusion X1. It is a pretty modest phone specs-wise, but HMD is looking to sweeten the deal by offering the Xplora parental control platform. Since we are already on the topic, Xplora is a paid, subscription-based service that runs on the teen's phone and can send out alerts for different events, offer location tracking and history, controlled contacts, app approvals and remote screen time management. It sounds like a nice and complete suite for parental control, though we don't know exactly how much it...

Itel launches the Power 70: a budget-friendly phone with a big battery
12:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Itel Power 70 looks like a pretty nice overall package. First, let's tackle its claim to fame – the battery capacity. The phone has a pretty big but reasonably sized 6,000 mAh onboard battery. That allows it to maintain sensible proportions, measuring 165.92 x 77.31 x 7.98 mm and tipping the scale at 200 grams. The "trick" here is the additional 4,000 mAh charging case that Itel is throwing in as a launch gift with the phone. This extends the total battery capacity to 10,000 mAh (not counting charging loss). The Power 70 does not support wireless charging, so the case has to connect up to...

Itel launches the Power 70: a budget-friendly phone with a big battery
12:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Itel Power 70 looks like a pretty nice overall package. First, let's tackle its claim to fame – the battery capacity. The phone has a pretty big but reasonably sized 6,000 mAh onboard battery. That allows it to maintain sensible proportions, measuring 165.92 x 77.31 x 7.98 mm and tipping the scale at 200 grams. The "trick" here is the additional 4,000 mAh charging case that Itel is throwing in as a launch gift with the phone. This extends the total battery capacity to 10,000 mAh (not counting charging loss). The Power 70 does not support wireless charging, so the case has to connect up to...

Samsung Galaxy A56 arrives with new design, six years of software updates
2:16 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung just introduced the Galaxy A56, which brings 45W wired charging support - four years after the company first adopted that rate. Other new features include the Exynos 1580 chip and a bigger 6.7" Super AMOLED screen with smaller bezels on all four sides. The phone is also thinner than its predecessor at 7.4 mm profile and features a redesigned camera island; there are no longer protruding lenses. Samsung Galaxy A56 This is the first phone to sport the Exynos 1580 chipset, despite Samsung's introduction of the SoC back in October. The 1580 is a major upgrade over its...

The Galaxy A36 brings a Snapdragon chip, IP67 rating, the Galaxy A26 sticks with Exynos
2:01 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung is setting the benchmark for support on mid-range and affordable smartphones – the new A-series (A16 and up) will receive 6 OS updates. This generation also boosts performance, speeds up charging, brings camera improvements and more. We’ve covered the Galaxy A56 in a separate article, here we will focus on its siblings, the A36 and A26. Samsung Galaxy A36 The Samsung Galaxy A36 switches things up and features a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 after using a mix of Dimensity and Exynos chips for the last few generations. The base memory configuration is 6/128GB (though some regions will get...

I tested out the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 and it’s ultra-compact, ultra-high-capacity, and ultra-heavy
11:03 pm | March 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 takes portable power to new heights. This isn't just a power station that can power your iPhone while camping; this is a power station that offers the ability to operate as a whole-home backup solution, power an RV, power an off-grid domicile, charge a Tesla, or even run an industrial popcorn machine for hours on end (more on this later).

Much like Anker Solix's F3800, I have written two pieces on the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3, the largest offering of the company's line-up. But this new model, the third-generation, boasts more capacity, faster charging, and improved expandability compared to the earlier Delta models, making it one of the most advanced consumer power stations available - and a phenomenal option for those who need high output and high capacity.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Price and Availability

The base price of the Delta Pro 3 is $3,699, currently on sale for $3,199. Since its release, the cost has lowered. However, it is still a premium offering. EcoFlow is offering a handful of bundle options to expand the already impressive capabilities of its flagship power station. These include a solar panel bundle, a dual-fuel brilliant generator bundle, and an extra battery bundle that could expand the capacity to 48kWh.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Unboxing & first impressions

One of the first things I noticed about the Delta Pro 3 was its compact size and incredible weight. I know batteries are heavy and regularly work with large power stations, but I was still shocked. For the power output that the Delta Pro 3 can produce, the size is not that overbearing. It does, however, weigh in at just over 113 pounds, so make sure that you either have help to move it around or that you're not going up and down stairs or loading it anywhere.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The build quality is what I would expect from a company like EcoFlow. It has an industrial-grade IP65-rated battery for dust and water resistance, too.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Another shocking thing about the design is it has a built-in telescoping handle. I expected wheels, mostly because I saw them in the picture before arrival but also because the unit is so heavy. I also noticed a carrying handle on the top, so I expected that to be it. However, once I got the unit, I saw a telescoping handle that comes out of the underside of the power station, allowing for even easier transportation without breaking your back to move the power station from place to place on the large back wheels.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Design & build quality

Specs

Capacity: 4096Wh (Expandable to 48kWh with extra batteries)
Battery: LiFePO4 (LFP), 4000+ cycles to 80%
Charging:
• AC: 3600W (240V) / 1800W (120V)
• Solar: 2600W max
• EV charging support
• Dual charging (AC + Solar up to 7000W)
UPS Mode: 10ms switchover for uninterrupted power
Port Layout:
7 AC outlets (4000W, 8000W surge)
4 USB ports (USB-A and USB-C, up to 100W)
RV 30A TT-30R outlet (ideal for RV users)
120V/240V outputs for home appliances
Dimensions: 27.3” x 13.4” x 16.1”
Weight: 113.5 lbs (51.5kg)

This portable power station has a massive battery, so don't expect to take this thing hiking. However, it is crucial to note that EcoFlow has integrated some rugged wheels to get you to where you may need power the most. Outside the telescoping handle, the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 has an industrial-grade plastic casing to help it withstand heavy use. And, while I don't think anyone would intentionally take this beast out in the rain, it is IP65-rated, making it resistant to dust and water and, therefore, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: In use

Portable power stations are something that I didn't realize how much I would use them until I had an abundance. They are so helpful not only as home backups as UPS but also as power in strange places you may not have power or even to offer a port you may not otherwise have.

I've had the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 for many months and tested it in many scenarios. Some have been realistic and useful for the masses, and others have been highly specialized and unique to what I needed.

First, to discuss the common uses, this power station functions beautifully as a UPS and whole home backup solution. Granted, if you are trying to hook this up to run your entire house with the standard outlets, you'll need some additional pieces to wire it into your home. But, if you want to run a local dose of plugs that can be plugged into this power station, you are also in luck. This unit operates as a UPS with a 10ms switchover time, which ensures no interruptions for critical appliances or lamps, just the same.

What sets this power station apart is that it's powerful enough to output what a large generator would, but without fumes or gas. So, you can get 240v power anywhere without making room for venting a gas/diesel generator. I did this a couple of times for testing purposes to see what the capabilities are.

I was able to push the Delta Pro 3 to charge a Tesla (though, of course, not full capacity off just the internal battery, but it was able to add quite a bit of capacity to the battery while sipping off the 120v wall), I was able to run a giant industrial sized bounce house blower, and even a commercial sized popcorn machine on full power for several hours while also plugged into a 120v outlet.

This power station is phenomenal for off-grid power, running off of just the sun and some solar panels. It can be an excellent option for those trying to make a fully powered tiny home in a van or truck. It can be a fantastic option for high power on demand anywhere. It can also be an excellent option for job sites.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3: Final verdict

The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is a game-changer for high-capacity portable power. With seamless smart home integration, massive battery capacity, and rapid charging options, it’s one of the best solutions for home backup, RV life, and professional off-grid power. Though heavy and pricey, its performance and versatility justify the investment for serious users needing a portable power solution.


I tried out the ProtoArc EC100 and while I loved the price and the lumbar support, I’m disappointed by its limited adjustability
9:52 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

The ProtoArc EC100 is an ergonomic office chair designed for all-day comfort without breaking the bank. I've had the opportunity to review the best chairs for years, and many of them are getting expensive. ProtoArc, while I didn't know them very well before this chair, has created a quality chair that is easy to set up, comfortable, and good-looking for the more palatable cost of just under $200.

ProtoArc's focus for the EC100 is lumbar support, breathability, and a great cushion, all in a budget chair far more accessible than some bigger-named companies we've reviewed in our round-up of the best office chairs.

ProtoArc EC100

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

ProtoArc EC100: Price and Availability

The ProtoArc EC100 has excellent build quality for a mere $189 and is sold on Amazon, ProtoArc's website, and a handful of other retailers. ProtoArc runs occasional discounts.

At the time of review, the red and black colorways were sold out, but the grey option is still available (as you'll see in the photos since I have the grey color).

Lastly, the EC100 comes with ProtoArc's fair but not amazing two-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.

ProtoArc EC100

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

ProtoArc EC100: Unboxing & first impressions

The ProtoArc EC100 was an effortless and straightforward assembly. It took around 20 minutes to complete, and the parts were clearly labeled.

Everything was neatly packed in the box, so nothing got damaged in transit, and every piece felt well-built, making me feel confident that this chair wouldn't just break right away.

ProtoArc EC100

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

My first impression of this chair was that it was a good mix between premium and budget. It has a sturdy base, quality parts, and a decent design. It fits the design language of other ergonomic office chairs I have tested. Further, after assembly, none of the pieces bolted together felt loose, which is another good sign of a quality design. The mesh back is lightweight and highly breathable, which I love, and the seat cushion is relatively thick and well-padded.

ProtoArc EC100

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

ProtoArc EC100: Design & build quality

Specs

Seat Height: 18.5” – 21.5”
Material: Mesh back, high-density foam seat
Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
Recline Angle: 90° – 130°
Armrest Adjustments: 7-position armrests
Headrest Adjustments: 2.7” vertical, 60° rotation
Lumbar Support: Adaptive, non-adjustable
Base Material: Steel
Chair Weight: 36 lbs

One of the best things about the ProtoArc EC100 is that I can recommend it as a great option to most people. This is partly because of the budget-friendly price tag and partly because this chair is designed for individuals 5'3" - 6'5" with a weight range of 90lbs to 280lbs. That's a huge range I'm not sure I've seen before.

While in use, the sturdy and high-quality frame is sleek and provides the support needed. The EC100's mesh back is breathable, keeping users cool during the day and helping cut back on getting sweaty while cocooned into an old leather-style chair.

The cushion has a spring enhancement, providing better pressure distribution, according to ProtoArc. I like to see it as feeling like there is support to my support, providing a comfortable seat, but also feeling like I'm not going to sink into memory foam or a soft cushion -- it feels like I have something holding me up as well. ProtoArc also claims that this spring-enhanced seat cushion provides better pressure distribution, making you feel more comfortable for longer. Pairing this with another feature that ProtoArc boldly proclaims is the Ergonomic S-shaped backrest, which is supposed to help with spine alignment. Lastly, add those features to the 7-position armrest, and you get a highly customizable, ergonomically comfortable, built-for-all chair at a great price, too.

ProtoArc EC100

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

ProtoArc EC100: In use

My team and I have had this chair in our rotation since September 2024. Yes, that's been a while. However, this chair has worked its way around and into the perfect desk setup for this kind of chair. Since this chair is highly flexible, I wanted to pair it with an equally flexible desk since it is highly adaptable. So, I paired it with a desk that works as a hot desk right now, easily able to run any computer setup or even frequently running an iPad Air setup.

This chair is frequently used by individuals who are around 5'5" and are under 150lbs and those who are above 6 feet and are just over 200lbs. What's impressive about this chair is that it feels (or so I am told) just as comfortable to both ends of the spectrum. The lumbar support is firm but not too firm, the seat cushion is relaxed, and the armrests are nice and adjustable. However, one thing I have noticed is that the seat cushion is comfortable, but it is less breathable than if you have full-mesh chairs. If you run pretty warm during the day and want something to help keep you cool, this can do it for your back, but it may be too warm for your... lower half of your body...

Another thing we noticed compared to other chairs is that while many can choose where to click into place at a few options while reclining back, this chair can only sit up, lay back, or have tension in between, with no other locking positions. Most of the time, this is fine, and we don't notice, but in the few times one of us has wanted to lock it back, it's a bummer that we only have two options.

ProtoArc EC100: Final verdict

The ProtoArc EC100 is a budget-friendly ergonomic chair designed to fit a wide range of heights and weights while staying comfortable and adjustable. While it's not perfect, it's a fantastic option for those who need a chair for a hot-desk situation, want a chair for their home office, or if you are simply in the market for a chair and don't want to break the bank.


For more office essentials, we've tested the best standing desks you can get right now.

Oppo Reno13 battery life and charging test results are in
9:49 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Oppo Reno13 comes with a handful of upgrades this year, some resulting in measurable improvements in battery life. The battery capacity is now 5,600 mAh, up from 5,000 mAh on the Reno12 last year, and the phone runs on a supposedly more energy-efficient Dimensity 8350 SoC. The Reno13 also sports a 6.59-inch OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate. const BATTERY_TEST_PHONE_V2 = [13515, 13133, 13262, 13219, 13585, 13328]; As is usually the case with ColorOS/OxygenOS/Realme UI-powered devices, the Reno13 offers excellent battery life with an impressive 16:50h Active Use...

Oppo Reno13 battery life and charging test results are in
9:49 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Oppo Reno13 comes with a handful of upgrades this year, some resulting in measurable improvements in battery life. The battery capacity is now 5,600 mAh, up from 5,000 mAh on the Reno12 last year, and the phone runs on a supposedly more energy-efficient Dimensity 8350 SoC. The Reno13 also sports a 6.59-inch OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate. const BATTERY_TEST_PHONE_V2 = [13515, 13133, 13262, 13219, 13585, 13328]; As is usually the case with ColorOS/OxygenOS/Realme UI-powered devices, the Reno13 offers excellent battery life with an impressive 16:50h Active Use...

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