Hands-On with the Virpil CDT-Aeromax Joystick – A Game-Changer in the Budget HOTAS Market

By Captain Collins

Virpil CDT-Aeromax Flightstick

Virpil has entered a new era with the release of their CDT-Aeromax Joystick, the first fully integrated stick-and-base solution from the brand. As part of their newly launched Cadet lineup, this joystick is positioned as an affordable yet powerful entry into the world of high-performance flight simulation hardware. Priced at around $220 (190 EUR/GBP), and designed to complement the CDT-VMAX throttle, the CDT-Aeromax creates what is arguably the most budget-friendly HOTAS system available today.

After spending a fair amount of time testing this joystick, I’m excited to share my hands-on experience with you. This in-depth review will cover features, ergonomics, build quality, and value for money, and I’ll also take a look at some notable alternatives. Let’s dive in—starting with the features.

Features

The Virpil CDT-Aeromax comes loaded with 24 physical buttons and up to 8 axes, two of which are optional add-ons. These buttons include three 4-way hats with push functions, four individual buttons, a trigger with two stages, a two-stage lever, a button beneath the thumb stick, and more.

The axes include yaw, pitch, and roll, along with a brake lever, two axes for the thumb stick, and two optional axis modules that can be mounted on either side of the stick. A great touch is the ability to lock the twist axis using a small screw on the grip—perfect for those who prefer using rudder pedals.

But what truly sets the CDT-Aeromax apart at this price point is its metal cam and spring system. This mechanical setup, usually reserved for higher-end devices, offers exceptional feel and resistance options, including center detent functionality. It’s not designed for extensive modding, but it does give the joystick a refined, high-end responsiveness.

At the top of the stick, two LEDs indicate operational modes. The right LED changes when the two-way lever in front of the trigger is engaged, while the left one switches color when the central toggle is flipped. This clever toggle essentially doubles the input set, creating a virtual layer of new commands—a brilliant way to expand control without cluttering the design.

To use this functionality, you’ll need Virpil’s new CDT-specific software, which is thankfully more user-friendly than past versions. I also recommend downloading the VPC Joystick Tester to easily map and test your inputs.

All in all, the joystick packs a surprising number of features without ever feeling overwhelming. But how well does it handle in practice?

Ergonomics

For reference, my hand is 19cm long with a 20cm circumference.

The stick fits comfortably in my hand, with ample room for subtle adjustments and no awkward pressure points. The palm rest is adjustable via a simple dial, allowing for quick changes—though it’s the only ergonomic adjustment available.

The brake lever, located slightly off-center, initially feels unusual but quickly proves to be a smart design. This placement prevents interference with your fingers when gripping the stick quickly. The lever has a textured, curved surface that’s easy to operate.

One design choice I found puzzling is the "pinky button", which is more of a pressure pad than a traditional button. It’s hard to press with your ring finger, raising the question of whether it’s meant to be used with the other hand in high-pressure situations. Strange, but intriguing.

Other controls are generally well-placed. The thumb hat and dual-stage trigger are standard for this price bracket, but there’s also a two-stage lever in front of the trigger that adds a unique twist. It can act like a pre-trigger, allowing for complex firing sequences (think: arming missiles before launching), although it doesn’t allow simultaneous use with the main trigger.

One major flaw is the index finger button on the side—it’s so recessed that pressing it requires partially letting go of the stick. Not ideal, and it’s one of the few truly frustrating design decisions.

On the flip side, the layout for the thumb-operated controls is excellent. I especially love the rear-positioned mini-stick, which is far more comfortable than most others on the market. There’s also a white-rimmed button that feels amazing to press—one of those buttons you push just because it’s satisfying. Unfortunately, the red button is slightly out of reach for smaller hands.

Build Quality

The outer shell of the joystick is made entirely from high-quality plastic. While it doesn’t have the cool touch of metal, it avoids the initial cold shock when grabbing the stick and still feels premium in the hand. However, it does retain heat from your hand, which might cause sweaty palms during longer sessions.

Moving parts, particularly the stick mechanism itself, are buttery smooth—Virpil clearly knows what they’re doing here. The only disappointment is the trigger, which feels a bit toy-like in both sound and tactile response. Hopefully, a future revision improves this.

The metal base plate is a standout feature, adding enough weight to hold the stick steady on your desk. Combined with the smooth operation of the stick, this makes for a rock-solid setup—even without a dedicated mount (though Virpil will offer table and chair mounts as usual).

The stick connects via USB-C, and only requires USB 2.0, so you won’t waste a high-speed port. One limitation worth noting is that the grip is not interchangeable—it’s fixed to the base, unlike many of Virpil’s modular setups.

Value for Money

With a price tag of around $220 USD (190 EUR/GBP), the CDT-Aeromax offers incredible value. You get many of the features found in high-end sticks, at a fraction of the cost.

While you do compromise on premium materials like aluminum, the feature set, build quality, and expandability more than make up for it. This joystick is ideal for space sim enthusiasts, offering enough complexity and control layers for even advanced users.

Paired with the CDT-VMAX throttle, the full HOTAS setup stays under €500, making it one of the most accessible high-performance systems on the market. The optional side levers don’t replace a full throttle but provide a meaningful control upgrade—worth the extra investment if you’re only picking up the stick.

Alternatives

The most direct competitor to the CDT-Aeromax is the Gladiator NXT EVO from VKB. Both offer similar layouts and pricing, but the NXT EVO is built entirely from plastic and lacks the internal sophistication of Virpil’s metal cam system. It does offer extra base buttons, but misses out on features like a brake lever.

Thrustmaster’s T16000M series sits at a lower price point, but the difference in quality and experience is significant. If you’re serious about simming, it’s worth saving for the CDT-Aeromax.

Other options include:

• Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightsticks

• WinWing Ursa Minor

• Logitech X52/X56

• The upcoming Thrustmaster SOL-R series, which I’ll also be reviewing soon.

For further insights into some of these alternatives, check out the video linked from my colleague Mysh—he’s tested a wide range of less mainstream gear.

Final Thoughts

The Virpil CDT-Aeromax is a real standout—especially considering its price. This joystick hits the sweet spot between functionality, ergonomics, and affordability. Sure, there are some minor quirks, but overall, this is a massive win for the sim community.

If you’re on the hunt for a next-gen joystick without breaking the bank, this one should be at the top of your list.

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Thanks for reading, and see you in the skies!