Dual-SF Collective Grip

This grip with the matching collective has been a game changer for my SIM system. Yes, it did take a long time to arrive, but I use it almost every day and it’s proved to be very worthy and a great value for the money.

virpil quality is pretty bloody amazing, when i got the collective base i was gob-smacked at the heft, the quality & the robustness of it. & I concur with the sentiments expressed by Havner "Mixed Feelings" review.
That said however, the product is beautiful, all buttons function, some of the smaller hats are a little stiff, but its hard to nit-pick something so precisely replicated. Aluminium grips would have made it a much nicer feel, but heavy & exorbitantly expensive to produce. If you do not have the skills or expertise to DIY your won & have the $ to get one of these, I dont think you'll regret it, once you're flying with it.

The Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am genuinely impressed with the quality and functionality of this grip.
I mounted mine to the collective with a 100mm 3D printed tube to replace the stock aluminum long tube, and that gets this just about at the right spot compared to where my hand was when I was using the Hawk-60 grip, although I may modify the print design to 80mm to get it just a bit shorter overall.
The buttons feel a bit more solid and tactile than the Hawk-60, plus there there is everything in just the right spot to replicate the Apache. It seems the weapons area of the grip is perfect for simulating in DCS, but the bottom half is mostly stuff that you never really use, or doesn't quite work in DCS because the button covers have to be opened in DCS to actually use the buttons.
There may be a way to get around that with some mods, but I don't really care because I mapped most of the bottom half to other functions for the Apache. In other helis though, you can just go ahead and map most of the startup and throttle functions to your collective now, which is extremely welcome in VR, plus I now have a seemingly endless selection of extra collective stick buttons for flying jets.

I thoroughly enjoy using the new Virpil Dual-SF Grip. It is very comfortable and just like all my Virpil controls and panels, setup was a breeze. Thanks for another great product!!!

Ordered 11/25/2025, received 4/10/26, over 4 months - not good! You shouldn't charge until the item ships. The grip feels very solid however the switches and buttons feel like cheaply made plastic. I compare them to my Thrustmaster throttles and grips. The base it attaches to is great however there should be a "quick-release" to remove the unit from it's mount as you can't have it mounted at the same time as throttles for flying. See attached pictures.

If you REALLY want an Apache collective - like me - get it. For the price it's great. It may feel light at first, however once attached to the base it ballances nicely, even without a counterweight.

Some of the buttons are a bit flimsy to press, the red and yellow covers are plastic and feel a bit off. If they were heavier, like metal - probably would have been better.

Finally recieved the collective. Definately worth the wait. I only fly in VR on DCS. Given the amount of buttons available, i found it very easy to locate and ID every button by touch within a few hours of gameplay. The double handgrip design is a game changer for me. Combine that with the "button modifier" option within DCS keybindings, i have more than enough buttons and i no longer need to reach over to my keyboard. It is a real shame that the Jettison/Fire button covers could not have been made active in some way, but still, a fantastic collective that gives great immersion in both VR or monitor use.
This is my 3rd collective from Virpil and i would not go anywhere else for flightsim components. 10/10

Yes it took a long time on backorder but so worth the wait!! Lots of buttons and programmable backlighting. Visually stunning!
So happy with my purchase.

Was using a throttle as a collective, but not enough buttons for AH64 and not as ergonomic. This is brilliant - having all the buttons in the right place so that in VR if you can't remember what a button does you can just glance down and see the labels. Very well engineered

Bought this to go with DCS Apache. Great quality and easy to assemble onto the TCS base. So much easier when the buttons match the game and able to do proper HOCAS instead of fumbling for switches on a throttle base (non-virpil)

The best flight simulator hardware you can get by far. The quality is outstanding, and programming the hardware via the VPC software is intuitive once you get the hang of it. I mainly use the Collective for DCS World, the Apache, and the CH-47, and it's incredibly fun to fly. Flying the aforementioned helicopters with this Collective is simply amazing and definitely a game-changer. I wouldn't want to be without this Collective. Virpil is more than just a name; it represents an indescribable flying experience.

Very happy with this collective and grip. As an avid flyer of the whirligigs I love having all the buttons and switches that the Apache grip has available.
I had a friend come over who also flies choppers in DCS and he is now looking to buy one for his rig.

I’m very happy with this purchase. The product quality is excellent, packaging was good, and delivery was fast. Everything matched the description perfectly. Highly recommended.

Yes it’s plastic, but everything looks fine; the quality of the build, buttons, etc are really good. Fits perfectly with the Rotor TCS plus vase. The software to configure the buttons is easy to setup. I’ve been using from several months and it’s a game changer. I completely recommend to buy for a more realistic Apache DCS flying experience. Now waiting for a FFB joystick.

It came well packed and in perfect new condition after a short delay. The PDF instructions that I downloaded from the VIRPIL site were clear and easy to follow. I haven’t had it long but so far everything works perfectly as it should.
I recommend it to anyone who flightsims on helicopters.

Purchased the TCS base with the Dual SF grip. It all arrived safely and in good order after a short delay.
I followed the online PDF instructions to set it all up. They are very simple and easy to follow. The only hiccup I had with setting up was removing some of the screws to make adjustments, they were turned so tight that I feared I was going to damage them will trying to get them loose, but after a bit of careful tapping and banging with a mallet and a screwdriver they came loose.
I have set it up for DCS, and it is working very well. It is much more “intuitive” to use flying helicopters than the throttles, and, although I still have some tweaking and adjusting to do, the flying of helicopters in the sim is much smoother and easier.
Great product. I recommend it to anyone who flightsims in helicopters.

This addition was a pleasant surprise (after reading all the negatives about the "plastic" grip). PLEASE! Get over it. It's fine, even good! As an original 64(A-model) Army Pilot (in the 1980's) this grip (along with the plus base) gives me that fantastic feeling of returning my Apache cockpit once again. Thanks Virpil! Job well done! You made this old man happy!

Although the grip is plastic and very light weight, it is well built and does not feel cheap. This grip greatly increases immersion when flying helicopters in MSFS and DCS. There are plenty of buttons to configure. Be patient when you order. Mine took several weeks to receive, but it was worth the wait.

I own multiple virpil products and am disappointed with the apache grip.
It has a cheaper feel to the grip vs my alpha constilation and my warlord grips.
It flexes where it mounts to the colective and the hats especially the sight select are cheap and done function properly. It's got an overall poor finish for such a premium product.

I'm a massive rotor head in games like DCS, and this combination is just stunning, if you're after the fullest immersion in your AH-64,, Gazelle, or any of the other whirly birds in DCS, or any other helicopter sim, the base with the twist throttle is brilliant, and if you've got the AH-64, this is a must if you can, flippin ACE! Love it :)

After a few months of use I can say a few words, so the lever is perfect in terms of functionality in Apache and will work well in other DCS World helicopters and other helicopter flight simulators due to the large number of buttons. On the other hand, I am slightly disappointed with the quality of materials used to make the group, and especially that it is so flexible and very light, which makes an unpleasant impression. I expected slightly better/stronger materials in such a product. As I am a helicopter fanatic, I accept this state with a hint of slight disappointment.

I bought it at launch. A few months have passed and for me it's just disappointing. It's not a complete disaster; All the buttons and levers work correctly and it's great to be able to replicate all the controls on the Apache (except the searchlight lever, which is a 2-position lever when the original is 3).

However, the body is plastic. And cheap plastic indeed. It feels fragile, like a toy, and when you activate the cyclic in DC you can hear the grip creak.

I still use it because the Apache is the module I fly the most in DCS and it is very convenient for me to be able to map all the controls. If it weren't for that, I would still use the Hawk-60, which is far superior, more robust and reliable.

If the body were metal, even at a much higher cost it would be a perfect grip and it would be worth it

The surface quality, LEDs and switches are very good in themselves and are also easy to operate.

Unfortunately, the play between the mission and flight handle at the screw connections is so large that the quality is considerably reduced. When moving, the handle bends up and down by a dangerous amount, which will inevitably lead to stress cracks and ultimately breakage.

I would have expected much better quality mechanical properties from Virpil.

I therefore cannot recommend buying this handle, which is a great pity...

Honestly I'm not sold. Contrary to all the other Virpil hardware I have which is top notch this is the first product I'm not fully satisfied with. It works fine, no problems here, but the quality is not what I'm used with Virpil products.

In the description we can see:
* Premium Grip Construction

I have other Virpil grips, namely Mongoos CM2 and KA-50 one. And even though they are also plastic they are of premium construction indeed. They have some aluminum insert/skeleton that makes the whole construction feel solid and stiff. The AH64 grip on the other hand doesn't seem to have any aluminum strengtheners or at least they are not felt.

The whole grip makes a lot of plastic noises and has a lot of flex. Mostly between the upper and lower grip. And it's really noticeable while using it. It's not just me being nit-picky but the crackles are plenty and the flex is noticeably annoying.

I get that they wanted to keep it light but it does need the counter balance/weight anyway. So what is the point of keeping it that light? I would have preferred it even being those €30 more expensive but being heavier and stiff as all the other Virpil products are (despite being plastic on the outside).

Again, it's not that it's unusable, far from it. But the quality is noticeably lower than all the other products I own.

Anyway, not going to stress about it too much as Virpil products in general are the best on the market for me and their software and low level configuration possibilities are unmatched. Their support is also wonderful. It's just a pity they used too much shortcuts with this particular product.

After some days my first impression is very positive. Negative first: Its plastic (For those spoiled people with Warthog Stick) so it does make "Plastic-Noises" rather less than more.
The buttons are good but could have a bit more robust feeling like on the WT-Throttle. (Probably would make the Collective too heavy! Its good how it is).
So thats all the negative so far, and keep in mind this is just whats missing to be a PERFECT product in my opinion. Its great and worth the money for me.

When you are reading this you are probably willing to spend a fair amount of money anyway soo...

On important thing: The counterbalance-kit is really nccessary with this monstrosity.

DCS F-15E WSO´s can make good use with the "mission part" as well!

While waiting for the AH-64 grip to ship, I searched for any more information and videos and pictures to see what others thought of it. Virpil always keeps a tight circle around information on new products. They're very good at working quietly until they have a product, they're happy with and ready to show the world. That said, I received my grip about two weeks ago. When I first took it out of the box, I was amazed at how good it looked and how well made. It fits in your hand well and comfortably. Once I installed it and went through the process of programming the switches, I began the re-learning process, that was interesting and fun considering I used the UH-60 grip to do my flying in the 64 while I waited for this grip. It offers all the buttons you need and a few extras that can be handy for other assignments. The counter-weight add-on is definitely a great addition to the setup. There are a few cons that I'd like to point out, maybe Virpil will take this into consideration and by all means, I do not mean any of this in any form to bash, simply to bring to light. The hats all have a bit more free play (slop) than I'd like. Specifically, they move around too much before becoming in contact with the tactile button to trigger it. Personally, I would've like to see the hats be tighter, so your movements are more predictable with engagement. Two other things I found to be odd, where the cone shaped hats on the mission grip could've been shaped wider in a way to reduce improper engagement of the side switches when pressing the center (push button) and offer more control. What I mean is when you press the center button, you inadvertently activate any of the side direction switches either simultaneously or singularly beside activating the center button. This is due to the slop in the assembly, allowing for such play that the thumb on the hat is allowed to move around before securely making contact with the intended button. If the hats were much tighter compared to the center button, then the thumb wouldn't have anywhere to move other than the intended direction commanded. The last thing was the thumb hat in the mission grip has a tendency not to properly activate when pressing the center button. I found as your thumb naturally rests on the hat, when you press down on the center button, your thumb with naturally pull inward causing hat to sort of jam up because it's not going directly downward but slightly sideways. If you release it and try again then it seems to finally catch, even then, the button feel is almost indistinguishable at that point, barely clicks.

Final thoughts, I believe the new grip is ultimately incredible. Absolutely fantastic, it offers users a more in-depth feel with immersion and flight capabilities that no other company offers. Nor that no other company offers in such great quality. I fully endorse this grip for those who are looking for the absolute best experience in flying their AH-64 in DCS. Many thanks to Virpil for making the experience that much better, well done Virpil Team!