HeliSimmer.com review of the 3D•AFI helicopter collective

HeliSimmer.com review of the 3D•AFI helicopter collective

Donovan Verschuuren

HeliSimmer.com published an in-depth review of the 3DAFI Helicopter Collective, a flight simulator collective designed by 3D•AFI as an accessible alternative to high-end helicopter hardware. The full review can be read on the HeliSimmer website via the following link: https://www.helisimmer.com/reviews/3dafi-helicopter-collective

Evaluation by Sérgio Costa

In the review, tester Sérgio Costa evaluates the collective with a focus on build quality, ease of installation, functionality and overall user experience. The unit is largely 3D printed, combined with metal components, resulting in a lightweight yet solid construction. Installation is described as straightforward, with Windows recognising the device immediately. Calibration of the collective and throttle axes was simple in popular simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane and DCS.

Extended testing of the collective

During extended testing, the mechanical movement of the collective was found to be smooth and comfortable, with a particularly positive note on the throttle action. The reviewer mentions a minor issue with one of the switches not always registering on first use, which resolved itself after repeated operation. It is also noted that the two-position on/off switches are functional but could be improved to further enhance realism and usability.

Good value for money

HeliSimmer concludes that the 3DAFI Helicopter Collective offers good value for money. While it does not aim to compete directly with premium manufacturers such as VIRPIL, it delivers a convincing and enjoyable experience at a more accessible price point. The product received an overall score of 7.5, making it a solid option for helicopter sim pilots looking for dedicated hardware without investing in top-tier equipment.

Edit / Notice: please note that this article refers to an older version of the product. 3D•AFI has since developed a new and updated version with further improvements. The latest version can be found at the product page of the Collective.

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