VKB Gunfighter MK. III Base: Features & Impressions

[HunchyTheHuncher]

 

Having recently upgraded to the VKB Gunfighter Mk. III from the Mk. II, here is a brief rundown of the new base and gimbal.

 

Although not a massive improvement over the previous version (which was excellent anyway!) it does have some welcome refinements. The the upgraded electronics in combination with the new aluminium alloy cams feel even more smooth and precise. Changing cams and springs is also less hassle as the gimbal is now much easier to remove.

 

Overall I highly recommend it, but don't rush to get one if you already have the Mk. II, buy the upgrade kit instead!:thumbup:

[Aurelius]

The Mark III base is a step forward in all areas except the cams. Aluminum, no matter what metallurgical process is used to treat or strengthen it, is not as durable and strong as high grade steel. Any high-end base and gimbal system should always use steel cams riding on high-end steel cartridge bearings. With a Shimano XTR derailleur, a carbon fiber insert can easily be used instead of stainless steel bc the torque is low. With center mounted joysticks using two #40 springs or greater, the torque can be more than 90 N m, ... more than enough to bend aluminum cams.

Edited March 26, 2020 by Aurelius

[mungo13]

The Mark III base is a step forward in all areas except the cams. Aluminum, no matter what metallurgical process is used to treat or strengthen it, is not as durable and strong as high grade steel. Any high base and gimbal system should always use steel cams riding on high end steel cartridge bearings. On a high end Shimano XTR derailleur, a carbon fiber insert can easily be used instead of stainless steel from 25 years ago bc the torque is low. With center mounted joysticks using two #40 springs or greater, the torque can be more than 90 N m, ... more than enough to bend aluminum cams.

Neither I do understand that choice. You have hardened steel of the ball bearing rolling over the surface of the aluminium against pressure of the spring - is even the surface resistant enough?

I do not know much about precise machining of the metal parts but I just ask myself as when now companies offer laser / plasma / water jet cutting of the metal sheets with fair (for my lack of knowledge :) ) precision whether it is not better to make yourself a steel copy if you can properly take the shape. And it is not that expensive. Of course you would need also make that mounting pin for the spring.

But if it is doable - it seems to be a nuisance avoidable by VKB if they did not swap metal.

[Callsign.Vega]

I was curious about the aluminum vs steel too. In what world is aluminum stronger/more resistant than steel?

 

Trying to decide if I should upgrade my late model (Kosmosima) MK.II with the MK.III upgrade kit or not...

[XAiracobraX]

Where did they claim the Mk I/II was steel? From pictures it looked like a cast material from surface roughness ( I might be getting the pics confused with the competition, I don't have either but starting to look into these).

Edited March 31, 2020 by XAiracobraX

[AeroGator]

yes previous cams were made of steel. copper- and chromium-plated.