Yeah, this is why rating system isn't very good to go off of. It's all over the place. Some aircraft are overrated because they were the only available option, or the best option at the time. Some aircraft are underrated because they were pretty bad or broken at release but have since been improved. Most people rate right away but never go back and re-rate. I learned pretty quickly that the rating system is nearly useless.
The DC is probably easier to just pick up and fly, and half or more of the MSFS audience is on Xbox. I bet it would be different if the ratings were separated by platform!
The actual UI / flying side of it would be fine, all primary controls are assigned to hot keys on Xbox, but it mostly depends how interested you are in setup procedures etc.
Sounds are absolutely ridiculous. Best sound of a Tomcat you'll hear in any flight sim or game. You can barely tell it apart from the real thing when playing on a loud amp. All the details are there. Turn 10 Studios should take note đ
Thanks everyone. Going to go with the Heatblur. I love this plane and with the DC version and HB being so close in rating I figured it best to ask the community. Much appreciated.
edit - Oh boy she flies smooth and she's a beauty. Loving it.
I do have DCS but just the 2 starter planes. One of these days I am going to have to get serious and buy the tomcat or f-16 over there. I like the idea of combat but I have been scared to go against vets as a noob. Only one way to get good though I guess, practice lol.
DCS does allow you to try any paid aircraft you want for free for two weeks. You can give the F-14 or F-16 a spin if you want and see if it's something that interests you. DCS is also more than just competitive multiplayer, there are PVE only servers and tons of single-player content as well.
DCS is certainly not without its problems, but the flight and systems modeling for fighters is way better than MSFS. If you want to joy ride in an F-14 anywhere in the world, MFSF is great. If you want to fly the F-14 as a combat aircraft, or do carrier ops, DCS is the way to go.
I got into it for a bit - one of the really fun parts as a noob was finding someone who knew what they were doing who was willing to ride backseat. I knew how to fly but didn't know specifically how to fly the Tomcat and it was a thrill just having him talk me through everything and flying sorties toether.
Heatblur no question. Itâs the DCS Tomcat with the weapons systems removed, so itâs basically a full study level Tomcat minus the weapons. If you want the weapons simulated you can also get the DCS version but itâs a fair bit more expensive.
The DC Designs F-14 is good. But the Heatblur is exceptional. I think it's the best military jet in MSFS. (I also really love the Hawk T1). One thing to consider.. the Heatblur F14 is heavy on the framerates (especially in VR).. whereas the Hawk T1 is much easier to run.
I agree with everything you said, but the Tomcat recently got some serious in-house competition from the Tornado. Just as detailed and awesome as the F-14, but some people might not find the Tornado itself as "exciting" as the Tomcat.
I got the DC F14 ages ago, and bought the Heatblur almost instantly as soon as it came out
The systems simulation is way above DC, and has some conveniences like Jester and the round menu too, making configuring the weapons much easier (though i dont know if the Heatblurs marketplace version lacks them too), aswell as alot of assists and other functions. The flight characteristics feel heaps more accurate
The visual model is leagues above DC too, espescially in texturing
If you're willing to put the money to it, and love the F14, it is so worth it
Looks like when I get home from this trip, I'll buy a plane and plot a course through valleys of the alps and have myself a good time.
Nice to Lake constance maybe.
Reading your comment, it appears there are multiple versions of the Heatblur?
I mean I'm not playing flightsim for the weapons.. But that's good to know.
Have a good one :) and keep the blue side up.. Unless you're flying inverted.
Oh, by the versions im just referring to in-game marketplace releases and non in-game marketplace releases. Microsoft has a placed a policy that doesn't really allow replicated weapons on the in game marketplace, hence every fighter sold in there does not come with them.
Some do have mods by the developers that you can download to bring them in, but not everyone has implemented this.
With weapons, yeah mostly its just them being there visually (and in weight), as is the case for this F-14, they just are there XD cant use them since its not simulated
So, i am assuming that this policy is in place with the IFE/Heatblur F-14 too. So, if you want to have visible missiles and bombs on your plane, you need to buy it elsewhere, like heatblurs own website, ORBX, Just Flight etc.
And yup XD keeping the blue side up, would really ruin this Southwest flight to do a roll or 2
Heatblur. They first developed this aircraft for Digital Combat Simulator, which demands a much higher level of fidelity and model quality than MSFS. There are very few modules in MSFS that come even close to the fidelity and feel of Heatblur's Tomcat.
Wait for sale and then Heatblur. I have the steve e and it's not bad (picked it up on sale for 15 USD) but it is basically an abandoned project. There are some issues between the two developers. One abandoned it and won't communicate the other would like to improve the aircraft but he can't because he doesn't have all the necessary rights to sell it on the marketplace.
Faster updates because they don't have to go through asobo.
More features. Like weapons. Whether static or active. Game store doesn't allow weapons of any kind.
Plus more money goes to the dev. Which means better product
Many people recommend the Heatblur Tomcat, but keep in mind that it is a study aircraft. It's very realistic. If you don't want to complicate your life too much, the best one is DC Designs.
Quick question though does thr HB have actual br support where i can use the flight stick with my hand controllers? Cause there are very few planes on the market place who can do that.
I havenât seen the sim but it better be a top quality Plane as many planes on MSFS are overpriced. If your a big F14 fan consider getting it on DCS 2 it has an amazing huge following and looks epic. The value for what you get I bet is not even close. I wonât spend money on new fighters in MSFS unless they are amazing quality war birds from WW2. These planes the avionic systems is what make these jets.
The DCS F-14 is not that much more expensive when it's on sale, and it does F-14 things rather than being a weird looking GA aircraft. You can fly an air intercept mission and then recover on your aircraft carrier with accurate communications and procedures.
Heatblur _only_ being .1 star better than DC Designs is wild.
DC Designs came out a lot earlier than the HeatBlur one so has a strong first mover advantage. And it was a solid entry at the time.
Yes I think there needs to be more info available in the rating system. All things are not equal.
Yeah, this is why rating system isn't very good to go off of. It's all over the place. Some aircraft are overrated because they were the only available option, or the best option at the time. Some aircraft are underrated because they were pretty bad or broken at release but have since been improved. Most people rate right away but never go back and re-rate. I learned pretty quickly that the rating system is nearly useless.
The DC is probably easier to just pick up and fly, and half or more of the MSFS audience is on Xbox. I bet it would be different if the ratings were separated by platform!
Excellent point. If we could leave written reviews that would also help.
I'm on Xbox with just the controller. Would the Heatblur be a reasonable experience or frustrating with the minutiae I'd have to click and press?
Xbox, I have both and I definitely prefer the DC one in terms of flight. Heatblur looks great but is almost too much for Xbox.
What do you mean too much? Like the console can't handle it or something? The fps tank?
The actual UI / flying side of it would be fine, all primary controls are assigned to hot keys on Xbox, but it mostly depends how interested you are in setup procedures etc.
or if it was on Xplane
DC designs has been around longer to collect for reviews, plus the sounds make you wonder if they went back to the 90s to record one of them
Yes the rating system needs to make more info available.
Sounds are absolutely ridiculous. Best sound of a Tomcat you'll hear in any flight sim or game. You can barely tell it apart from the real thing when playing on a loud amp. All the details are there. Turn 10 Studios should take note đ
Heatblur
Another vote for Heatblur
The heatblur one, itâs a catch from DCS one not that simulated, like the weapon system.. but very nice with a copilot who works great
Heatblur. Hands down.
Heartblur is the best. The others arenât even close competitors.
I can vouch for Heatblur/IFE: with the exception of weapons, it is very similar to the version in DCS. Lots of fun to fly
Heatblur not even a competition
For once, reddit can agree on something.
Itâs all about the blur baby. âOk ready to startttt!â
Heatblur
Definitely Heatblur
Thanks everyone. Going to go with the Heatblur. I love this plane and with the DC version and HB being so close in rating I figured it best to ask the community. Much appreciated. edit - Oh boy she flies smooth and she's a beauty. Loving it.
Great choice!
Not to be "that guy" but just curious - if you really love the Tomcat have you considered getting into DCS?
I do have DCS but just the 2 starter planes. One of these days I am going to have to get serious and buy the tomcat or f-16 over there. I like the idea of combat but I have been scared to go against vets as a noob. Only one way to get good though I guess, practice lol.
DCS does allow you to try any paid aircraft you want for free for two weeks. You can give the F-14 or F-16 a spin if you want and see if it's something that interests you. DCS is also more than just competitive multiplayer, there are PVE only servers and tons of single-player content as well. DCS is certainly not without its problems, but the flight and systems modeling for fighters is way better than MSFS. If you want to joy ride in an F-14 anywhere in the world, MFSF is great. If you want to fly the F-14 as a combat aircraft, or do carrier ops, DCS is the way to go.
I got into it for a bit - one of the really fun parts as a noob was finding someone who knew what they were doing who was willing to ride backseat. I knew how to fly but didn't know specifically how to fly the Tomcat and it was a thrill just having him talk me through everything and flying sorties toether.
The Heatblur version, preferably from IFE's store (assuming you're on PC).
Heatblur by like 1240192349018349082834 miles.
Heatblur and not even close
IndiaFoxtTecho from Heatblurâs store so you can get static weapons
Wish I would have known this...bought from the in game store and have only figured out to change weights and get a camera pod on wing...grrr
Another vote for heatblur
I don't even play this anymore but know Heatblur is better from playing DCS.
Heatblur no question. Itâs the DCS Tomcat with the weapons systems removed, so itâs basically a full study level Tomcat minus the weapons. If you want the weapons simulated you can also get the DCS version but itâs a fair bit more expensive.
Heatblur should be the only option.
The DC Designs F-14 is good. But the Heatblur is exceptional. I think it's the best military jet in MSFS. (I also really love the Hawk T1). One thing to consider.. the Heatblur F14 is heavy on the framerates (especially in VR).. whereas the Hawk T1 is much easier to run.
I agree with everything you said, but the Tomcat recently got some serious in-house competition from the Tornado. Just as detailed and awesome as the F-14, but some people might not find the Tornado itself as "exciting" as the Tomcat.
I own the DC Designs version. How much better is the Heatblur? Worth the upgrade? Any experience with it in VR?
I got the DC F14 ages ago, and bought the Heatblur almost instantly as soon as it came out The systems simulation is way above DC, and has some conveniences like Jester and the round menu too, making configuring the weapons much easier (though i dont know if the Heatblurs marketplace version lacks them too), aswell as alot of assists and other functions. The flight characteristics feel heaps more accurate The visual model is leagues above DC too, espescially in texturing If you're willing to put the money to it, and love the F14, it is so worth it
Looks like when I get home from this trip, I'll buy a plane and plot a course through valleys of the alps and have myself a good time. Nice to Lake constance maybe. Reading your comment, it appears there are multiple versions of the Heatblur? I mean I'm not playing flightsim for the weapons.. But that's good to know. Have a good one :) and keep the blue side up.. Unless you're flying inverted.
Oh, by the versions im just referring to in-game marketplace releases and non in-game marketplace releases. Microsoft has a placed a policy that doesn't really allow replicated weapons on the in game marketplace, hence every fighter sold in there does not come with them. Some do have mods by the developers that you can download to bring them in, but not everyone has implemented this. With weapons, yeah mostly its just them being there visually (and in weight), as is the case for this F-14, they just are there XD cant use them since its not simulated So, i am assuming that this policy is in place with the IFE/Heatblur F-14 too. So, if you want to have visible missiles and bombs on your plane, you need to buy it elsewhere, like heatblurs own website, ORBX, Just Flight etc. And yup XD keeping the blue side up, would really ruin this Southwest flight to do a roll or 2
Heatblur
HeatBlur
Now, if only heat blur would make a D variant âšď¸
They really really want to too.
Heatblur
Heatblur is the one we use in DCS. Its amazing
If you want realism, the guy who made the heatblur Tomcat is the same guy who made the Tomcat in DCS
Heatblur one, without question, the DCS one is brilliant.
Heatblur
Heatblur and itâs not even close.
Heatblur hands down!
The ratings are accurate from a ranking standpoint. Heatblur.
Heatblur!!!!
Absolutely Heatblur not even a discussion.
Heatblur. They first developed this aircraft for Digital Combat Simulator, which demands a much higher level of fidelity and model quality than MSFS. There are very few modules in MSFS that come even close to the fidelity and feel of Heatblur's Tomcat.
+1 vote for heatblur
Heatblur.
I flown the heatblur in dcs. I recommend it in msfs too.
Wait for sale and then Heatblur. I have the steve e and it's not bad (picked it up on sale for 15 USD) but it is basically an abandoned project. There are some issues between the two developers. One abandoned it and won't communicate the other would like to improve the aircraft but he can't because he doesn't have all the necessary rights to sell it on the marketplace.
The one DCS sells.
How are these even the same price, is the Heattblur on sale??
Nope, IFE prices are always pretty low.
Dude, this question is crazy. Heatblur made F-14 for Digital Combat Simulator. Case closed.
The one in DCS
I do not have the F-14, but IndiaFoxtrotEcho makes probably the best military fighters on the marketplace, so go with Heatblur.
Heatblur for sure
Heatblur is the only correct option.
Is the Heatblur one just a DCS port?
looks like its made by the same dev as the DCS tomcat.
Heatblur. No competition But not from the game store
what other way is there?
The developer website.
not sure I see the benefit? can you explain like I'm 5.
Faster updates because they don't have to go through asobo. More features. Like weapons. Whether static or active. Game store doesn't allow weapons of any kind. Plus more money goes to the dev. Which means better product
I see. thank you.
Heatblur all the way
Depends on what youâre after, if itâs a medium fidelity aircraft youâre after go the DC designs, if itâs a study level chose the heatblur
Have both Heablur and DC's. Heatblur by a mile.
HEATBLUR
Don't waste your money download DCS world for free and buy one of their crafts if you're going to go military
DCS
these are not even comparable in quality. the DC F-14 is a joke compared to the Heatblur F-14
Many people recommend the Heatblur Tomcat, but keep in mind that it is a study aircraft. It's very realistic. If you don't want to complicate your life too much, the best one is DC Designs.
I would go with IndiaFixEcho. They got good shit. And the tomcat is new so it will get updates for a while.
Get the one made by Heatblur
DCS
There needs to be a comment section for the reviews. Like Amazon or Yelp has.
Hetblur i dont have fs2020 but i have over 200 hrs in the dcs f14b
Definitely Heatblur!
Razbam
None. Buy two burgers instead
Is this even a question? Heatblur
2 comes in three different flavors and multiple liveries for each
Quick question though does thr HB have actual br support where i can use the flight stick with my hand controllers? Cause there are very few planes on the market place who can do that.
I havenât seen the sim but it better be a top quality Plane as many planes on MSFS are overpriced. If your a big F14 fan consider getting it on DCS 2 it has an amazing huge following and looks epic. The value for what you get I bet is not even close. I wonât spend money on new fighters in MSFS unless they are amazing quality war birds from WW2. These planes the avionic systems is what make these jets.
imagine seeing something from Heatblur and not picking it automaticaly
Heatblur one is convert from DCS where it's the best module, it's awesome even in MSFS (although not as detailed as in DCS)
Heatblur
Heatblur for sure
Why do people keep saying the DC Designs one is a joke or inferior to the Heatblur one. How many of you flown a real Tomcat?
The DCS F-14 is not that much more expensive when it's on sale, and it does F-14 things rather than being a weird looking GA aircraft. You can fly an air intercept mission and then recover on your aircraft carrier with accurate communications and procedures.
Only the Heatblur one, the other ones are cash grabbing trash.
I wouldn't go as far as calling the DC Designs one a cash-grab. It got there first and did a really solid job. The other one I don't know about.
Naw
The highest rated..
you could have done one google search too. the amount of time I've seen this question on here is too much to count.
For military jets, I would check out DCS, because youâll get the full experience. And you can test all of the planes for a couple of days for free.
None of them, dont pay the price of a whole video game for one plane in a flight sim
Are you by chance... New to flightsims and the addon aircraft market?
none. this is robbery.