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    Front view of the Brunner CLS-E Force Feedback yoke
    BrunnerThe WORLD'S most Immersive Yoke: Brunner CLS-E Review

    Brunner CLS-E NG Yoke Review

    Category: Yoke·Published: ·Last Updated:
    Steve - G-LOC Media

    Steve | G-LOC MEDIA

    Flight simulation enthusiast and YouTuber

    The Brunner CLS-E NG Yoke is the best force feedback yoke I've tested - full stop - with a level of immersion that genuinely makes flight simulation feel alive, from airspeed resistance and engine vibration through to stall buffeting and ground texture feedback, all delivered with Swiss-built precision and near-silent operation. At 1,250 euros the Brunner CLS-E NG Yoke is a serious investment, but the build quality, realism, and depth of customisation on offer make it hard to argue against for anyone who is truly serious about GA flight sim. The CSL to Sim software has a steep learning curve and there aren't many ready-made profiles to lean on yet, but once you put the time in the Brunner CLS-E NG delivers an experience nothing else at this price even comes close to.

    Pros

    • The most realistic and immersive force feedback yoke available for flight sim
    • Brushless motors make it near-completely silent in operation — no rattling or squeaking
    • Incredibly detailed feedback — engine vibration, turbulence, trim, stall buffeting, ground texture and more
    • Swiss-built with premium metal construction and steel mounting points — built to last
    • Deep customisation through CSL to Sim software with almost every parameter adjustable
    • Profile Cloud lets you download community-created profiles as a starting point
    • Maintenance-free with a two-year warranty
    • Compatible with MSFS, X-Plane, DCS, and Prepar3D

    Cons

    • At 1,250 euros (~$1,350 USD) it's a very significant investment
    • CLS to Sim software has a steep learning curve - you need to commit time to get the most out of it
    • Limited official profiles available - more from Brunner would go a long way
    • Yoke handle is around 15-20% smaller than a real Beechcraft Bonanza yoke
    • Not a plug-and-play experience - setup and software configuration takes time

    One of the most immersive upgrades you can make to your flight simulator is adding a force feedback yoke. Meet the Brunner CSL-E NG Force Feedback Yoke — an upgrade that will blow your mind. This review is based on my firsthand experience with a test unit sent to me by Brunner, which I’ve flown with for the first time. This is not a sponsored post, and there has been no input from Brunner.


    First Impressions of the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke

    As I took this yoke for its first flight, I could immediately feel a sense of realism and immersion that I hadn’t experienced before. The yoke vibrates quietly with no noticeable noise, providing feedback like engine vibration and control surface movement. Even with the default profile settings, the yoke felt remarkably smooth and responsive. I could feel every change in the aircraft’s behavior, from engine RPM to the weight of the elevator.

    When flying, there is a real sense of weight and feedback that mimics a real aircraft, like the way the yoke becomes tight as the airspeed increases or when the yoke reacts as the plane stalls. This level of detail makes it feel like you’re holding a live, reactive control, rather than just a piece of hardware.


    Flying Experience: Realistic Feedback in Action

    When flying with the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke, you’ll experience force feedback in both pitch and roll. It simulates various effects such as turbulence, engine vibration, buffeting, trimming, and even ground texture feedback. For example, the yoke provides significant resistance when the airspeed increases, requiring more pressure to control pitch and roll movements, just like in a real aircraft. The engine vibrations become more granular as the RPM increases, and you can feel the yoke push back against your hands as the elevator adjusts as the more or less air moves over the wing.

    The yoke’s movements are also incredibly quiet. There’s no rattling or squeaking — the yoke is completely silent in operation. You can feel subtle feedback like the plane’s sluggishness when flying at low speeds or the pressure changes as you adjust the trim.


    Technical Specifications of the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke

    The Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke has impressive technical specs that contribute to its realistic performance:

    • 1.7 Newton meters of roll force (rotational)
    • 40 Newtons of pitch force (linear)
    • Brushless motors for smooth operation
    • 90 mm of travel in pitch and 90 degrees of roll travel (180 degrees in total)
    • High-quality Beechcraft-style yoke handle made from a molded unit
    • Metal base unit weighing around 5 to 6 kilograms
    • Footprint of 340 by 205 millimeters
    • Steel plate base with mounting holes
    • Compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, DCS, and Prepared
    • Maintenance-free with a two-year warranty


    Build Quality: Swiss Precision and Craftsmanship

    Built in Switzerland, the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke is exactly what you’d expect from a high-end piece of equipment. The unit is solid, with a metal base and a high-quality plastic yoke handle. The mounting points are made from steel, and the connecting rod feels incredibly sturdy with no noticeable play. The yoke handle itself feels great in the hands with no creaks or noises, and all buttons and switches are of high quality, similar to those found on a gaming console controller.

    However, note that the yoke handle is slightly smaller (by about 15-20%) than the standard Beechcraft Bonanza yoke, which could be a consideration for some users.


    Flying with the Brunner Yoke: An Addictive Experience

    After using the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke for several weeks, I can confidently say it’s an addictive experience. The force feedback makes flight simulation feel alive — from feeling the air traveling over the wing to engine vibrations, the lifting sensation of the elevator, and the resistance changes during low/high speeds or during landing. This yoke brings an unparalleled level of immersion to flight simulators.

    The yoke is also highly responsive, offering smooth and precise control. Even with a default profile, it feels realistic and engaging. The feeling of engine vibrations and prop wash, combined with how the yoke handles turbulence and other forces, makes flying with this yoke a truly immersive experience.


    CLS2Sim Software: Deep Customization Options

    The CLS2Sim software provided by Brunner is critical to getting the most out of this yoke. It’s compatible with major flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, DCS, and Prepared. The software is straightforward to install, with automatic driver installation upon connection.

    The software itself is extensive, allowing you to adjust almost every parameter imaginable, from pull force and motor vibrations to turbulence and stick shaker effects. You can also download user-generated profiles from the Profile Cloud to find a starting point for your customization.

    However, there aren’t many existing profiles available, and it would be great to see more official profiles from Brunner, especially for popular planes in X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

    It also has to be noted that there is a steep learning curve to the software and to be able to get the most out of the yoke you need to commit to learning the ins and outs of it. It can be a little frustrating at times, however it does deliver very deep customization.


    The Price: Is It Worth It?

    Let’s talk about the price: the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke is priced at 1,250 euros (around 1,340-1,350 USD). This is not a budget option, but for what it offers in terms of build quality, software integration, and overall immersion, the value is certainly there. I haven’t encountered a single issue during my testing period, and the yoke has connected flawlessly every time.

    For the deep flight simulation enthusiast or anyone looking to bring their simulator experience to the next level, this yoke is a worthy investment, the key word here being “Investment”. It’s the best I’ve tried so far and offers an unmatched level of realism and engagement.


    Final Thoughts: Who Is the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke For?

    If you’re still reading after hearing about the price, this yoke might just be for you. It’s designed for the serious flight sim enthusiast who wants the highest level of immersion. The Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke offers an exceptional flying experience that brings your simulator to life. If you want to feel every nuance of your flight and you’re not short on budget, this yoke will meet your expectations.

    Overall, the Brunner CSL-E NG Yoke is easy to set up, offers outstanding build quality, and provides a flight experience that is second to none. If you’re looking to elevate your flight simulation experience, this yoke is a game-changer. Just be prepared to spend some time in the software to get the most out of it.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    It provides roughly 90mm of pitch displacement, ±90° roll capability, peak forces around 40N in pitch and 1.7Nm torque in roll, powered by durable brushless motors within a robust metal frame.

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