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Thrustmaster AVA Base
The Thrustmaster AVA Base (Advanced Versatile Aviation) is a modular flight stick base for PC. Swap its cams, springs and deflection masks to change the axis curve, resistance and travel, so one base can suit fast jets, airliners, helicopters and space sims.
It is designed as a step up for owners of the HOTAS Warthog flight stick: fit your existing Thrustmaster grip and you trade the fixed feel of the HOTAS magnetic base for a base you can tune.
It is part of the Thrustmaster range.
Key features
- Modular base with swappable parts
- Two cam sets: Aero and Jet
- Three spring sets: Soft, Medium, Strong
- Three deflection masks: S, M and XL
- Resistance adjusts without disassembly
- Two AXY (Accurate X and Y) sensors
- H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology
- Fits existing Thrustmaster grips
- Detachable USB-C cable
- T.A.R.G.E.T programming software on PC
A world of flight configurations
The AVA base is built around interchangeable parts. Cams set the axis curve, springs set the resistance, deflection masks set how far the stick travels, and an optional damper changes how it settles.
Two cam sets (Aero and Jet), three spring sets and three mask sizes come in the box, so you can try very different setups before buying anything extra.
Adjust on the fly
The base has been designed so the internal parts are quick to change. Final resistance adjustments can be made without taking the base apart, so you can fine-tune the feel between flights.
Precision at the centre
Two AXY (Accurate X and Y) sensors let you adjust the centre point, progressiveness and resistance independently on each axis. They work alongside Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology for precise, contact-free sensing.
The result is clean centre behaviour, which matters most for formation flying, refuelling and hovering.
A growing ecosystem
Thrustmaster designed the AVA base to grow, with additional grips, extensions, cams, springs, dampers and a cyclic brake in its accessory plans.
The free T.A.R.G.E.T software on PC lets you test, configure and program the base with other Thrustmaster controllers and run a single profile across them. See our joysticks for more.
Our expert take
"The AVA base is the upgrade we suggest to Warthog owners who love the grip but want more say over how the stick feels. Being able to switch from a firm, short-throw jet setup to a soft, long-throw helicopter setup with parts from the box is the big draw."
"Note that it is a base only: no grip is included, so you need a compatible Thrustmaster grip. It is PC only."
- Blake Sterling, Founder & CEO, Gamer Gear Direct
Frequently asked questions
Does the AVA Base include a joystick grip?
No. The AVA Base is sold as a base only. It is designed to take existing and future Thrustmaster flight stick grips, such as the HOTAS Warthog grip.
What adjustments can I make?
You can change the axis curve with cams, the resistance with springs, the travel with deflection masks and the damping with a damper.
What comes in the box?
The AVA base, two sets of cams (Aero and Jet), three sets of springs (Soft, Medium and Strong), three deflection masks (S, M and XL), two Allen keys, a detachable USB-C cable and the user manual.
Does it work on Xbox or PlayStation?
No. The AVA Base is designed for PC.
Which games is it compatible with?
Thrustmaster lists DCS, X-Plane 11 and 12, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous and War Thunder on PC.
What warranty does the AVA Base have?
It is covered by a 2-year Thrustmaster manufacturer warranty, supported locally by the Gamer Gear Direct team.
Model: Thrustmaster AVA Base
Product code: 169500
Axes: 2
Sensors: 2x AXY sensors, H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology
Adjustment: Interchangeable cams, springs and deflection masks
Connection: Detachable USB-C
Compatible platforms: PC
Dimensions: 108mm W x 170mm D x 72mm H
Weight: 1.07kg
Colour: Black
1x AVA base
2x sets of cams (Aero and Jet)
3x sets of springs (Soft, Medium and Strong)
3x deflection masks (S, M and XL)
2x Allen keys
1x Detachable USB-C cable
User manual and warranty information
The Thrustmaster AVA Base is backed by a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty from Thrustmaster, supported by Gamer Gear Direct's dedicated Australian team.
This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, and every product is 100% genuine, sourced as an authorised Thrustmaster dealer. If you need assistance, our local simulation experts are only a call or email away.
All Thrustmaster products sold by Gamer Gear Direct are genuine, with full Australian support.
Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days and shipped via trusted Australian courier partners.
Estimated delivery times after dispatch:
- VIC: 2–4 business days
- NSW: 2–4 business days
- ACT: 3–5 business days
- QLD: 2–4 business days
- SA: 2–4 business days
- WA: 4–10 business days
- NT: 4–10 business days
- TAS: 4–10 business days
Click here to view our full shipping & handling policy
Changed your mind? No problem! You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Better still, we'll cover the return shipping!
All Gamer Gear Direct products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
Authorised Australian dealer
Gamer Gear Direct is an authorised Australian dealer for the brands we represent, including Trak Racer, Playseat, MOZA Racing, Logitech, Honeycomb Aeronautical, Thrustmaster, HORI, Turtle Beach, Sparco, OMP, PXN, Sigma Integrale and Pokornyi Engineering. We are trusted by over 20,000 customers nationwide.
Every product we sell is 100% genuine, sourced through approved channels, and supported locally.
Fast local shipping
We ship directly from our Australian warehouses, with most orders leaving within 1 to 2 business days. This means faster delivery times and reliable tracking from dispatch to your door.
Hassle-free 100-day returns
Changed your mind? Eligible items can be returned within 100 days provided they are unused, unopened, and in original packaging. We keep the process clear and straightforward.
Genuine Australian warranty
Every product we sell is covered by a comprehensive Australian warranty, backed by both the manufacturer and Australian Consumer Law. You will not be left dealing with overseas support channels.
Expert support you can trust
Whether you need product advice, compatibility guidance, or after-sales support, you are dealing with people who know the sim and gaming gear we sell inside and out. Our sim and gaming specialists are here to make things easy.
With Gamer Gear Direct you will get:
- Expert guidance on choosing the right gear for your goals and budget
- Personalised setup advice tailored to your space and the way you play
- Smart gear pairing suggestions for PCs, consoles, monitors, wheels, controllers and accessories
- A dedicated account representative for ongoing support
We also have a Melbourne showroom in Dandenong South, so you can try the gear before you commit. Call us on (03) 9961 0240, talk to our team on live chat, or email support@gamergeardirect.com.au and one of our specialists will help you.
Trusted by professionals
The brands we stock are used at the highest level of motorsport and aviation simulation. The same technologies are used for training, preparation and skill development at professional level, giving you access to pro-grade equipment built for accuracy, realism and reliability.
I've been using a Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS setup for more than a decade, but lately the joystick felt a bit 'notchy' and harsh compared to more recently released joysticks. The AVA joystick base absolutely transformed the joystick. The available adjustments to springs and cams are easy, highly effective, and can be done on the fly. The joystick is now silky smooth, a real pleasure to use. This the best hardware upgrade I've made in a long time. Highly recommended.
Rapid, accurate and fantastic communication following delivery. The AVA base takes the thrustmaster joystick to another level. Highly configurable, you�ll find a set up to match your needs. I�ve used this with both A10 and F18 sticks
Good joystick base, a nice upgrade over the old warthog base
Thrustmaster has finally delivered what other manufacturers already offer. The AVA Base replaces my Warthog base, and I have to say, it makes a huge difference. The movements are incredibly smooth and very easy to customize.
I am hugely impressed. There is no comparison to the previous version. It is super precise with excellent build quality