Thoughts on rudder pedals

[9./JG27golani79]

Hey guys,

 

I started flying a month or so ago and I´ve already got me a X55 Hotas and Track IR 5.

Now I´m thinking about purchasing rudder pedals just because I think it feels more natural and precise than the rudder axis on the stick.

 

I´m aware of premium pedals like the Crosswind but at the moment that´s a bit too much to spend for me.

 

So I was thinking about Saitek Pro Flight or Saitek Pro Flight Combat rudder pedals.

 

Would be nice if you could share your experiences with these products as I´m sure some of you use either one of them.

Do you think the Combat version is worth the higher price compared to the normal version?

Edited September 24, 2014 by golani79

[39bn_pavig]

I'm also contemplating the Saitek combat pedals. (I have heard bad reports about their entry level pedals though so am avoiding them.) The other Pedals I was looking at was the CH products pro pedals. These are reportedly pretty good, cheaper than the saitek combats, and allow you to lock the rudder axis and use them as gas/brake pedals for driving sims. Might be worth a look.

[9./JG27golani79]

I´ve already stumbled over the CH pedals - but they are pretty hard to come by in my area - and if they are available they almost cost the same like the combat rudder pedals.

So I´m not sure about them.

[Sokol1]

 

Do you think the Combat version is worth the higher price compared to the normal version?

 

The base and electronics is same on both, the difference is: Combat foot rest is in  alluminium and adjust inclination. PRO foot rest is plastic and adjuts lenght.

 

Both foot rest will last more than Saitek potentiomters.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Sokol1

[dburne]

I have been running the Saitek Combats well over 2 years now, and love them - still going strong with no problems.

[kissklas]

I've been drooling over Milan Šimundžas Crosswind pedals. They are a little pricey compared to Saitek or CH, but not by that much, and not for that quality!

 

http://mfg.simundza.com/mfgcrosswind.php

 

Think I'll wait till I can afford those atleast.

Edited September 24, 2014 by kissklas

[kestrel79]

Those Crosswinds look amazing, but I fear they are too large to fit in my Obutto Ozone cockpit. The only pedals that fit are the CH pedals. I've had mine for over 8 years and still going strong. Only bad thing about them is they aren't very realistic as the pedals are close together but when you have limited space they are great.

[9./JG27golani79]

Yeah, Crosswinds would be nice but besides the price a bit too large for my place too.

 

I was also pointed to these pedals http://flightsimcontrols.com/store/available/t-rudder-pedals-usb-eu/

Does anyone have experience with them?

[Sokol1]

Notice that T-Rudder control only rudder axis, not "toe brakes" or any "brake". And is not "push" pedal, but "press".

 

Is done on VKB "standard": CNC metal, ball bearings, contactless sensor... can say expect something above of these "entry level" pedal cited.

[Lusekofte]

Sokol is right, brakes are a must. I got Saitek combat rudder pedals, had them for many years, they work well.

It hunk there are some adjustments in it, but never bothered to see.

Now I got some crosswind on the way, I think that will make a difference 

[9./JG27golani79]

I was asking myself about the toe brakes on the T-Rudder already so thanks for this input - seems like I can cross them off my list then.

I´ll do some further research but I think I´ll probably get the combat pedals then.

 

Thanks to all for your help!

Edited September 25, 2014 by golani79

[Sokol1]

Basically, your options:

 

~100 Euros - CH PRO Pedals or Saitek PRO Pedals > rudder and toe brakes, foot rest lenght adjustable on Saitek PRO - both use potentiometers. Plastic construction,

 

~150 Euros - VKB T-Rudder  > rudder, no brakes - contactless sensors. Metal construction

 

~200 Euros - Saitek Combat Pedals > rudder and toe brakes, foot rest inclination adjustable - potentiomters. Plastic construction with alluminun foot rest.

 

~300 Euros - MFG Crosswind, SLAW Device (pedals) > rudder and toe brakes, width, inclination adjustable on MFG, inclination (?) on SLAW - contactless sensors. Composite material construction on MFG, metal on SLAW.

 

~300~500 Euros - VKB RDR - versions with rudder only and rudder and toe brakes, inclination adjustable - contactless sensors. Metal construction.

 

>500 Euros - Some "Boeing" pedals minded for FSX, or helicopter like pedals.

 

* MFG, SLAW, VKB manufactured by order.

[9./JG27golani79]

Thanks for summing it up!

[Pigomortis]

Thanks for summing it up!

I was in a similar situation, just started flight sims a month or so ago.  Luckily I have been doing sim racing so the pc is already decent with triple screens and I just needed peripherals.  I started with the logitech extreme 3d (had a best buy gift certificate that was expiring that day) but quickly ordered the x52 pro and then added trackir5.  About a week later, I ordered the saitek pro rudder pedals.  It was all well worth the money for me personally.  Like someone stated above the combats have a different pedal with the same hardware inside.  The pedals on the pro feel fine to me (of course i have never flown in the real world so i am probably easy to impress, lol).  Really though, the pedals increased the enjoyment for me with il-2 and the multiple other sims I have stumbled into now.  

Edited September 26, 2014 by PIgomortis

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

Moved up to MFG's from the CH USB pedals about eight months ago. If you have the coin, they are well worth it for both precision as well as the complete adjustability.

[Reflected]

I've been using Saitek Pro flight pedals for about 4-5 years, and haven't had any problems (knock on wood). I can only recommend them.

[Hoots]

Same here, saitek pro for about four years, no problems at all.

[=LD=Penshoon]

Same here but different experience. I bought the saitek pedals this spring and they were my first set of flight pedals. The left toebreak has already failed. Thoroughly disappointed. Feels like a toy to be honest but I have nothing to compare them to.

[9./JG27golani79]

It´s nice to hear a few different opinions on the products - thanks for that!

 

Although the Crosswind pedals look really nice I´ll go with the Combat Rudders from Saitek for now as I´ve not so much space under my desk and I think it´s a bit better when resting the heels on the ground.

Also I think it´s a fairly good start into the world of pedals - maybe some time in the future if I have more space and skill I´ll change to Crosswind pedals as well.

 

Thanks again guys for helping me out here

[dburne]

Great choice for your first pedals, I think you will be pretty happy with them.

[=LD=Penshoon]

It´s nice to hear a few different opinions on the products - thanks for that!

 

Although the Crosswind pedals look really nice I´ll go with the Combat Rudders from Saitek for now as I´ve not so much space under my desk and I think it´s a bit better when resting the heels on the ground.

Also I think it´s a fairly good start into the world of pedals - maybe some time in the future if I have more space and skill I´ll change to Crosswind pedals as well.

 

Thanks again guys for helping me out here

When you get them, check this link for a guide to remove the center detent on the pedals , improved the feel a lot for me 

 

http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=29206

[AA_Engadin]

Basically, your options:

 

~100 Euros - CH PRO Pedals or Saitek PRO Pedals > rudder and toe brakes, foot rest lenght adjustable on Saitek PRO - both use potentiometers. Plastic construction,

 

~150 Euros - VKB T-Rudder  > rudder, no brakes - contactless sensors. Metal construction

 

~200 Euros - Saitek Combat Pedals > rudder and toe brakes, foot rest inclination adjustable - potentiomters. Plastic construction with alluminun foot rest.

 

~300 Euros - MFG Crosswind, SLAW Device (pedals) > rudder and toe brakes, width, inclination adjustable on MFG, inclination (?) on SLAW - contactless sensors. Composite material construction on MFG, metal on SLAW.

 

~300~500 Euros - VKB RDR - versions with rudder only and rudder and toe brakes, inclination adjustable - contactless sensors. Metal construction.

 

>500 Euros - Some "Boeing" pedals minded for FSX, or helicopter like pedals.

 

* MFG, SLAW, VKB manufactured by order.

 

 

Very useful outline, thanks mate. 

 

AA_Engadin

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

Does anyone own a pair of the MFG Crosswind?  I would love to own a pair.  Although the quality looks amazing, I have concerns about support from the other side of the pond.  I currently have CH Pro Pedals and although they are OK, the toe brakes on both sides no longer work.

[ST_Pirato]

I own a Set of the first batch of Crosswind pedals shipped on August 2013. They are in heavy use nearly every day since there and they are still going smooth and precise like on the first day. The first batch was still a bit of a prototype and the later production runs have had many minor improvements. Support is second to none,although I live in Europe. But there are Customers from all over the world and from what I've heard everyone is very satisfied with the product and the customer Service.

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

Thanks ST_Pirato.  Since my post I have found other threads with discussions and reviews about the Crosswind.  All the info is very positive and makes me want them even more.

[Sokol1]

Does anyone own a pair of the MFG Crosswind?  I would love to own a pair.  Although the quality looks amazing, I have concerns about support from the other side of the pond. 

 

 

Some insight about "one man manufacture" support: http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3977757/6/Slaw_VS._Milan_the_battle_of_t

 

A comon case

  I currently have CH Pro Pedals and although they are OK, the toe brakes on both sides no longer work.

 

Probable a case of boken wires - ease to fix. How disassemble the pedal: http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/index.php/topic/7534-ch-products-pro-pedals-disassembly-guide/

[WWCraven]

Does anyone own a pair of the MFG Crosswind?  I would love to own a pair.  Although the quality looks amazing, I have concerns about support from the other side of the pond.  I currently have CH Pro Pedals and although they are OK, the toe brakes on both sides no longer work.

I have a set of Crosswinds, well worth the money you won't be disappointed in what you receive.

 

I can attest to the fact that Milan provides top notch, and quick customer response. I recently had an issue of my own making with my Crosswinds, emailed Milan who responded within less than a day, offering support and thoughts on how I could test and resolve the issue myself before taking any other measures.

 

For a one person operation, Milan shows he cares, is passionate about his product and his customer's satisfaction with the product.

[Aracno]

Does anyone own a pair of the MFG Crosswind? I would love to own a pair. Although the quality looks amazing, I have concerns about support from the other side of the pond. I currently have CH Pro Pedals and although they are OK, the toe brakes on both sides no longer work.

The support?

I have got a problem, sent an email, 1 hour later I was talking with Milan while he was looking the installation in my pc using teamviewer!

And was a sunday in august, during the summer holidays ....

Edited September 27, 2014 by Aracno

[sop]

Another satisfied crosswinds customer checking in  , have received a response on every question/support I needed, truly worth the cost imo. 

Edited September 27, 2014 by sop

[dburne]

I will not hesitate to order the Crosswinds, if/when my Saitek Combats start acting up, or I just get a wild hair...

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 I will get either CrossWinds or Slaw's pedals, saving up for them

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Heared enought convincing comments about the Crosswinds but the Slaw pedals rly make me curious. I'm quite satisfied with my current Saitek but I imagine it being a blast to switch over to a nice, smooth and sexy looking paor of 109 pedals!

 

Anybody tried them in BoS already? Might be a nice long term investment (+ postage is probably way cheaper for me).

[39bn_pavig]

Picked up a pair of Saitek Cessna pedals today. Pretty similar to the combat rudder pedals (without the adjustable toe brake angle), but more sock friendly. Perhaps it is a travesty to fly wearing socks, but cest la vie. 

[Zettman]

I can only recommend the Crosswinds, they have served me well for about half a year now. I had Saitek Combat Rudders before, but they collect dirt very fast and you have to clean them to keep them smooth. But even cleaned and greased  they will never reach the precision and smoothness of the Crosswinds.

 

As I was looking for a replacement for my Saitek pedals I also had to decide between the Slaw device and MGF Crosswinds. As I made the decision, this topic  http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3977757/Slaw_VS._Milan_the_battle_of_t#Post3977757 (Sokol1 already posted the link before) did not excised back than. But reading it now, I'm happy that I made the right decision for myself.

 

S!

Zettman

[Static]

You really can't go wrong with any pedal you end up with. I have owned three pedals so far, two types of Saitek pedals and now the SLAW 109 pedals.

 

The slaw pedals are very nice and smooth, worth the money I spent on them. Plus my 2 yr old Saitek Combat Pro pedals sold for 120.00 on ebay to help cover the cost of the Slaw 109 peds.

[Slaw]

HI all.

Yes, yes I know. The downside to my pedals one. They do not have a lot of Publicity. I'll try to change that in January 2015, when I will make a pedal F16.

Regards.

SlawDevice

[VR-DriftaholiC]

HI all.

Yes, yes I know. The downside to my pedals one. They do not have a lot of Publicity. I'll try to change that in January 2015, when I will make a pedal F16.

Regards.

SlawDevice

 

Needs cam centering. 

[9./JG27golani79]

HI all.

Yes, yes I know. The downside to my pedals one. They do not have a lot of Publicity. I'll try to change that in January 2015, when I will make a pedal F16.

Regards.

SlawDevice

 

Do you have a site with further information about your pedals in general?

[Slaw]

No, not yet........

Hi All. 
I have one question.
Do you need one axis rudder pedals? Like to La5, IL2, Yak, Hurricane, Spitfire.....
I think they would get 30 - 40% cheaper the BF109 rudder pedals. 
I'll be glad to see your opinion about this, your suggestions.

Regards.
Slaw

 

[Static]

I ♡ My Slaw 109 Peds.