Rudder pedals

[Praetorious]

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing good and getting ready to enjoy the weekend,update is finally here and its a 3 day weekend here in the states,couldn't be better, i had a question and i hope I'm posting it in the right place,Ive been playing Sturmovik since it came out and every incantation of the game,here lately Ive been thinking about getting some rudder pedals, are they worth it and what kind would you guys recommend?  someone has offered to buy them for me and the budget is about 150-180, i can find all kinds of pricing in that range, right now i have a Logitech joystick Ive had forever and it suits my needs and i use the stick as a rudder (the twist) but Ive been kinda wondering if I'm missing out,i dont play online or competitively so its just for me to goof around,thank you for anyone's input, i appreciate it!!

[SAG]

rudder pedals are night and day to a twist stick. i have some crappy DIY one that i made myself but still million times better than a twistick. youll need to re-learn how to use rudder after getting them but itll all be worth it, theyre great for aiming

[indiaciki]

These are quite okay. In your price range. I do not know the type but I am sure other users will recognize them, Or try amazon search. Since my joystick died (again) I can't use them until i find a new one. I'm flying with my x-box controller right now

 

Rudder pedals are great. These are nor expensive.

[SCG_Tzigy]

get MFGs

 

sell your sperm, blood, kidney, your sister whatever u can

 

it is worth it

[Praetorious]

Wow those are nice,if i spent a lot of time playing this game i would definitely consider them but i just dont,i have so many different hobbies flying is just about  10% of my time but when i do it i do enjoy it very much,how much are those things BTW?  400 dollars? 

[Sokol1]

  someone has offered to buy them for me and the budget is about 150-180, 

 

 

In this price range you have 3 options (prices on Amazon.com)

 

Thrustmaster TFRP ~$90 - Cessna like pedals, very narrow.

CH PRO Pedals - ~$120 - Vintage look, a bit narrow.

Logitech (Saitek) G PRO Rudder Pedals - $170,00 - Friction and foot rest adjust.

 

All are "entry level" products based on potentiometer ( = limited life devices), Tm/Logitech use cheap pot', Ch use good quality, that could last a decade.

From technical point of view CH electronic controller is obsolete (is the same model of 2000), with only 8 bits - 256 "steeps" on axis course" - of resolution. The other models have 4 times more, 10 bits or up.

 

After Logitech bough Saitek brand, Saitek line became overpriced, this G PRO Rudder Pedals have nothing that justify the price difference relative the other models (unless use more plastic quantity)),  statistically will be the first of 3 to became fail.

 

FUY - Above you found  the 'high end" pedals: VKB T-Ruder at $244 and MFG and Slaw above $400, as well Baur options in between. All those have limite production/availability.

Edited September 2, 2017 by Sokol1

[Praetorious]

Thank you so much Sokol (and the rest of the guys) thats pretty good info,i might do those CH pro and have some money left over, like i said previously, if i was in some team and i was playing every single night and my flying reputation was on the line i would get some really hardcore super technical pedals like those MFG"s but I'm just looking to have a little fun with some pedals, i do have a feeling it will be a great experience after using a joystick for so many years i wont know what to do with myself,lol.

[Hotspur]

The CH pedals will be a good choice. I recently sold mine (bought in 2004) when I upgraded to the MFG and they were still in perfect working order - a testimony to their build quality. If you want to save a bit of money it might worth considering buying a used set from eBay or elsewhere. You'll probably get them for about half the new price.

[Royal_Flight]

I have the Thrustmaster TFRP pedals and they're not terrible. Granted they're the only ones I've tried so I have nothing to compare them to, but for the price of them st least they are more than adequate.

 

Really though, just get any rudder pedals as they're brilliant and will probably revolutionise the way you fly. While you're waiting for them to arrive read up on how to use rudder to fly with and what it does, and then when you get them, plug in and free up an afternoon.

It'll take th slightest bit of getting used to, and then you won't be able to fly without.

[Praetorious]

Has anyone seen those Goflight pedals? those that are like army green with the little holes and are real big? whats the story with those? i noticed they are all metal and look like they came out of a tank or something like that,lol, are those any good?

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

MFG Crosswinds are perfect. These are my first pedals and i've used them for 8 months and i couldnt fly without them anymore. It took some time to get used to them. Difference with WW2 planes and helicopters is huge compared to twist rudder. 256€ price might seem high, but remember that you will get high quality, high accurate, highely adjustable pedals with great customer service. When you get your hands/feet on them, you know what im talking about.

[Praetorious]

Yeah those MFG's look nice, the only thing i dont like beside the price is that waiting business,what is it normally, like a 3 month wait? they need to sell those things locally.

[dburne]

Yeah those MFG's look nice, the only thing i dont like beside the price is that waiting business,what is it normally, like a 3 month wait? they need to sell those things locally.

 

I don't think it is quite that long anymore, but they are so well worth the wait.

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

Yeah those MFG's look nice, the only thing i dont like beside the price is that waiting business,what is it normally, like a 3 month wait? they need to sell those things locally.

 

http://mfg.simundza.com/order/index

 

 

 

Expected Ship Date: September 2017 ( 15-30.09.2017 )!!!!

[Praetorious]

I might just have to breakdown and get them and if i find myself not needing them anymore i can sell them to one of you guys here that might need them,I'm very picky with things i own and i take extreme well care of anything i have.

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

Origianlly I had the twist on the MSFFB2.  When that died I went to CH Pro and it was great improvement.  They lasted a long time.  I eventually moved onto the MFG and it was about the same leap as the Pro over the twist stick.  For your budget the CH Pro might fit well.

[Praetorious]

Well i think you guys convinced me,MFG's is whats gonna be more than likely,the budget was actually someone that was gonna a buy me some pedals for 160-180, ill just make up the difference and get the nice ones,after seeing some used ones that went on eBay for 480 dollars that convinced me right there.

[Sokol1]

Has anyone seen those Goflight pedals? those that are like army green with the little holes and are real big? whats the story with those? i noticed they are all metal and look like they came out of a tank or something like that,lol, are those any good?

 

 

Nothing special with those, unless their airliner "look" - with little space between pedals , a kind of (discontinued) Saitek Cessna pedals, but in metal construction, I guess using potentiometers.

Better invest all that money in MFG, Slaw, VKB, Bauer pedals, they are more "combat flight games" oriented and take virtual pilots observations in their projects, done be guys involved in this "flight game" genre.

[Praetorious]

Well you guys twisted my arm,lol,the MFG's have been ordered.

[WIS-Redcoat]

Well you guys twisted my arm,lol,the MFG's have been ordered.

You will like them. If not, I might have a friend that will buy them from you

[curiousGamblerr]

MFGs are totally awesome, you won't be disappointed. And Milan is a perfect businessman- very responsive, transparent and helpful.

[Praetorious]

Yeah i watched some videos on them and it looks like a really good company,i think the main reason why i want the pedals is because in this game specially taking off without them in certain planes has given me a lot of headaches,in the old Sturmovik (1946) you could almost do without them because the mechanics of the game were not that precise,my father,my uncle,my brother and my brother in law are all pilots so i grew up around airplanes and they are always giving me hell about not using rudder pedals lol

[OrLoK]

You'll be hugely impressed with them.

 

I was.

[Jade_Monkey]

MFG crosswinds are well worth the "hassle" of waiting.

 

I'd say you would also enjoy a little joystick upgrade but it starts to get pricey if you want the nice stuff.

 

Currently waiting for the VKB Modern Combat Grip, probably for xmas.

[Praetorious]

Hey Jade,i saw a video of those VKB pedals on YouTube and the guy mentioned they didn't have toe brakes, what is up with that? do they have something comparable to toe brakes? i was just curious.

[Sokol1]

 

 

Praetorious -  ...i saw a video of those VKB pedals on YouTube and the guy mentioned they didn't have toe brakes, what is up with that? do they have something comparable to toe brakes? 

 

I have VKB T-Rudder, that  is a uniaxial pedal, only control rudder,

 

Since this pedal has only one axis, then how brake wheels?  Let me try explain:

 

IL-2 BoS allow you assign a button or key for "Wheel Brakes" (like other flight games).

 

Pressing that button/key both wheels is braked, but moving the rudder for right or left only the wheel of this side braked (intentional or not, this feature is a bless for  "twist" stick users). 

 

This work for ALL planes of the game, don't matter if the RL plane (e.g. P-40) use "toe brakes" or Luftwaffe brakes (than is "toe brakes"), or Russian or Italian or British brakes, that work in similar way I describe above - not sure but think called "Differential Brakes": Press the brake lever in control column for brake both wheels, move rudder for right or left for brake only respective wheel.

 

OK.. but other flight games, e.g. IL-2:CloD, DCSW don't allow you do like in BoS (as above) - unless for planes IRL equipped with "Differential Brakes", e.g. Spitfire, Hurricane, Fiat G.50, Mig-15/15, L-39 and others.

 

But for planes IRL equipped with "Toe Brakes"  (Bf 109, Fw 190, P-51... Jet's) you need use VKB software T-Link.*

 

This software emulate "Differential Brakes" for this planes (Bf 109, etc) : Press a joystick button, brake both wheels, move the rudder, brake only right or left wheel.

 

This T-Link software translate the joystick button press in two virtual axis, that is assigned for Right and Left Wheel Brakes ("toe brakes") in this games for planes that need, what virtual axis will be pressed is determined by rudder bar, if bar is centered, both wheels is braked equals. 

 

BTW - You can use T-Link in BoS, but is not necessary because - as above,  this game have the same system (Differential Brakes) for ALL planes, that work in more flexible way than VKB T-Link.

 

Hope to have explained  and not confused.

 

* Note: When using T-Rudder plugged in VKB joysticks base, e.g. Gladiator, Gunfighter, this "virtual" differential brakes don't need T-Link, the joystick controller do the job.

Edited September 3, 2017 by Sokol1

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

Well you guys twisted my arm,lol,the MFG's have been ordered.

 

Congrats.  Milan is one top notch guy.

[dburne]

Well you guys twisted my arm,lol,the MFG's have been ordered.

 

 

 

Wise choice, you will love them!

[csThor]

However, be prepared for a nasty first week. When I got my Saitek rudder pedals back then I was flying like a drunken monkey for the first week or so ... a hilariously outrageously uproaringly drunken monkey at that. After that initial "get used to" phase it simply became natural. If it weren't for a few real life interruptions I'd already have ordered the MFGs, but maybe I'll present them to myself for X-Mas this year.

[Lensman]

I use MFG Crosswind pedals and used to use CH Products pedals. The MFG pedals are MUCH superior.

[Venturi]

The MFGs are perhaps one of the best pieces of simming kit I've every purchased. Up there with TrackIR.

[Pharoah]

The CH pedals will be a good choice. I recently sold mine (bought in 2004) when I upgraded to the MFG and they were still in perfect working order - a testimony to their build quality. If you want to save a bit of money it might worth considering buying a used set from eBay or elsewhere. You'll probably get them for about half the new price.

 

+1. I'm still using mine which i purchased about 11 years ago (yup!!) and its still going strong. Its nice and heavy so won't move around. So important esp when trying to taxi around those big german a/c with differential brakes.

[Durach]

I just purchased ch rudder pedals and the yaw works great. However, I'm having problems with the toe brakes. I'm flying BOS, and the toe brakes don't work at all, except when I press the left brake, BOTH brakes go down. Can someone please help me resolve this problem? Thank you.

[Retnek]

...except when I press the left brake, BOTH brakes go down...

There have been 2 main concepts - mostly German planes used toe-brakes independent from the rudder-position. Most Soviet and some allied use one leveller (often placed at stick or yoke) to activate a general brake. With mid-rudder both tires brake when you operate the leveller. The brake-effect will follow the rudder-position, fully left rudder means a fully active brake at the left hand tire and an open brake at the right hand one. You have to choose your preferred way within the settings.

Edited October 14, 2017 by 216th_Retnek

[Durach]

Actually, I can't even assign the brakes on settings, except for both at the same time. Even tho I cant assign left and right independently, they both go down when pressing left brake only. Nothing happens when I press right brake. By the way, I'm flying HE 111.

Edited October 14, 2017 by Durach

[Sokol1]

Is matter of correct assignment, in Controls options, set 

 

left pedal brake for "Left wheel brakes"

 

and 

 

right pedal brake for "Right wheel brakes".

 

Don't assign any of pedal brake for "Wheel brakes".

 

This allow you use CH Pedals brakes for all Luftwaffe planes, P-40 and i-16.

 

For all other Russian, Italian and British planes assign a key or joy/throttle button for "Wheel brakes".

 

Opera resume: The "glorified" toe brakes is not a universal brake system, so don't attend all planes (*).

 

*  In other Flight Games, e.g. DCSW you can assign both right and left pedal for 'Wheel brakes" and playing with saturation/deadzone create a "fake toe brakes" for this planes - require move rudder for the side of pressed brake pedal, but in Bo'X this "cheat" don't work.

 

May you can combine both brakes pedal with external software (CH Manager, Joystick Gremlin...) and make with then a unique virtual axis and so assign for Russian, Italian, British planes, but I suspect this will mess brake in German, USA planes due the support for "twist rudder sticks" users.

 

If not work... well, Russian sticks came with proper lever axis for "wheel brakes".

 

VKB MCG

 

 

VPC MongoosT50

Edited October 14, 2017 by Sokol1

[F/JG300_Gruber]

Is matter of correct assignment, in Controls options, set 

 

left pedal brake for "Left wheel brakes"

 

and 

 

right pedal brake for "Right wheel brakes".

 

Don't assign any of pedal brake for "Wheel brakes".

 

This allow you use CH Pedals brakes for all Luftwaffe planes, P-40 and i-16.

 

For all other Russian, Italian and British planes assign a key or joy/throttle button for "Wheel brakes".

 

This is the way to go, sir Durach

[Durach]

ok....I tried this. I removed all assignments pertaining to brakes and tried to assign right and left wheel brakes to the toe brakes on the pedals. The game will not recognize the pedals as the brakes. It will, however, accept the buttons on my ch pro throttle. Does anyone have any idea why it will not recognize the ch rudder pedals for brake use?

[dburne]

ok....I tried this. I removed all assignments pertaining to brakes and tried to assign right and left wheel brakes to the toe brakes on the pedals. The game will not recognize the pedals as the brakes. It will, however, accept the buttons on my ch pro throttle. Does anyone have any idea why it will not recognize the ch rudder pedals for brake use?

 

It's a little tricky.

 

When assigning a wheel brake to axis ( toe brake on pedal), before clicking on the assignment hold the toe brake in about half way. Then click on the assignment, when that window comes up then move the toe brake the rest of the way forward and then all the way back. It will then assign the toe brake axis appropriately. 

Note: Check operation in game , it may be reversed and you just have to click on the reverse in that menu to get it correct.

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

So for my birthday which is approaching fast, I ordered the complete MFG Crosswind ruder pedals package, and the VKB MCG MG Pro 5pin grip, Happy birthday to me...

 

 

 

I hope I don't end up divorced...

 

P.S the Saitek pro ruder pedals lasted me 10 years until last night... that kind of plastic doesn't last long these days.