Opinions on Saitek combat rudder pedals wanted.

[Pistol-Pete]

I'm used to controling rudder by twisting my truster msff2 sidewinder, but thinking of getting a paint of pedals. I've read plenty about the difference in quality between enty level pedals (saitek, ch, thrustmaster) and the more exensive metal ones. It also seems like Saitek is plauged by bad post and wiring to the highest degree. I have been offered a used Saitek combat rudders for 70 euros, and I'm thinking maybe they could cover my needs for some time (me being inexperiened with pedals). But Reading about the issues with these pedals makes me wonder if I'm better of saving up for a pair that lasts. I would very much like to hear of your experiences about the Saiteks. Are they garage? Should i save the 70 euros for a pair of crosswinds or could i hope for them to last me long enough to try out pedals and then decide to upgrade in about a year or two. Opinions Please!

[Shepherd]

Hi Pistol-Pete,

 

as you know-how I sold mine on eBay today. Sorry for not answering your question on time. I just send within Germany. (Yes, world is small)

Your choice depends on weather you are sure you want to stay with flight simulations for the next year's or not. If you are more or less new to flight sims I'd suggest to go for the Saiteks or something in this price segment, but just keep in mind this is most likely not a product that gives you the same level of precision as the more professional products. I switched to the MFG Crosswinds last year and I'm still happy with the choice.

There are quite a bunch of review videos for different types of pedals on YouTube, maybe this helps you with your decision? Good luck...

Edited October 8, 2017 by Shepherd

[Inkophile]

I think Shepherd's answer is pretty good. The Saiteks are a bit wobbly in the middle, and the construction isn't that robust, so you better not be all too heavy-footed (people who really kick their Saitek pedals will break them).

 

I have had my pedals for four years now (Saitek Pro Flight Combat Rudder version) and I've had zero issues with them aside from accumulation of dirt inside of them. They aren't amazingly well sealed so dirt will get into them and they'll require opening to be cleaned. Don't know if I've been lucky or if the pedals consistently are of higher quality than their HOTASes have a history of being (especially during the MadCatz ownership).

[216th_Lucas_From_Hell]

Not an owner myself but the wiring issues seem to have been solved after the Logitech takeover.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Owner of a pair of combat flight pedals (the cheapest saitek set) for 6 years now and they still do their job. They surely aren't the best but good enought and way better than jpystick twist for sure. Aside from the tensioner, which broke only after a month of use and evenutally repaired itself after several times of opening the thing nothing really broke on it so far. It's plastic but quite sturdy in construction. The only thing you need to care about is cleaning & greasing to avoid wear and tear over time. Especially the rubber rollers will start to clog with rubber shreds creating massive wear on the rails.

 

About the wiring issue, as I owned mine before Madcats ran the buisness I don't know if that's currently the case. Personally I never had issues with mine in that regard

 

Overall conclusion: Good solid set that will last you a few years and help you getting used to the feel of pedals but won't make you top gun with mastery precision and requires regular maintanance.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

I have the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals, they're doing their duty well. I also opened them up, removed the center knob, greased everything with white lithium, and closed it back. Very smooth output! Afaik it's the same techology, with a slightly different layout (different foot rests, and wider space between the pedals for real men!   ). It is a large step forward from a twist joystick. 

 

There are real professional pedals out there, like the MFG Crosswinds or Bauer's BRD versions. I may or may not upgrade in the future (currently waiting for VPC Mongoose Joystick, as the first truely high-end peripheral product to use for me). For the first pedals, you're not doing anything wrong with Logitech's Pro Flight Rudder Pedals.

Edited October 9, 2017 by 2./JG51_Fenris_Wolf

[dburne]

I ran the Saitek Combats for about five years and they did fine for me.

 

Upgraded to the Crosswinds and they are a whole different class.

[Retnek]

Same here - I use the Saitek pro flight rudders for years now. Rudders and brakes do what they should. Not elegant, not that smooth, but good enough for any casual pilot and without any trouble.

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

I had a bad experience with my Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals.

 

First set died within 1 month Rudder axis failed. RMA.

Second set died on toe brake due to wiring being severed internally after 12 months. Fixed them up, used them for a week, ordered a set of MFG Crosswinds then gave the Saitek pedals away for free once my crosswinds arrived.

[Sokol1]

Advantage of Saitek PRO Flight Pedal (the "Combat" and "Cessna" models seems discontinued) over their concurrent - CH PRO pedals and Tm TRFP - is by more width and thus more comfortable, but has nothing more better (plastic construction, "El Cheapo" potentiometer...)  to justify to pay almost the double price relative to concurrent (CH, Tm) in a brand new one.

 

This model require a different approach, but is ways better in construction, sensors/electronics, precision.

 

https://flightsimcontrols.com/store/pedals/vkb-t-rudder-pedals-mk-iv/

Edited October 9, 2017 by Sokol1

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Sokol, do these have toe brakes?

 

With that pricetag, I might as well replace my Saitek ones!

[Sokol1]

No, this is "Russian pedals" - so only virtual "differential brakes". 

[F/JG300_Gruber]

I had a bad experience with my Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals.

 

First set died within 1 month Rudder axis failed. RMA.

Second set died on toe brake due to wiring being severed internally after 12 months. Fixed them up, used them for a week, ordered a set of MFG Crosswinds then gave the Saitek pedals away for free once my crosswinds arrived.

 

That's my experience with Saïtek too.

Mines are roughly 3 year old now. I supposed this is madcatz products. I wouldn't recommend them.

Wires from the left toe brake snapped (all 3 of them) at a few months intervals. I don't know what they are made of but soldering don't stick on them so they aren't the most convenient things to repair. 

After successive DIY fixing, last year went without trouble. But left toe brake stopped working a few weeks ago, and this time I can't find where the problem is located. 

 

Maybe they are now a better product with logitech rework, but I won't find out since I have the crosswinds currently on order. 

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

 

 

Maybe they are now a better product with logitech rework, but I won't find out since I have the crosswinds currently on order.

 

There is a significant difference in quality. You won't be disappointed.

The only two things that I was not initially 100% happy with with was the imbalance with one foot on the pedals if not mounted (which I now no longer have an issue with even still unmounted) which I can appreciate the shipping savings not having a heavy base supplied, and the construction material.

 

My impression of the construction material changed completely after using them and I feel that the material choice Milan made for the pedals is actually superior.

 

Wish I had just gone straight to the MFG Crosswinds first.

 

 

I don't know what they are made of but soldering don't stick on them so they aren't the most convenient things to repair.

 

Yeah I struggled to solder the wires back together as well. What a pain in the arse it was trying to fix that up.