Rudder pedal recommendation

[Tonester]

Hi all, my very old saitek rudder pedals have died in one of the brake axis so its time to upgrade. 

Can i have some recommendations please? i dont like the narrow looking ones like TM and CH. 

Crosswnds look good, are there any others of a similar ilk ? Does anyone know if crosswinds can

be shipped to australia? anyhow, come at me with opinions and experience…cheers all

[BladeMeister]

I went from Saiteks to Crosswinds and there is no comparison. Crosswinds are just in a different league. I cannot speak for any other high end pedals but Crosswinds are phenomenal. I have had mine for 5 or 6 years plus and they perform as good as the day I set them up. They are worth every penny and I would purchase another set of Crosswinds without a second thought or even looking for another brand. Milan, the owner, gives first rate service and I would have to imagine he could ship down under mate. There is only one way to find out. Good luck

 

S!Blade<><

P.S. it is 4 a.m., was hitting the head and felt strongly enough about MFG Crosswinds to post this. RW, over and out. Back to bed.

[cardboard_killer]

2 hours ago, Tonester said:

Crosswnds look good, are there any others of a similar ilk ?

 

If you search the Hardware and Software folder, you will find a lot of opinions. I use MFG Crosswinds, but lucked out and bought them used. Otherwise, I would have gone with VKB's T-Rudders due to pricing. The Slaw Device pedals are all steel, and some prefer the feel to them, but they are expensive. The Thrustmasters are a unique style and have some adherents as the most realistic action; they're even more expensive. I don't recall much being said about the Virpil offerings, but I'm relatively certain they are a great product.

 

For high end pedals, you can also look at Slaw Device, Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder, and Virpil ACE pedals.

 

There are two high end pedals available at significantly cheaper price but are without toe brakes: Virpil WarBRD and T-Rudders Mk.IV

[Jade_Monkey]

+1 for MFG Crosswinds.

[Raptorattacker]

I got some VKB's and, forr the price they do the job. All metal as well, nothing to really 'wear'.

[40plus]

I just bought the Virpil Ace pedals and am very happy with them. They are a massive improvement over my previous Saitek pedals.

 

Any product that uses ball bearing pivots instead of sliding plastic interfaces is going to be giant step forward for you.

 

I started a similar thread over in the hardware forum when I did my search late last year. You may find more helpful information over there

 

Edited January 22, 2022 by 40plus

[6./ZG26_Custard]

Crosswinds all the way.

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

32 minutes ago, 6./ZG26_Custard said:

Crosswinds all the way.

 

All day, every day!!

[SAG]

The VKB T-Rudder is great, I've had mine for about 4 years and they work just as good as always, they don't have toe-brakes though

[JLean]

Here is another happy Crosswind user.  9 months in heavy use without any issues.

I cannot dream about better pedals. 

 

JLean

 

[J2_Seya]

I have owned my crosswinds since 2014. I love them. Nothing has worn out or broken on them.

[Ribbon]

I have vkb rudder pedals due to room space shortage, great build amd quality even not designed like true fixed wing pedals, and not having brakes!

 

On the other hand half of my ex squad and current one owns Crosswind pedals....for years...and from their words they are the best you can buy!

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

Crosswind, you will never need another pair.

[357th_KW]

I just upgraded from some CH pedals to Crosswinds, and the MFG’s are incredible.  Just a completely different tier of equipment.

[reve_etrange]

20 hours ago, Tonester said:

Hi all, my very old saitek rudder pedals have died in one of the brake axis so its time to upgrade. 

Can i have some recommendations please? i dont like the narrow looking ones like TM and CH. 

Crosswnds look good, are there any others of a similar ilk ? Does anyone know if crosswinds can

be shipped to australia? anyhow, come at me with opinions and experience…cheers all

 

Don't let me stop you from upgrading to a new set of pedals, but if the problem is that that the plastic retaining hook for the brake spring snapped off, you can easily order a 3D printed replacement.

 

When my Saitek pedals broke, I ordered a print of this STL from Voodoo Mfg in New York and was soon flying again for < $15 US including cross-country shipping. A similar service must be available in Australia as well, or perhaps someone you know has access to a 3D printer themselves. I used PET-G at 80% infill and have had no issues, but there's also a variant design with a slot for a metal reinforcement insert if you want to make it even stronger.

 

Edited January 23, 2022 by reve_etrange

[VilsonFarias]

I have both Crosswind with dumper kit and Virpil Ace Collection. 

 

Crosswind:

- You can fine tune the springs.

- You can fine tune the inclination of the pedals.

- Dumper kit is awesome, I'd say it's more realistic but I haven't flown any warbird to validate this claim.

 

Virpil:

- Larger and heavier.

- All metal.

- Super light and smooth movement, even with both springs installed. Some people may not like it though.

- You can buy a kit with both P-51 and Bf-109 pedal styles. Switching the pads is very easy too.

- More expensive.

 

Both use bearings and hal sensors

 

In terms of experience, both are equally good and precise.

 

Both can be shipped internacionally. I bought the Crosswind from Brazil and it took only 2 weeks to get there (DHL). I bought Virpil from USA and took the same amount of time (DHL again).

Edited January 23, 2022 by VilsonFarias

[Tonester]

3 hours ago, reve_etrange said:

 

Don't let me stop you from upgrading to a new set of pedals, but if the problem is that that the plastic retaining hook for the brake spring snapped off, you can easily order a 3D printed replacement.

 

When my Saitek pedals broke, I ordered a print of this STL from Voodoo Mfg in New York and was soon flying again for < $15 US including cross-country shipping. A similar service must be available in Australia as well, or perhaps someone you know has access to a 3D printer themselves. I used PET-G at 80% infill and have had no issues, but there's also a variant design with a slot for a metal reinforcement insert if you want to make it even stronger.

 

Thanks for the advice mate but the actual left brake axis isnt registering at all unfortunately…the spring part broke years agon and i have been happily using it without but now the axis doesnt work at all. i pulled it apart looking for an easy fix but could not see a brokennwire or anything…ive had them for about 15 years if memory serves so its time to upgrade

[reve_etrange]

Ah in that case and seeing Saiteks are ~$170+ US on eBay, I'd upgrade too!

[dburne]

I absolutely love my Crosswind Pedals with the Damper Mod.

[JohnHolmes]

I ordered Crosswinds to be shipped to New Zealand. They arrived within 7 days during the pandemic, 3 of those days they were stuck in NZ customs. I absolutely love them, could not believe the difference from my old Thrustmaster T Flight Pedals. Go get em son.

[1Sascha]

Since I'm reading lots of comments on how "nothing will break" on high-end, steel pedals:

 

I've been using CH Pro Pedals since my days in Air Warrior 2 and Warbirds. To be more specific: I've been using the same set of CH Pro Pedals  since the mid 1990s. I don't recall the exact year, but they must be from 1995 or 1996, meaning they still have a gameport-connector and I've been running them through a cheapo gameport to USB converter for well over a decade now.  

 

They're all plastic, yes... but CH's plastic seems to be quite sturdy considering their age and the heavy use these things have seen. They still look and feel like new. I've owned other sets of plastic pedals over the years (most of which broke), including the Saitek Pro Flights which felt decidedly cheap (and thus overpriced) when compared to the CH ones. 

 

All of which isn't meant as an endorsement of CH's pedals... I guess I'm just trying to say that you don't need to spend a fortune on an all-steel device if longevity is a prime concern. 

 

S.

Edited January 24, 2022 by 1Sascha

[TheSNAFU]

I would agree on the CH pedals. They don’t look classy or like the real thing but they just work. I’ve had mine well over 10 years and they continue to fill my needs. 

[BladeMeister]

Congratulations 1Sascha on keeping your CH pedals in good working order. The one thing that I was missing concerning rudder pedals and joystick/throttles was that technology has moved forward A LOT. The sensors and software used to convey the signals from the hardware to the game has increased exponentially making in sim control much more precise than older less expensive rudder pedal assemblies. Also the high quality ballbearings, springs and movement profile cams introduced by the high end rudder offerings of today make the physical movement of the pedals incredibly smooth and give more precise control, especially at the center position. Stick/throttles have also improved exponentially, especially with the introduction of 100 and 200 mm extensions. I am old school also, but high end rudder pedals(Crosswinds in my case) have really opened my eyes to a much more enjoyable experience in flight simming. If you ever have the chance to try out Crosswinds or a VKB stick, I would highly encourage that you do. The older hardware works fine, but the new technology brings a new appreciation to flight simming. Yes it does cost more and I am not rich by any means, but I am so glad I saved money and bought both the MFG Crosswinds and my VKB Gunfighter. Just a thought for anyone seriously into flight sims.

 

S!Blade<><

[Soilworker]

Just gonna chuck my endorsement for Slaw pedals in the mix, they're truly great, especially with the damper and would likely outlive my hypothetical grandkids. 

[Drano]

I'm a few years into the Crosswinds pedals and can highly recommend them. All composite with steel bearings at the pivot points, adjustable spring tension and swappable cams for whichever profile you might like. Has toe brakes. Silky smooth and with modern contactless sensors also very precise. I upgraded my V2 with the damper kit and USAAF peds. The damper kit is also highly recommended. I didn't think these could get any better...then I put the kit on! The kit is now an option when you buy. Not as expensive as the Slaw, VKB or Virpil peds which are mostly or all steel construction but not cheap either. Filed under--you get what you pay for. I had Saitek peds prior. World of difference going from plastic cheapies with pots for sensors to something like this. The best part is I don't see these ever breaking, maybe have a wire wear out but that's about it. Pretty bullet proof.

[cardboard_killer]

7 minutes ago, Drano said:

Not as expensive as the Slaw, VKB or Virpil peds

 

The VKB pedals do not have toe breaks, but are 105 USD cheaper than the cheapest Crosswinds. The Virpil break-less pedals (not their ACE brand) are also cheaper ($70?).

[Dallas88B]

@Tonester  "Does anyone know if crosswinds can be shipped to Australia" ...yes they can. I ordered two sets a few years ago and had them shipped to different addresses at opposite ends of the country...they both arrive no problem. The packaging was very good. They have assembly videos on their site (really worth following) that makes it very easy to get them set exactly as you want. 
 

I am not as talented a flyer as many here but even so, and maybe because I needed / still need all the help I could get, they improved my flying out of sight.
 

When I was looking a buying them, several years ago now, Deadmeat, the owner of the Unprofessionals MP server, told me that with Crosswinds you just forget about working the rudder and just fly the plane...and he is so correct.... they are expensive, but you really get what your paying for...they are great to use. Mine have not missed a beat. 

[Cynic_Al]

On 1/26/2022 at 3:38 PM, cardboard_killer said:

The VKB pedals do not have toe breaks

 

It would be pretty nasty if they did.

[Sokol1]

On 1/24/2022 at 9:17 AM, 1Sascha said:

All of which isn't meant as an endorsement of CH's pedals... I guess I'm just trying to say that you don't need to spend a fortune on an all-steel device if longevity is a prime concern. 

 

To be fair, the only "all-steel" parts in Crosswind is the bearings, bolts and springs. They are "high end" without being "all metal", like some people enjoy boast.  

 

Quote

The Virpil break-less pedals (not their ACE brand) are also cheaper ($70?).

 

The more cheap VirPil pedals, the WarBRD without brakes is 199,95 Euros.

 

They teaser a new model recently- seems helicopter oriented, with up-down operation, similar to VKB T-Rudder:

 

 

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Sokol1

[cardboard_killer]

1 hour ago, Sokol1 said:

They teaser a new model recently- seems helicopter oriented, with up-down operation, similar to VKB T-Rudder

 

Looks like a rocker system, different than the VKB system.

[Capt_Hook]

I love my Slaw 109 pedals.  I think they're better built than what was originally in the aircraft.  Probably the most expensive option, and functionally not any better than Crosswind, but in terms of weight and feel they are unsurpassed.  

[Sokol1]

22 hours ago, cardboard_killer said:

Looks like a rocker system, different than the VKB system.

 

Yes, the mechanism is different, but the operation is the same: just move foot tip down and up. 

[LLv34_Flanker]

S! 

 

MFG Crosswinds all the way. Damper kit just took them to another level. And Milan's customer service is top notch. 

[Cynic_Al]

1 hour ago, LLv34_Flanker said:

Damper kit just took them to another level.

 

It seems most users extol the virtues of this damper kit, but I would have to question the realism.  Apply pressure to a pedal and the damper increases the resistance, thereby offering force feedback of a sort.  That's fine and I get it, however I'm convinced that there is a downside.  Going by video demonstrations, it is clear that the bi-directional damper acts also while the pedals are returning to the centre position, not just when one is being depressed, which is what I cannot accept as realistic.

 

Excepting any aircraft that may have a built-in control damping system (if there are any), the airflow over a control surface will return it to its neutral position in short order. 

 

In combat it is important to be able to make rapid, unimpeded  changes of direction, which is why I would advocate a damping system that acts only when the pedals are moving away from the centre/neutral position.

[jollyjack]

Crosswinds got me interested thanks ya'll, any tips on ordering? Me109 pedals, or combat? Damperkit of course, maybe a soft-spring too?

Q: toe-breaks work OK? 

I also saw available softer brake springs, is that wise to order too?

 

Edited September 19, 2023 by jollyjack

[=LD=Bulldog*]

S! Jollyjack,

 

I ordered mine with the damper kit and Bf 109 pedals. 

 

Toe brakes are flawless. 

 

Great piece of kit. 

 

BD

[spreckair]

@jollyjack  If you use the BF 109 pedals, you can also use the "Croc" mod.  So much more comfortable.

 

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Hah!