Help choosing Pedals

[KamiraHusky]

Hi All,

 

Been playing DCS for a number of years now, focusing primarily on the A10 module.

 

As I imagine many players have been, I've been upgrading and getting bits to help move from flying entirely digital with keyboard and mouse, over the years, starting with an X52, Track-IR, new GFX Card (GTX1070), TM Warthog...and now I'm onto the last component, that I've been telling myself I can live without for so long, Pedals.

 

Looking around, I see the older Saitek pedals (pro flight and combat) are getting harder and harder to find, with prices creeping up on ebay, in the UK at least.

I know Thrustmaster have the T-flight pedals, but I was concerned about the build quality due to the price, at least compared with other pedals.

I've also seen the Crosswind pedals, and beautiful as they are, unless someone can convince me they'll change flight sims for ever, I probably can't justify their price to myself, let alone the other half!!

 

So really, I'm looking for some advise and guidance from anyone who might be able to assist!

 

Thanks in advance!

[Gladman]

To be 100% honest. The MFG's have changed flight sims forever. I'll not say that about more than 1 or 2 products but I can't tell you how much these things will change the experience for you.

[dburne]

To be 100% honest. The MFG's have changed flight sims forever. I'll not say that about more than 1 or 2 products but I can't tell you how much these things will change the experience for you.

 

Agreed - the quality, smoothness, and customize ability is outstanding.

Would be the first and last pedals you would ever need.

 

Not a lot to choose from right now though, the Saitek Combat Pedals were pretty good - I had them for a number of years, but have not been produced in a while. Recently Logitech purchased Saitek from Mad Catz, so they may revive them in the near future. Thrustmaster has their entry level pedals which are fairly new, and relatively inexpensive, main complaint I see on those are the narrowness of the pedals distance between them.

VKB has the T-Rudder pedals, which appear to be pretty good and less cost than the Crosswinds, however they lack toe brakes on the pedals.

 

If you have been doing this for some time now and feel you will stick with it for a number of years, I would encourage to consider investing in the Crosswinds. If you must go less, no way can swing them, I would consider the VKB pedal offering if you can do without having the toe brakes on the pedals.

 

Lastly if none of the above due to cost, consider waiting and see what Logitech does for their offering or go with the TM now.

Edited September 19, 2016 by dburne

[rrohde]

Very happy with my all-metal Baur BRD pedal set (I ordered mine with exchangable pedal rests - WWII and Su-35 styles); see unboxing here:

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=173100

Baur has been at it since 2007, and he operates out of Sochi, Russia.

 

EDIT: Forgot to mention the different customization options Baur offers based on his designs; see thread here (scroll a little):

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/24303-new-pedals-brd-f3/#entry377473

 

If you can live without toe-brakes (turned out I could not), the VKB T-Rudders MkIV might be a good choice, too.

Edited September 19, 2016 by rrohde

[KamiraHusky]

Thanks for the quick replies, really value the feedback.

 

I should add I also own the Black Shark module and would like to give rotary wing a try some time, with that in mind, are the Crosswinds still the holy grail?

[dburne]

Thanks for the quick replies, really value the feedback.

 

I should add I also own the Black Shark module and would like to give rotary wing a try some time, with that in mind, are the Crosswinds still the holy grail?

 

I can attest to that, while I own many modules I am currently only flying the KA-50. The difference the Crosswinds made for me over the Saitek Combats I had was night and day. My landings especially improved right away.

 

Edit - You can see many user reviews at this thread, which goes back to Jan 2014...

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=119419

Edited September 19, 2016 by dburne

[Gladman]

Even jet aircraft use is extremely noticable with the MFG's. I honestly could not believe how much smoother my AA engagements became and landings. Oh my god the landings!!!! You can actually use the pedals for large to miniscule corrections. To be honest, I've started just getting close with the stick and throttle rudder for final approaches, including carrier traps.