life after HOTAS

[LawnDart]

I agree with Succellus' comment about a generic pit. I don't have a true replica pit, but one that is ergonomically comfortable and does the job well.

 

Many of my teammates have F-16 replica panels, seats and in some cases full blown pits (with the HW center mounted to the ACES II seat add-on). While this is awesome, I agree that it's an endless money pit and hobby all in and of itself.

 

While Lucky is mostly right about not needing rudders except for takeoffs and landings (especially in a crosswinds), it depends on what mission you're flying. Just as an example, what I do mostly in formation flying requires the use of rudders as much as the rest of the HOTAS. It's hard to rank TIR vs. rudders, but as mentioned, once you figure out what kind of flying you plan on doing the most it'll be easier to prioritize what to buy first.

[cichlidfan]

Hopefully I made a wise choice on the pedals/product, and my mind is open to TrackIR.

 

My two cents...

 

Pedals would be a pain to use in my current game/general use computer environment but for some other sims I would love to have them. In the case of A-10, since my stick does have a twist, I would not care much. I find that I rarely use the rudder in the air.

 

Now TrackIR is another story, I just got mine and wish somebody had forced me to get it a long time ago. I'm not sure how much I would care about it in a "fast mover" but for A-10 or anything else moving relatively slow it is a major asset. I find that my spacial awareness is much better since I am moving my head instead of the POV hat. Its also a very handy when you need to hit that switch that is just below screen level. Just grab the mouse, look down and click.

 

Having spent, over the years, unthinkable amounts of money on various additions to my computer(s) I must say that dollar for dollar TIR is absolutely the best money I have ever spent.

 

Of course, your mileage may vary!