Rudder Pedals?

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ClipperLuna
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Rudder Pedals?

Post by ClipperLuna »

Hey-o everyone. Past time I got me a set of rudder pedals. Thinking about the Logitech/Saitek Pro ones: https://www.saitek.com/uk/prod-bak/pedals.html. For those who have/had them, would you buy them again, or would you recommend something else?

Thank you in advance for the input.

TreeTops
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by TreeTops »

I had them and got about 5 years use before a plastic spring mount broke when meant I had a floppy pedal.
I bought the Cessna version which really like but I dont think they are made anymore since they switched to Logitech.
Cheers
Trev

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Paughco
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by Paughco »

I used to do all my flying with a Microsoft Sidewinder stick with twist for rudder and a built in throttle at the base. Then I upgraded to a Thrustmaster T.16000 stick. Got a Thrustmaster throttle about the time the A2A Connie came out. Got the Thrustmaster rudder pedals about the time the A2A T-6 came out. That's about all I've had experience with. The Thrustmaster stuff is working fine for me.

The rudder pedals are a little close together, but they work fine and fit under my computer table just fine, so I'm happy. Good luck in your quest!

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twsharp12
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by twsharp12 »

I also have the Thrustmaster rudder pedals, and while they get the job done, they're not the best quality. It would be nice if the axis was a little smoother. I've tried grease but it didn't help much. Probably fair for their price.

These will come out eventually. https://www.simflight.com/2020/09/28/ho ... er-pedals/

MarcE
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by MarcE »

I have the MFG Crosswind pedals and I love them. Highly adjustable and amazingly precise.

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Jacques
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by Jacques »

Those Saitek pedals look really nice! I went to Thrustmaster when my CH pedals finally gave out. I can echo the sentiments of those above about their shortcomings but, they DO get the job done. I haven’t researched the saiteks, but if the reviews are positive and the price is acceptable to you they do seem to have a better build than Thrustmaster.

TreeTops
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by TreeTops »

Regardless of if you need to replace them after a few years, they are still very important and well worth it.
The idea of controlling the rudder with a twist grip on the joystick is so counter-intuitive.
There are also more upmarket options like Crosswind to consider.
Cheers
Trev

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MkIV Hvd
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by MkIV Hvd »

I replaced my failed CH pedals with Logitech/Saitek ones about 18 months ago and I'm very satisfied with them. The pedals are about the right distance apart for me and the tension adjustment and soft detent at the neutral position are both very nice features and have me thinking that if they ever do fail, I'll quite likely just buy another set of the same :wink:

Cheers,
Rob
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ImpendingJoker
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by ImpendingJoker »

I've had my Saitek pedals for about 6 years now. I love them. The spring for the left toe brake broke so it is a bit floppy now but, I hardly notice it. I used my Dremel to take the heel wells off and smooth them out, so that I can rest my heels on the floor and use just the balls of my feet for flying helicopters, and I've never been into racing games so I don't miss those nor does the broken spring really affect anything. The same thing happened to my old CH Pedals, and on that one it DID mess up the left toe brake to the point that the dead zone had to be so wide so it wouldn't detect the movement and that was less than ideal. Other than that, I love them, and use them almost every day.
Paul

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ClipperLuna
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by ClipperLuna »

Lots of options out there . . . decisions, decisions. I like the look of those Crosswinds but they might be out of my budget unfortunately.

Thanks again!

-Ryan

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vtracy
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by vtracy »

I, too, have the M F G Crosswind pedals. I am very satisfied with them, they have precision, can be adjusted in many ways, and give me the feeling of real pedals. I would not change them.
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AerialShorts
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by AerialShorts »

Another with MFG pedals. About the only others I would consider are the Slaw Device and the Thrustmaster TPR pedestal pedals. Others might be good too but I quit looking after I got my MFGs. The MFGs are very sturdy and strong, use Hall sensors so never have problems with dirty potentiometers, and you can use different cams and the centering spring for selectable/adjustable rudder centering strength. They are also easily hackable/customizable since they bolt together. With a 3D printer, you can make other pedals, offset pieces, custom cams, etc. A bit more expensive than others but they use heavy duty hardware and should last years and years. Mine are over three years old now and still work like new even with very heavy use.

I used to fly with CH Products rudder pedals but those were uncomfortable due to the very narrow stance. They also got electrically noisy over time since they use regular potentiometers.

Whatever anyone buys, my advice would be to avoid any pedals that use mechanical potentiometers. Those are inferior and old technology and were never really intended for position sensing. They get dirty, shafts get sticky and gall, and the wipers wear away the resistive elements due to the high repetitive motions concentrated in a narrow range around center. There may be well-engineered exceptions but you can’t get away from all the wear around center. Hall sensors are immune from dust, dirt, and wear of resistive elements, and will last basically forever and work the same day in and day out.
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dvm
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by dvm »

I too have the MFGs and they are very precise and durable. I do not like the pedals as delivered as I want pedals where you can place your heals on the floor and use the balls of your feet as in 99% of real world installations. I made a new set of replacement pedals and they now suit me fine as now I can place my heals on the floor etc. They are the best for the money in my opinion. I would have considered the thrustmaster TPR if they had been available when I bought the MFGs but they are even more expensive the the MFGs but they are mostly metal which I like.Here is an old posting with a photo of my replacement pedals.

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=55800&hilit=MFGs

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dvm
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by dvm »

Here is a better image.
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Reticuli
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Re: Rudder Pedals?

Post by Reticuli »

Been using the Saiteks for years.

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