NZFF

As you all likely have noticed by now I have been plaguing the sim world for info on controllers for FSX as I want to get some to meet my needs.
Seems to me the single most important item is a (or 2 depending on which brand I go for) throttle quadrants. It is pretty much required for dual or 4 engine planes.
A yoke seems to be a fine controller to go for as well, except for one aspect, the fact that you would then need rudder pedals to go with it. I can see the advantages and fun factor that would be added by spending a few hundred $ on a decent yoke and throttle setup.
However, not getting to my topic title, I am having troubles seeing the worth in the rudder pedals. They just about double the cost of a yoke/throttle quad setup and all for the advantage of making coordinated turns. I mean I do have auto rudder off and I do use my joystick that i have as a rudder control for my turns and taxiing. Just do not think it would double the fun as it is doubling the cost of a controller set.
But then I go back to getting a yoke = having to get a rudder pedal. Unless I go for that new CH yoke with rudder thumb pads, but to be perfectly honest those look like they would be pretty awkward for keeping turns coordinated. Just doesn't look like it would be comfortable or natural to have the yoke turned yet have thumbs on those pads adjusting the rudder.

So, to those with rudder pedals, do they add that much realism or fun factor to your flight simming? Or are they there just to enable you to use a yoke because without them there is no nice rudder control?

Chris ..... Buy the CH rudder pedals saves writing long what i needs .. TRUST ME

Ian Warren wrote:

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ May 27 2010, 12:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chris ..... Buy the CH rudder pedals saves writing long what i needs .. TRUST ME

What Ian said. ;-)

I simply can't fly without pedals any more. I hooked up my yoke and throttle quadrant, without pedals a while back, and lasted about 10 minutes before I gave up.

SeanG

I agree..... if you're going to outlay funds for a yoke for the sake of realism (And fun) then you may as well complement it with matching rudder pedals. I use a set of CH yoke and pedals. The yoke is a little tired being 10+ years old but still does an admirable job. The rudder pedals are the same age and are EXCELLENT - it adds realism, fun and are heaps better than trying to use keys and buttons to taxi!! I also use a GoFlight throttle quadrant as it is configurable so you can fly singles, twins, turbo-props, turbo-jets etc etc!! The Saitek Yoke looks great and I'm looking at getting one as a replacement - but their pedals are just plain UGLY!!

Ya, was afraid you guys were going to say that! lol
So, now it boils down to cost.
CH Yoke/Throttle/Pedals = 776 NZ$ (after horrendous shipping costs and dreadful exchange rate from the USA is added in)
or
Saitek Yoke/Throttle/Pedals = 516 NZ$ bought at MightyApe at the moment.

When the wife sees this..... lol

Venge wrote:

QUOTE (Venge @ May 27 2010, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

CH Yoke/Throttle/Pedals

Hold off on the Throttle , just the CH Yoke , it comes with built on albeit single engine throttle but imagine close your eyes .... the Pedals ......... they are Car parts 'dear' , after the WOF i was told to replace them ........

Ian Warren wrote:

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ May 27 2010, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hold off on the Throttle , just the CH Yoke , it comes with built on albeit single engine throttle

But one of my recent motivations to upgrade my controllers is so i can run my accusim b17 and it's 4 engines >.<

Let the rudders and independent brakes do the work for you , you shut down inside engines or VC mouse throttle back , when lined up bring them back up to speed .. were the rudder and brakes really help out .

I have some old CH pedals which I brought off trade me for about $200 IIRC which also included a yoke. I dont use the yoke as I am having problems attaching it to the desk - most of my aircaft are single engine and joy stick controlled anyway..and I stil cant get out of the habit of controlling the aircaft on the ground with the twist stick but I find the pedals useful in controlling tailwheel aircraft on landing and take off.

Ok, been finding better pricing from Aus based stores. The first one I looked into-
Can get the CH Yoke and Rudder combo for 399 AUS which is approx 495 NZ$ (with minimal but waiting to be confirmed shipping cost)
And for the "Triple Pack" (CH yoke, rudder and quad) they want 580 AUS which is approx 719 NZ$ plus what they seem to suggest wont be much shipping cost.

I'd go for Saitek, haven't got any but have only heard good things about them. An a much better price

Mightyape is cheaper at the moment for what I would want for Saitek gear. However I am thinking I am going to go with CH setup anyway. However I did trade a few PMs with Liam about those guys stocking some CH at some point

i am a saitek guy, all my hardware is saitek, never had any problems what so ever, the thing i like most about the saitek stuff, is it is modular, i have got my rudder pedals screwed to the floor, (well piece of timber) , and you can set the throttles and yoke up what ever way you want. as far as the new ch yoke goes, i have heard some bad things about it, to cheap and nastly built seems to be one common thing i was hearing.

properly hasn't made your choices any easier and as far as the wife goes, she will eventually give up, mine has i just brought the FTX pacfic NW and she didn't even bat an eyelid. mind you i have sort of said that my new home cockpit will be a two seater!!!!

oh and if you do need any help with settings or such feel free to give me a yell, i more than likly have been there done that

jason

Thanks so much guys. All your input has helped me decide. I have decided to go with the saitek gear. One of the deciding factors was the fact I can buy it locally. The closest decent deals for the CH stuff at this point in time is Aus but I can drive to get the saitek stuff.
I poured over the net looking at all the debates and pros and cons of each and it really seems to be much of a muchness. So when all else is equal as far as I could tell, i went with the place where I have had awesome after purchase service and product support in the past.
At least that way if I do have any troubles with whatever I buy the retailer will be close by and has a good track record with me.

Chris , its like the old 'Ford' and 'Holden' debate or to us guys 'Boeing' or 'Airbus' .. I,m running the Saitek Yoke and throttles with CH rudders , the good thing with position is being able to return to the shop , the backup , its going to be interesting to hear after you have it setup and have it running after a week , how much it enhance,s adding a real feel floating on your PC chair with feet on rudders and yoke in hand .