Rudder pedals

[badhorse]

I currently use an X52 joystick and throttle.  It works well for me as it has enough buttons and switches to allow me to map most of my most used operations.
I am considering adding a CH rudder pedal set. Does anyone know how well these two controls work together?  Also to you folks currently using seperate rudder pedals instead of just a twisty stick, is it worth adding to begin with.

thanks

[CAP1]

I currently use an X52 joystick and throttle.  It works well for me as it has enough buttons and switches to allow me to map most of my most used operations.
I am considering adding a CH rudder pedal set. Does anyone know how well these two controls work together?  Also to you folks currently using seperate rudder pedals instead of just a twisty stick, is it worth adding to begin with.

thanks

i don't know how well the ch pedals would work with the siatek stuff...i'd have to imagine it'd work nicely......

as for adding pedals.,....some say there's no real difference..me......i think there is a big difference!!

[Bruv119]

I have full CH stuff.

I can speak for the pedals.  They are very accurate (hardly ever need re-calibrating) They do tend to slide around a little on carpet but you can sort that out.  I love them and wouldn't think about flying without them ever!

[moot]

Twisty rudder will always interfere with js input, and rocker input is just not as accurate as pedals.

[Max]

I use Saitek peds with a CH Fighterstick and throttle. Reversing the batting order as your inquiring should not be an issue. The CH Peds will show up separately in the AH Joystick control panel window. All you need to do is assign the Z axis to them and you're good to go.

As for peds vs twisty...most who've tried both will tell you that peds are better. I agree. Depending on how frequently you fly, you'll find the switch from twisty to peds a bit difficult in adjusting to. I'm talking 2 - 4 weeks to really get the feel of the peds. Stick with it. In the end you'll gain better control of your aircraft and landing tough deflection shots or snapshots will be easier.

If you do go the peds route, consider the Saitek peds. I've used both and prefer the Saitek. IMHO they're a bit sturdier and have adjustable footrests and tension adjustments. Tip: use Velcro to keep them from sliding around under your feet.

[Krusty]

I used a twisty for years. I got very good at it. It still was my greatest handicap (well, second to lack of skill) because I couldn't coordinate inputs, I couldn't get a precise enough control to perfect my aim, or anything.

Don't get me wrong, you can get by with a twisty stick. But even when you're "good" with it, you start realizing it's a very limited input setup.

You pull back on the stick, left or right, and you're inputting rudder twist as well. Further, when you NEED rudder while pushing/pulling on the stick, it's uncomfortable, and usually not easy to coordinate. Using rudder pedals you can use your feet for that (it gets much easier with practice!) and just move the stick where you want, and not have to fight it.

If you can afford it, and if you make it through the 2-3 months of relearning how to fly, it's a major step up. It's not going to help your skills, but it will help your control to do what you want rather than fight the stick to get what you want)

[DrDea]

  Same as Krusty.I loved the MS pre pro but once I got the rudder pedals I never looked back.If your gonna be in the game alot it one of the better investments you can make.Mine are going on over 5 years service and still great.Had a wire come loose inside once and tech support sent a layout of the guts and it was a simple process to fix it.Their a great choice and theres no better option IMHO as far as great control.

[1701E]

I use a Logitech Extreme 3D pro joystick, and a Logitech Force steering wheel with pedals (wheel sits on another desk when i play AH).  I had used the twisty for about a year and never got more than 2 kills for the lack of rudder control.  The pedals are extremly helpful as you get a wider range of control (pedals can go farther down than stick can turn).  Even if they are gas and brake pedals they still help 

[Mustaine]

I use a CH Fighterstick Pro, x45 Throttle, and CH Pro pedals. They all work fine together in AH. Mixing and matching brands is fine as long as you map the axis in AH properly.

As for pedals VS twisty there is no comparison IMHO. with a twisty you almost always inadvertently input some rudder and it effects you flying.

[Coshy]

I also have the X52 and recently got a set of CH peds. They work wonderfully together, no conflicts at all. There has been a reccomendation of getting a powered USB hub, but so far I have been rock steady without one.

It will take some getting used to. When using a twisty it is kind of intuitive to put a little rudder input as you move your joystick around. Meaning, turning left, you would naturally twist a bit to the left, its kinda the way your (my) hand moves.

With the peds you have to conciously think (at first) about which pedal to press and how much. It does become more natural feeling after a bit of practice. I'm not a great pilot by any stretch, but I do believe adding the pedals has improved my control somewhat.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[Wingnutt]

Cougar HOTAS + Saitek Pro Pedals..

love it.

[ink]

i used a twisty (cyborg) stick for years, i up graded to x-52, played with that for awhile, still twisty, i picked up the saitek rudder pedals about 6 months ago, HUGE difference with the twisty  like others have said you always input rudder or too much when not needed, this never happens any more NEVER, my targeting has improved alot before i had about a 2 to 3 % hit ratio, now i get upwards of 6 to 7 %  to me thats a big difference.  get the peddals. well worth it, especially if you fly alot.

[Wingnutt]

It must be known through, there is a learning curve involved with pedals..

for a while at least, you will fly worse than before and may even be a little  for a while..

just DONT change settings too much, pick a setting you think makes sense and use it for a few days before making MINOR changes.

[badhorse]

Thanks for the info fellas.  Think I will give them a try.

MAX
Interesting you feel that way about the Saitex pedals.  In reading the reviews of the the CH and Saitex pedals; one of the things some folks had against the Saitex pedals ways they seemed a bit cheesy in their construction.

[SD67]

Pedals are definitely the way to go!

I had a little bit of an advantage as I've used pedals on and off IRL for a while now, but still in game (as all things) they feel and work somewhat differently.
I've used my Saitek pedals in conjunction with my X52 HOTAS set since December and I've not once had to recalibrate them (the same can be said for my now almost 2 year old year old X52 setup!) and they've never been anything other than rock solid. The Saitek pedals IMO have a greater range of adjustment and overall a better "feel" than what I remember from my old CH set.