New flight control recommendation for finger rudder control

[BadAce89]

   So I have used a saitek x45 for the past 14 years. i have to buy them used/new now because I am so used to them. I won't change mostly because of the rudder setup. My rudder is on the throttle (left hand) and i use my index and middle finger to manipulate it. I have looked online and find few resaults for this setup, everything is either twisty stick or pedal. I was wondering if the community could help me find a more updated flight controller with a similar setup.

[TequilaChaser]

Have you looked at the Thrustmaster's T1600M stick and throttle (you have the option to add rudder pedals)

[The Fugitive]

While retraining yourself to a new setup is a pain in the butt, I think it is going to be your only option other than doing what you have been doing and buying used equipment.

[Gman]

Thrustmaster sells the new TWCS throtle seperately as well, it's the only throttle out right now that I know of that has the same x45 style rocker for the rudder axis.  It's very similar to the old Saitek in terms of how it feels when you move it.  I got mine for under $100 CDN, I've seen them for 75 USD.  It's pretty good quality, about the same as the CH Throttle IMO.  It's wider than the CH throttle by a fair bit too, very well planted.



There is another option, the combo TM Hotas, it's lower end, but still really, really good, the stick twists, and the throttle also has a rudder bar, which TM refers to as its "dual rudder" system.  I haven't tried this Hotas out as it's a little on the cheap side for me to add to the collection of them.



Just my opinion, but getting a good CH Combat with the TM TWCS throttle should run you under $175, and give you excellent controls for the $.  If you want to save a bit, maybe try the T1600 Hall sensor TM stick with the TM throttle, again, haven't tried it, but heard a lot of good things here about the T1600 in terms of bang/$.

[Bizman]

I know a little about the cheap TM Hotas, I still use the throttle of it. Or, actually mine is the older TopGun Afterburner II which is the same without PlayStation compatibility. 

Anyhow, there's a minor issue in the rocker on my throttle. The automatic centering leaves the action a tiny bit off. A helping tap is needed for the last bit. Most likely it wouldn't matter if used for the rudder. I tried to use it for moving sideways or back and forth in the cockpit, but being left off the crosshair was a bit annoying.

[TequilaChaser]

Gman, Bizman, on that T1600, don't it have the capability to lock the twisty rudder ability out,  so it acts like a regular stick without twisty rudder? If I remember correctly.... That way a person can rely on the rocker switch on either throttle model or rudder pedals, preference depending......

Even if a person has played for over a decade using a twisty stick or rocker switch for rudders, I highly recommend getting a pair of rudder pedals..... There are a good selection of different types of rudder pedals depending on what one might want to use....

I prefer my 1993 gameport type CH rudder pedals (the non CH pro rudder pedals type) they operate like a gas pedal/brake pedals on old Semi Tractor n'Trailers.... verses the CH pro type that work as true rudder pedals that push/pull with the rocking part  being the rudder toe brakes.... Thrustmaster, Satiek and other brands work in the same manner/way....( some also have lockout blocks,  for instance the CH pro rudder pedals come with lockouts ) to lock the rudders from  being  able to use the push/pull normal operation and let them operate like CH's first original non Pro version like I still use.... I have had 4 or more sets of CH pro rudder pedals, Satiek rudder pedals- I've had 2 different sets and 3 sets of Thrustmaster (2 different models).... I just prefer the old original regular CH rudder pedals because of the ability to make more precise inputs verses using the CH pro rudder pedals push/pull action that requires a person to have to use complete leg movement... Personal preference

If you are physically able to use rudder pedals, I highly recommend trying to get a set.....it will take a person a good 4 to 6+ months using them to get the muscle memory down to being like second nature, then one will wonder how they  ever fly without them....

Hope this helps

TC

[Bizman]

The T.16000M twisty can't be locked, but to be honest it doesn't matter. I haven't noticed twisting the stick unnecessarily in any situation, nor have I heard people complaining about it. You just don't map any function to the twisty axis.

The Afterburner has a locking screw for the twisty and a switch to choose between stick and throttle for rudder. In the T-flight HotasX the switch changes between PC and PS, the locking screw seems to be present based on images in the 'net.

As for the pedals, I concur. I started with a Logitech twisty, but in the name of low budget arms race I soon started using the pedals of a steering wheel, replaced later with the more realistic Saitek ProFlight ones. I don't use them much, but flying without them feels very strange.

If budget allows, the T.16000M based FCM Flight Pack including throttle and pedals is tempting. $179 at Newegg and Amazon is not too bad for a full set.