Last updated on March 17th, 2021
Flying a flight simulator can be an amazing experience as it brings along a realistic feel of steering an aircraft by zapping across clouds. It also serves as a useful practice tool for would-be pilots before they actually get accredited for flying the airplane.
Rudder pedals serve as an extremely crucial component of the entire flight simulation setup as it aids in countering p-factor and adverse yaw by redirecting the fluid past the fuselage.
Today we are going to take you through five of the best rudder pedals available in the market which can provide optimum value for money by ushering in the benefits as mentioned below.
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| Image | Name | |
|---|---|---|
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Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals | Check Price |
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CH Products Pro Pedals USB Flight Simulator Pedals | Check Price |
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Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals for PC & Playstation 4 | Check Price |
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Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals | Check Price |
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T-Rudder Mk.IV Flight Simulator Pedals | Check Price |
Advantages Of Using Rudder Pedals
- Rudder pedals are an absolute must if you ever plan to fly a real plane. While learning to fly, you will notice that driving a plane is totally different from driving a car. You can use your feet to steer while driving a taxi. But your hands will already be occupied with enough jobs while driving a plane and the last thing you would want is to worry about steering the aircraft. Turning the yoke in a real aircraft can actually shift the ailerons but not the rudder pedal which aids in taxiing with any wind.
- While taking off a small aircraft you will experience a sudden pull towards your left. This can be triggered due to an array of factors inclusive of the P-factor. If you have been flying a flight simulator without using rudder pedals, then you will have to turn your yoke towards the right for compensating the same. However, this is not the correct method and can be rectified on adding along rudder pedals.
- It becomes totally impossible to engage in side and forward slip without rudder pedals. Forward and side slip are extremely crucial for flight manoeuvers with each having distinct but important jobs requiring you to manipulate the rudder pedals and yoke together. While performing the forward slip, the pilot makes use of the rudder for changing the direction of the aircraft nose by banking the wing into the wind. This helps in quickly losing altitude without gaining much airspeed which can serve as the perfect technique of coming in to high for a landing. This can also be of great aid in a runway having some obstacles which you need to clear prior to losing altitude. While doing the side slip, the pilot prevents the plane from altering direction by banking the wing and compensating it using the rudder pedal. This technique is required for lining up on the runway by moving the plane sideways. Another important usage of the side slip is for cross wind landing.
- Everything needs to work perfectly while making banks in an aircraft and ensuring its proper flight. Technically you can make a turn by cranking on the yoke but it becomes impossible to maintain flight coordination without the rudder pedals especially when you first enter that bank or exit the same. More left rudder pedal needs to be added while making a bank to the left and vice versa while making a bank to the right. Coordinated flight reduces the chances of entering a risky spin by making it comfortable for your passengers.
- The presence of rudder pedal becomes crucial while going slow prior to touchdown as the ailerons get sloppier and the only means of maintaining control is through those rudder pedals. Rudder also has an important role to play during a stall as they serve as our best defence from entering a spin.
Are you looking for a headset for enhanced experience? Check our article for the best headsets available
1. Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals
These self-centering pedals featuring a 4.5 feet USB connector cable and adjustable damping can perfectly complement the Throttle Quadrant and Saitek Pro Flight Yoke combo.
The fluid motion of the Rudder pedals pave the way for accurate command over the aircraft whereas independent control over the right and left toe brakes are guaranteed by differential braking. A wide range of foot sizes can be accommodated by the adjusting foot rests which are crafted using non-slip material for keeping the pedals on the floor during a virtual flight.
Its adjustable tension dial aids in toggling between the varying levels of resistance for choosing the one which suits you best during the flight sessions. You can make the rudder pedals respond by applying just a little pressure or exert more force with a simple twist of the dial.
The rudder bottom comprises of two extenders for adding more rubber pads which in turn can lead to greater surface area and prevent slippage. You can also attach Velcro strips in the two long areas if you still feel the requirement.
The SST programming software included by Saitek allows the addition of greater functionality for the rudder pedals. You can thus keep up with your activities without having to press any key on the keyboard.
On opening up the software you can view the screen split into two main sections with the left zone projecting a 3D representation of the rudder assembly. The picture of the rudder can be easily moved around by clicking on the same and dragging the mouse around.
You will be required to push the rudder pedals or click on the pedals on the computer screen for programming a certain motion.
You will be redirected to the appropriate slot on the right screen section by the software wherein you will be required to click on the empty space and fill in the key press you wish the button to correspond with.
Pros
PROS:
- Partial metal construction for enhancing longevity.
- Precise braking and rudder controls.
- It is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, XP64 and 7.
- Smart Technology programming software aids gamers in configuring the controls for suiting their desired gaming style.
Cons
CONS:
- Pedals have to be plugged and unplugged every time you reboot the computer.
- Pedals rank low in durability.
2. CH Products Pro Pedals USB Flight Simulator Pedals
You can now make the most out of all racing and flight simulation games with the CH Products Pro featuring three axis control to mimic the pedal movement of aircrafts.
Its pedals can be plugged easily inside a free USB port without the requirement of assigning functions to the axis. Its U.S. manufacture can keep you guaranteed of a premium construction which is very much in line with its industrial controllers.
These highly durable pedals have been crafted using military-grade plastic which can surely outlive the warranty period of 2 years. Pro Pedals are compatible with Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and Mac OSX, thus adding to its versatility.
It also becomes easier to properly position the pedals coupled with the seven-foot USB cable which imparts greater accessibility and comfort. The CH Control Manager programming software can assist in exercising supreme control over all CH USB devices by letting you assign buttons, program macros and many more.
The three axes of the pedals can be depressed down in a way similar to a car pedal for separate axis. You can then slide it back and forth for getting another axis and controlling the rudder just like a real plane.
However, the pedals lack any clever grip or mounting system and you will have to make do with the 6 rubber feet at the rudder bottom for preventing it from sliding.
This might pose as a substantial area of concern for most people who will require something heavier for ceasing the pedals from moving during gameplay.
Pros
PROS:
- Driverless USB installation.
- Realistic heel-toe differential brake control.
- 7 foot USB cable accompanying the sturdy base.
- Works with CH Control Manager software.
- Chock blocks can be placed for disabling the rudder slide for being used in racing games.
Cons
CONS:
- Several users have complained about the pedals being too close together.
- The lipped foot pedals make it imperative to keep your entire foot on the pedals at all time which is anything but realistic.
3. Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals for PC & Playstation 4
The first thing about the Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals which is bound to catch your eyes is its highly realistic appearance.
These versatile pedals boasting an ergonomic build has been specially designed to accommodate both your feet while leaving enough space for the entire foot length to rest on the same with utmost comfort.
Each of the pedals feature a heel rest offering a slight “lip” near its end for ensuring that your foot does not come off while you are in the middle of the action.
Its fully removable nature can prove out to be extremely beneficial if you are unhappy about the positioning of your feet and wish to place it in a different manner.
The base of the whole unit has been designed to usher in optimum stability as it weighs down in all the right places and retains the adequate level of sturdiness in spite of being used for long stretches of time.
The differential braking system of Thrustmaster renders additional directional control by allowing you to exert greater pressure on one pedal compared to the other and thus steer to safety.
Whenever you exert and then remove pressure, the Thrustmaster shall self-center the rudder axis for providing an ideal balance between smoothness and resistance so that you can actually experience the real flavour of being in a cockpit.
It is advisable to install the T.A.R.G.E.T. advanced programming software on your PC for making the most out of its immense customization options.
Pros
PROS:
- Compatible with all joysticks available in the market.
- M.A.R.T slide rails system pave the path for smooth steering.
- Versatile ergonomic design which can suffice all forms of flight whether it is space adventure, aerial combat, civil flight etc.
- Alternative ergonomic configurations of either resting the ball of your foot on the mid-pedal or putting your entire foot on the pedal.
Cons
CONS:
- Spring tension cannot be controlled.
- Some users might feel uncomfortable about the small distance in between two pedals.
4. Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals
You can now take flight simulation reality to a whole new level with the Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder pedals which can tag along the real world feel of entering the aviation world.
The optimum control guaranteed by its adjustable and smooth action can bring you a step closer to the exhilarating reality of flight simulation.
The self-centering pedals coupled with adjustable damping can thus serve as the perfect addition to your existing Logitech G Flight Yoke System.
You can even accentuate your in-sim airplane precision level with the full-featured flight rudder pedals. The fluid motion of the rudder pedals enable accurate command over the functioning of your aircraft whereas differential braking paves the path for independent control over the right and left tor brakes.
Its foot rests are big enough to accommodate wide range of feet sizes while its non-slip construction aids in keeping the pedals on the floor while you engage in a virtual flight.
The resistance level can also be fine-tuned for being in harmony with your individual flight standards whether you wish to make the rudder pedals respond by exerting just a little pressure or chose to exert more force with a simple twist of the dial.
Pros
PROS:
- Partial metal construction to impart greater durability.
- Controls can be configured by gamers through Saitek Smart Technology programming software for suiting their preferred gaming style.
- Multiple resistance levels to choose from.
- Foot rests crafted using non-slip materials.
Cons
CONS:
- Tech support is not up to the mark.
5. T-Rudder Mk.IV Flight Simulator Pedals
If you are on the lookout for a flight pedal which can bring along supreme precision and accuracy, then you search is bound to come to an end once you discover the T-Rudder Mk.IV flight simulator pedals.
Its tension system utilizes a reversible cam which will allow you to decide between détente and no détente i.e. the quantum of pressure which is required for pressing down the pedals. The option of toggling between realistic resistance to pressure and easing the tension thereafter serves as a useful option improving the overall comfort level.
Its Magnetic Resistance Sensor (MaRS) delivers a precise resolution of 0.01 coupled with digital technology which can be compared to the reactions speed of the joystick’s twist axis.
The Controller NJoy32 can handle up to 8 axis each of which can be independently configured to bring along additional digital functionality at a fast response rate without the requirement of any additional software or driver.
The solid steel construction of T-Rudder Mk.IV can keep you guaranteed about its longstanding durability so that you can carry on with your flight simulation drives without having to worry about the rudder pedals falling apart.
Its 4mm thick centering mechanism has been reinforced and coupled with dual ball bearings for maintaining pedal alignment and integrity of the whole structure over long term.
Spring force attach points have also been fortified for increasing robustness and durability as it allows you to adjust between high and medium tension levels.
Its aluminium heel pads can be easily manoeuvred while the size adjustment system aids in adjusting the size based on the leg length.
Pros
PROS:
- Improved pedal locking system with size adjustment.
- Non-contact digital magnetic resistance sensor.
- Rubber feet for ensuring strong surface grip.
- Steel construction having aluminium heel pads.
- Nice and heavy base provides the option of screwing the same to a table or desktop.
Cons
CONS:
- Main trigger is extremely clicky.
Conclusion
Flight simulators have been around for more than a decade but the most recent ones have evolved into complex works of art showcasing the extent of 3D capability. There simply cannot be a better way of experiencing the take-off, landing and manoeuvring in the sky than the flight simulator and rudder pedals form an important part of the aircraft puzzle.
You are bound to feel the necessity of a robust set of rudder pedals if you really wish to experience the feeling of being up in the sky. Well you might say that the twist-grip joysticks can also suffice for similar functionality, but you will feel tired after sometime as the strain level builds up on your hands.
Twisting your wrist from controlling the yaw axis might also cause you to lose precision on the roll axis and pitch. This in turn can prevent you from performing micro-movements which are necessary for keeping the helicopter under control. So, bring home a set of rudder pedals today and make the most out of your file simulation drill.
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Eva is Cartbig’s editor in chief and she has worked on everything Cartbig covers, from beyblades to lawn mowers. In her previous life, she held editorial positions in iEssent and BHP.
She loves reading, she has a daughter and a poorly behaved havanese dog.
She resides in Utah and she works remotely from a desk piled with post-it notes, science fiction books and all kinds of cameras. Even broken ones.
