PRO FLIGHT COMBAT RUDDER PEDALS
Inspired by pedal designs found in modern fighter aircraft such as the F16 or F35, the rudder pedals are constructed from a highly robust die-cast alloy, providing durability and authenticity for the most demanding of aspiring pilots.
Independent left and right brake axis allows for greater accuracy and precision when performing braking manoeuvres. Self-cantering rudder axis works in conjunction with a user configurable dampening adjuster, allowing users to define levels of pressure required to operate rudder controls.
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Windows 7, Windows XP, XP64
and Windows Vista (all versions)
Combat style pedals - straight from modern fighters
Independent left and right brake axis rudder axis
Self cantering with adjustable damping
Adjustable pedal angle to suit all styles of flying
High quality, part metal construction for long life
Smart Technology (ST) programming software allows gamers to configure their controls to suit their style
Ever since I have owned a computer, I have had a flight simulation program tucked away somewhere, and when I think back, playing with a polygon Mustang and polygon runway on my Elonex 'cutting-edge' computer thinking that was the "bee's knees" makes me nod my head, and adorn a wry smile, frankly in amazement at how this wonderful environment we call "flight simulation" has taken quantum leaps to the current milieu of software and hardware available to enhance the flight sim experience.
With this technological move forward, we have seen many software options, that are paid for and frankly some amazing freeware for both FSX and FS2004, as far as I am concerned, the freeware developers are truly the unsung heroes and heroines, long may your art continue... We all thank you.
It has to said, some of the paid for titles are very impressive, but still I 'bark' at some obvious errors, but alas, more about this another time...
Moving onto a subject close to my heart, flight simulation hardware, this as far as I am concerned makes flight simulation 'come alive'. There are many manufacturers out there supplying the insatiable demand for realism and authenticity.
But my brethren, after trying many different samples, from a plethora of manufactures (I do not confess however, to have tired all!) from a personal perspective, I take my proverbial hat off to Saitek, who have introduced the Pro-Flight series of 'goodies'. I have in recent months reviewed some of these, to great acclaim, and every time a new innovative addition hits the streets, I wonder "what-next?!" (long may it continue...)
Of course I am delighted to witness yet another member of the Pro-Flight family, in this case the Combat Rudder Pedals.
When you order the unit, dispatch is almost instant, and when you see the post man struggling to carry the very large box to your front door, you know the pedals have arrived. Once the outer protective box is opened, you cannot help but be impressed by the box art; this is quite brilliant, which provides you with lovely graphics, and description of the contents.
Opening carefully, you are confronted by a superb inner packaging support system (you will also see with a instruction leaflet, and installation CD ROM, held firmly on a cardboard inner cover) and when you remove one half the unit is on view. I promise you, one look and you can appreciate the obvious quality. In fact they could have been unbolted from a Eurofighter and placed in the box, such is the realism, and obvious visual build quality.
When lifting out of the box, the weight is considerable, VERY STURDY, just as well, when you consider their intended use I guess... The base being of a very sturdy plastic, with aluminium pedal units. The foot angled support units, are again of a hardy plastic, but mounted on a metal plate, providing rigidity.
I purchased, from another manufacturer, a set of rudder pedals some two years ago, and they were NOT cheap, and frankly, look like a child's toy in comparison to the new Pro-Fight set.
Before setting up there are two separate angled pieces, mounted onto a metal base plate (facing the user) allowing a very gentle slope to the main pedals, easily fitted with a secure push-fit.
A very handy feature is located at the center of the base plate (green LED illuminates when power to unit) a rotary tension adjusting knob. This not only is a useful addition, but as a bonus, works incredibly well, with minute adjustments being achieved by simply rotating the knob. Obviously, you can increase and decrease the tension of the pedal if you so wish.
Eager to try out the latest acquisition, I had a glance at the instructions, popped the installation CD Rom into the computer followed the instructions, via a very generous length of cable, I put in the USB connecter into my computer. A picture popped up, as part of the installation process, of the foot pedals movement indicators, so I moved the pedals, left and right, and noticed the green bar tracking in proportion to my inputs, including the braking. All done, hit OK, and exited that window.
Before we move on, I must say, I placed the unit on the floor, (wood floor) and it stayed exactly in place. This is due to anti-slip pads on the base, which clearly work and are extremely effective, and are prefitted, so no need for double sided tape or Velcro.
I simply love the aluminium pedals, they have a typical helo knurled horizontal foot bar, with an 'open' pattern foot plate which provide the braking function. (Allowing for toe brakes function.)
A useful feature, both foot plates are pre-set to an angle of 40% rake, but you have the option of adjusting the rake to 55% or 70% rake, which ever suites you best.
With your feet on the pedals, you simply apply pressure onto the foot plates, which respond by moving forward. This provides the braking function, which is very accurate to real-life operation. Quite superb, I must say. These foot pedals allow the balls of your feet to rest on the base plate, with your feet on the pedals. Now this is the way it should be as far I am concerned, easy movement, without any unnatural feet positions, or elevated off the base plate. No, these are as accurate as you will get in my opinion.
Noticing the green LED illuminated, on the pedal tensioning unit, I hit FSX, waited for that to 'boot-up' and opted for my Beechcraft Bonanza from the options menu. Opted for the brake selection, and allocated brakes to the pedals, feet on the pedals, applied some throttle, and hew presto, started to move forward. Applied some right rudder, and there was instant response. The rudder moved and the front wheel of course directly in proportion to my inputs, lovely.
Nearing a tight corner while rudder applied, hit the brake plate, sure enough differential braking was applied. I lined up on the runway, applied full throttle, and tried the rudder inputs. That certainly worked, little inputs to keep the nose on the dotted line, took-off levelled off at 1200 feet agl, trimmed for level flight, and then tried applying the rudder, lovely yaw effect, with gradual inputs on the bar. I did not have to push to full left or right to get the desired effect, which adds to the realism.
Upon landing, I selected some nasty wind conditions, so I was 'crabbing-in' on final. A last moment kick of the rudder to line up before touch-down. In the real world I love challenging landings, so to simulate this turn of events is great fun.
I am glad to report the pedals worked as they should. On the ground, after touching down, I added some braking via the foot plates, and braking applied, and effective, to get off the active. Some differential braking was applied, that sure got me off the runway... Excellent.
I sincerely feel the pedals are without doubt the best all round pedals I have tested. Not only can you tell incredible lengths have been invested in the aesthetics of the unit, but the same can be said for the accuracy of the inputs, and response, and build quality.
The price, well, OK, you could say this would equate to a considered purchase but, if like me, you strive for accuracy at all levels, and provide you with years of trouble free service (I hope, due to its robust construction) then these will suite you down to the ground. To compound this view, there are plenty of other pedal units around, about the same price and even more expensive, but, in my humble view, none look as authentic as these, and based on my trying out several other equally priced and more expensive units, do not reach the overall package quality of the Pro-Flight Combat Pedals.
During the hours of testing, I made a few notes, or rather bullet points, a select few are:
There we have it... I Love them.
Onwards and upwards...
Test System:
AMD Phenom 9950 Quad Core
32 Bit Op Sys
4.00 GB Ram
Windows 7 Home Premium
Nigel C. Martin
n.c.martin@btinternet.com
Learn More Here
Reviews Of Other Saitek Products:
Pro Flight X-65F Combat Control System
Pro Flight Multi Panel
Pro Flight Instrument Panel / Radio Panel
Pro Flight Switch Panel
Pro Flight Yoke System