Hardware & Technical Rudders. So how do they feel?

[StiTch]

Hey folks of the forum.

So I've spent some time "gitting gud" since I started using a Saitek x52 HOTAS. Despite everyone's complaints that the support sucks and the hardware falls apart in seconds, mine's lasted like a boss.

I have noticed however that it doesn't respond as well as I'd like it. It hasn't been an issue up until now, but I'm using fixed weapons more and the only thing stopping me being a crack shot with rail guns is when I move the stick in tiny increments, it isn't responding as accurately as I'd like (also not keen on the fact there's no idle detent, but two detents for forwards/backwards that don't always match with your blue zone).

Unfortunately the x52 seems to be the highest up there HOTAS that has twisty yaw. While I understand it's not a major combat tool I use it more than most might suggest.

So the question is thus: To anyone who's used rudder pedals, can I get your opinions on how they feel? Is it a lot of work to get your head around the extra legwork (buh duhm....tss....) or does it feel natural and add to the experience?

If it's not gonna be a huge pain I'll drop the cash on a warthog setup...on that note, if anyone has a thrustmaster warthog setup, comments on how responsive the stick is are just as appreciated.

Answers on a postcard.

 

[Mr_sukebe]

I have a full CH setup, i.e. fighterstick, throttle and pedals. The pedals were added last.
Have to say that initially they felt really alien to use and I had to positively "think" about them. Probably took a good 4-6 weeks of intermittent use to get to the point where I now use them intuitively. Possibly helped by also flying a Huey on DCS, which requires almost constant rudder use to fly it.

Have to say that I wouldn't want to be without them now. Being fair, in DCS, would be nearly impossible to fly a chopper otherwise.

 

[StiTch]

I have a full CH setup, i.e. fighterstick, throttle and pedals. The pedals were added last.
Have to say that initially they felt really alien to use and I had to positively "think" about them. Probably took a good 4-6 weeks of intermittent use to get to the point where I now use them intuitively. Possibly helped by also flying a Huey on DCS, which requires almost constant rudder use to fly it.

Have to say that I wouldn't want to be without them now. Being fair, in DCS, would be nearly impossible to fly a chopper otherwise.

Thanks-makes sense. My concern was that weeks down the line it's just too alien a concept to really get natural.

I really liked the look of the CH stuff for the purity of it just being good quality, but alas...I'm a self-confessed button-o-holic. If the HOTAS doesn't have enough things to press to cover every function I need mid-fight then it would have to be made of solid gold to be considered.

 

[Mr_sukebe]

As mentioned, it did take some time to get acclimatised, however, I'm all good now.
The CH units I have are covered in buttons, but that's another story.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks-makes sense. My concern was that weeks down the line it's just too alien a concept to really get natural.

I really liked the look of the CH stuff for the purity of it just being good quality, but alas...I'm a self-confessed button-o-holic. If the HOTAS doesn't have enough things to press to cover every function I need mid-fight then it would have to be made of solid gold to be considered.

CH Pro throttle and fighter stick would be plenty of buttons....

Z...

 

[StiTch]

CH Pro throttle and fighter stick would be plenty of buttons....

Z...

As mentioned, it did take some time to get acclimatised, however, I'm all good now.
The CH units I have are covered in buttons, but that's another story.

On another view they have more than I remember seeing them with. How do you both find them for sheer build quality then? Would you say you get a good level of precision out of the stick?

And the biggie, is there an idle detent on the throttle? I do a lot of FA off flying and find this completely invaluable. If the x52 had an idle detent I'd probably be able to stick it out.