If all you play are flight simulator games, you must have experienced the lack of traditional control schemes. Console controllers are excellent for games like Call of Duty and Red Dead: Redemption. But they aren’t good enough for flight simulators, and you will often scroll through the menus using thumbsticks.
Using a mouse and a keyboard is a slight improvement, but with so many different movements in a flight simulator, even high-end gaming gear falls short when trying to manage them all.
So, what’s the solution?
Having the right set of controls helps you get the best gaming experience out of your flight simulator. If you own a yoke, a throttle quadrant, or a joystick, they all improve your gaming experience, but you can’t perform many movements by merely using your two hands, and just like a real pilot, you also want to use your feet. That’s where rudder pedals can help.
In order to help you find the best rudder pedals, we tested three of the top options currently available. They are all excellent choices for modern flight simulators. All three rudder pedals are high-quality and highly rated amongst flight simulator enthusiasts. Depending on your play style and which type of simulator you are playing, choose the one that suits you.
But, no matter which one you choose, you will end up with a quality product that improves your gaming.
Contents
Top 3 Best Rudder Pedals In 2023 Reivew
1 Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals – Best Mid Range Rudder Pedals
The first rudder pedals we tested were the Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals. These pedals are 6.6 inches high and mounted on a 12.2 x 15.9-inch platform. The pedals weigh around 5.15 pounds, which is quite heavy.
Built to last…
The high-quality materials used are what makes them heavy. The plastic pedals are sturdy and durable because the platform and supports are both made out of metal. The excellent build quality ensures that they last for years and can withstand any occasional bump or kick.
The pedals…
The foot pedals are adjustable. We quickly adjusted the length with the help of the tension screw placed inside a small slot. Adjusting the distance was easy enough. We loosened the screws and slid the front half of the pedals either forward or backward. Once you are satisfied, tighten the screws to lock them in place.
The top of the pedals is ribbed, which helps you from slipping. A small lip on the back of the pedals prevents your heel from sliding off during quick movements. When you press the pedals, they automatically move in inverse directions, which can take a while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, they are outstanding.
They felt like real airplane pedals and added to the realism of our gaming experience.
Self-centering pedals…
The G PRO has self-centering pedals. If no pressure is applied, they will automatically return to the center position, which means that you will always be pushing against a light tension. Depending on what you like, this feature can be either good or bad. With that said, there is an easy-to-use tension adjustment knob on the center of the base.
Depending on your preferences, you can tighten the pedals a fair amount or have them virtually free-floating. The base also has a power indicator LED light. The G PRO doesn’t use a USB to draw its power; instead, it uses an AC/DC adapter. A 5.9-foot cord included in the kit will help you reach the nearest outlet.
Plug and Play…
The connection between your computer and the G PRO is via USB 2.0. You can either plug the pedals straight into your PC or via the Logitech G PRO yoke if you are already using one. Since the pedals aren’t depending on the USB to get power, you can use any USB port on your PC.
The G PROs are plug and play and don’t require any drivers. They are easy to install, and you can start using them immediately. We found that there are compatible with all versions of Windows from XP forward. They are also compatible with Mac OSX. However, you might need to download the appropriate Mac drivers.
They will work with most flight simulators…
The Logitech G PRO will work with all popular simulators. Just adjust the length and tension, plug them in, and you are ready to take-off. If you want to customize the options, you can download the Logitech Saitek Smart Technolgy configurator.
The software is free to download and allows you to customize your G PRO pedal layout. Some of the options include changing axes, adjusting sensitivity, or even configuring them for a racing game if you want.
Our verdict?
The Logitech G PRO Flight Pedals are a great set of rudder pedals. They are not very cheap, but if you’re a flight simulator enthusiast, it’s money well spent. They bring a whole new dimension to flight simulators and will enhance your gaming experience. Excellent build quality along with anti-slip features add to the value.
They are great rudder pedals that we highly recommend and are easily one of our top choices for the best rudder pedals you can buy.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Great build quality.
- Configurable controls.
- Multiple resistance levels.
- Non-slip materials.
- Adjustable length.
Cons
- Tech support is not the best.
- Costly.
- Heavy.
2 Thrustmaster TFRP Rudder Pedals – Best Budget Rudder Pedals
If you want one of the most realistic sets of rudder pedals available, the Thrustmaster TFRP is hard to beat. They weigh just under five pounds and have a rugged plastic construction. The hinges and slides are both made of steel and aluminum, which makes them extremely durable. The base measures 14 inches wide,12 inches high, and 8-inches high. The entire base angles towards you, allowing easy, ergonomic use.
The heel-rests are relatively low and understated, but they get the job done. They are also easy to remove if you prefer a different position. When we removed them, the balls of our feet rested nicely on the middle of the pedals. This allowed us to use a variety of operating positions. Honestly, it isn’t the most realistic position, but it was comfortable, especially if you are flying for long periods.
Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Track or SMART…
What impressed us was the slide rail system. It’s incredibly durable. Thrustmaster calls this the Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Track or SMART, which of course, is a little bit of a marketing gimmick. Still, it’s straightforward to use. Dual aluminum rails under both pedals ensure exceptionally smooth sliding motions.
The pedals are, just like on the G PRO self-centered, to make sure that they are never out of place. The 15-degree angle of the pedals is comfortable and ergonomic. The only downside is that the TFRP doesn’t offer tension adjustment. This was honestly very disappointing, considering the otherwise excellent quality of the pedals. However, operating the pedals is easy, and the default tension is comfortable with mild but firm resistance.
USB powered…
Just like the G PRO, the Thrustmaster TFRP will work with all significant flight simulators. A huge plus is that they are also compatible with all current joysticks. But unlike the G PRO, they require a powered USB connection. As a result, you’ll either need to plug them into your PC or a powered USB hub.
Speaking of PCs, the TFRP is only compatible with Windows Vista or newer and with PS4 or Xbox. They are not compatible with Mac, so if you are a Mac user, you will need to find another rudder pedal set. You can also use them with the Thrustmaster’s Flight Hotas joystick to further improve your gaming experience.
Calibration software for customization…
Thrustmaster also offers calibration software so you can customize the TFRPs performance. You can adjust the TFRP to change where the dead zones are or eliminate them. It allows you to adjust these settings separately for each axis of movement. This is a significant benefit, especially if you are using the pedals without the heel-rests. As a result, you will have a 100% customizable experience with ergonomics that fit you.
Our verdict…
The Thrustmaster TFRP is an excellent choice for any flight simulator gamer. Well, that’s if you have a PC since they won’t work with Mac. The TFRP is expensive but offers excellent value for money. It‘s one of the most realistic rudder pedals we tested, and they are comfortable and ergonomic. They would have been amazing if they had a tension adjustment.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Expensive.
- Compatible with all joysticks.
- S-M.A.R.T slide rails system for smooth movements.
- Ergonomic design.
- Alternative ergonomic configurations.
Cons
- No tension adjustment.
- Small distance between pedals.
- Doesn’t work on Mac.
3 Thrustmaster TPR Rudder System – Best Premium Rudder Pedals
These peculiar pedals from Thrustmaster are expensive, but they are so good that we had to test them. Don’t let the oddness of the TPR Rudder System discourage you from buying them. They are a bit more expensive than both the Logitech G PRO and the Thrustmaster TFRP, but you just have to buy them if you are a real flight simulator enthusiast.
A real heavyweight…
If we look at the build, it’s substantial and well built. Which, of course, makes for superb durability. The metal base is realistic in both weight and size. The TPR is 20.9 inches wide and weighs 15.4 pounds. If you happen to have a cockpit, there are four mounting holes in the base to install it. The pedals are adjustable into five different positions, making them comfortable and ergonomic while operating.
The software has excellent customization options and is easy to use, thanks to the exemplary interface. But the real joy is using the TPR while in-game. They give you a realistic feeling, and we found that it was hard to keep the smiles off our faces while flying.
Two great technologies…
The TPR uses Thrustmaster’s PENDUL_R technology, which allows for incredible fluid and smooth motions. They also incorporated the HEART technology, which is originally from their racing sim tech. This technology makes the pedals extremely precise.
No matter if you use the pedals on day one or if it is years later, they will be just as accurate as the day you bought them. The tension springs’ positions can be adjusted, allowing you to set the resistance to your preferences.
Our verdict…
Being the most expensive option of the three pedals we tested, the TRP is not for everyone. However, if you have the extra cash, you must buy them, especially if you are an enthusiast. They feel very realistic and are highly customizable. Excellent build quality, combined with a great feeling, makes this a top choice.
They may have an eccentric look but are well worth the money. It is hard to find a better set of rudder pedals than these in today’s market.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Realistic.
- HEART and PENDUL_R technology.
- Great quality.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Heavy.
The Best Rudder Pedals Buyers Guide
There are some things you should know before buying rudder pedals. So, let’s start from the beginning with the basics.
What Are Rudder Pedals?
Rudder pedals are a vital part of the flight control system. The pilot uses them to control ailerons on the wings, rudder, and elevator to the rear.
Are Rudder Pedals Worth It?
Rudder pedals are worth your money, but it all depends on what you want to get out of your gaming experience. If you are only looking for a replacement for your controller, the rudder pedals may be too advanced. But if you want to experience how it feels to be a real pilot or replicate the feeling of a real plane, then rudder pedals are well worth it.
What Should I Look For In A Set Of Rudder Pedals?
One of the most crucial things to look for in rudder pedals is precision. Having a lousy pedal that doesn’t replicate your actions in the simulator is pretty useless. Another thing to look for is customization. Can you modify and change the buttons and axes? Can you change the resistance and feel of the pedals? And finally, the realism. How similar are they to the ones that you find on real planes?
Now that you know what to look for in a rudder pedal, you are ready to go out and consider the different options available. But remember to always spend within your budget. Prices vary significantly for different rudder pedals, so make sure that you compare them to each other first.
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So, Which Of These Are The Best Rudder Pedals?
As in most cases, it depends on your needs and budget. The Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals are ideal if you are satisfied with something that works. There are plenty of adjustment options, and the price is affordable. Just plug them in and start flying. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Then there’s the Thrustmaster TFRP pedal. They are the ideal choice if you want incredibly durable pedals. They are also ergonomic, with plenty of adjustment options. But since they are not compatible with Mac, it sets them down.
And, last but not least, we have our favorite, the…
Thrustmaster TPR Rudder SystemAn excellent rudder pedal all around, expensive but oh so fabulous. We never enjoyed playing simulators so much as we did with the TRP. The price may be for real enthusiasts, but you will have a smile on your face every time you use them—a true champion in our books.
Hopefully, this will help you choose the right rudder pedals, but remember, your needs determine which of these suit you best.
Happy gaming!
