If you are a flight simulator enthusiast looking for a more realistic experience, then the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals are definitely an accessory worth checking into. The pedals sit in the floor underneath your computer desk and you use your feet on them to control your plane’s rudder, throttle, air brakes, and so forth just like you would with an actual airplane.

 

The Good

First and foremost, these pedals are very sturdy. Although they are not made completely out of metal, the non-metal portions are made out of a thick, hard, and durable plastic that will hold up to many gaming “flight hours.” There is a tension control knob located in the center allowing you to set the resistance the pedals give, which is great in comparison to a lot of other pedals we have seen where you would just slightly you’re your foot on the pedal only to have an adverse effect when the pedal gave to the mild tension. There is no such problem with Saitek’s offering though, although you can have very light tension if that is what you desire.

Additionally, the pedals have an adjustable length, meaning that you can get a comfortable fit, regardless of the size of your foot. The pedals also have excellent analog movement range with a smooth and actually quite versatile response. Finally, they are quite easy to setup, connecting to your PC via a simple USB cable as opposed to a multitude of different wires making for a mess under your desk.

The Bad

The software for the pedals is a bit counter-intuitive to begin with, but you will find that once you get used to it, it is very versatile and handy. Also, while not overly expensive, the price point for this product would most likely make it a “pass” for those who are not flight simulator enthusiasts. That being said, if you are an enthusiast, you would most likely find them to be a good value.

The biggest drawback to the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals has to be the stability issue. The pedals have a tendency to slide across the floor when you push on them. There are Velcro strips included to help with this issue, however they don’t stick to carpet well and if you have hardwood floors then you most likely don’t want to apply an adhesive strip to the floor. However, there are other solutions, such as resting the back of the pedals against the wall, the base of your desk, or perhaps some heavy books to keep it in place.

The Bottom Line

There were really only a couple of minor drawbacks to this product, one being something that is overcome once you have grown accustomed to the software, and another being easily corrected with a little creative engineering. Thanks to the overall responsiveness of the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals, the adjustability and durability, and the added level of realism attained by using them, I have no reservations about recommending this product for any flight simulation enthusiasts, although if you are only a casual flight simulator user, you would be advised to pass on this one.