Railworks America

For my DCS military flight simulator I have a Thrustmaster HOTAS throttle and joystick and VKB T-Rudder MK III pedals. Both are precise but expensive metal constructions that will last and look and feel authentic. For cockpit instrumentation I use the Helios cockpit management system with a separate touchscreen to operate any button, switch or lever on most of the planes that are available for DCS.

However, for small recreational and commercial aircraft a joystick won't do.

I am looking into a flight yoke, throttle quadrant, and perhaps another rudder pedals.

I know about Saitek, they have two ranges: a general range "Pro Flight" and a branded "Cessna" range that is more robust and more expensive. These still are plastic constructions and it seems no longer in production, as supplies are dwindling and already sold out at many outlets.

There is also the VRInsight Flight Master Yoke Mk II, or the GoFlight starter set. Both (considerably) more expensive than Saitek, but of better construction and will probably last your lifetime.

Does anybody have experience with these pieces of hardware?

Is there an equivalent (freeware) glass cockpit software that allows me to use the touchscreen in FSX or P3D? Otherwise there are the Saitek Pro Flight instruments.

Try CH Products, they are not top precision but the prices are better. My yoke is 8 years old along with my pedals. I also have a Saitek X45, a joystick and throttle set. 32 programmable buttons for the set. Yeah it is old too, but still like new. I was even using my CH Flightsim Yoke to drive in Euro Truck Simulator 2 before I got my wheel.

Can't help with the products you've mentioned but like artimrj I had a saitek X45 and that was solid until I managed to break it. Physically broke it Had many years of use before that happened. Wanted to buy a new version like the X52 (I think that was the newer version) but went for a more expensive wheel instead. I found a Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X that was originally setup for a PS3 but does work on the PC. Pretty cheap for a stick and throttle at $40. That's more for if someone wants to get into flying but wants to start out less expensive.

So anyways I do like the Saitek brand and have had good results with them. Let us know what you decide on as someday I'll actually upgrade and I prefer smaller general aircraft.

I've used CH Products yoke and pedals for many years and would recomend them

plovdiv21 wrote:I've used CH Products yoke and pedals for many years and would recomend them

Same here. Reasonably priced, tough and durable. Mine are close to 10 years old and still work like new.