Thrustmaster T.Flight Rudder Pedals – Hardware Review
Thrustmaster’s products have been featured quite prominently on our website and while we often talk about their racing apparels, their flight peripherals are not to be underestimated either. They cover entry level devices with the T.16000M and the T.Flight Hotas 4, but also professional devices such as the HOTAS Warthog, which proved to be a great addition for those who are aiming for a very realistic set-up. Today we have the chance to expand our existing set-up with the T.Flight Rudder Pedals, to add another layer of realism to our favorite flight games.
Design
Even though the pedals themselves might look a bit like the stepmaster from the local gym, they do look quite good. The gridded and half-open design makes the device appear lighter and adds a few fun small extra details to the entire picture. The middle portion where the logo is portrayed has a few extra details as well, solely to put the brand name and logo in the spotlight.
The slide rails are visible as well, which gives a nice finishing touch to the entire design, as it’s clear that this device is more than simply a plastic pedal set. These four aluminum bars add a touch of silver to the otherwise full black design of the device.
Comfort
The pedals offer the right amount of comfort for both those who have small or big feet. You’ll be able to opt between placing your feet on the entire pedals, and use the heel-rests that are on the pedals themselves. These are approximately one centimeter in height, which will make sure your feet don’t slip off when playing. That being said, it’s best to wear shoes when playing with this set-up as when you only wear socks or go bare feet, the heel rest might be a tad annoying and it won’t give you the same feeling of safety that it would otherwise. Those who would rather remove the heel-rests altogether will also be able to do so and see what feels most comfortable.
Even though the base of the device isn’t weighed down that much, there’s ample grip to ensure it staying in place. Even smoother surfaces tend to work well with Thrustmaster’s hardware and that’s something that can only be cheered upon.
Specs
- Differential braking
- Compatible with T.A.R.G.E.T. software
- Removable heel-rests
- Compatible with PC and PlayStation 4
Overview
Connecting the T.Flight Rudder Pedals is simple as can be, as you’ll simply need to plug in the cable in the extra adapter, which allows it to be plugged into any USB device. You’ll be able to use this piece of hardware on both your PC and the PlayStation 4. Once connected, the device itself will, in most cases, immediately be recognized by the platform of your choice and after that you’re pretty much ready to go. If you want to fine-tune certain settings, you can use Thrustmaster’s T.A.R.G.E.T. software, which proved to be very helpful for the flight sticks, but also for the MFD Cougar Pack. Settings prove to be straightforward, thus you’ll be up and running in mere moments.
The resistance on the pedals is quite nice, as you’ll notice that you’ll be able to direct how much force you’re applying to the pedal(s). Thanks to this, your movements will be more precise and thus differential braking will become a lot easier, as you’ll be in control at all times. The rotating axis, that works with the slide rails does also follow the same qualitative pressure regulating, and thus both combined offer a very pleasant experience.
Conclusion
Thrustmaster’s T.Flight Rudder Pedals prove to be a very interesting and realistic asset to your flight games set-up. Not only will you be treated to a sturdy and good looking device, it makes flight games, be it realistic or arcade ones, a lot more exciting. If you’re into flight games and you already have a lot of accessories, this one is well worth it. Even for beginning aviators this piece of additional hardware will prove its worth.
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