Last week, I reviewed my specs for a new PC I will build. Post is here - I will get myself a nice PC for Chistmas, which will be at the end PCVR ready-ish. Probably will end up buying a 6900XT rather than a 7900XTX so these 500 euros savings can be used in the next shopping list items.
My use case is, as a real pilot, I need to continue training when weather/family/stuff happens detering me from flying in real world my C172. I live in the EU.
So this week, I turn to accessories, specifically Yoke, Throttle and Pedals. I have reviewed A LOT of them, including reviews by people in this forum, in others and in Youtube. I am strongly considering to go for the Honeycomb A+B bundle, not sure whether the Alpha XPC is actually a must. I still have no clear views on the pedals though.
Could I ask the community for support on the following things?
Honeycomb compatibility with AMD GPU/CPU serie. I believe this is not a problem, but better be safe than sorry
Honeycomb competitors at same price: is there someone for yoke and/or quadrant I should pay closer attention to? Like I said, I will really use this for GA mostly. Virtual aerobatics do not render justice to the real life experience
Pedals options: I have zero idea which one to pick, although it is a must for my set-up. Any strong recommendation while remaining honestly affordable? I am still amazed by the level of price required to have a decent set (seriously, 350 euros?)
My next part will probably be on the topic “Going VR vs home cockpit”
If you are flying GA, you can’t beat the Alpha and Bravo combo, do you need XPC? Not really, unless you want a spring loaded ignition?
If you are flying airliners, then maybe you’d want a sidestick (Airbus) or pendular style yolk (Boeing) by Thrustmaster.
Because I do both, the Alpha and Bravo suite me just fine. Great build quality, look and feel are top notch. Communication / support is where they really fall down, but I haven’t needed them for that.
No issues with CPU/GPU compatibility.
As for pedals, it would be nice to complete the Honeycomb Trifecta and get the Charlie Rudder pedals but they are pushed back (pun intended) so no telling when they will actually become available.
That said, in all reality you don’t really use the pedals all that much so I didn’t go over the top. You can spend around 800 (Canadian where I live) and get the Pendular style ones which are top notch, or a simple pair of CH Rudder Pedals will suite you just fine.
Again, tons of options and opinions, but for something I just put my big stinky feet in for small durations of the flight, I went with CH’s.
Hall effect sensors in the XPC could be a justification point for many simmers as well - supposedly 400% increase in input resolution, as well as the longevity aspect of moving away from potentiometers in the pitch/roll axes. Also the spring loaded ignition, for a 172 pilot, might be the make-or-break
I guess everyone has a budget but be warned if you intend to keep this kit for the long run the higher end stuff with contactless sensors and metal construction will not only feel better now it will stand the test of time. The HC stuff is good for it’s price but other than the newer XPC they use pots and a fair amount of plastic in the design of the Alpha and Bravo. Other brands offer varying quality but generally you get what you pay for.
As with most things you buy, if you are happy with what you have at a certain point great but once you try something better you realise what you had was not as good as you first thought.
My advice, spend as much as you can on flight controls and steer clear of Logitech and Turtle Beach.
