Great for newcomers to racing and flying simulations.
Great for newcomers to racing and flying simulations.
Seeking advice on racing or flying sim games and looking for gear suggestions.
Welcome to the discussion! Excited to have you here. Flying and Simracing demand distinct kinds of equipment. Do you have a specific budget in mind? I’ve been simracing since 2006 and recently assembled a brand new rig. You can purchase a complete wheel/pedal package for around 230 dollars, or opt for a single pedal for 700 dollars. Prices and gear options change widely based on your budget. I’m not very familiar with SimFlying, but I know a lot about simracing. For simracing, I suggest a Logitech G29 or G920—they’re affordable and great for testing the waters. If you want to progress a bit further, the MOZA R5 is a solid choice; it’s beginner-friendly, uses DirectDrive wheels, and offers more challenge than the Logitech model. It comes at a higher price point.
I explore both areas but lean more toward flight mechanics than racing techniques. Similar to driving simulations, equipment costs can vary widely—from affordable options to ones that could rival a new vehicle. On the flight side, are you interested in civilian or combat flight experiences? For civilian pilots, popular choices include Microsoft Flight Simulator Xplane 12 and DCS World IL2 VTOL VR (requires VR headset and controllers). For combat scenarios, options like DCS World IL2 VTOL VR also fit the bill.
If you need a budget-friendly setup, consider pairing Open Track with an AI track and using a webcam or a smartphone app such as Smooth Track (around $10). This connects to OpenTrack and offers IR LED tracking; third-party alternatives exist using webcams or the PS3 EYE camera with an IR filter removed, which can be cost-effective.
Alternatively, VR is becoming increasingly popular in both racing and flight domains. It delivers a highly immersive experience but sacrifices some graphical fidelity for the sake of realism. Expect higher costs for headsets and PC components, and be prepared for potential motion sickness initially.
For controls, basic options include Xbox or PS gamepads. A HOTAS setup—such as the TM16000M, VKB Gladiator/STECS, WinWing, Virpil/VKB Gunfighter, or Rudder Pedals (unless you prefer a twist-stick)—works well. Avoid cheap rudder pedals as they’re often ineffective.
On the civilian side, consider a yoke and throttle quadrant for your controllers, or a collective stick for helicopters. A HOTAS provides more flexibility across different aircraft types, especially if you plan to pilot multiple planes.