Brunner CLS-E MKII Rudders Review
Steve | G-LOC MEDIA
Flight simulation enthusiast and YouTuber
The Brunner CLS-E MKII Rudders are the only force feedback rudder pedals available for flight sim right now, and that alone makes them remarkable - the dynamic feedback they deliver, from airspeed-dependent resistance to engine vibrations and crosswind effects, adds a level of rudder immersion that no other pedal on the market can touch. At around $1,800 USD the Brunner CLS-E MKII Rudders are an enormous ask, and the CLS2Sim software has a learning curve that will require some patience, but the build quality is full metal throughout and the performance is genuinely in a class of its own. If you already own or are considering the Brunner CLS-E NG Yoke, pairing it with the Brunner CLS-E MKII Rudders is the obvious next step - together they create a force feedback setup that simply has no equal in home flight simulation.
Pros
- Full metal construction including the pedals themselves — rock solid and rattle-free
- Smooth and completely quiet operation despite the powerful force feedback
- Dynamic airspeed-dependent resistance - sluggish at low speed, nimble at high speed
- Replicates engine vibrations with impressive accuracy
- Around 20cm of pedal travel — more than enough for even the most sensitive aircraft
- Adjustable pedal angle with included Allen key
- Connects via USB standalone or directly through the Brunner Yoke
- Profile Cloud lets you download and adapt community profiles as a starting point
Cons
- At ~$1,800 USD plus potential import taxes and shipping it's a very serious investment
- CLS2Sim software has a steep learning curve and tooltips could be much clearer
- Brakes are linear travel based - no load cells or pressure sensitivity
- No power switch on the unit - a small but annoying omission
- Limited profile availability - more official aircraft profiles from Brunner needed
- Price point puts it out of reach for the vast majority of simmers
When it comes to creating an immersive flight simulation experience, you can’t ignore the impact of high-quality flight sim rudders. And if you’re serious about flight simulation, you’ve probably heard of Brunner’s Force Feedback Rudders, also known as FFB Rudders. These rudders are a game-changer, delivering an unparalleled level of realism and responsiveness that’s hard to match.
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Brunner Rudders, and they definitely made an impression. Let me take you through my experience with these force feedback rudders and how they enhanced my flight sim setup.
First Impressions and Build Quality
To start, the Brunner Rudders provide force feedback in terms of yaw and offer vibrational effects, adding a layer of realism to your flight experience. Despite their simplicity, the effects they deliver are profound.The build quality of these rudders is outstanding. Made from full metal, including the pedals themselves, they feel robust and heavy-duty. You can even adjust the angle of the pedals to fit your specific needs using the included Allen key, although I found the default setting perfect for GA flying. The mounting points are solid steel, ensuring a secure and noise-free experience. There’s no rattling or squeaking—just a tight, well-constructed unit.
Performance in Flight Simulation
When in use, the Brunner Rudders are smooth, quiet, and incredibly responsive. They can even replicate engine vibrations with impressive accuracy, creating a deeper sense of immersion. The length of the pedal throw is around 20 cm, which might not sound like much, but in practice, it provides more than enough travel to manage even the most sensitive aircraft.It’s important to note that the rudders’ brakes are based on linear travel, not pressure or load cells. This may matter to some users depending on their preferences for realism. However, the overall control and feedback you receive from these rudders are superb.
The Impact on Your Flight Simulation Experience
These Brunner FFB Rudders address a significant issue I didn’t fully appreciate until I tried them—constant rudder input. From takeoff to landing, coordinating turns, stabilizing the aircraft, holding the centerline, and managing crosswinds, the Brunner Rudders made me more aware of the importance of rudder control. The feedback they provide makes every input feel satisfying and purposeful, giving me a greater connection to the aircraft.One aspect that really stands out is how the rudders react to changes in airspeed—feeling sluggish when the airspeed drops and nimble when it’s high. This dynamic response adds a new layer of immersion, especially when simulating challenging scenarios like engine failure in a twin-engine aircraft.
Software and Connectivity
Connecting the Brunner Rudders to your PC is straightforward, with two main options: USB for standalone use or through the Brunner Yoke if you have one. The accompanying CLS2Sim software is powerful, offering extensive customization options for those who enjoy fine-tuning their setup. It also includes a profile cloud, allowing you to download and adjust existing profiles for popular aircraft.While the software is versatile, it can be a bit vague in some areas. More detailed tooltips or explanations would help users make better adjustments. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve with the CLS2SIM software.
Pricing and Value
Now, let’s talk about the price. Brunner’s Force Feedback Rudders are not cheap—they’re priced around $1,800 (approximately €1,970), plus potential import taxes and shipping. I understand that this is a significant investment, and it’s not for everyone. However, if you’re someone who values a deep, immersive experience and enjoys the technical side of flight simulation, these rudders are worth considering. For as expensive as they are they do provide a level of immersion to match. Its just unfortunate that at this time this is the only option for force feedback in a set of rudder pedals.What I Love About the Brunner Rudders
Simple Setup: Easily connects through the Brunner Yoke with existing profiles.Design and Build Quality: Excellent construction with a robust, heavy-duty feel.
Smooth and Quiet Operation: Provides powerful force feedback without any noise.
High Precision and Responsiveness: Perfect for flying everything from small planes to twin-engine aircraft.
Enhanced Immersion: Dynamic feedback adds realism to every flight condition.
Areas for Improvement
While these rudders are impressive, there are a few areas where I’d like to see changes or updates:Power Switch: A power switch on the back would be a convenient addition.
Load Cell Brakes: Adding pressure-sensitive brakes would further enhance realism.
Software Tooltips: Improved tooltips in the CLS2Sim software would make tuning easier.
Price: A reduction in price would make these rudders more accessible to a broader audience.
Final Thoughts
The Brunner Force Feedback Rudders are not for everyone—they’re aimed at flight simulation enthusiasts who want to extract every ounce of realism from their experience. If you ever get the chance to try them at a show or event, don’t miss it. For those willing to invest, these rudders offer a unique and immersive flying experience that’s hard to replicate with other products. Once you try them, there’s no going back.Frequently Asked Questions
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