WINCTRL Orion Rudders Review
Steve | G-LOC MEDIA
Flight simulation enthusiast and YouTuber
The WinWing Orion Rudder Pedals are one of the best non-force feedback rudder options you can buy right now at $330, with an all-metal build, 24-position adjustable damper, Hall Effect sensors on all three axes, and toe brakes that are genuinely some of the best I've tested at any price. The WinWing Orion Rudders go head to head with the Virpil Ace at a similar price point and edge them out slightly on build quality and overall adjustability. They're not a beginner product and you may need to factor in import taxes depending on where you are, but for any serious simmer looking to upgrade their rudder setup the WinWing Orion Rudder Pedals are an easy recommendation.
Pros
- Excellent price for the quality
- Robust build and finish
- High accuracy and smooth operation
- Great adjustability for various flight modes
- Toe brakes provide a realistic feel
Cons
- No instructions included
- Anti-slip mat may not work on all surfaces
- Mounting arms can be tricky to install
- Damper could be stronger
When it comes to flight sim rudders, the WINWING Orion rudder pedals with dampener — previously known as Skywalker — have been eagerly awaited by flight simmers. In this review, we’ll explore the features, build quality, pricing, and who these rudder pedals are best suited for.
Unboxing the WINWING Orion Rudder Pedals
Inside the box, you’ll find: Two footrests, Two pedals, Mounting bars, An anti-slip pad, Tools, USB cable and The damper.Design and Build Quality
The WINWING rudders come in two versions: the non-damper and damper variants. Our review focuses on the damper version, which provides an added layer of resistance and realism.Physically, these rudder pedals are built to impress. They are about 54 centimeters wide, making them among the wider flight simulator rudders available. This width is important to consider when planning your setup. In comparison, they are noticeably wider than the T-Flight rudders but more comparable to the Virpil-Ace rudders.
The WINWING rudder pedals boast a robust, industrial design. With an all-metal build, including footrests with a special coating (likely powder-coated for durability), they look and feel premium. However, there are a few components like the front plate with the logo that are made of plastic.
Performance and Features
The Orion rudder pedals are versatile, offering three main modes:Return to Center Mode:
Ideal for fixed-wing aircraft, using both the spring and damper.
Non-Return Mode:
Perfect for helicopters, with the spring removed.
Lock to Center Mode:
Best for ground vehicles, like those in War Thunder.
These flight sim rudders are compatible with all major flight simulation games, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, DCS, War Thunder, and IL-2.
The pedals also come with an anti-slip mat and mounting holes to secure them to your cockpit. However, on carpet, the mat may not be as effective. The pedals feature 18 centimeters of travel, which is solid but not industry-leading — Brunner rudders offer more at around 23-24 centimeters.
Adjustability
The dampener on these rudders offers 24 positions for adjustments, ranging from light to heavy resistance. This adjustability is a nice touch, though some users might find it slightly weak. I found myself setting it to near maximum resistance for the best experience.Additionally, the pedals are equipped with a Hall Effect sensor on all three axes, ensuring longevity and precision, which is standard in this price range.
One minor drawback is the lack of a heel plate, which means you may need to improvise depending on your preferred flying style but for most people it wont pose an problems.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up the WINWING Orion rudder pedals was straightforward, except for the mounting legs, which were a bit tricky to install. Easily the most frustrating part of this set of flight sim rudder pedals.These rudder pedals performed flawlessly with Microsoft Flight Simulator after binding the axes and adjusting the dead zone through the SimApp Pro software.
Flight Experience with WINWING Rudder Pedals
These are among the best non-force feedback rudders available. The dampener is effective, the toe brakes feel natural and dampened towards the end of their travel, and the overall smoothness and adjustability make them a standout option. The lack of load cell brakes is a slight downside, but the toe brakes themselves are some of the best I’ve tested.Pricing and Value
At $330 USD, these pedals are a great value in the sub-$500 category, competing directly with the Virpil Ace Rudders. While both offer similar accuracy, the WINWING pedals slightly edge out in terms of build quality and adjustability.However, keep in mind that you might need to factor in import taxes, as WINWING doesn’t hold stock in all countries.
Who Should Consider These Rudder Pedals?
The WINWING Orion rudder pedals are ideal for simmers looking to upgrade from entry-level options like the T-Flight or Turtle Beach rudders. They’re not necessarily for beginners, but seasoned simmers using Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, DCS, or War Thunder will appreciate the smoothness, build quality, and minimal detent these pedals offer.If you’re particular about build quality and precision, these rudders are a fantastic choice. However, measure your space carefully and prepare for possible import taxes.
Conclusion
With their heavy-duty build, smooth operation, and competitive pricing, the WINWING Orion rudders are among the best flight simulator rudders you can buy today, excluding force feedback options. For those serious about their flight sim setup, these are definitely worth considering.Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally believe in.