I play also automotive games, so I

Go for the rudder pedals. Makes flying a lot more realistic. TrackIR adds to the eye candy, but rudder pedals adds to the realism.

I totally disagree. As a rl pilot, it frustrates me to no end not being able to turn my head easily in FS to look where I'm going when I'm in the pattern or formation flying. Or how about the ease with which I can move my head to be able to see that pesky gauge hidden behind something, or move my head closer to the panel to make sure that gauge says what I think it does. Or just a quick flick to check a gauge that is not in my line of sight. There is no candy at all when it comes to maximum situational awareness. Certainly, FSX made this easier, but it is still not the same.Yes, rudder pedals do help, and I think they are an important tool, but it can be rather easily simulated. When I'm stuck with a keyboard, I map x c v to the rudder (left, center, right). The only thing this can't do is help you do something like a cross-wind landing, it's tough with the keys to do that. But lately, rather than hook up the yoke and pedals and put them away when I'm done, I've been using an X-Box controller which has serviceable rudder control with the twin trigger buttons, so the rudder can be controlled very well with that. Nothing, however, can simulate the advantage gained by a TrackIR. I won't fly without it.

I totally disagree. As a rl pilot, it frustrates me to no end not being able to turn my head easily in FS to look where I'm going when I'm in the pattern or formation flying. Or how about the ease with which I can move my head to be able to see that pesky gauge hidden behind something, or move my head closer to the panel to make sure that gauge says what I think it does. Or just a quick flick to check a gauge that is not in my line of sight. There is no candy at all when it comes to maximum situational awareness. Certainly, FSX made this easier, but it is still not the same.Yes, rudder pedals do help, and I think they are an important tool, but it can be rather easily simulated. When I'm stuck with a keyboard, I map x c v to the rudder (left, center, right). The only thing this can't do is help you do something like a cross-wind landing, it's tough with the keys to do that. But lately, rather than hook up the yoke and pedals and put them away when I'm done, I've been using an X-Box controller which has serviceable rudder control with the twin trigger buttons, so the rudder can be controlled very well with that. Nothing, however, can simulate the advantage gained by a TrackIR. I won't fly without it.

And as a rl pilot myself; I just have to have rudder pedals. TrackIR would be just fine, yet to me, pedals are a requirement right behind the joystick. It would just seem wierd without them. If I was stuck with a Cessna/Piper type cockpit with corner posts. etc; then I can see a big advantage with TrackIR. But then I usually use the Marchetti SF260 with it's sliding canopy, because my plane has a slider also. Very easy to keep track of the runway with! :( L.Adamson

And as a rl pilot myself; I just have to have rudder pedals. TrackIR would be just fine, yet to me, pedals are a requirement right behind the joystick. It would just seem wierd without them. L.Adamson

Couldn't agree more without pedals it's not even close...

Well, TrackIR is almost a requirement to make full use of the virtual cockpits so I would go for that first.Then a good yoke or a nice HOTAS setup.Then good pedals.Etienne