Hands-on tests of flight simulator controls and panels
These reviews cover throttle quadrants, FCU and EFIS panels, instrument displays, radio and TCAS panels, overhead panels, sidesticks, and rudder pedals used by Flight Streamer. Each article brings together the flight test or setup experience, practical strengths, and limitations reported during use.
The Cockpit Simulator CS 737 TQ brings motorized thrust levers, trim wheels and speed-brake movement to a full-size Boeing pedestal. I tested it with the PMDG 737NG and iFly 737 MAX 8 in MSFS 2024. Synchronization stood out; price, space requirements and minor lever play are the main tradeoffs.
I tested the MOZA MA3F EFCM Airbus FCU and dual EFIS setup with the Fenix A320 in MSFS 2024. Clear displays, full-size controls and modular pricing impressed me. An initial push-pull issue was resolved with a firmware update and calibration.
The Simworkshop SW Instrument Display adds dedicated Airbus PFD, ND and ECAM displays below the FCU. I tested the 14.1-inch screen with the Fenix A320 V2 in MSFS 2024 using pop-outs and GlassOut, with no noticeable performance drop in my setup. Software alignment is still required.
The WINCTRL RMP 32 and TCAS 32 bring radio, transponder and traffic controls into a compact modular Airbus cockpit. At $85 USD each at the time of review, they reduced mouse interaction in my setup, particularly for online flying. Their compact format suits a desktop more than a full-scale replica.
The Rowsfire B107 adds physical Boeing 737 overhead controls in a compact panel. In my PMDG 737-800 MSFS test, switch feel, backlighting, and the APU gauge stood out. It is a partial overhead; the brightness control felt flimsy, and my early unit had an intermittent probe-switch issue.
The Sim Workshop S3X is an Airbus-style sidestick grip, not a complete joystick: it needs a compatible base. I tested the left-hand version on the MOZA AB9 in MSFS 2024 on an Edmonton-to-Calgary A321 flight. The geometry felt convincing, while long-term finish and button durability still needed more use.
The WINGFLEX A320 overhead sits between the lighter Rowsfire approach and the heavier metal Skalarki hardware. My Fenix A320 testing in MSFS 2020 and 2024 found convincing switch logic and physical lighting. The tradeoffs are smaller controls and a lighter, more plastic-feeling construction.
The WINCTRL Orion 32 Metal Airbus Edition rudder pedals felt sturdy in my simulator setup. The optional damper helped smooth small rudder and braking inputs during the livestream flight test. Mounting, edition choice, and regional shipping costs matter when comparing them with other pedals.
The Skalarki DESKTOPLine Mini Overhead combines metal construction with Airbus cockpit controls in a desktop form factor. My Fenix A320 workflow test used IO Profiler 5.1. External power still required a mouse click in the tested aircraft version, and comfortable overhead mounting needed careful positioning.
