Pinch or thumbs. Can you convert??

[Paulig]

Was wondering if any of you have ever converted from Pinch to Thumbs?
I'm thinking of converting because ultimately i still feel everything is a stretch using pinch.
If i did convert i would practice on the 130x
Just your thoughts?

[Vikki]

I use thumbs. Tried to pinch recently and it felt awkward and was like starting again. I'm an xbox gamer so my thumbs are well trained for stick movements (just needed some evening classes, sim, to convert that to a heli skill, lots of them LOL).

[MartinW]

I pinch but primarily because I started with a DX 6i and the sticks on those are damn sharp and pointy!! I've got a DX 8 now so I do try thumbs every now and again as I'm also a gamer so just out of curiosity I wonder if it would be any easier.

For anyone that has done both and switched, which did they feel easier? Though I guess it's personal taste and I don't want to turn this into a which is best thread! (but I am curious)

[Paulig]

I'm a gamer too so have a lot of experience with using my thumbs (oh-er misses!)
I have flown the 130x and it does feel weird but i suppose thats because i'm not used to it?
The problem i find is switching idle up and throttle hold. Its just awkward tying too use those switches.

[MartinW]

Is that not awkward regardless though? Or is it worse with thumbs? Damn it, I'm going to have to try my hand at thumbs now :lol:

[AcidDrink]

It really doesn't matter if you pinch or thumb. Whatever is more comfortable for you. I'd not try convert if you are used to pinching, no point.

[johnsandywhite]

I started off with thumbs (many, many years ago) on Mode 2. I converted to Pinch and Mode 1 for F3A. So when I started Helis I found the logical way (for me) was Mode 2 seeing as most RTF Helis came with that and continued to pinch. I still fly Mode 1 for Planks. Have tried going back to Thumbs and it doesn't feel right after so many years of pinching the sticks. I also converted one of my Heli friends to the Pinch method to smooth out his controls and feel.

[Paulig]

Just need to try and see what feels the best. Because i'm a novice, this is the time to find out what works best before i get 10 years of flying....

[Nick B]

try shortening the sticks,if they are already as short as they go then take out grub screw and wind down the sticks as far as poss

[Rob O]

Paul i flew planks for donkeys years using thumbs & just used that for Helis , but i think if i was starting out & like you pinch i would try & stick with it . I may be wrong here but the Heli flyers that pinch seem to have better control of the sticks . Nearly everyone i know that use thumbs tend to have our thumbs slip off at times (can be fun) . Cheers Rob

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2

[RcRotaryMadness]

I have always used thumbs as thats what feels natural to me (also having played on PS1 & PS2 when i was younger helps also!) - it also leaves your finger free for flicking switches...

as said - sometimes its the length of the sticks that needs adjusting, not your method.

Go with whatever feels good to you - at the end of the day how good you fly boils down to the input commands you give, regardless of what mode you use etc..

[Paulig]

I have always used thumbs as thats what feels natural to me (also having played on PS1 & PS2 when i was younger helps also!) - it also leaves your finger free for flicking switches...

as said - sometimes its the length of the sticks that needs adjusting, not your method.

Go with whatever feels good to you - at the end of the day how good you fly boils down to the input commands you give, regardless of what mode you use etc..

Thats the thing. I like to pinch but i cant switch the switches easily. I will try adjusting the sticks

[LaurenceGough]

try shortening the sticks,if they are already as short as they go then take out grub screw and wind down the sticks as far as poss

+1 I pretty much always have to have my sticks either all the way in or next to it - pinching.

Also try different sticks before you go ahead and change your technique.

[panosg]

Well I use thump on the elevator stick and I use thumps and my index finger in front of the stick touching my edge of the thumb on the aileron stick if you know what I mean.......... so I am half and half. Just feels more natural for me.

[Paulig]

Even thought about looking into a tray? Herd that some pinchers get a more comfortable feel with one. Like the flightpad?