I find the effects actually top notch. Not to be compared to an $80+ pedal but hey for being a combo they are much nicer sounding than any other combo effects. Most people hate distortions on amps but i got some nice sounds, a nice randy rhoads sound out of it. I think i didnt like one of the amp modeling settings and that was about it but after tweaking you really don't need pedals. I would recommend using them anyhow but in this case you can do well without. I would rate them 8.75