Originally Posted by
Pilotpip
For once I would have to disagree with Rickair. Airspeed is a much better instrument for primary info on pitch changes. You'll see a climb or descent much faster. If you try following the VSI in any maneuver, including straight-and-level you'll be chasing it all day. It takes a moment for the altimeter to sense a change in pressure and it takes a couple seconds for a VSI to register the rate of change.
I was under the impression that the VSI will show right away whether you are climbing or descending, and that it takes a few seconds to show at what rate you are climbing or descending.