360 Racing Wheels

[gstelmack]

So, now that my daughter conned me into buying Forza 2 (ow! stop twisting my arm!), we are considering one or more racing wheels (with a family playing, how can I only get 1?). The Microsoft one clearly looks like an awesome product, but it's $130, which means a pair would cost me more than the Wii we are looking at for Christmas.

Logitech also has one that is $65 at Toys 'R Us, and BJ's had some cheapo third-party one for $45.

Anybody have any experience with these? How ticked off at myself would I be if I bought the Logitech one? Is the Microsoft one as good as I've heard and worth every penny of that $130 if you've got a daughter who is big-time into the racing games?

[cartman]

I haven't used any of the others, but I've been really happy with my Microsoft wheel.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I have the Logitech for the PS2/PS3/PC and love it. Given that you and your daughter aren't hardcore racing fans, I think you'll get a great experience out of the Logitech wheel. I've tested out the Microsoft wheel. It's certainly nice and you'd love it, but I doubt you'd notice a huge difference.

[gstelmack]

What I'm hearing (have been reading some reviews) is that the force-feedback in games that support it (like Forza 2) makes all the difference in the world.

I'm getting used to the controller, and one complaint about the other wheels is that the sensitivity on the pedals is overdone, 'cause it's just treating them like triggers. And the Logitech wheel only has a 90 degree spin to each side, so you don't have a lot of play. It's sounding like the choices are really either stick with the base controller, or pony up for the wheel and its proper force feedback which helps with driving games that use a realistic driving model, thanks to the feedback in what's going on between the car and the road. Does that sound like a fair assessment?

FWIW, as a flight-sim junky I fully understand how much proper force-feedback can add to any sim.

[Eaglesfan27]

I didn't play Forza 2 enough to justify buying the microsoft wheel, but a friend of mine had it and I was sorely tempted. I can't vouch for other wheels, but the Microsoft wheel is a great addition to Forza 2 (and other supported games.)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What I'm hearing (have been reading some reviews) is that the force-feedback in games that support it (like Forza 2) makes all the difference in the world.

I'm getting used to the controller, and one complaint about the other wheels is that the sensitivity on the pedals is overdone, 'cause it's just treating them like triggers. And the Logitech wheel only has a 90 degree spin to each side, so you don't have a lot of play. It's sounding like the choices are really either stick with the base controller, or pony up for the wheel and its proper force feedback which helps with driving games that use a realistic driving model, thanks to the feedback in what's going on between the car and the road. Does that sound like a fair assessment?

FWIW, as a flight-sim junky I fully understand how much proper force-feedback can add to any sim.

I must have a nicer version of a Logitech wheel. Mine has force feedback and goes at least 270 degrees in either direction. We're obviously not talking about the same accessory. Force feedback and lots of rotation in the wheel is a must. I'd get the Microsoft wheel in that case. I think it's comparable in features to the one that I have that I use for Formula One Racing and GT.

[gstelmack]

I must have a nicer version of a Logitech wheel. Mine has force feedback and goes at least 270 degrees in either direction. We're obviously not talking about the same accessory. Force feedback and lots of rotation in the wheel is a must. I'd get the Microsoft wheel in that case. I think it's comparable in features to the one that I have that I use for Formula One Racing and GT.

I was reading reviews of the Logitech one for the 360, which has "axial feedback" which near as I can tell is pretty much rumble, no actual resistance. And a 90-degree-both-ways rotation in the wheel. And super-sensitive pedals.

Hence why I specified platform, as I know these can vary by platform.