Wheel vs. Gamepad

[ochoco]

I've just been playing with the game pad so far but I am really thinking about getting a wheel. I'm just not sure the wheels that are available for use on the 360 are gonna be that much better than just getting good with the game pad.

I still have an old Act Labs Force RS wheel/pedals/shifter that I use to use. I know I can't use that with the 360 but I loved the realism and smoothness of using the wheel. With the game pad it just feels so hard to not be choppy in the corners. A lot of that could be due to the fact I need a lot more practice with it, but I'm not sure.

So I'm just asking for opinions on whether it is worth it to get one of the few wheels available for the 360, or just stick with the game pad and practice more until I get better at it.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

[TCrouch]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

A wheel will always be better than a gamepad for any type of game that requires smooth input and holding a very consistent turn...NASCAR is almost the textbook definition of those skills.

So...yeah...a wheel is worth it.

[Jeffrey99]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

Do you know anybody with wheel? If so try it out before you buy it. Alot of guys I know love the wheel, I myself have bought it and the Playseat chair. However I still prefer the controller offer the wheel. I just feel more comfortable that way. Not sure if it's the quality of the M$ wheel (used to have a Thrustmaster for the PC) or what. I think if the G25 worked with the 360, I'd buy it in a heartbeat and be using it. But for me, between the controller and the M$ wheel, I'll stick with the controller.

As for being choppy through the corners, you can try changing the how sensitive it is first. Then if that doesn't help, you could still always go out and buy the wheel.

[Coug00]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

So...yeah...a wheel is worth it.

Agreed. Plus the fun factor is 10x better than a controller.

Also, the FF with the wheel gives you more input on the handling of your car that a controller doesn't give you.

A brand new MS wheel is $80 on Amazon right now.

[ochoco]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

If the G25 worked with the 360 it would definitely be a no brainer. I just have no experience with the wheels that do work with the 360 and their quality or lack there of.

[BIG CAROLINA]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

I just purchased the M$ wheel on monday and I must say that after being a controller driver only it will take some time to get the feel for the wheel.
I have been running one track at a time until I get the feel for the track using the wheel and i must say that I feel like i have so much more control of the car.
It was not comfortable at first and I wanted to go back to what I knew, but I stuck with it and it is paying off.

[ochoco]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

So is the Evil Empires wheel much better than the Mad Cat version? Or are they pretty close?

[Jeffrey99]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

If your gonna go a wheel, go M$. Not sure how much it matters but games are suppose to be optimized for that wheel. And from what little I've messed with the Logitech and Madcats, they aren't even worth buying. Someone with more experience with them might be able to tell you better but thats my opinion anyway.

[TCrouch]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

I use the MS Wheel and have absolutely no complaints with it...and I also have a G25 for my PS3 and PC, as well as a TSW Formula for precision non-FF applications.

The MS one is by far the lowest quality of the three, but you get what you pay for, and it's perfectly fine overall. If you're just looking for a first wheel to make it feel like a car instead of a controller, you can't go wrong with it.

[ochoco]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

Great info., thanks. Looks like Walmart has it pretty cheap. One other question pertaining to the MS wheel. Is there only one version they are selling now or is there an older and newer one. I may have misunderstood what I was reading but I thought there was more than one version. I just don't want to purchase the wrong thing.

Thanks.

ps. - damn that TSW looks sweet. I wish the Evil Empire wouldn't be so damn restrictive with their licensing on their products.

[Heisman316]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

Hey Terry, just asking but what is the G25 Wheel you are talking about for PS3, becasue i've been looking for one for my PS3 and can't seem to find a good one.

[ochoco]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

Hey Terry, just asking but what is the G25 Wheel you are talking about for PS3, becasue i've been looking for one for my PS3 and can't seem to find a good one.

Yes it works with the PS3 it, is a Logitech wheel.

[mwjr]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

I bought the wheel at Circuit City over the weekend, and I'll be returning it.

It's great, but my problem is more of a logistical issue. I typically only play my 360 after the wife and kids are asleep. It's in my bedroom, where my LCD TV is, so I don't really see me pulling out the wheel and setting it up every time I want to play late at night.

If you've got the room, and you don't have similar challenges, then I think the wheel is a good way to go.

[RunN1st]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

I bought the wheel at Circuit City over the weekend, and I'll be returning it.

It's great, but my problem is more of a logistical issue. I typically only play my 360 after the wife and kids are asleep. It's in my bedroom, where my LCD TV is, so I don't really see me pulling out the wheel and setting it up every time I want to play late at night.

If you've got the room, and you don't have similar challenges, then I think the wheel is a good way to go.

I'm right there with you! It's been like this for me since the Papy days. Just imagine trying to hold a line in a race with no assist, EXPERT setup and a controller. I've gotten used to it by now though.

Rocket surgery!

[FlyingFinn]

Re: Wheel vs. Gamepad

Hey Terry, just asking but what is the G25 Wheel you are talking about for PS3, becasue i've been looking for one for my PS3 and can't seem to find a good one.

Expensive but awesome. Just got mine today.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/devices/131&cl=us,en