Advice Required

[Scaff]

OK so here is how it goes. Given today's XBOX One reveal and the PS4 reveal a while ago I am pretty certain that its no new console for me this year. So that means funds could go elsewhere and a new wheel/pedal set-up may be an option.

I have narrowed it down to three options (all Fanatec) which are as follows:

Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 CSR Edition EU (bundle wheel / pedals / shifter set): £245 inc shipping

Forza Motorsport CSR wheel value pack EU (bundle wheel / pedals) + CSR Shifter Set: £296 inc shipping

Forza Motorsport CSR wheel value pack XL (bundle wheel / elite pedals / shifter set): £338 inc shipping

Now I currently mainly play GT5 and FM4, however if neither of the next consoles end up under my TV that could turn to PC as well (in which case any of the above is fine).

My main issue is with the XBOX incompatibility going forward, as while its unlikely they will drop the unique comms system, the Forza wheels use RF I believe (as per the XBOX controller) and the XBOX One will use WiFi which could be an issue. I don't fancy paying the extra £50/£90 premium for something that could be useless to me further on down the line.

On an entirely subjective note I also think the GT3 wheel looks a hell of a lot better.

Thoughts

(of course I could just blow the money on another guitar)

 

[Ripster]

OK so here is how it goes. Given today's XBOX One reveal and the PS4 reveal a while ago I am pretty certain that its no new console for me this year. So that means funds could go elsewhere and a new wheel/pedal set-up may be an option.

I have narrowed it down to three options (all Fanatec) which are as follows:

Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 CSR Edition EU (bundle wheel / pedals / shifter set): £245 inc shipping

Forza Motorsport CSR wheel value pack EU (bundle wheel / pedals) + CSR Shifter Set: £296 inc shipping

Forza Motorsport CSR wheel value pack XL (bundle wheel / elite pedals / shifter set): £338 inc shipping

Now I currently mainly play GT5 and FM4, however if neither of the next consoles end up under my TV that could turn to PC as well (in which case any of the above is fine).

My main issue is with the XBOX incompatibility going forward, as while its unlikely they will drop the unique comms system, the Forza wheels use RF I believe (as per the XBOX controller) and the XBOX One will use WiFi which could be an issue. I don't fancy paying the extra £50/£90 premium for something that could be useless to me further on down the line.

On an entirely subjective note I also think the GT3 wheel looks a hell of a lot better.

Thoughts

(of course I could just blow the money on another guitar)

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 does not support xBox so that only leaves you with two options. And there is no decision to be made as far as having a load cell for a brake or not. Big difference... so really there is only the one option.

On a side note I own everything you have have listed, I love the Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 with the elite CSR pedals too bad it is not supported by xbox.

 

[Scaff]

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 does not support xBox so that only leaves you with two options. And there is no decision to be made as far as having a load cell for a brake or not. Big difference... so really there is only the one option.

On a side note I own everything you have have listed, I love the Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 with the elite CSR pedals too bad it is not supported by xbox.

I'm aware that the GT3 doesn't support Xbox, and that's part of the quandry, is the Xbox support worth the extra for what could be a limited (looking into the future) amount of use. I'm fairly certain that the PS4 will still support it and the PC is a no-brainer, but given that the wireless connection currently used by the 360 will not be used by the Xbox One I could well be paying extra for something with a short shelf life (Xbox wise).

 

[Ripster]

I'm aware that the GT3 doesn't support Xbox, and that's part of the quandry, is the Xbox support worth the extra for what could be a limited (looking into the future) amount of use. I'm fairly certain that the PS4 will still support it and the PC is a no-brainer, but given that the wireless connection currently used by the 360 will not be used by the Xbox One I could well be paying extra for something with a short shelf life (Xbox wise).

Well being that I don't see into the future, I cannot answer your question. However I can tell you that I like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 better than the CSR Wheel if that helps you. But I would definitely get the Elite Pedals if you are not getting the Clubsports.

 

[Gunstar]

For the extra few bucks you may as well get a CSR, the 360 still has dozens of great racing games you can play. Or just hold out and see what Fanatec has in store for the ONE.

 

[Zathra5_]

From what I've read, the advantages of the GT3 V2 is the alcantara wheel feels better. The advantages of the CSR are the xbox compatibility, button placement, and the lighter wheel might perform better. You definitely want at least the elite pedals (load cell pedals). I bought a CSR wheel from one of the other mods here and I have the clubsport V2 pedals. I'm happy with both.

 

[LeMansAid]

Such a shame that they do different packages for different territories. In Australia they currently have a package with the GT2 wheel and Elite pedals. That would have provided you with all of the criteria that you are wanting to meet, plus the highly recommended load cell.

I think that you should force yourself to make a definitive decision on the Xbox thing, and get the best option from that point. If you toss aside Xbox, I would say grab the GT3 package and then look around for a second hand set of Clubsport pedals. There is not much that can go too wrong with them, aside from possibly needing to replace the load cell at some point.

If retaining Xbox, it becomes more difficult. The look and feel of the CSR rim must be called in to question. Could you bring yourself to pay the high price for a standalone GT2 and look for that used set of pedals?

 

[HoiHman]

Wait atleast until the E3, this might give you more insight in which race games you want to play in the future.

The E3 might also be the place where a (very likely) new XBOX ONE wheel will be announced and maybe we will also get confirmation which wheel will be compatible with the PS4. This might influence your decision on which wheel is best for you.

Just wait another couple of weeks before making your decision.

 

[Scaff]

I'm in no immediate rush to get stuff, but wanted to start looking early.

Its seems that the elite pedals are a must, so that helps tick one box, but its still the Xbox side that is the biggest issue. Right now they would get a fair bit of use on it, but in the future that's much more questionable, and MS need to do a major job after yesterday to sell the idea of the One to me.

Thanks for all the advise and feedback, and yes it is a pain that the bundles don't currently have something that would be ideal for me.

Need Fanatec to tweak the bundles and then give me a discount voucher

 

[Spagetti69]

@Scaff.
Recommend me a decent acoustic guitar, I have around £400 to lay out.

As for the wheel I have the GT2 with clubsports.
It serves the Xbox and PS3 under my TV very well.

 

[Scaff]

@Scaff.
Recommend me a decent acoustic guitar, I have around £400 to lay out.

OT moment - I would strongly recomend looking at the Sigma range, they used to be part of Martin (a bit like Epi is to Gibson or Squire to Fender) but got sold off in 2011. They have come back to the market with some stupidly good guitars for the money.

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars.asp?brandname=Sigma

I've played a DR28 Sigma (their version of the Martin D28) and it stunning

As for the wheel I have the GT2 with clubsports.
It serves the Xbox and PS3 under my TV very well.

Would be nice but a bit rich for me right now.

 

[detergent]

I'm actually in a similar position as you, probably not going to buy either next gen consoles at launch because I fear reliability issues will arise(long story).

I worry about reliability of the Fanatecs though, reading through the Fanatec thread scares me. What wheel do you have now?

I just hope XboxOne will support HID instead of XInput that way Thrustmaster and Logitech wheels could in theory work with that system.

 

[Scaff]

I'm actually in a similar position as you, probably not going to buy either next gen consoles at launch because I fear reliability issues will arise(long story).

I most certainly will not be buying the X1 at launch and unless some change is made in regard to second hand games and the once every 24 hrs connection, then I can't see it being a future purchase either.

The PS4 is a maybe right now, that very much depends on what they clarify in regard to the PS4 at E3.

I worry about reliability of the Fanatecs though, reading through the Fanatec thread scares me. What wheel do you have now?

I'm not overly concerne with reliabilty in regard to Fanatec, currently I had an old DFGT for the PS3 and an MS wheel for the 360 (which my baby brother has nicked and taken away to uni), so pretty much anything would be a step up.

I just hope XboxOne will support HID instead of XInput that way Thrustmaster and Logitech wheels could in theory work with that system.

It would be nice, but I don't personally see it happening.

 

[Zathra5_]

If you are thinking of ditching ps3/xbox and going with ps3, you could get elite or csp pedals and run those with the DFGT wheel on the pc. One of the fastest oval guys on iRacing uses (or was until recently) a DFGT wheel. I was running a G25 wheel, CSP V2 pedals and Thrustmaster shifter on the pc until I found a deal on the CSR wheel. You don't even have to detach the stock pedals on the DFGT wheel.

 

[avens]

If you are interested in trying out FM5, an eventual FH2 and FM6, which you probably are considering your opinions on FM4's physics, wait for the official FM5 wheel.

 

[Scaff]

If you are thinking of ditching ps3/xbox and going with ps3, you could get elite or csp pedals and run those with the DFGT wheel on the pc. One of the fastest oval guys on iRacing uses (or was until recently) a DFGT wheel. I was running a G25 wheel, CSP V2 pedals and Thrustmaster shifter on the pc until I found a deal on the CSR wheel. You don't even have to detach the stock pedals on the DFGT wheel.

Its a nice idea, but my DFGT has seen better days itself (its lasted rather well all told).

If you are interested in trying out FM5, an eventual FH2 and FM6, which you probably are considering your opinions on FM4's physics, wait for the official FM5 wheel.

Given the news from the release on the X1 I see little real chance of me buying one, regardless of how much I love the FM series. Its a massive shame and I had high hopes from the X1 based on the time spent with the 360.

The reveal info coupled with the almost zero chance of backwards compatibility on the RF / WiFi Direct link for control devices is a major issue. Right now much as I love Forza, this has put me off in a big way.

I think I need to look at the options again and its likely that my route will not include the Xbox or Forza (), and once my Live runs out its strongly possible my 360 and collection will go against a PS4 or a PC rig.


So moving on, what are the shifter's in this set......

http://eu.fanatec.com/Shifters/CSR Shifter Set EU

....like, particularly mounted on the rails (which I will have to do at the start).

 

[Spagetti69]

Thanks for the advice on the Sigma Scaff, it looks like it punches above its weight at a good price.

On topic, I'm in a quandary myself with regards wheels and future consoles. I don't think there's any definitive advice available at present.
I've not seen it confirmed my current wheels are PS4 friendly either.

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

I have not read all the posts so forgive me if this has been said already but of the 3 listed this is the one I would go with for FM4

Forza Motorsport CSR wheel value pack XL (bundle wheel / elite pedals / shifter set): £338 inc shipping

The Elite pedals are the way to go, or club sport.

You really need a load sensor brake on Forza 4 the ABS just does not behave well with most pedal sets. On or Off the wheels still lock and you have to be very careful. With a properly adjusted load cell brake no need for ABS and no real
issues braking unless like in real life you panic and hit the brake very hard.

I do not know what the standard CSR pedals are like, I think they do not have a load cell but beyond that I don;t know. I did have 2 sets of the standard Porsche Pedals and they were little more than a paper weight. Lots of issues with those not giving 100% throttle, brakes coming on for no reason. I repaired them twice then they sent me a new set and I ended up having to repair those within a couple of weeks and eventually gave up and bought the club sport pedals which are much much better.

Basically with the Porsche Pedals over 6 months I spent almost as much time trying to get them to work properly as I did driving with them.

Any of the three should be ok for the PS3 assuming the standard CSR pedals work properly

 

[Scaff]

Thanks for the advice on the Sigma Scaff, it looks like it punches above its weight at a good price.

They certainly do.

On topic, I'm in a quandary myself with regards wheels and future consoles. I don't think there's any definitive advice available at present.
I've not seen it confirmed my current wheels are PS4 friendly either.

Its a real pain, I hope that the next few weeks will clear things up in regard to both of the future consoles.

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

I've not seen it confirmed my current wheels are PS4 friendly either.

I would expect the PS4 to allow the use of a USB wheel since they have did so on the PS2 and the PS3 but you can never be sure until they say for sure.

 

[left888]

I have narrowed it down to three options (all Fanatec)

Just out of curiosity why only Fanatec? BTW I do own a Porsche GT2, which is OK at best and had a Elite wheel, which I never liked at all. I had 2 CSP which I really like, sold 1 set with the Elite wheel. What are you currently using?

I now own 2 sets of the T500 which is an incredible wheel which I use with a CSP and mainly PC racing. If you have lots of disposable income perhaps the new Fanatec Clubsport wheel and a set of CSP ver 2. Then set yourself up with a good PC and pCARS and possibly iRacing down the road.

I'm sure you've seen how much better the graphics and gameplay is on a PC compared to current consoles are. Then of course the unknown, what performance will the new console offer and at what price?

You have written your 3 choices, it looks like you are leaning toward the console route? If so, then maybe the "Forza Motorsport CSR wheel value pack XL (bundle wheel / elite pedals / shifter set): £338 inc shipping" would be the way to go.

Once I started into PC racing I soon gave up on the consoles, which most people tend to do. I suppose it all depends on where you are in free time and if you are just a casual racer or serious racer.

Is there a reason why the T500 is not considered or even a G27?

 

[Scaff]

Is there a reason why the T500 is not considered or even a G27?

Out of my price range and rather difficult to source in the UK at present, the T500 is well biult and I have used one and like it a lot, the G27 I personally think it quite cheaply made for the money.

 

[Spagetti69]

The G27 is going for £175 on Amazon UK at the moment. That's not a bad price.

The gearbox in my opinion is a lot better than the standard Fanatec rubbish.
The wheel, which physically feels light, pronounces subtle FF better than my GT2 due the heavy build of the GT2 which can dampen some FF effects. Granted there's no onboard profiler with the G27 but if used on PC it's a mute point.

At £175 (I paid more for my Fanatec pedals) its a great bargain. Build quality has proved better than my GT2/Clubsports as I have previously mentioned around here.

Clutch, Gearbox, 900 degrees at £175 is not bad all told mate. I paid £249 Grrr, lol.

Edit. If by a stroke of good fortune these were to work on new XB via USB and MS seeing the light these will be sold out ASAP.

I can dream right?

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Looks to be a good idea to wait and see what new products will come out in next few months. Might also mean discounts on older products too. Logitech might release a new wheel soon, successor to G27. Thrustmaster might also release T100RS which I assume should be cheaper than T500RS and I would assume Fanatec might have new wheels soon if wheels for Xbox 360 are incompatible with Xbox One. Hopefully PS4 works with old wheels and also Xbox One.

Soon as you are not in hurry, it is good to look out for offers. I bought my G27 for £150 over a year ago and also T500RS in UK has been on offer for £289.99 before. Don't know if that kind of price will make it into your price range but I guess it will given similar price to Fanatec wheels you are looking at.

Warranty service from Logitech seems to be also best out of the three manufacturers from what I have heard so can be also a point to think about.

 

[RSwagoneer]

I have both the CSR and the GT3 wheel. The CSR rim looks a bit plasticly , while the GT3 rim is OK. In feel, I use the CSR now in my rig because of it's adaptability for PC, XBOX and PS3.
I'm not so into the consoles lately as I discovered Iracing on the PC.
Though with the new console coming out I guess I would wait and see what they do in terms of pheriphal connectivity. Plus on that you could save more and buy the best wheel/pedal combo that supports the lot then.

Just my 2 cents

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

I'm not sure but seems like the GT3 had a similar wheel to that of the TurboS and if that be the case there are 3 issues with it that are better on the CSR and CSR elite wheels.

1: I found that on the Turbo S wheel the stitching in the grip irritated my thumb a bit and after a while formed a callus.
2: The paddle shifters are a bit touchy and are a bit prone to double shift on your which can be a problem.
3: The dpad navigation control at the bottom of the wheel is pretty clunky and bit hard to navigate with.

The CSR rim

1: No stitching, smooth surface more comfortable to drive
2: Better paddle shifts, less likely to get double shifts but do happen from time to time
3: the little stick for navigation is a bit better than the pad on the other wheel but seems a bit flimsy

 

[Scaff]

The G27's on Amazon are all used and to be honest I'm not too keen on going down that route, as far as I;m aware the G27 can also suffer from the Logitec issue of wheels going out of calibration to the left, my own DFGT does this too often for my liking.

Correct me if I'm wrong as well, but the G26 and T500S also can both suffer from high speed shakes in GT5, which the adjustable deadzone of the Fanatec's can resolve.

The stitching on the wheel doesn't bother me at all, I've owned enough cars with all manner of stitching and have never had an issue with it.

 

[Spagetti69]

The G27's on Amazon are all used and to be honest I'm not too keen on going down that route, as far as I;m aware the G27 can also suffer from the Logitec issue of wheels going out of calibration to the left, my own DFGT does this too often for my liking.

Correct me if I'm wrong as well, but the G26 and T500S also can both suffer from high speed shakes in GT5, which the adjustable deadzone of the Fanatec's can resolve.

Oddly the £175 listing has gone, I thought it was new sorry. There going for 250 used, that's way too steep.

Yes you can dial out the wheel shake with a fanatic by adding 10 degrees of slop, not ideal but it works. I've only played with patch 2.05 though so I'm out of the loop.

TM500 I'm not sure about. When the wheel first released there was reports that no wobble was present but some said there was. I still don't know.

Looking to GT6 it's really a problem on PD's end and should be sorted. In real life I'd have my wheels balanced and tracking sorted out. Torque alignment doesn't work in PD land.

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

Yes you can dial out the wheel shake with a fanatic by adding 10 degrees of slop, not ideal but it works. I've only played with patch 2.05 though so I'm out of the loop.

Depends on the firmware version. With the first firmware that offered deadzone on my TurboS and the initial version of GT5 I used 10 on lots of cars and a bit more on the X1 and Karts

With the CSR Elite and the firmware with the ACL settings I have to go a bit higher on the dead zone or add some lin to it. I do not feel any sloppiness in the wheel until I get to 40-50 on the dead zone and even there it is no more than on Forza at 0


GT5P was pretty much undrivable with the TurboS without the deadzone especially if you ran 100 FFB

 

[Scaff]

Oddly the £175 listing has gone, I thought it was new sorry. There going for 250 used, that's way too steep.

I did see the £175 used one yesterday, and £250 is silly money. T500R's also seem to be non existent in the UK (should have got Jordan to 'borrow' one form Silverstone).

Yes you can dial out the wheel shake with a fanatic by adding 10 degrees of slop, not ideal but it works. I've only played with patch 2.05 though so I'm out of the loop.

TM500 I'm not sure about. When the wheel first released there was reports that no wobble was present but some said there was. I still don't know.

I've heard mixed reports in that regard about the T500R as well.

Looking to GT6 it's really a problem on PD's end and should be sorted. In real life I'd have my wheels balanced and tracking sorted out. Torque alignment doesn't work in PD land.

Yep its been an issue since GT4, when LMP's were almost undrivable at Le Sarthe, PD do seem to have improved it but it certainly still needs work.