DFGT or Fanatec Carrera Which one suits me better??

[ShopTeacher]

Ok let me start off by saying I have exhausted the search feature of this site and spent hours reading other threads, unfortunately I am hearing conflicting comments.

I am a novice compared to all of you, and am hoping to utilize your collective wisdom as the only video games I have played in the last 10 years or so are the Gran Turismo series, GT3, 4 and now 5 and a hockey game or two. As a matter of fact, the only reason I purchased a PS3 was GT5. I have never played on anything but a standard controller, however while taking my students through an Autoshow, Honda had a setup with GT5 playing and after sitting down to play that I was convinced i need my own cockpit setup. (which will be a great way to teach some metal working skills to my students, read motivation and opportunity to build a cockpit)

Ok so based on my research I have narrowed my choices to two wheels that I can purchase without the neck of the household throwing me out (she admits to me being the head, she just lays claim to being the neck, and we know what body part moves the head....):

Pro's for the DFGT:
In game settings adjustable
Customer Service
Fully supported for gt5
Buttons on wheel
Sequential shifter​

Pro's for the Carrera
5 speed gated shifter
Better wheel feel
Clutch pedal
Brake pedal feel
Adjustability of steering wheel hardware...etc.​

Question #1 How does the 5 speed gated shifter work with cars that have more speeds?

Question #2 Is there any way to remove the shifter from the DFGT, it just seems to be in an incredibly uncomfortable location.

Question #3 Those of you that have driven either wheel, could you comment on the pedals. (unfortunately I cannot afford clubsport pedals)

Question #4 Does the Carrera work plug and play with GT5, or do I have to change dates, load drivers...etc.

I cant think of any others, please chime in and help me make my decision.

 

[Gunstar]

1 - It's a 6 speed shifter, and you just stop shifting at 6, or switch to the paddles I guess.

2 - No. It's molded into the wheel housing. On the plus side, no worrying about a separate shifter mount!

3 - The GT pedals get the job done, nothing amazing, but don't have a clutch. I'd say the Fanatec standards are better, and of course DO have a clutch!

4 - You can just plug it in and go, but by updating and adjusting you'll have a better experience, more features, ect... The DFGT is straight plug and play, and since it's Sony licensed you get a PS button and virtually universal compatibility with PS3 racers.

For you, I would suggest getting a DFGT. It's a much friendlier plug and play experience, and for a first time wheel owner the Fanatecs are a little less friendly. And since it's an official GT wheel it's 100% supported by GT5, and since it's a Logitech it's supported by virtually everything else. But on the PS3 it's a more capable unit, right out of the box.

If however you NEED that clutch and stick shifter, the Carrera is a great deal, and while it does have a bit more of a learning curve it's a good choice, there's just more chance of a hassle with it, and as it's not an officially licensed Sony or GT wheel there might be compatibility issues down the road... however if you play PC sims it's probably a more capable unit.

They're both good tho, so I don't think you can make a bad choice here.

 

[JerkinJohn]

I was convinced i need my own cockpit setup. (which will be a great way to teach some metal working skills to my students, read motivation and opportunity to build a cockpit)

Ok so based on my research I have narrowed my choices to two wheels that I can purchase without the neck of the household throwing me out (she admits to me being the head, she just lays claim to being the neck, and we know what body part moves the head....):

please chime in and help me make my decision.

Lol... that's pretty funny! Unfortunately for me my hobby/relationship didn't mix well so it was splitsville for me!

I personally own the DFGT and have been using it for the past year and a half or so. Primarily for PC sims but GT5 also as of recent.

It's a solid wheel! On the PS3 it's fair but on the PC is where it shines IMO. The FFB is good and the incredible layout of buttons on it is a big plus when mapping it out. Although I personally don't care for the wheel diameter of 11". Wish it was at least 12" and had leather wrapping but the feel of it isn't terrible by any means!

The button shifters for me was not hard to adjust to what so ever and the shifter, if the wheel is placed on an angle (Building cockpit right?) then the shifters location isn't really inconvenient IMO.

The pedals... well there are a few ideas on here and across the web on some very inexpensive mods to the brake pedal. Just google it and you will see. Some use bungie cords and some use stress balls.

I never did neither because I have gotten so accustomed to the way they are over time.

If plug and play is a concern then I would also suggest the DFGT. Plus if your hobby grows some day and you decide to go the PC route I can tell you that it's equally as simple to use it on it also.

Just a suggestion if you haven't thought about it. When building your pod make sure to angle your pedals and mount them in it very securely. You will get a much better realistic effect from your hardware the better it's secured and placed in the (just right position) to simulate a vehicle.

I have no personal experience with the Fanatec wheel or there basic pedal set so what ever you are reading about them is probably the same I am! lol

I am in a big wheel decision right now my self and also know how tough it can be!

 

[RacingDriver725]

i used to have the Fanatec Standard pedals before i got my Clubsport pedals for Christmas. i got my PS3 for Christmas aswell so i dont know what the Standard pedals are like on PS3 but on my Xbox 360 they had a glitch where the car wouldnt drive off until 5 minutes after i press the accelerator. and sometimes the brake pedal didnt work.