HD6 - Detailed Review of Fanatec Wheels and Logitech G27

[HeliosDoubleSix]

Just in case you hadn't seen enough reviews! and opinions on the Fanatac Wheel versus Logitech, I am here to add my own perspective.

I have been able to test and compare:
Microsoft Xbox 360 Wheel
Logitech G27
Fanatec Turbo S (xbox support)
Fanatec GT3 RSv2

I hope you don't mind me linking to it instead of inlining it here:
HD6 - Wheel Review

Feedback and any questions are welcome! thanks

 

[BenzAMG]

Sorry I don't share your enthusiasm for the Fanatec wheels.

I own an Turbo S wheel, and a G25 and always use the G25. The Turbo S build quality is not on par with the G25. Turbo S is more wobbly, more plastic toy looking and has a way different feel than the G25. I did break 2 turbo S wheels already and although Fanatec replaced them after I send a video to them, it toke about 6 weeks to get a replacement wheel. Now I don't use the Fanatec anymore because it will break sooner or later, they all do.

The G25 has a more solid feeling(no wobble what so ever) and i'm not afraid it will break because it's much more reliable.

G25
+ reliable
+ feeling (solid)
+ cheaper
- Smaller wheel diameter

PWTS
+ Rumble
+ Settings on the wheel
- expensive
- Build quality
- Reliability
- Wobbly
- Disadvantages of a web shop company.

Conclusion: buy Logitech.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Yoritomo79]

How can a mounted wheel wobble? My PWTS is rock solid. I caught my 4 year old hanging from it. It's still perfect.

 

[littlesthobo]

fantastic review HD6 👍 Very in depth makes good reading. I have been sitting on the side lines for months waiting and wondering about which wheel I should buy ( Fanatec GT3/Logitech G27 ) and now after reading your review my minds made up.....G27 for me

I wanted so much to buy the Fanatec but I think Logitech are a safer bet in the long run...anyways cheers for the review good sfuff

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

IMO The biggest plus for the Logitech wheel is the mounting method. The 2 clamps for table mount are more solid than the Fanatec but if you attach the Fanatec properly it is solid enough. The MSwheel on the other hand is difficult to get stable without using more than the normal mounting. I have literally pulled it side ways on more than one occasion while driving fast on twisty tracks. The Logitech is rock solid and even though the default mount on the Fanatec is not as solid it still stays put and of course it has options to hard mount as well.

I have not tried the G25/27 but I do have the DFGT, the MSwheel and the PWTS. The PWTS feels much better than the others and the built in settings are a nice touch. When you add in the fact that it works on all 4 of my gaming rigs [PS2 PS3 Xbox 360 and PC] it can't be touched by any other wheel on the market.

I own an Turbo S wheel, and a G25 and always use the G25. The Turbo S build quality is not on par with the G25. Turbo S is more wobbly, more plastic toy looking and has a way different feel than the G25. I did break 2 turbo S wheels already and although Fanatec replaced them after I send a video to them, it toke about 6 weeks to get a replacement wheel. Now I don't use the Fanatec anymore because it will break sooner or later, they all do.

The G25 has a more solid feeling(no wobble what so ever) and i'm not afraid it will break because it's much more reliable.

What broke on the wheels ? How did you have it mounted? What do you mean by wobbly? Are you referring to the default table mount and the fact that you can tip the wheel a little when mounted this way?

 

[HeliosDoubleSix]

Sorry I don't share your enthusiasm for the Fanatec wheels. The G25 has a more solid feeling(no wobble what so ever) and i'm not afraid it will break because it's much more reliable.

Hmm, I don't get any of this wobbly feeling, It took me a while to get the Fanatec to mount properly, I dunno if you mean wobble as in the base or do you mean wobbly in the force feedback, I get neither :-)

I can't say anything about reliability I have had no problems with any of them.. yet, It would be interesting to know in what way they broke for you, if the belt came off or motor died etc etc, thanks

 

[ShylockHolmes]

After getting my PWTS Clubsport I had no use for my notchy and loud G25.

PWTS Clubsport
+ stronger FF
+smooth realistic feel of belt drive
+ROCK SOLID no wobble whatsoever in any shape or form
+best pedals in class
+most versatile as it can be programmed
+upgradeable firmware
+build quality

 

[HeliosDoubleSix]

After getting my PWTS Clubsport I had no use for my notchy and loud G25.

Right I was just thinking the biggest reason I stopped using the G27 was the notchyness, I play a lot of off road games and it stands out even worse then.
I have updated the review to mention that a bit more

I'm off the mind that the notchyness and twitchiness might make the Logitechs better for regular racing as you can catch things faster, but for me it kills the immersion and feel

 

[strtgng]

No wobble in my PWTS - never tried using the table mount system on it - I just hard mounted it to a WSP and it is great!

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

Even using just the default table quick mount the PWTS holds just fine if you do it right. It took me a few times to get the setting just right on the clamp but now I just slide it on the table and flip the two little levers up and it stays put. Never do I get any side to side movement like was so common on the MS Wheel. The only movement I get is occasionaly when I get overly aggressive with it I can feel the back of the base raise up maybe 1/4 inch or so which is barely noticable but does happen. Eventually I will bolt it down but for now I have been using the quick release and setting it aside when I am not using it.

This clamp mount is the only piece of the assembly that appears like it might break under the right circumstances. Namely not having it set properly and putting aggresive downward force on the wheel.

The DFGT is solid but definitely clunky and rough. I still like it much more than the MS Wheel but the MS Wheel is much smoother than the DFGT.


I am still curious what componet broke on the wheels mentioned in Post #2


Edit: My only complaints with the PWTS are
1: The basic shifters are not very stable using the rod mounting method, especially the gated shifter as the shifter requires a bit of force to get it into the gears and the rods allow it to move around. I did not notice screws to tighten it but will look and see if this can be improved.

2: The paddle shifters are a bit soft and sometimes I get a double shift on them which can quickly turn a good lap into a really bad one. For example I was driving Suzuka and when I came into the chicane I went to downshift from 4th to 3rd and the car went straight to 2nd and the rear jumped out but then before I could react out of habit I hit the shifter again as the plan was to shift to 3rd then 2nd so I ended up in 1st and off the track sideways. It sucked because I was up 3/10ths on my personal best prior to the double shift and ended up being 3 seconds slow at the line.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

I have mine hard mounted to the Rennsport Wheelstand and it's a tank even with the FF set to 100. I have the shifter adapter for the wheelstand and it's made of iron so the shifter doesn't even budge like it does with the more flexible standard rods.

 

[HeliosDoubleSix]

Fanatec just announced they are working on a NEW xbox supporting wheel presumably to replace the limited run of the Turbo S, so many wheels! This is a good time for racing :-)

 

[timcp]

Your review (at least the first part of it) is either very biased toward Fanatec or their wheel must really be a very long way ahead of the G27. You even suggest a Carrera wheel instead of G27. So which is it?
Is the G27 really that much worse than the GT3 RS? I just wanted to order one since I want to upgrade from my DFP but I'm confused now. I originally wasn't sure which wheel to buy but since Fanatec can't deliver right now (they will be shipping preorders in January) I decided to buy the G27 (which is also pretty scarce at the moment).
So my question is this:
Is the GT3RS Clubsport Edition worth the wait until at least January and the higher cost (as I see it the 6 speed shifter is not included) of around 100$? Is the G27 really that loud (and in the first one of your videos I think even the fanatec is really loud)?

 

[HeliosDoubleSix]

...Your review (at least the first part of it) is either very biased toward Fanatec or their wheel must really be a very long way ahead of the G27......

I suggest 'looking into' a Carrera Wheel, as I have not tried one, I would imagine it has the same problems of the Logitech in that it is geared not belt driven, however if It's forcefeedback as at least as good as the G27 (presumptuous) given the added benefits of the Fanatec HUD and the tweaks you can apply via that then I would pick the Carrera probably, but It's speculative hence why you should look into it as It's a very good price including pedals and H shifter

The GT3RS comes in several bundles the Clubsport bundles comes with H pattern and Sequential Shifters, I would personally buy the one without shifters/wait till they release the Clubsport Shifter which will be metal construction if you are serious about getting a good shifter, again presumptuous that it will be any good, from the specs it will be a premium priced shifter like the clubsport pedals are premium. The ClubSport bundle also comes with the CS Metal Pedals which while expensive are worth it too, you can get the GT3RS cheaper without the expensive pedals and get the pedals later on if you were unsure. And with an Adapter you can use your G25/G27 pedals with it. You do get a discount buying them all together in one bundle though

The Fanatec noise in that video is as I'm turning it very quickly so noise of belt running round is about the same if not a bit quieter than the G27, the noise from the Logitech comes from the wheel gears as you change direction or force is suddenly applied or jerked and it is very noisy then, I should take a video of it playing Dirt with the FFB maxed but I didnt have time to go into much detail with the Logitech. Changing direction or rumble makes almost no additional noise on the Fanatec omitting the mechanical jolt the Logitech has when changing direction or force.

The noise isn't the big deal though albeit annoying, It's the mechanical jarring sensation; for me it kills the immersion; less to no deal in smooth racing games, but in off road It's a deal breaker

The G27 is quieter than the G25 from reports as the gears are smoother/helical

I often have rumble/vibration effects set above maximum(hacked) and dampening entirely removed when playing off road games especially, and it causes havoc with the Logitech, not many people are as stupid as me setting the FFB so high, but I enjoy it :-D even though I'm probably knackering the parts quicker :-) it almost makes up for me not having a motion rig by getting the rumble thru the wheel even if that overshadows some of the wheel feedback, It's fun!

If you don't have a problem with the G25 being noisy or notchy then I doubt you will gain much from the Fanatec other than the HUD Tweaking (which I think is superb) and aesthetics and perhaps a bit stronger force, as you will likely be able to use both the Club Sport Pedals and Club Sport Shifter (when it comes out) with your Logitech G25 or any wheel on PC but not on the PS3

God I do ramble,

 

[timcp]

Thanks for the elaborate reply. So in essence the Fanatec offers more comfort (in being les noisy and offerng more options for teaking) and has the best (affordable) pedals while not being much more expensive (since shifters are in the package. I must have gotten that wrong before) while the logitech G27 is still a very good wheel (especially compared to a Driving Force Pro). Now the only question is: Can I really wait for a Fanatec? But I guess I'll have to figure that out for my self...

Thanks for all your troubles!

 

[scoddee]

Even using just the default table quick mount the PWTS holds just fine if you do it right. It took me a few times to get the setting just right on the clamp but now I just slide it on the table and flip the two little levers up and it stays put. Never do I get any side to side movement like was so common on the MS Wheel. The only movement I get is occasionaly when I get overly aggressive with it I can feel the back of the base raise up maybe 1/4 inch or so which is barely noticable but does happen. Eventually I will bolt it down but for now I have been using the quick release and setting it aside when I am not using it.

This clamp mount is the only piece of the assembly that appears like it might break under the right circumstances. Namely not having it set properly and putting aggresive downward force on the wheel.

The DFGT is solid but definitely clunky and rough. I still like it much more than the MS Wheel but the MS Wheel is much smoother than the DFGT.


I am still curious what componet broke on the wheels mentioned in Post #2


Edit: My only complaints with the PWTS are
1: The basic shifters are not very stable using the rod mounting method, especially the gated shifter as the shifter requires a bit of force to get it into the gears and the rods allow it to move around. I did not notice screws to tighten it but will look and see if this can be improved.

2: The paddle shifters are a bit soft and sometimes I get a double shift on them which can quickly turn a good lap into a really bad one. For example I was driving Suzuka and when I came into the chicane I went to downshift from 4th to 3rd and the car went straight to 2nd and the rear jumped out but then before I could react out of habit I hit the shifter again as the plan was to shift to 3rd then 2nd so I ended up in 1st and off the track sideways. It sucked because I was up 3/10ths on my personal best prior to the double shift and ended up being 3 seconds slow at the line.

Fanatec recommends using the quick release even if you do hard mount.👎

Shifter mount plate and bracket should help stiffness there.

Carbon fiber paddles are extremely stiff and beautiful to boot.👍

Scotty

 

[simplsimon]

Sorry I don't share your enthusiasm for the Fanatec wheels.

I own an Turbo S wheel, and a G25 and always use the G25. The Turbo S build quality is not on par with the G25. Turbo S is more wobbly, more plastic toy looking and has a way different feel than the G25. I did break 2 turbo S wheels already and although Fanatec replaced them after I send a video to them, it toke about 6 weeks to get a replacement wheel. Now I don't use the Fanatec anymore because it will break sooner or later, they all do.

The G25 has a more solid feeling(no wobble what so ever) and i'm not afraid it will break because it's much more reliable.

G25
+ reliable
+ feeling (solid)
+ cheaper
- Smaller wheel diameter

PWTS
+ Rumble
+ Settings on the wheel
- expensive
- Build quality
- Reliability
- Wobbly
- Disadvantages of a web shop company.

Conclusion: buy Logitech.

Just my 2 cents

I own a Turbo S and I have nothing but a rock solid wheel. It is fantastic, and yes I have also used the G27 and it was not on par with the Turbo S. I think you may have some bias against Fantaec for some reason or the other. Yous ay they all break sooner or later and I guess all mechanicle items will but I would be more afraid of the Logitech breaking before I would the Fanatec wheel. When I used the G 27 it had an awfull amount of play in the sterring, jerking around, and just seemed a bit to sloppy for me. While I really enjoy the Logitech pedals way better than Fanatecs Standard pedals, The wheels are a whole different story in my opinon. The (I have owned both the DFGT, G27) Fanatec is much smoother and way better FF than the Logitechs (atleast in my hands). You may be being very ohnost with you opinion and I hope you are but just had to point out how it reads to me. Take Care,

 

[simplsimon]

No wobble in my PWTS - never tried using the table mount system on it - I just hard mounted it to a WSP and it is great!

+2, This is exactly my set up as well. I have the Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe with my Turbo S. Rock solid all the way. I do wish I still had a G27 shifter thoe, not that the Fanatecs' is bad really or anything, I just liked the feel of the G27. Oh, and the G27 pedals were better than my Regular Fanatec Pedals. Fanatecs Regular pedals are again not really bad just a little weak looking in terms of quality of materials against the G27s' pedals. I must say thoe that the regular pedals have woked very well for me so far. Still saving for the Club Sports and those should be great.