Assuming anyone could be arsed, is there even a demo mode with which to show you this...?
I can't speak for others but I have done loads of comparison testing. The issue however is having the most up to date firmware and if a new one is still being worked on their is little point continuing tests until it is available. Testing on consoles is different to PC's too.
Benchmarks...Statistics...Demo videos...Fact sheets...
All these figures mean very little and are often used as marketing blah blah. We won the benchmarks but that does not mean that those results mean a lot to me.
It's the feeling of the wheel in the game and the driving performance which really matters. And on console it also matters what pedals you can connect because pedals are equally important.
To make a wheel spin fast and have it stronger is actually easy to achieve but who really needs that if the wheel gets huge cogging and loses precision? Our wheel was not designed to play Flatout or Burnout where precision and a smooth feeling might be less important than in simulations like FM4, GT5 or iRacing.
It becomes very aparent with only a few laps that the Elite is much more enjoyable to use with its smoothness, theirs a more satisfying feel with this wheel. Even when the benchmarks were shown I recal stating on these forums having data/figures from a benchmark it's great but testers should continue to concentrate on real world tests with the games.
The all out force is a different thing to how the force is delivered. By no means does the Elite feel weak but again it is how it delivers its FFB with the dual motors that for me makes it nicer to use.
CSRE Sensor(s)
Dual Motors
Suzuka Hairpin Curve
Here is a fine example that catches out the T500RS with it's fixed paddles.
Benchmarks do not give you an impression on how it is to actually play a game. Take Hairpin Curve on Suzuka you have to brake late, drop down a few gears, turn in the wheel, catch the apex while dealing with holding the back end of the car then gently apply the power coming off the apex throttle steering out while then again going back up the gears.
It's just a typical corner that highlights the benefits of testing such good wheels.
Here on this corner you feel how smooth, detailed and responsive each wheel is and the drawback/challenge of fixed paddles.
I've been doing a good amount of previous testing having a lot of work done for a report. Then the new firmware has meant tests needing re-done. So I'm waiting to see what Fanatec are doing in having a
fully developed firmware before redoing all my own testing/comparing. I do not see this as an issue to attack Fanatec over like some have as its very often advanced electronics need updated these days after release. New High End Graphic cards anyone?
As for the FFB strength comparisons, on the consoles it seems to also depend on the game/system used. From this perspective the benchmark results mean pretty much NOTHING. For example I noticed over a month ago compairing F1 on X360 with CSR Elite to F1 on PS3 with T500RS the PS3/T500RS combo was much, much stonger (Pre F1 Game Patch & 717 update). This may be down to the software or the X360 wheel profile Codemasters had for the X360 version. I have yet to retry with latest patches and firmware.
I've not got around to doing much testing lately as Ive wanted (bad cold and busy with Christmas). Now enjoying the hols before New Year and Im in the process of clearing out the room for my cockpit build. So only using temporary setup for past tests.
Deal Or No Deal?
I put it to Thomas if he is interested and
I will pay upfront now for a CSW if he wants a report done comparing the following:
CSR Elite & Elite Pedals
CSW & Clubsport Pedals
T500RS & Standard Pedals
Friggin Footastic
Just some of the games Ive purchased for tests
Only dual copies of a few PS3 games would be needed for Elite Vs CSW tests
Each wheel will be on a seperate "Rennsport Wheel Stand" and individual screen for pure 1-1 tests were possible. Now theirs something even ISR certainly never have done before. Im willing unless anyone else has a better test configuration ready to go?
The offer stands and I'd love to do this from a "hobbyist perspective" oh and also to put an end to all this rim flex nonsense too.
. That should tell you all you need to know.
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