Just how competent is the Logitech G29?

[Tom]

As some of you may be aware, I had a house fire in July of last year and due to carbon deposits on my electrical equipment, it all had to be thrown away. This included all of my home-built studio, as well as my Logitech G27.

Whilst I was quite disappointed, I realise that it has come as a good opportunity to purchase some new equipment when the contents value for the insurance comes through. We're estimating completion of the house by the end-of-February/early March, meaning that it's time for me to start thinking about what replacement wheel I should look into purchasing.

My original plan was to purchase a T500RS, which I can get for £285 thanks to staff discount where I work. However, I realise that that there is the possibility of this not being possible depending on how much is paid out for the G27.

I have seen that the Logitech G29 is incredibly good value currently, retailing at £160 in the UK. Although having read a few reviews saying that it leaves a little bit to be desired compared to the T300RS, for example, it leaves me wondering exactly what the wheel is like to own, and more importantly, how it compares to a G27.

I'd really appreciate your help, as I would most likely be able to afford the G29 straight away, whereas a T500RS may take a couple of months to get the finances together.

 

[sesselpupser]

Mechanically it's identical to the G27 but it's got a hall effect sensor instead of an optical encoder for the steering position (which is great) and a non-linear spring in the brake (which is also a good modification) otherwise the motors, gears and such are all the same. If you were happy with the G27 there's really not much to be unhappy about with the G29 when considered on its own merits but the competition does leave it a little dated with regards to the gear drive instead of quieter and smoother belts.

Personally I'd just expect it to look ugly, feel and sound the same as the G27 (except for the improved brake pedal), have the convenience of all the wheel-mounted buttons and improved reliability thanks to the magnetic rather than optical sensor. Yes you will have to buy the shifter as an accessory but you get to enjoy the benefits of Logitech customer service, so... Yeah.

 

[Tom]

Thank you for your feedback regarding the G29. From what I had gathered the new wheel isn't vastly different compared to the old one, however, that's certainly no bad thing as I thoroughly enjoyed the G27.

 

[jazzishouse]

Cuurys/PC World are doing it for £159.99 at the moment.

 

[Mr Latte]

Cuurys/PC World are doing it for £159.99 at the moment.

Thats pretty much what it is worth these days now we know it is just an updated G27.

I would personally hold off and go Thrustmaster and have the potential benefits of better pedals, gearstick and additional rims in the future.

 

[JohnBodin]

Mechanically it's identical to the G27 but it's got a hall effect sensor instead of an optical encoder for the steering position (which is great) and a non-linear spring in the brake (which is also a good modification) otherwise the motors, gears and such are all the same. If you were happy with the G27 there's really not much to be unhappy about with the G29 when considered on its own merits but the competition does leave it a little dated with regards to the gear drive instead of quieter and smoother belts.

Personally I'd just expect it to look ugly, feel and sound the same as the G27 (except for the improved brake pedal), have the convenience of all the wheel-mounted buttons and improved reliability thanks to the magnetic rather than optical sensor. Yes you will have to buy the shifter as an accessory but you get to enjoy the benefits of Logitech customer service, so... Yeah.

I thought the pedals were updated as well? Better resolution than the G27, and possibly also hall effect in place of potentiometers (or did I hear wrong on that)?