MAD CATZ Steering Wheel....If your on a BUDGET??

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Lisa_Bonami

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FOlks, I already own the Logitech DP PRO steering wheel, but I wanted to buy a second steering wheel to use on my other PS2 with GT4...I dont want to spend alot of cash. Can any of you recommend or give me feedback for the MAD CATZ MC2 Universal Steering Wheel?...It's only about $59 and I was wondering on some of your thoughts?
 
Duck7892
http://www.epinions.com/pr-Mad_Catz_MC2_Universal_6320_Wheel_And_Pedals_Set/display_~reviews

Duck7892
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Nonsense. Crap. BS. Drivel. Hokum.

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. I have no idea what that kid's problem was.

I've used a Mad Catz MC2 Universal for over two years now. It provides precise, accurate, progressive control on GT4, GT3, NFSU, NFSU2, and NFS Hot Pursuit 2.

The only flaw is the silly wide center-steering deadband that is the default. Fortunately, it takes three seconds to eliminate it using the "Accu-Drive" calibration button and three clicks on the D-Pad down arrow. You then have no deadband at all. You just have to remember that each time you shut off the PS/2, the dumb thing returns to the silly default, so you reset it each time you fire up.

Any reviews or comments about the MC2 being "imprecise" are definitely the result of the stupid deadband being the default, and the reviewers didn't realize it when they ran their test. That's Mad Catz' fault, of course, for having that as the default. There is no logical reason for it.

The MC2 is 100% compatible with GT4. Just plug it in and you're all set.

I borrowed a friend's DFP a couple of months ago and put about 8 hours on it over two nights. I was never able to match my MC2 lap times with the DFP. Compared to the MC2, the steering input of the DFP is too "hard", linear, and non-progressive. The "softer" feel of the Mad Catz provides better control, especially with very-high-performance cars.

The MC2 has no Force Feedback, so if you insist on having motors and gears jerk the wheel around in your hands in the unrealistic way the DFP does it, the MC2 is not for you. Also, the pedals won't fail in a few months like the DFP's do, so you'll miss out on the fun of returning it to the manufacturer.

Also, the lack of Force Feedback and the comfortable, ergonomic shape of the bottom of the unit, resting easily on your knees, means you'll miss out on the satisfaction of building a large wooden stand for it and placing it prominently in your living room.

Finally, DFP buffs who have come to love the "RRRRRRR!!!!!" whine of the gears in the DFP will just have to live with the dead-silent operation of the MC2. Family members who enjoy the soothing sound of the gear shriek will also have to deal with the silence.

Any further questions?
 
I just bought a DFP and I can't stand the jerking motion! Seriously I do not think that the wheel should just bounce and jerk when you are on straight away going 100 mph. Also after playing with it for the last 4 hours my arms are actually pretty tired. This was not what I was expecting in a wheel.

I think I am going to take it back and get the mad catz - am I crazy?
 
the mad catz is so light, the only car ive driven with this light of steering was a toyota sienna and man was that a pos ;)
the wheel is still pretty good, i lot better than a controller
 
I've tried both. The Mad Catz seems lighter, and not of the same quality as the DFP, but its more of personal preference, and what your budget is.
Either one will do the trick, its really about what kinda money your willing to spend.
 
WOW...I wasnt expecting responses this positive....cool! I think Im gonna go out and get the UNIVERSAL one so I can also play Forza on my XBOX as well

Anyone know if there is a difference between the XBOX MADCATZ wheel and the Yellow Universal one?....and isnt there also a RED one too???....Im confused

Anymore comments or feedback on the MADCATZ?
 
Lisa_Bonami
...Anyone know if there is a difference between the XBOX MADCATZ wheel and the Yellow Universal one?....and isnt there also a RED one too???...
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My old one is red, and it works on the XBox. My son has a friend with the newer yellow Universal, and it works on his XBox and PS/2.

I have no idea what, if any, differences there may be. I'd say just get the yellow Universal. (I noticed a big "GT4 Compatible" sticker on them at Gamestop.)

Just remember that deadband routine. Press the "CAL" button behind the left paddle shifter, press D-Pad down three times, press CAL again, and you're done. You can also widen or shorten the overall range by pressing right or left on the D-Pad. Ignore the silly way the "dashboard" scale lights up when you apply throttle. It means nothing.

Read the directions about button programming. I leave everything stock, myself.
 
How about this versus the DF? They seem to be in a similar price range(59~70)... And both definitely work with my limited space and all (Though the driving position may not be accurate, hell my TVs to small to be accurate anyways~)

Can I get some notes on Durability, Steering angles and Response on both or simply which ones better?

EDIT: Hell this one(MADCATZ) has a shift nob... I think I know the answer :)
 
Zardoz
Nonsense. Crap. BS. Drivel. Hokum.

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. I have no idea what that kid's problem was.

I've used a Mad Catz MC2 Universal for over two years now. It provides precise, accurate, progressive control on GT4, GT3, NFSU, NFSU2, and NFS Hot Pursuit 2.

The only flaw is the silly wide center-steering deadband that is the default. Fortunately, it takes three seconds to eliminate it using the "Accu-Drive" calibration button and three clicks on the D-Pad down arrow. You then have no deadband at all. You just have to remember that each time you shut off the PS/2, the dumb thing returns to the silly default, so you reset it each time you fire up. Great, fills you with confidence that the makers know what they're doing.
Any reviews or comments about the MC2 being "imprecise" are definitely the result of the stupid deadband being the default, and the reviewers didn't realize it when they ran their test. That's Mad Catz' fault, of course, for having that as the default. There is no logical reason for it.

The MC2 is 100% compatible with GT4. Just plug it in and you're all set.

I borrowed a friend's DFP a couple of months ago and put about 8 hours on it over two nights. I was never able to match my MC2 lap times with the DFP. 2 years with a MC2 over 8 hours using a DFP, fair comparison. Compared to the MC2, the steering input of the DFP is too "hard", linear, and non-progressive. The "softer" feel of the Mad Catz provides better control, especially with very-high-performance cars. Powerful cars are more difficult to control, I wonder why manufacturers don't fit stupidly light power steering to their cars filtering out all "feel" from the road so that Madcatz owners can get used to it?The MC2 has no Force Feedback, so if you insist on having motors and gears jerk the wheel around in your hands in the unrealistic way the DFP does it, the MC2 is not for you. Also, the pedals won't fail in a few months like the DFP's do, so you'll miss out on the fun of returning it to the manufacturer.You mean more unrealistic than having the wheel stay still as you bounce off kerbs? Also, the lack of Force Feedback and the comfortable, ergonomic shape of the bottom of the unit, resting easily on your knees, means you'll miss out on the satisfaction of building a large wooden stand for it and placing it prominently in your living room. Mine is screwed to the desk that my ps2 and tv sit on, so I don't have a steering wheel resting on my knees.

Finally, DFP buffs who have come to love the "RRRRRRR!!!!!" whine of the gears in the DFP will just have to live with the dead-silent operation of the MC2. Family members who enjoy the soothing sound of the gear shriek will also have to deal with the silence. Do you play with the tv on mute too?

Any further questions?
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Someone's a bit bitter at the DFPs rave reviews.
 
I have both the DFP and the MC2 Universal (yellow). The MC2 is a much much easier wheel to drive with, the pedals are nice, and the way they designed it to sit on your legs is brilliant. I usually drive with the DFP, but if I'm having trouble in a course I sometimes switch back to the MC2 as it provides better responsiveness and control, especially in tight courses. The DFP is fun, but definitely not all it is supposed to be (plus, I had to take my first one back with the pedal bug after less than a week of use).

Almost all the reviews of the MC2 have been excellent, the only exceptions I've run across are obviously from people who never bothered to RTFM and therefore didn't calibrate the wheel.

I think you'll probably be very happy with it.
 
Ragnar1211
I just bought a DFP and I can't stand the jerking motion! Seriously I do not think that the wheel should just bounce and jerk when you are on straight away going 100 mph. Also after playing with it for the last 4 hours my arms are actually pretty tired.
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And in real life your arms wouldn't get tired after racing for four hours?
 
man, if you already have the DFP why go "down" to a mad catz mc2? anyway, i suggest you wait a while till the new Logitech Driving Force EX Wheel becomes available. It has both the usb and ps controller plug and some other cool features to it, especially the price - $ 80. Its designed to work on all other PS2 or even maybe PC racing games. Oh, and it still has that "mad" vibration with it so for those who are allergic to shakes - stay away. You had been warned.
 

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The only thing I did not like about the MC2 is that I couldnt cannot adjust the throttle. Its seems that if push the pedal more than 20%, you are already at full throttle.
 
Zardoz
I couldn't care less. I didn't shell out $150 for a DFP.

You want bitter? Browse through this titanic thread:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=44139&page=1&pp=20

Go through that sucker and you'll learn a whole new meaning for the term "bitter".


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Except for when I post in there several times and remark that it's the best money I've ever spent.

The force feedback is far from 'un realistic' ... it's AWESOME ... it gives me a true sense of the wheels on the track, the bumps, the rumbles and ... more importantly ... the loss of traction. The forcefeedback actually resists my steering in the same way a real car would and it's absolutely 100% necessary in any wheel, imho.

However, for those that don't like it .... turn it off ...

I mean, you rant on and on about the *noise* and the arm-braking un-realistic resistance ... and yet you fail to mention that both can be eliminated in less than a second. (Although mine is neither noisy or unrealistic, so it's the user).

Yes, I also own the MCII Universal - it was the first wheel that I bought - and the convenience of putting it on your lap suits my current driving arrangement, but the 200 degrees of turning is ridiculously over sensitive ... 1mm of turn in any direction has a profound effect in game.

If the MCII had more of a turning arc, it would be a better buy in my opinion ... it did me well for a while and I'll keep it as a back up, but it's not even in the same league as a DFP.
 
Kolyana
If the MCII had more of a turning arc, it would be a better buy in my opinion ... it did me well for a while and I'll keep it as a back up, but it's not even in the same league as a DFP.
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My sentiments, exactly! The guy that you replied to has negative posts against GT4, mainly, and against the DFP at various sites all over the internet. I think most reasonable folks can sense who his employer/agenda is.
 
Ragnar1211
I just bought a DFP and I can't stand the jerking motion! Seriously I do not think that the wheel should just bounce and jerk when you are on straight away going 100 mph. Also after playing with it for the last 4 hours my arms are actually pretty tired. This was not what I was expecting in a wheel.

I think I am going to take it back and get the mad catz - am I crazy?
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The DFP has considerably _weaker_ force feedback than an RL sports car. I wish someone made a wheel with a realistically high level of feedback but even the ones on the market today have more feedback than many players can handle.

I haven't owned the Mad Catz, but I have had the DF and the DFP. The Mad Cats I think is more like the DF. I was actually faster with the DF, but it's not nearly as realistic as the DFP.

My friends and I have never been satisfied with the reliability of Mad Catz products... every one of them we've bought has broken due to poor design and manufacture. So I won't buy any of their junk anymore.

If you're looking for a cheaper wheel, I would highly recommend the regular Logitech Driving Force wheel. It's a good solid product.

- Skant
 
GEMINEMESIS
The only thing I did not like about the MC2 is that I couldnt cannot adjust the throttle. Its seems that if push the pedal more than 20%, you are already at full throttle.
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Thats a let down... Sheesh... Shift nob versus paddleshift... Odd throttle versus... whatever DFs like...
 
You get what you paid for... The DFP is incredible.
That's the only one that "says" to you one of your wheel is loosing grip...
That's why DFP is simply the top. :)
Madcatz is for low budget, no expectation on reliability (or cheap modification test!)...
 
Whew~!!! I just got a DF Force Feed Back wheel... And wow~!! I never knew the Nurb can be such a scary place to drive on~ The wheel catches every damn bump on the road!! Its so easy to spin out with all those bumps... I thought the bumps were a bit harsh on the DS2 but this stuff is crazy~ 👍

The only gripes are that it isn't comfortable to put on my lap cause I'm short I'm 5-6...... And the table gripping part rams into my knee and it isn't pleasant...

I'm sorta thinking I need indoor shoes that are a perfect fit... my shoes are a bit bigger than my feet and its hard to not push both pedals at the same time...
 
Anyone know if there is an actual Difference between the MAD CATZ Universal Wheel and the MadCatz XBOX wheel?.....other than the compatibilty and colors. It's a bit confusing because they are both actually the same exact price , yet one is made just for the XBOX while the other is made for ALL system's including the XBOX as well......what gives!?

difference in quality?
 
I'm sorta thinking I need indoor shoes that are a perfect fit... my shoes are a bit bigger than my feet and its hard to not push both pedals at the same time...
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RL sports cars are like that, you know. I wear size 13 shoes, and it was difficult for me the first few days I owned my vette! My giant clown feet hit all the pedals at once.

The pedals are placed close together to facilitate 'heel and toe' shifting. Something which I really appreciated once I started going to the track with the car.

- Skant
 
Skant
RL sports cars are like that, you know. I wear size 13 shoes, and it was difficult for me the first few days I owned my vette! My giant clown feet hit all the pedals at once.

The pedals are placed close together to facilitate 'heel and toe' shifting. Something which I really appreciated once I started going to the track with the car.

- Skant
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Wow~ I envy you for having a vette 'and' being able to go to the track. Not to mention the heel and toe shifting, I don't even own a manual car~

👍
 
animateria
Wow~ I envy you for having a vette 'and' being able to go to the track. Not to mention the heel and toe shifting, I don't even own a manual car~

👍
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It's a lot of fun, but my wallet suffers the consequences something aweful. It's a little shocking when you look at your tires with 25% of their tread already gone... and they're only a week old. Lessee... 25% of $3500... and about 40% of the brake pad thickness was eaten up, too... This hobby is gonna drive me into the poor house!

On the other hand, besides her own tires, she also ate up a gaggle of Lotuses, Porsches, and other exotic european supercars on the track. :D She's a very fast girl indeed...

Vette242-1.jpg

Vette242-3.jpg
 
Skant
It's a lot of fun, but my wallet suffers the consequences something aweful. It's a little shocking when you look at your tires with 25% of their tread already gone... and they're only a week old. Lessee... 25% of $3500... and about 40% of the brake pad thickness was eaten up, too... This hobby is gonna drive me into the poor house!

On the other hand, besides her own tires, she also ate up a gaggle of Lotuses, Porsches, and other exotic european supercars on the track. :D She's a very fast girl indeed...
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Haha~ well I guess for pleasure like that, theres a price to pay...

Thats one great looking Vette by the way~ 👍
 
guys...can anyone help me with the differences between the XBOX version and the Universal version that supports the PS2, GC and Xbox?

also, any other comments good or bad about the MadCatz Wheel in comparison to perhaps OTHER wheels?....any other good deals in wheels for the money? Price vs performance
 

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