What wheel for $400?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mr_lab_rat
  • 49 comments
  • 2,878 views
mr_lab_rat

mr_lab_rat

Messages
2,263
Canada
Vancouver
Messages
mr_lab_rat
I'm sure this question has been posted several times but things changed a lot yesterday with the 1.12 update. I can no longer use my old DFP. Let's not get into a discussion about the update, I wanted a new wheel anyway.

So what's there?
I know T300RS should be around that price point. Is there something from Fanatec that cheap?
Yes, I can spend more money if I have to but I would prefer not.

All I want is: strong force feedback, quiet operation, shift paddles that move with the wheel.
Don't care about: pedals (anything will be an upgrade from DFP), shifter (I use paddles), buttons, PS4 or other devices compatibility.
 
The Fanatec wheels are lower and higher in price. I think that the T300 would likely be the best move at your price point.
 
I find the Fanatec website really confusing. It's like they assume everyone knows what all the CSR CSW CSR-E acronyms mean. Also with some sets it's not completely clear if a wheel is included or just the base.
Could you tell me which Fanatec wheel is under $400?
 
These days, all except for the Clubsport V2 base. GT3RS will be the cheapest. It's basically the same as the GT2, only without Xbox 360 compatibility. The CSR is very similar to the GT2, but has a lighter rim. Lighter having it's pros and cons. The CSR Elite wheel is no longer available.

Unfortunately they do not have many bundles available at present. The GT3RS with CSR Elite pedals was a great option. That is where the Fanatec route can gain ground over the T300 though, in the pedal department. The Elite pedals, and even more so the Clubsport pedals will be massively better than the T300 ones. Getting a set of the T500 might be an option though (to use with the T300).

Edit: Or more logically, T3PA pedals.
 
Last edited:
I can vouch for the CSR/CSR Elite combo. But I haven't tried the new patch yet with a wheel. The CSR is closer to the G27 in response and the GT3rs is a bit heavier. However, the paddles on the CSR is miles ahead of the paddles on the GT3RS. In my opinion is a great pedal worth a lot. Loadcell for the win!
 
Oh yeah, worth pointing out that the Fanatec wheels will receive the same force feedback info as Logitech wheels (though there are on-wheel adjustments). I think it's true that Thrustmaster wheels are given different ffb info.
 
Great info. Thanks. I think I'll be ok with Fanatec getting the same signals as Logitech. I just need more FFB and adjustable lock to lock travel (my old wheel has only 900 or 200).

So the GT3RS is around $230 with CSR pedals? That looks like a deal.
 
Careful..... CSR and CSR Elite pedals are very different. CSRs might be marginally better than your DFGT pedals. CSR Elites will be way better.
 
Your seem set on a Fanatec wheel despite most comments pointing you subtly in another direction. I'll go ahead and do it directly:

The current and likely future Fanatec offerings on GT6 for instance are dull when compared to even the Logitech wheels. This is due to issues that have yet to be determined. However, going back to the launch of GT6, many comments surfaced regarding this "dullness" using the Fanatec wheels, among some other issues. However, I saw few if any similar comments regarding Logitech wheels.

I mention this because none of the current (and in your price range) Fanatec wheels are guaranteed to work on anything but PS3 and Xbox 360.

The T300 on the other hand apparently works on PS3 and PS4. It's based on the TX, which has proven to provide excellent feedback and as well, if the T500 is anything to go by, has superior feedback in GT6 due to FFB being tailored to the wheel instead of simply copied via another vendor.

I don't work for Thrustmaster. I'm trying to help you and anyone else reading this.
 
Actually I'm not so sure anymore. I assumed ALL Fanatec wheels were better than Logitech.
I am aware that Thrustmaster has the best connection with PD/Sony.
It looks like the T300 won't be anywhere near $400 in Canada though.
I might reconsider my price point. I got money, I'm just not sure if I want to spend it on a toy.
 
mrbasher
I don't work for Thrustmaster. I'm trying to help you and anyone else reading this.
Click to expand...

You do not work for Thrustmaster. You just earn your money with selling adapters for Thrustmaster products.

This makes you totally objective, of course. ;)
 
If I was in the process of getting a wheel I would seriously consider the T300, better FFB than the CSR (I own the CSR) together with the CSR Elite pedals and a basherboard. But that will be expensive. Once you tried loadcell/hydralic based pedals there is no going back. But to be in your $400 price bracket the GT3rs with CSR Elite might be the way to go. One of the major things about the fanatec wheels are the ability to have five different profiles. To be able to adjust things on the fly in GT6 is awesome. I use 3 profiles regularly, one for rF2, one for GT6 and one for AC/pCARS. The T300 is tempting, but I'll wait until I get a PS4. I mostly use my gear on PC sims anyway.
 
Fanatec...
You do not work for Thrustmaster. You just earn your money with selling adapters for Thrustmaster products.

This makes you totally objective, of course. ;)
Click to expand...

Which still puts money in your pocket when people buy your pedals. I fail to see the issue here. Nothing basher stated was false. To be quite honest, if not for his CPX adapter, I wouldn't own a set of your pedals right now, but I do because of it.
 
Fanatec...
You do not work for Thrustmaster. You just earn your money with selling adapters for Thrustmaster products.

This makes you totally objective, of course. ;)
Click to expand...

I see what you mean. So, you are implying that I've suggested this guy purchase a Thrustmaster wheel so that he will in turn purchase one of my products to go with it... That's a fair enough assumption and I suppose I can see how you might come to that conclusion.

Fortunately, I don't have to work that hard to sell my products or defend them. You don't see me recommending people purchase your shifter do you? (which I make an adapter for) There's a reason for that.
 
Fanatec...
You do not work for Thrustmaster. You just earn your money with selling adapters for Thrustmaster products.

This makes you totally objective, of course. ;)
Click to expand...

He makes adapters for YOUR gear too. What a terrible reply, I'm honestly shocked.
 
Children, behave. :)
Back to topic.

Anyway, there are always pros and cons to all wheels. So choosing the right one is more about what priorities you have.
 
I'm not worried about the chatter. All you guys are very helpful. From what I read the GT3RS would not be much of an upgrade from Logitech wheel.
 
There are differences but they are not so apparent in GT6 as they are in AC for example. But there is a big difference in how the G25/27 pedals perform compared to the CSR Elite. If you already own a G27 I would recommend a T300.

What games/sims are planning to use the wheel for?
 
Last edited:
m00ndancer
There are differences but they are not so apparent in GT6 as they are in AC for example. But there is a big difference in how the G25/27 pedals perform compared to the CSR Elite. If you already own a G27 I would recommend a T300.

What games/sims are planning to use the wheel for?
Click to expand...

I have the old DFP so I'm used to crappy pedals. What I want to improve is the steering feel, force feedback, paddle shifters, and noise.
 
Have you tried GT6 1.12 since the hot fix which fixed the max torque bug?

To be honest, owning a DFGT, G25, Fanatec GT2 and T500RS, I'd say that every wheel has compromises, but as always you get what you pay for.

Some compromises are expected (belt drive is generally smoother than cog drive but also seems to add a small amount of latency for changes of direction and therefore cog wheels have slightly more "directness") some are less expected (the GT2 has a lovely alcantara rim but I find the ergonomics of the T500RS rubber coated rim much more comfortable).

I was probably fastest at GT5 with my DFGT than my Fanatec or Thrustmaster. But I enjoy the FFB most with the T500RS because of all that torque and lower internal resistance than the Fanatec GT2.

In the end, for your likely budget, I'd say the T300 is the place to start simply because you get a modern powerful motor and guaranteed PS4 future proofing. You might not care today, but in a few years when thinking about GT7 (or games like Driveclub and Project CARS this year) you will have benefit from a compatible wheel.
 
No, I have not tried it after the hotfix. I already made it better yesterday when I turned off power steering and maxed out both FFB settings. I'm really looking forward to testing it after the hotfix.
 
Gunstar
He makes adapters for YOUR gear too. What a terrible reply, I'm honestly shocked.
Click to expand...

My point is that if you have a conflict of interest because you have a commercial interest then you should not make recommendations in a public forum and even claiming that you are not biased. If people buy our wheels then there is no need for his adapters so make up your own opinion if that makes him objective or not.

Mrbasher is doing a great work and his adapters are very helpful for many people. In no way I would deny that he is a brilliant engineer and important part of the community so there is no reason to be "shocked".
 
T300RS I think is best wheel to get in your price range, if you want to get Fanatec then only option really that is not a downgrade is the CSW V2.
 
Fanatec...
My point is that if you have a conflict of interest because you have a commercial interest then you should not make recommendations in a public forum and even claiming that you are not biased. If people buy our wheels then there is no need for his adapters so make up your own opinion if that makes him objective or not.

Mrbasher is doing a great work and his adapters are very helpful for many people. In no way I would deny that he is a brilliant engineer and important part of the community so there is no reason to be "shocked".
Click to expand...

Thank you for the last bit.

My apparent bias is not based purely on greed, loyalty, or a general dislike. It is based on information gathered, much of which still resides in posts on these very forums. If what I have stated is untrue, please educate the OP by contributing constructively to his topic. It is not constructive to simply state I am biased because I may see financial gain.
 
Thanks for all your input. Since PD patched the drastic FFB change I can keep using the old Logitech wheel for now.
I'll wait for the T300 to become available and get that in the future.
 
skazz
Have you tried GT6 1.12 since the hot fix which fixed the max torque bug?

To be honest, owning a DFGT, G25, Fanatec GT2 and T500RS, I'd say that every wheel has compromises, but as always you get what you pay for.

Some compromises are expected (belt drive is generally smoother than cog drive but also seems to add a small amount of latency for changes of direction and therefore cog wheels have slightly more "directness") some are less expected (the GT2 has a lovely alcantara rim but I find the ergonomics of the T500RS rubber coated rim much more comfortable).

I was probably fastest at GT5 with my DFGT than my Fanatec or Thrustmaster. But I enjoy the FFB most with the T500RS because of all that torque and lower internal resistance than the Fanatec GT2.

In the end, for your likely budget, I'd say the T300 is the place to start simply because you get a modern powerful motor and guaranteed PS4 future proofing. You might not care today, but in a few years when thinking about GT7 (or games like Driveclub and Project CARS this year) you will have benefit from a compatible wheel.
Click to expand...
mr_lab_rat
Thanks for all your input. Since PD patched the drastic FFB change I can keep using the old Logitech wheel for now.
I'll wait for the T300 to become available and get that in the future.
Click to expand...


Racing Wheels? .. Racing Wheels? .. Racing Wheels? .. OH YES.. Which One? Which One? I am a retired Master Craftsman of 53 yrs. The Quality and Efficiency of Tools are critical to performing at your highest and best.. Service and speedy return of equipment is more than critical. The best of tools at times needs service, important is the ability of that representative to be all of this so a consumer feels satisfied in their purchase and refers others.


OK OK I have bought and tested Logitec G-25 & G-27 and Trustmasters Ferrari and Fanatec GT2..

I am addicted to speed racing in games and online.. so I own most race car simulator pc software and PS3 games GT6 to NFS Most Wanted etc.


After testing/buying all three competing wheels in the price range of $200-300 I discovered that the Fanatec GT2 Wheel is far superior in a number of areas .. for just what I mean there are 5 set ups for your choice to fine tune your GT2 race wheel for that particular race/course/game platform .. Each set up has several adjustments on how the wheel responds .. ALL of this can be done on the “fly”(pause game and change setting orwhile the action is hot and running) ..


Now to be fair I did enjoy Logitec's wheels both performed well as Thrustmaster Ferrari placed a close second, yet all lacked something .. What that was?? ” IS'' Comparability across all platforms and games”. Again to be fair even Fantec is not perfect in all games but most assured that the others I tested did not come close to Fanatec GT2 .. I do know Thrustmasters has a high end Race Wheel approx. $1,000+ .. now if I choose to get into the high end tools for digital race driving again Fanatec has a more comprehensive package for less $$$ .. One last word .. the Fanatec service tech was exceptional and communicated all my questions and concerns plus helped with servicing the individual that introduced me to the Fanatec Race Wheels … The craftsmanship of the GT2 is second to none and service first rate with a comparable price ..


my trade slogan

“Quality Is Not Expensive .. It Is Priceless”


Carl “Bud” Marano
 
Carl Marano
I do know Thrustmasters has a high end Race Wheel approx. $1,000+
Click to expand...

Which wheel might that be?

Edit:

mr_lab_rat, based on the criteria you gave, the best 3 options you have if you want to upgrade are -

1. Purchase a T300, you get PS3 and PS4 compatibility.
2. Purchase a used CSW, you get PS3 and possibly PS4 compatibility.
3. Purchase a T500, you get PS3 and maybe PS4 compatibility in some games.

I have used every wheel on the US market today, the CSW V2 isn't included as it's not on the market. I have most all of them AT MY HOUSE and have opened them, modded them, fixed them and tested them quite thoroughly. I used a Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo S exclusively on PS3, Xbox and PC until it broke for good and I started using a backup wheel. (Another PWTS) The difference between that wheel and the GT2 is next to none, spare the rim covering material.

I don't even know why I care all that much except that you've asked the community, which I am a part of and I feel compelled to help when people ask questions like this, as I know. I've been there. I have friends that have been there. Customers that have been there. I've helped uncountable numbers of people get their wheels working again.

What you'd likely be most happy with is a used CSW setup that has been modded by someone, maybe one that includes pedals, etc. It's likely you can get this for cheaper than the T300 or T500. If you want to spend more, go with the T300 and a set of their T3PA pedals or a used set of T500RS pedals.

I would NOT recommend a GT2 unless you wanted to spend as little as humanly possible.

That's my .02 and I'll leave it at that.
 
Last edited:

Latest Posts

Back