What's the best wheel to buy?

[tdk]

Although I've been playing the series since the first one, I never got around to buying a wheel.

What I need to know:

How easy it is to install?

What kind of surface do I install it on? Do I need to plug holes? Is it easy to remove and re-install somewhere else?

Is there one available with 7 speeds along with the paddle shifting?

Is force feedback adjustable?

Is steering sensitivity adjustable?

Do the pedals get planted on the ground enough or do I have to be so gentle with them not to slam them to the wall?

Do you have to stretch your foot all the way down to full throttle?

How much?


Last 3 questions are sort of important. It'd be sweet if someone would give me like a comparison along with pictures of the mounted wheel and pedals. I don't want to spend 30 minutes for each wheel on youtube and never get the information I want.

edit--

Power steering! Is it available?

 

[Sincx]

Not going to answer all your questions but have a google for the Fanatec GT3RS v2 wheel, the Fanatec Club sport Pedals and the Fanatec shifters.
Best value for money by far and any simracer will confirm this.

 

[Ya Pops]

It depends if you only want it for PS3/PC use too.

The new thrustmaster T500 looks to be fantastic.
Other than that, the fanatec mentioned above, or the GT2 which offers X360/PS3/PC compatibility.

Or just get a Logitec DFGT if you're a little more casual.

Ease of mounting varies from wheel to wheel.

What do you mean by power steering? If you mean does the wheel have power, gives you feedback and fights back, then yes.

 

[tdk]

Not going to answer all your questions but have a google for the Fanatec GT3RS v2 wheel, the Fanatec Club sport Pedals and the Fanatec shifters.
Best value for money by far and any simracer will confirm this.

Do I have to buy them separately? :/

It depends if you only want it for PS3/PC use too.

The new thrustmaster T500 looks to be fantastic.
Other than that, the fanatec mentioned above, or the GT2 which offers X360/PS3/PC compatibility.

Or just get a Logitec DFGT if you're a little more casual.

Ease of mounting varies from wheel to wheel.

What do you mean by power steering? If you mean does the wheel have power, gives you feedback and fights back, then yes.

I only want it for GT5...

Ease of mounting varies how? I don't have the equipment to drill holes in my tables..


I checked out the DFGT, GT3 RS and the G27.

DFGT has a knob for traction control but no proper paddles. G27 has everything I want but no TC knob, and it's pretty expensive for just a wheel.


I've never come across a fanatec product in a local shop around here, and their official site doesn't deliver to the country I live in. Looks like I'm just gonna say **** it -.-

 

[Ya Pops]

Looks like you'll be best served by the DFGT in that case. It just clamps to whatever you're attaching it to, so no worries about drilling holes, and the pedals have a retractable carpet gripper.
The paddles (well, wide buttons) aren't a real replacement for proper paddle shifters, but they do the job well enough.

Btw, the red dial adjusts a whole bunch of parameters like brake bias, abs, torque split etc but you can also map these to a controller so you can access these regardless of what wheel you're using.
The G27 is still an option if that means a lot to you, but it is expensive (like the fanatecs) and you'll probably have to think about mounting options..

 

[Sincx]

Purely for GT5...get the wheel that is deisgned for the game I guess.
Easiest way for you there.

Fanatec is more for a all round simracer who plays on both PC and PS3 but it's definately miles better. And you can buy everything from their website directly.

 

[NOS Waster]

Thought I would post here as I am having similar questions to myself.

Games I plan on using:
iRacing (Primary)
GT5 (Secondary)
Forza (Maybe, dunno)

I was thinking of choosing between these 3 wheels.
Fanatec GT3 RS V2 CS
Fanatec GT2 CS
TThrustmaster (Old joke ) T500 RS

The Clubsports are supposedly the better pedals than the T500's, but the T500 wheel is supposed to be leaps and bounds above the others. However, the wheel material is rubber and it DOESN'T come with a gated shifter or a sequential stick. Both fanatecs come with BOTH.
The GT2 is compatible on PS3, 360, and PC which I guess is good.

I'm currently leaning toward the GT2 wheel. If the T500 can be justified for the $100 more, I'd be happy to hear why. If I get the T500, then I will buy CSPs at a later date to use those with the T500 for iRacing. (I have an ACT Labs Shifter which I could also use when I use it for PC, so a shifter is not an issue.)

Any advice to point me in the right direction?

 

[Ya Pops]

I'd say if you plan to race on the x360 too, then the GT2 is a no-brainer

I'd be bloody tempted by the T500 though.... Look at those paddles!

 

[tdk]

Looks like you'll be best served by the DFGT in that case. It just clamps to whatever you're attaching it to, so no worries about drilling holes, and the pedals have a retractable carpet gripper.
The paddles (well, wide buttons) aren't a real replacement for proper paddle shifters, but they do the job well enough.

Btw, the red dial adjusts a whole bunch of parameters like brake bias, abs, torque split etc but you can also map these to a controller so you can access these regardless of what wheel you're using.
The G27 is still an option if that means a lot to you, but it is expensive (like the fanatecs) and you'll probably have to think about mounting options..

Wide buttons? My hand isn't big. Are those shift buttons easy to reach and turn with the steering wheel? I'm used to paddle shifters in real life -.-

How much are the DFGT and GT3 RS btw?

Purely for GT5...get the wheel that is deisgned for the game I guess.

Which is...? DFGT?

 

[Ya Pops]

Wide buttons? My hand isn't big. Are those shift buttons easy to reach and turn with the steering wheel? I'm used to paddle shifters in real life -.-

How much are the DFGT and GT3 RS btw?

Which is...? DFGT?

They're easy enough to get to, but not when you've got the wheel turned more than say 200 degrees..

You'd have to look online yourself to find out how much they are in your country.

The dfgt is designed for GT5 (well, actually gt prologue but whatever)

 

[tdk]

Allllright, thanks. I just looked online and I have one question, the clamp that attaches the DFGT to a table, the G25/G27 seem to have it too. Or am I seeing things?

 

[Ya Pops]

It just might do, I have no idea If it does, and you have the money, go for it.

 

[NOS Waster]

I'd say if you plan to race on the x360 too, then the GT2 is a no-brainer

I'd be bloody tempted by the T500 though.... Look at those paddles!

Alright, thanks.

I was really leaning toward the GT2 anyway for 1 reason: The wheel rim is covered in Leather. I can't go back to rubber after having a G27

 

[Schwarzenegger]

I had the DFGT. Was very happy with it, but I decided to buy the G27. The feel is much better due to the wheel being smoother and turning quicker ect.
I could never go back to the DFGT now.

The clamps that are used to attach the wheel is exactly the same as the DFGT. The pedals can't even be compared and you get a really nice shifter as well.

 

[bjosim]

Best value vs price i think is the G25. Now that the G27 is out (and it is not so much better) the prize of G25 is lowered. Buy one on ebay.

 

[tdk]

It just might do, I have no idea If it does, and you have the money, go for it.

I'm $70 short lol

I think I can manage though

I had the DFGT. Was very happy with it, but I decided to buy the G27. The feel is much better due to the wheel being smoother and turning quicker ect.
I could never go back to the DFGT now.

The clamps that are used to attach the wheel is exactly the same as the DFGT. The pedals can't even be compared and you get a really nice shifter as well.

Okay, just to be suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure, if I get the G27 I can just clamp it onto a table and that's it, right? Please say yes.

edit-

@ Bjosim, can't buy **** off the internet -.-

Almost nobody delivers to Bahrain and if they do, they charge like $10 per kg or something.

 

[Ya Pops]

It has the same clamps as the dfgt so go get that badboy 👍

 

[Zoom!Zoom!]

I'm $70 short lol

I think I can manage though


Okay, just to be suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure, if I get the G27 I can just clamp it onto a table and that's it, right? Please say yes.

edit-

@ Bjosim, can't buy **** off the internet -.-

Almost nobody delivers to Bahrain and if they do, they charge like $10 per kg or something.

Overall G27 is the best value wheel. (some here was lucky enough to get one for $200 a few day ago) It has good pedals , shifter , and wheel as well as helical gears is better than standard gears. Yes the G27 does have clamps so you can clamp it down on the table. Unlike the DFGT you can hard mount it as well.
For some reason it hard to tighten the G27 clamp enough to keep the wheel from slipping. (The G27 clamp screw is nicer than DFGT but harder to tighten) My solution was to cut out a piece of "Easy Liner" and put under the wheel. "Easy Liner" is very cheap and can be found at Wal-mart and Amazon.

 

[Possum-Eater]

I will compare the 2 best wheels in the industry: The Logitech G25/27 and the Driving Force GT.

First the G25/G27

How easy it is to install? Plug and play. No installation required

What kind of surface do I install it on? Do I need to plug holes? Is it easy to remove and re-install somewhere else? Usually it is installed on a playseat evolution and it is extremely easy to instal on that, but it is rather hard to move.

Is there one available with 7 speeds along with the paddle shifting? The G25 has sequential. 6 speed, and paddle shifters. The G27 has a more realistic feeling 6 speed and paddle shifters, but no sequential.

Is force feedback adjustable? You have 10 points of adjustment and power steering
Is steering sensitivity adjustable? No

Do the pedals get planted on the ground enough or do I have to be so gentle with them not to slam them to the wall? They have a very well made carpet grip that will keep the petals on the ground even if you run a X2010 into them, lol

Do you have to stretch your foot all the way down to full throttle? Uhh, yeah, like a real car, lol

How much? $300


Next is the Driving force GT

How easy it is to install? No installation

What kind of surface do I install it on? Do I need to plug holes? Is it easy to remove and re-install somewhere else? Easy to move and put together

Is there one available with 7 speeds along with the paddle shifting? sequential and button shifters on the wheel.

Is force feedback adjustable? Yup

Is steering sensitivity adjustable? Yup

Do the pedals get planted on the ground enough or do I have to be so gentle with them not to slam them to the wall? You have to be rather careful, not as strong as the G25/27 but it is still very secure.

Do you have to stretch your foot all the way down to full throttle? Uhh, yeah, like a real car, lol

How much? $100


In short if you are on a budget the DFGT is a better choice and it is compatible with GT5 so you can map all the buttons.

The G25/27 however have a much better feel to them, they are made of real metal and leather not plastic. You can't map buttons on it, but all you lose is windshield wipers and the horn. The feeback is slightly better feeling and the petals have far more resistence.

I went with the G25 but if you are on a tight budget the DFGT is the best.

 

[SemNocao]

I have tested a (cheap) wheel just once and didnt like 2 things:

1- Wires all over the place (powersupply + conectors with PS3/PC)

2- You will drive slower until you get used to it (and learn how to setup it properly)


so, good luck

 

[gazzamark]

I'm buying a wheel, probably a G25 when I get paid next as GT5 has become my life recently. I know you can adjust settings like tcs etc mid race, but can you switch between manual and automatic gears? Would be helpful as I need to do endurance races using auto as my mate can't use manual.

 

[daan]

Moved to the correct forum. We do have forums other than the GT5 ones...

 

[Gunstar]

Best wheel to buy is really dependent on you. when I saw your questions, assuming they are all features that are important to you, I'm thinking G27.

How easy it is to install? -- Can you plug things in? Can you screw down clamps?

What kind of surface do I install it on? Do I need to plug holes? Is it easy to remove and re-install somewhere else? -- Pretty much any desktop and most rigs have in in mind native. It does need to be plugged into the wall, any good wheel will. It depends on your driving setup, I'd say it's easy, but there are a few wires to deal with.

Is there one available with 7 speeds along with the paddle shifting? -- Not that I know of, but it is the only wheel to include a 6 speed shifter right in the box, and it has paddle shifting on the wheel.

Is force feedback adjustable? -- In game options or on PC.

Is steering sensitivity adjustable? -- In game options or on PC.

Do the pedals get planted on the ground enough or do I have to be so gentle with them not to slam them to the wall? -- Depends again on your driving setup, but they're a heavy duty unit with some interesting modifications available. I don't have mine secured down and they don't move around.

Do you have to stretch your foot all the way down to full throttle? -- You have to push the pedal in, sure. I guess that depends on your foot kinda, and of course your pedal angle.

How much? -- $299.99 MSRP, not hard to get at least 20% lower than that and free shipping thru Logitech.com.

Last 3 questions are sort of important. It'd be sweet if someone would give me like a comparison along with pictures of the mounted wheel and pedals. I don't want to spend 30 minutes for each wheel on youtube and never get the information I want. -- Your call, but the more research you do, the happier you'll be. I spent way more time researching my wheel purchase than that!

The Fanatec wheels are nice gear, but given their issues with availability and shipping right now I'd only consider a Fanatec if your wheel needs are a month or so out. They have LOTS of options tho, changeable shifters, high end tunable pedals, in wheel programming... but they're a little complex for the average/first time user IMO. They range from cheap (sub $200 for their basic wheel with pedals and a shifter) to expensive ($500 for the GT2 with all the trimmings) for complete setups.

The T500 is the new kid on the block, and it has great buzz, the largest wheel, great FFB and GT5 support, and an impressive looking pedal setup, but it's expensive ($600) and no shifter yet, just paddles. My feeling on this thing is give it at least six months, lets see how long they last, what the shifters gonna be like, driver support etc... before dropping your cash on one. But it IS the official wheel of GT5.

 

[tdk]

Thanks guys, that was really helpful

I'll go hunting for a G27, or a DFGT (If I couldn't find a G27) on tuesday as soon as I fix/replace my PS3's HDD.

-blows everyone a gay kiss-

edit-

Forgot you guys don't know me. I'm not really gay that was a joke.

 

[Schwarzenegger]

"just to be suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure, if I get the G27 I can just clamp it onto a table and that's it, right? Please say yes."

Yes you can. Just like on the DFGT there are some "extra parts" on the clamps as default which are removable depending on the thickness of the table or stand. As I said, it works perfectly 👍 The G27 is not fully supported though in which you can't change Force Feedback settings and map buttons, even though the FF is fine as it is.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

Get the Fanatec GT2 Clubsport and then wait for the Clubsport shifter as it will be a 7+1 gate shifter.

 

[tdk]

Get the Fanatec GT2 Clubsport and then wait for the Clubsport shifter as it will be a 7+1 gate shifter.

I emailed them and got this:

Hello,

we are sorry but we dont ship to your country.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Best regards

I totally picture him doing the nazi walk while typing that -.-

 

[Bscary]

^

 

[-=DV=-]

A: not a cool comment
B: its a shame you cant get fanatec where you live, they are good wheels.
B: it also seems you cant get google where you live either?