Wheel buyers guide for Forza Motorsport

[ShylockHolmes]

Yup.You got it man.

I've been playing for 12 years now.



If the Madcatz Wheel drives like the DFGT then i'll be a very happy man.I've had my DFGT for a little over a year and i love the thing.

Problem is I've seen the DFGT on the shelf at both Futureshop and Best Buy for $99. Why pay $250 for a wheel that performs like a $99 one? Logitech also has a much better track record than Madcatz.

 

[zr1chris]

Problem is I've seen the DFGT on the shelf at both Futureshop and Best Buy for $99. Why pay $250 for a wheel that performs like a $99 one? Logitech also has a much better track record than Madcatz.

Maybe because the DFGT isn't compatible with the xbox 360...

The real question is why would you pay $250 for a wheel that performs like the DFGT if a Fanatec GT2 or CSR is the same price?

 

[Starfirebird]

Problem is I've seen the DFGT on the shelf at both Futureshop and Best Buy for $99. Why pay $250 for a wheel that performs like a $99 one? Logitech also has a much better track record than Madcatz.

That doesn't really mean anything.The DFGT has been for a while now.When it first came out it was quite pricey as well.So i'll gladly pay 250 for wheel.If you think about it i'm just testing it,if I dont like it I bring it back.So there is no loss there.Plus the DFGT i only for PC and PS3.

Madcatz Track record has gotten better.I've done a bit of research and a lot of their newer accessories are getting very good reviews.

 

[Starfirebird]

Maybe because the DFGT isn't compatible with the xbox 360...

The real question is why would you pay $250 for a wheel that performs like the DFGT if a Fanatec GT2 or CSR is the same price?

Sorry didn't multi-quote.

Well the reason is cost.By the time i get everything i want for the wheel i'll be paying about $480 dollars and with shipping it will be more.

That's $230+ that can go towards groceries/bills/gas money.Some people may have no problem laying down money like that for a wheel,but to me that is a little bit over the top.

 

[dougdoberman]

I assume the standard Fanatec pedals are out of stock. They aren't on the US shop.

How limited is the the CSR? I'd like to order a steering wheel package, but I probably won't get to order one until later in November.

Not just out of stock. Discontinued, from what I've read. So, no more cheap pedals from Fanatec. Well, at least not that cheap.

Lowest priced ones available currently are the CSR Elites at $150 US. The base model CSR pedals will supposedly be available shortly. I don't believe that there's been any word on price yet though (or even any concrete word on the timeframe). They certainly won't be $39.99 like the Porsche pedals were. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd bet they're gonna be somewhere between $75 - $100.

 

[dougdoberman]

Maybe because the DFGT isn't compatible with the xbox 360...

The real question is why would you pay $250 for a wheel that performs like the DFGT if a Fanatec GT2 or CSR is the same price?

That $250 for a MadCatz also gets you pedals. $250 for a Fanatec gets you something that'll turn the wheels, but nothing that'll make the car go. Forward motion costs you another $150 from Fanatec. Throw in another $30 or $60 if you'd like to change gears with something other than a paddle.

As has already been pointed out, yes, the Fanatec gear is gonna be better in every way, but to get equal level of functionality it's going to cost nearly (or more than) twice the price. MANY folks will have difficulty justifying the expenditure of $250 for gaming controls, let alone $500.

If MadCatz has improved upon the MS Wheel in any way, if it's the Xbox equivalent of the Logi Driving Force GT, it's gonna be pretty popular and a good deal for people who just can't spend more.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

Maybe because the DFGT isn't compatible with the xbox 360...

The real question is why would you pay $250 for a wheel that performs like the DFGT if a Fanatec GT2 or CSR is the same price?

I never said it was compatible 👎 You weren't following the whole conversation.

on topic:

I didn't know Fanatec are sold out of their $30 pedals . Personally, I'd rather get Fanatec and use the paddles for gas and brake until I could afford the clubsport pedals over the Madcatz.

Also, if you have MS wheel pedals or G25 pedals handy or can borrow a set, there is an adapter available to use them. My PWTS came with the adapter and I also owned both the MS wheel and the G25 so I was able to test both pedal sets with the Fanatec. My adapter was faulty and only the G25 pedals worked, but Fanatec sent me a replacement and then both pedal sets worked with my PWTS.

I got my PWTS over two years ago the day before FM3 came out and I used my G25 pedals for a few months until the Clubsport pedals went on sale for $150 and pounced on 'em. You quickly realise how important quality pedals are for good consistent lap times and ABS is a setting you never turn on!

 

[Starfirebird]

I'll get you guys the review on the New Madcatz Wireless Force Feedback Wheel very soon.

It's going to take BestBuy another week or two before they get the product.It came out today,but i'm going to wait on BestBuy to get it due to their 30 day return policy.

I've tried E-mailing Gamestop about their policy on Racing Wheels,but so far i have yet to get a response.This leads me to believe once you buy it you are stuck with it whether you like it or not.

I would much rather get my full amount of money back than a trade in amount if the wheel is not that good.

 

[Patrick]

I'll get you guys the review on the New Madcatz Wireless Force Feedback Wheel very soon.

It's going to take BestBuy another week or two before they get the product.It came out today,but i'm going to wait on BestBuy to get it due to their 30 day return policy.

I've tried E-mailing Gamestop about their policy on Racing Wheels,but so far i have yet to get a response.This leads me to believe once you buy it you are stuck with it whether you like it or not.

I would much rather get my full amount of money back than a trade in amount if the wheel is not that good.

I bought a DFGT and I think it was a 7 day money back return policy. So you should probably wait for Best Buy since its a 30 day return policy.

 

[Starfirebird]

I bought a DFGT and I think it was a 7 day money back return policy. So you should probably wait for Best Buy since its a 30 day return policy.

Hey thanks for the info man.

 

[Patrick]

Hey thanks for the info man.

No problem.

 

[ApexVGear]

Here's an EXCELLENT Xbox-360 Wheel Buyer's Guide video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34ZXIqe8Psg

This is my post at InsideSimRacing about my GT2.

http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=101&t=4515#p30912

If Fanatec's "budget" pedals and shifters are available, you can get a complete setup from them for $308. This is with either their GT2 or the new CSR.

GT2
http://www.fanatec.de/webshop/new_u...id=90&osCsid=05c17535566e3f078c6367938997761d

CSR
http://www.fanatec.de/webshop/new_u...id=95&osCsid=05c17535566e3f078c6367938997761d

Shifters (budget)
http://www.fanatec.de/webshop/new_u...id=55&osCsid=05c17535566e3f078c6367938997761d

The budget pedals currently aren't listed in the US Fanatec store.

If you already have G25/G27 pedals, an adapter comes with the GT2 (sold separately for the CSR). If you have older logitech pedals, you have to open them up, reverse the brake wiring, and you can use those--but no clutch.

G25/27 Pedal Adapter
http://www.fanatec.de/webshop/new_u...id=71&osCsid=05c17535566e3f078c6367938997761d

My current setup...

 

[ShylockHolmes]

I already know what the MC wheel reviews will say. "CRAP". That's why they didn't even send it out to review sites before release, just like what happens with poor games.

 

[imported_barryl85]

I already know what the MC wheel reviews will say. "CRAP". That's why they didn't even send it out to review sites before release, just like what happens with poor games.

Your views / opinions are very one sided / bias, and i've only seen a few of them, its always straight to the (your) point and presented as facts.

Dice with Battlefield 3 held back from giving out copies of the game for reviews (for whatever reason) but its a succesful title.

 

[Starfirebird]

The release date got pushed back on the new Madcatz Wheel.It comes out on November 8th now.

I may just pre-order it through Walmart so i know i'll get one.

*edit* Just ordered one and it should be here on November 10th.Walmart has a 14 day return policy on this type of item so this will give me plenty of time to run the wheel through tests.Once i have the wheel i will give the review.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

Your views / opinions are very one sided / bias, and i've only seen a few of them, its always straight to the (your) point and presented as facts.

Dice with Battlefield 3 held back from giving out copies of the game for reviews (for whatever reason) but its a succesful title.

I've owned madcatz garbage before so I'm 100% entitled to my opinion of them. BF3 is a TERRIBLE analogy seeing as everyone could see for themselves how bad the console editions were with the BETA. I don't see a BETA madcatz wheel out there before release. You're the only one to utter the word "fact".

[Youtube]0rwHE2lkC5g[/Youtube]

Would you trust this proven LIAR with your $250? How is he a proven LIAR? He said the madcatz wireless wheel is the "ULTIMATE" xbox360 racing wheel. Guess I better sell my PWTS and forget about my CSR Elite wheel seeing as madcatz new plastic, clutchless, shifterless wheel is the new ULTIMATE standard! Woohoo!

 

[imported_barryl85]

I've owned madcatz garbage before so I'm 100% entitled to my opinion of them.

I never disputed that but you are presenting your opinion as fact.

I have only ever had one madcatz device and it was a wheel and pedals for my PS1 and I hated it but I havent bashed on them for it everytime I see them mentioned.

BF3 is a TERRIBLE analogy seeing as everyone could see for themselves how bad the console editions were with the BETA. I don't see a BETA madcatz wheel out there before release. You're the only one to utter the word "fact".

I have BF3 on the 360 and yes it may not be as good or shiny as the PC version but its as good as the console can offer which is good enough for me because I dont like PC Gaming - its not for me.

[Youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rwHE2lkC5g[/Youtube]

Would you trust this proven LIAR with your $250? How is he a proven LIAR? He said the madcatz wireless wheel is the "ULTIMATE" xbox360 racing wheel. Guess I better sell my PWTS and forget about my CSR Elite wheel seeing as madcatz new plastic, clutchless, shifterless wheel is the new ULTIMATE standard! Woohoo!

You have the same opinion as me there - I wouldn't trust him and he is BS'ing about it being ultimate, i'm totally with you there.

Theres no reason you shouldnt be able to express your opinion and advise people against products that you have had bad experiences about at all I just find the way you put your opinions down as facts is wrong thats all I was saying.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

I never disputed that but you are presenting your opinion as fact.

I have only ever had one madcatz device and it was a wheel and pedals for my PS1 and I hated it but I havent bashed on them for it everytime I see them mentioned.



I have BF3 on the 360 and yes it may not be as good or shiny as the PC version but its as good as the console can offer which is good enough for me because I dont like PC Gaming - its not for me.



You have the same opinion as me there - I wouldn't trust him and he is BS'ing about it being ultimate, i'm totally with you there.

Theres no reason you shouldnt be able to express your opinion and advise people against products that you have had bad experiences about at all I just find the way you put your opinions down as facts is wrong thats all I was saying.

Again, you're the only one mentioning "fact". Just because you owned a MC wheel and chose to say nothing about it sucking doesn't mean I'm going to.

Crysis 2 proves the console is capable of more than what BF3 brings to it. Again, what does BF3 have to do with Xbox 360 wheels?

All I'm saying is Madcatz charging Fanatec prices is way offside.

 

[Starfirebird]

I still don't see how Madcatz is charging the same as Fantec prices.After you get everything you need you are going to be paying well over 400 bucks after shipping.Not everyone has that kind of money.

My friend who i race against was going to get a Fanatec wheel,but soon realized that the standard pedals were discontinued.He was furious so he canceled his order.He canceled his order because he couldn't stomach paying such a high price for a wheel.He's awaiting my review as well.

Another thing i should add is Madcatz bought the technology from Saitek as well,which looks eerily similar to this wheel.Saitek had a pretty good wheel from what i have read.

Like i said before.The newer products by Madcatz have been getting really good reviews.It looks as though they have stepped up their game.

We will find out come November 8th when i finally get this bad boy. 👍

 

[ShylockHolmes]

Madcatz = $249.99 + tax
Fanatec = $249.95 + shipping (I only paid $189.95 for my PWTS and I only paid $149.95 for my clubsport pedals)

And before you say you have to buy pedals, no you don't. You can use the paddle shifters for gas and brake and it's not like madcatz plastic pedals are a step up from that anyways. Fanatec also works on all platforms.

For $250 I want more than a 10" fisher price looking plastic wheel. For $250 I want a wheel where the manufacturer would be proud to send it out for reviews before release, not embarrassed to.

 

[Vaxxtx]

I still don't see how Madcatz is charging the same as Fantec prices.After you get everything you need you are going to be paying well over 400 bucks after shipping.Not everyone has that kind of money.

My friend who i race against was going to get a Fanatec wheel,but soon realized that the standard pedals were discontinued.He was furious so he canceled his order.He canceled his order because he couldn't stomach paying such a high price for a wheel.He's awaiting my review as well.

Another thing i should add is Madcatz bought the technology from Saitek as well,which looks eerily similar to this wheel.Saitek had a pretty good wheel from what i have read.

Like i said before.The newer products by Madcatz have been getting really good reviews.It looks as though they have stepped up their game.

We will find out come November 8th when i finally get this bad boy. 👍

First off, you can still find standard pedals used. I have some sitting in my office. Second, you can also find G25/27 pedals used for pretty cheap as well. The CSR, CSR-e, and CSP's, are not your only option, although they are your best bet.

Why buy a product with a sketchy background? Are you really saving money by purchasing a cheap wheel, no PC/PS3 support, from a shady company, horrible track record, and makes videos like the one above? I would rather put that money into a real quality wheel, with a proven track record.

Saitek made some great flight sim sticks, I have never seen a wheel by Saitek. Can you link me to the Saitek race wheel please? Sadly, now that Madcatz bought them...I doubt they will get the thumbs up like they used to.

Everytime since the second line of Madcatz products, I have heard that last line. Everytime it has been disappointment. I too bought some of their products, thinking they had got better. Never proved to be true. Fool me twice, you see.

Madcatz = $249.99 + tax
Fanatec = $249.95 + shipping (I only paid $189.95 for my PWTS and I only paid $149.95 for my clubsport pedals)

And before you say you have to buy pedals, no you don't. You can use the paddle shifters for gas and brake and it's not like madcatz plastic pedals are a step up from that anyways. Fanatec also works on all platforms.

For $250 I want more than a 10" fisher price looking plastic wheel. For $250 I want a wheel where the manufacturer would be proud to send it out for reviews before release, not embarrassed to.

I pretty much agree with that. Not only is it even a question of why people would pay Fanatec prices for a Madcatz, but when a better quality product is passed over for a mass produced toy, I am amazed.

 

[imported_FuzzyFassbender]

I agree on the history of Madcatz but he has a point. He can always return the wheel if it doesn't live up to his expectations. He has nothing to lose and maybe Madcatz will surprise (not putting money on it though).

To me, cross-platform capability was worth serious consideration and ultimately the extra cash. I hated it when I couldn't race the latest and greatest because I didn't have the equipment or had to juggle between wheel setup. And the wheel is only half the equation, a good pedal set is HUGE! The biggest to me was a brake pedal that feels like a...well, an IRL brake pedal
Today it is Forza 4 or C.A.R.S, but down the road it could be GT6 or ..., who knows. IMHO, the Fanatec gear is not more expensive if you look at the big picture - only the initial cash expenditure. Pay me know or pay me latter

 

[dougdoberman]

Madcatz = $249.99 + tax
Fanatec = $249.95 + shipping (I only paid $189.95 for my PWTS and I only paid $149.95 for my clubsport pedals)

And before you say you have to buy pedals, no you don't. You can use the paddle shifters for gas and brake and it's not like madcatz plastic pedals are a step up from that anyways. Fanatec also works on all platforms.

For $250 I want more than a 10" fisher price looking plastic wheel. For $250 I want a wheel where the manufacturer would be proud to send it out for reviews before release, not embarrassed to.

Gimme a break. While I've got a Fanatec setup and don't doubt that it's better quality than what the MadCatz gear will be, you're being foolish here.

Any pedal set that functions reliably is better than using triggers on a controller. And using the paddles? Are the paddles even analog? Regardless, that point is moot if you're planning on turning. You do turn in this game right? Or perhaps do you just run the drag race events?

I've had plenty of MadCatz products in the past that were perfectly reliable. Moreso than my Fanatec gear, in fact, since my CSR shifter came broken out of the box and will have to be returned.

 

[Starfirebird]

I'm no longer going to talk about the wheel anymore until i get the thing come the 2nd week of November.Sometimes i feel like i'm talking to a brick wall.No worries though as i'll have a review for you guys.I still feel even if this wheel is good and i give a good review the wheel will still get crap from some of you.Welcome to the Internet,am I right?

For the person who is wondering about the Saitek Wheel,well they have 3 or 4 i think.Look up the Saitek 660 GT Wheel.It was there latest and best wheel they made.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

Gimme a break. While I've got a Fanatec setup and don't doubt that it's better quality than what the MadCatz gear will be, you're being foolish here.

Any pedal set that functions reliably is better than using triggers on a controller. And using the paddles? Are the paddles even analog? Regardless, that point is moot if you're planning on turning. You do turn in this game right? Or perhaps do you just run the drag race events?

I've had plenty of MadCatz products in the past that were perfectly reliable. Moreso than my Fanatec gear, in fact, since my CSR shifter came broken out of the box and will have to be returned.

Paying Fanatec prices for madcatz quality and compatibility is the definition of foolish. I think the Beattles wrote a song about it.

When I got my PWTS over two years ago it was missing a PS2 cable, the shifter and pedals used PS2 cables so I could only use one at a time until I picked up another one. I tried the paddles for gas and brake and while not ideal it worked and would be a TEMPORARY fix for those who can't afford pedals immediately. With madcatz the crappy plastic pedals you get are what you get, forever!

I had a universal MC2 wheel it would disconnect at random times from my Xbox as well as being piss poor quality. I have over two years of abuse on my Fanatec gear and it'll take me all the way to the CSR Elite wheel. I can also sell my PWTS on eBay for more than I paid for it

I'd pick the Fanatec with no pedals over the Madcatz 10 times out of 10. Look at how tiny the Madcatz base is, no way it could even hope to be belt drive, lol.

 

[Vital1]

Lots of argument over a piece of hardware that isn't out yet. Let the guy buy the thing. He can return it if it sucks.

IMO: It won't even be close and it is most likely super overpriced, but if you never used any other wheel before its probably going to be better than using a controller.

Good luck Star, I hope its awesome.

 

[Starfirebird]

Lots of argument over a piece of hardware that isn't out yet. Let the guy buy the thing. He can return it if it sucks.

IMO: It won't even be close and it is most likely super overpriced, but if you never used any other wheel before its probably going to be better than using a controller.

Good luck Star, I hope its awesome.

I know for a fact it's not going to be Fanatec quality,but this wheel may surprise us and be a very good mid-range wheel.

A good mid-range wheel is what i'm looking for and i'm hoping it's similar to my Driving Force GT Wheel.If not i'll be stuck using my controller.

Thanks for the luck.I'm hoping it will be awesome as well.

 

[Starfirebird]

Update on that Wheel.

Well so far my Delivery date hasn't changed.It still says it will be here on the 10th,but online i keep seeing different release dates for the thing.

Amazon says it will be released on 12/31/11

Gamestop keeps moving their date up.Last week it said 11/8/11,now it says 11/15/11?

Another site i went to says it will released on 11/29/11

BestBuy so far still hasn't even got the wheel posted on their site.

I'm just curious if a lot of people are pre-ordering this as to why the dates are so different everywhere or if there is not a for sure release date yet.Each site has a different date as i posted above which has me a bit worried that i won't receive my wheel on the 10th.

Hopefully i'll get it.

 

[ShylockHolmes]

Probably keeps failing certification so they don't know when it's coming out.

 

[Starfirebird]

Probably keeps failing certification so they don't know when it's coming out.

You could be right.

I got an e-mail earlier today saying the release date has been pushed to the 11th and i should expect it on the 15th.

It would be nice if I got it on the 15th,but seeing all of those dates makes me think it won't happen.I'll keep my fingers crossed though.