Which reasonably priced but still GOOD steering wheel for PC

[TameRacingDriver]

Hi all, as part of my never ending gaming PC project, the other day I decided to grab Project Cars. Seems like an excellent game but I think it would be better still using a proper steering wheel and pedals rather than the Xbox controller I'm currently using.

So I've been looking at some Logitech offerings but even second hand some seem quite expensive. I'm just wondering if anyone on here had any recommendations?

Also how does it work? I've got a desk, does the steering wheel simply clamp to the desk or do I need a proper stand?

[Monty Python]

Paid ~£50 for a Logitech Driving Force GT and it's good enough for what I need. I was originally looking for a G27 but even used ones are around £100.

[Daston]

Monty Python said:

Paid ~£50 for a Logitech Driving Force GT and it's good enough for what I need. I was originally looking for a G27 but even used ones are around £100.

Yep its pretty good, the internals are the same as the G25 but you dont get a clutch pedal or 6 speed box. Never had a problem with mine

[FLK]

You can usually clamp the wheel to the desk but a stand is better as you can secure the pedals to it as well. Mine sat on carpet so one was essential as they moved around easily, unless you can wedge it in place under the desk. I find having a stand gives me a better seating position especially if playing for longer periods.

Edited by FLK on Saturday 7th November 14:24

[TameRacingDriver]

Thanks for the recommendation, I just bidded for one on ebay but lost... but given what prices they're going for I noticed my local CEX has them for not a lot more and give a warranty, £62 for the steering wheel mentioned, not too bad given what the likes of the G27 goes for (which is overkill for me at this stage).

I'll try on the desk first but if that's unsatisfactory I will get the stand.

[Rick101]

I'd get a used G27 tbh.

I bought used couple of years ago and still using the same kit now. G27 is only a basic and simple wheel but known for reliability and there are mods out there to upgrade if you so wish.

It is a bit more money, but think on, when you come to sell, you should get that same money back.

Don't know if you're on iRacing but always amazes me when I see folk spending 2-3K on a wheel, then another grand plus on pedals!

[TameRacingDriver]

G27's are about 3x the price, can't really justify that at the moment, nice bits of kit though. I'd rather put the money towards a monitor + graphics card upgrade.

[Monty Python]

Daston said:

Yep its pretty good, the internals are the same as the G25 but you dont get a clutch pedal or 6 speed box. Never had a problem with mine

The six-speed box on the G27 is fine if the car your racing has six speeds - the "paddles"/sequential shift on the DF GT means you have as many gears as you like (plus most racing cars nowadays have sequential gearboxes anyway).

[dave_s13]

Can I ask you similar question but for the xbox one?

I'm loath to spend £250 on the thrustmaster jobbie after just dropping several hundred on th console itself.

[Rick101]

Are you using it for general gaming or specifically racing?

[james_gt3rs]

I've got the Logitech Driving force GT for Assetto Corsa. It's pretty good but I am tempted to splash out on a G27.

[dave_s13]

Rick101 said:

Are you using it for general gaming or specifically racing?

Just Forza 6 at the moment.

[otolith]

Monty Python said:

The six-speed box on the G27 is fine if the car your racing has six speeds - the "paddles"/sequential shift on the DF GT means you have as many gears as you like (plus most racing cars nowadays have sequential gearboxes anyway).

The G25 has paddles too, and an option to use the gear lever as a sequential shifter.

[FourWheelDrift]

FLK said:

You can usually clamp the wheel to the desk but a stand is better as you can secure the pedals to it as well. Mine sat on carpet so one was essential as they moved around easily, unless you can wedge it in place under the desk. I find having a stand gives me a better seating position especially if playing for longer periods.

Edited by FLK on Saturday 7th November 14:24

Was there not a flick down grip on the base of the pedals so it doesn't move backwards as you put your feet on the pedals?

[TameRacingDriver]

I'm going to buy one from CEX at lunch time, I'll see how I get on with it just clamped to desk.

[Bullett]

dave_s13 said:

Just Forza 6 at the moment.

The big issue with both xbox one, PS4 and to some degree the 360 is that they need specific wheels with the right 'security' chip or in other words the correct licensing. The PS3 and PC are not restricted as they use standard communication methods.

Make sure you get a wheel that works with your console of choice.

[Bullett]

In the world of sim racing (and probably real racing as well).

Buy a cheap wheel
then buy a good wheel
then buy a better wheel
then modify it
they change the pedals to better ones
then upgrade the steering
then buy a race seat
then upgrade to 3 screens or VR
then start thinking about a motion system

[TameRacingDriver]

Bullett said:

In the world of sim racing (and probably real racing as well).

Buy a cheap wheel
then buy a good wheel
then buy a better wheel
then modify it
they change the pedals to better ones
then upgrade the steering
then buy a race seat
then upgrade to 3 screens or VR
then start thinking about a motion system

probably right, although that seems to be the case with PC gaming in general, my rig is already worth double what I had intended it to be when I started and I still keep looking at things like 34" 1440p monitors, 980Ti's and I'm not even what you call a hardcore gamer!

I may end up buying something better in the end, but for now, I just want to see how I get on with the arrangement. I can quite happily stomach losing £20 or so over a few months just to see if I like it before committing to something better.

[TameRacingDriver]

So just got it home.

Very disappointed.

Downloaded Logitech Gaming Software - doesn't actually appear to install any program that I can use to configure it.

Device appears in Devices and Printers

First time I plugged it in it turned to the left and right, then centered, solid white logo.

Put project cars on, totally uncontrollable, just wants to steer right all of the time. Gear shifter doesn't work. Trying to assign the gearshift to the shifter doesn't seem to recognise it. Tried to calibrate, makes no difference.

Unplugged it and plugged it back in and now the logo just flashes.

Any ideas before I take it back to the shop?

[FourWheelDrift]

Is it the force feedback pulling it to the side?

If so that's a very common thing, you have to have in many games invert (-) the force feedback. On Assetto Corsa there is an invert force check box on the steering wheel settings page, on Project Cars (just remember you mentioned that) there will be a similar thing I think it's a slider does it go to negative numbers? If so try that first. Not sure about the gear calibration though.

Edited by FourWheelDrift on Monday 9th November 19:58