Which wheel do you think I should get?

Hi, I Currently own a Thrustmaster T2 which is on its way out. I have had the T2 for almost 2 and 1/2 years now and I think it is time to replace it as everything is worn out and very loose. The problem is that I don't know which wheel I should get to replace it. The two wheels that I like that are in my price range are: 1: Thrustmaster Nascar/Formula Force GT. 2: Microsoft Side Winder Force Feedback. My main priority in a wheel is that it is solid enough to stand up to alot of racing. In a range of games though mainly Grand Prix Legends and hopefully Grand Prix 3. Which one out of these two wheels or other wheels around the same price is better. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Allan Harrison

If GPL is a major concern, I'd say spend about $20 more than you'd pay for the MS Sidewinder wheel and and buy a TSW2 ($220 versus $199 for the MS wheel). It's upgradeable, DURABLE, it comes with a lifetime warranty, and it won't wear out and get loose over time. If you really want a FF wheel, remember that you're paying a lot for something that won't help you out a lot in demanding sims like GPL. If you want a good, CHEAP Force Feedback wheel ($99.00), check out my Saitek review for details on refurbished Saitek R4 Force wheels (which are electrically identical to the MS Sidewinder Wheel): http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/saitek/ As far as FF wheels go, I really like my Saitek -- the pedals aren't as nice as my TSW2 pedals, but overall, it's a very nice setup for everything except GPL, perhaps. Enjoy! -- JB

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>Hi, >I Currently own a Thrustmaster T2 which is on its way out. I have had the >T2 for almost 2 and 1/2 years now and I think it is time to replace it as >everything is worn out and very loose. The problem is that I don't know >which wheel I should get to replace it. The two wheels that I like that are >in my price range are: > 1: Thrustmaster Nascar/Formula Force GT. > 2: Microsoft Side Winder Force Feedback. >My main priority in a wheel is that it is solid enough to stand up to alot >of racing. In a range of games though mainly Grand Prix Legends and >hopefully Grand Prix 3. >Which one out of these two wheels or other wheels around the same price is >better. >Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, > Allan Harrison

I just acquired an ACT Labs Force RS, and haven't had time to wear it out yet<g>, but it seems to be very well put together. With the new drivers the centering in GPL is good, the spring tension is adjustable, and it seems to be very precise. The only thing I'm having trouble geting used to is the short pedal travel. You may want to take a look at this one, too. Scott Moore > >Hi, > >I Currently own a Thrustmaster T2 which is on its way out. I have had the > >T2 for almost 2 and 1/2 years now and I think it is time to replace it as > >everything is worn out and very loose. The problem is that I don't know > >which wheel I should get to replace it. The two wheels that I like that are > >in my price range are: > > 1: Thrustmaster Nascar/Formula Force GT. > > 2: Microsoft Side Winder Force Feedback. > >My main priority in a wheel is that it is solid enough to stand up to alot > >of racing. In a range of games though mainly Grand Prix Legends and > >hopefully Grand Prix 3. > >Which one out of these two wheels or other wheels around the same price is > >better. > >Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, > > Allan Harrison

Allan, I cannot comment on your option 1 as I only own the MS FF Wheel. However, for what they're worth here are my feelings after using the wheel in a number of games: Build Quality: Excellent. The wheel is well built & robust and has a wonderful quick release clamping arrangement able to accommodate a wide variety of desk thickness'. Ergonomics: Nice thick 'small diameter' wheel (which the wheel in my Mitsubishi was the same dimensions!). 6 buttons on the wheel fascia - 3 within reach of each thumb & 2 F1 type paddle shifters positioned perfectly (at least for my hands - av. size). Pedals: Excellent wide base giving good grip. However, in the heat of the race you'll preferably want them 'up to the wall' where possible. Where supported the pedals & wheel are best set to 'analogue' control for the best 'progressive' feel. Some have reported stuffing squash ball, etc. under the pedals to try & simulate brake resistance - personally, I just use them as they are. FF: Very much dependent on the software title (see below). However, with none FF titles the MS software still supports an adjustable 'electronic spring' that gives wheel centering. The strength of this can be adjusted to ones own preference. However, this can have the effects of masking the FF effects & 'road feel' if set too high in FF titles. (See Colin McRae below). Colin McRae: At first I was disappointed by this as I had the 'Electronic Centering' cranked up to full. This masked the effect of the FF and made it seem 'weak' even when set to full. However, when I reduces the spring to it's lightest setting (still gives good centering but without building up the Popeye biceps) the transformation was marked. The implementation of FF is the best I've felt to date. It's subtle, possibly disappointing at first (if one is expecting 'dramatic' effects). However, one quickly comes to appreciate the subtly in the implementation, it's ability to convey the 'feel' of different surfaces, degree of traction, etc. About the only thing one could ask for (if one really wanted to split hairs) would be a bigger 'crash impact' when you slam into a wall or tree - it happens! (well to me at any rate). It should be possible as you get quite a jolt when you 'Roll' the damn thing ;o) NFSIII: Again an excellent FF implementation but with a much more 'Arcadey' feel. It's amusing to feel the road vibration increase as the car picks up speed not to mention the effects such as 'cobbled streets' or 'wooden bridges' (wonderful!). However, I was disappointed in the 'collision impact' when attempting to force other cars off the road - somehow I expected this to be the best bit (especially in pursuit mode) but it's very weakly done. MotoRacer2: Yeah, I know it's a bike game but the wheel really does enhance the feel of the game (far better than the MS FF Joystick - crap!). Only for those that play in first person mode however. (I think the game would have received far better reviews from the PC press if some of their reviewers had actually discovered this existed). F1RS: Poor, apart from the rumble strips I can't see what else is there! TOCA2: At first I thought this was poor - similar to F1RS above - just bigger rumble strips! Given how much I'd liked the implementation in CMR I was surprised. However, I should have known better. Again with the lighter centering setting one can actually feel the car move & slide about - or at least it gives the 'impression you can' (which after all IMHO is the whole point - I'd never say the FF is accurately representing any 'physics model' it just make the whole experience 'feel more real', more involving & ultimately therefore more enjoyable). Hope this helps. Regards DM

I *almost* bought a TSW *twice*. The price tag talked me out of it both times. Anybody in the the Detroit area have one I could test drive? You may find another local racing buddy out of it... :) Eldred __ Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the ***-sea... remove SPAM-OFF to reply.