Looking for comments on the best wheel that incorporates
a shifter. I cannot use pedals, would prefer paddles or
some other hand operated shifter.
So, I am looking for input on the best quality solution that is less
than $250.00 (a reasonable cap, I think).
Robin
I posted this a while back -- users who can't use pedals have given me
some VERY positive feedback on their experiences with this wheel:
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The CompUSA ad in my local paper had a driving wheel advertised for
$14.99. In my never-ending quest to review the entire spectrum of
driving controls, I stopped by my local CompUSA and picked one up. I
almost passed when I realized that it didn't include pedals -- the
wheel uses shifter-type paddles for the accelerator and brake
functions, like the Thrustmaster GP1 wheel.
I realized that for $14.99 I shouldn't expect pedals, and since I've
never used paddles for braking and accelerating, I was interested in
finding out what it would be like -- and what a $15 wheel would be
like.
The wheel is distributed by Comp USA Inc. -- it has the "COMPUSA PC"
brand name on it, and the name is "Formula Racing" (I'm not sure if
this is a brand name or the "model" name). The box indicates that
it's "The ultimate high-impact racing wheel for PC racing simulation
games." With a promise like that, how could I pass it up? I bought
one on the spot, brought it home, unhooked the trusty TSW2, hooked up
the new wheel, and went to town in ABC Indy Racing and Viper Racing.
The mounting is simple -- four suction cups. They work okay. The
wheel doesn't have that much travel -- maybe 160 degrees, versus the
standard 270 or so for a TSW or Thrustmaster wheel -- but it has good
return-to-center tendencies, and it seemed precise enough for my
driving style. The paddles have a LOT of throw, which made it easy to
modulate the throttle. The brake is nigh-digital in comparison, but
it works okay.
Overall, the wheel was an astounding piece of work -- I was quickly
turning in times in Viper Racing that were close to the times I turn
with my TSW2, even at tracks like Ridge Valley and Sunset Mesa (lots
of elevation changes, lots of braking points, lots of turns). I'm no
slacker on these tracks, either -- I hold the club record at Sunset
Mesa in the Viper Racing Club on CompuServe's SportSim forum (2:03.98
in Career mode at the Pro level).
The suction cups caused some amu***t at times (having them pop off
while going into T3 at C***te in ABC Indy Racing was exciting).
Still, they worked well enough, and the precision and build quality of
the wheel far exceeds the $15 pricetag. Even at it's regular price of
$29.99, it's a bargain.
Pedals are much nicer for long races than the paddles, though, and I
did find my hands and forearms getting a bit fatigued. Still, for
people with disabilities -- those in wheelchairs without the use of
their legs/feet, or people with nerve damage in that same area -- this
wheel may be the ideal controller. For people on a budget, too, you
really can't beat this little device. Now people who have been
wanting to get into sim racing have a real affordable alternative.
I'm sure this device can be purchased via the CompUSA Web site, so
even if you don't have a CompUSA nearby, you should still be able to
pick one up.
If you've been wanting a wheel and can't afford one, I'd highly
recommend this item. Overall, I'd have to say that this wheel
surprised and impresed me more than my Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro wheel
did when I first got it -- and I thought that was MIGHTY impressive at
the time.
I'll be putting together a full review in a couple of weeks, but based
on my first impressions, I'd say this may be THE ideal first wheel.
-- John Bodin
Publisher, The IRL Insider Magazine
http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/
