Wheel Options on a Medium Budget ($600)

Miscellaneous Hardware & Peripherals
1

So, I haven’t used a wheel with a racing game since my old Logitech Driving Force Pro on GT4, but will be getting one for Forza 6. I’ve always felt like I’m not smooth at all with a controller and would enjoy the series a lot more with one. The good news is, it looks like there are some options, but could use some help on if what I’m thinking of doing is the right option.

I do have to rule out Fanatec, which is just a little too expensive, and the lower-end wheels that lack force feedback (not worth the savings).

Option 1 - Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel - $299.99

Thrustmaster TX

This seems to be the most-used option from people here. Price is good for a force feedback wheel, but reliability seems pretty bad. I’ve heard that the wheel itself and the stock pedals are not very good, so it might be worth upgrading the pedals ($100 for the pedals with clutch, $150 for the pro pedals). Shifter add-on would come later on. I’d have to see if I really wanted it.

Good estimate = $450

Option 2 - Thrustmaster TX Servo Base - $259.99

This gets around the bad quality of the wheel and also allows for some upgrading at a slightly cheaper price.

Unfortunately, you have to add the other bits:
-Wheel (VG 28GT - $150, or 599XX Evo - $180)
-Pedals ($100 for basic 3 pedals, $150 for pro pedals)

Good estimate = $590* (*Have to wait until later this year - Q4 2015 - for the 599XX wheel)

Option 3 - MadCatz Pro Racing Force Feedback Wheel - $299

I’ve been around long enough to know that mentioning “MadCatz” when it comes to racing wheels automatically means “run away,” but this actually looks like a much improved wheel. I like the alcantara, but it is Xbox only, and with no way of upgrading. Still, based on looks I’d probably get this over the standard Thrustmaster, but their reputation makes me think twice.

Good estimate = $300

Option 4 - Logitech G920 - $399.99

As I mentioned, the last wheel I used was a Logitech, so it’s great to see them offering a wheel for Xbox One. Supposedly this wheel is the G27, just repackaged and costing more. But, the G27 is a good wheel from what I’ve read. Might be more reliable than the Thrustmaster and has the added benefit of being tested hands-on at Turn10 (Fanatec and the G920 are the two used by Dan G).

Good estimate = $400* (*Have to wait until October)

Out of all of these, I’m leaning towards the Logitech as a solid wheel right out of the box that I can use on PC later on if I want. But, if the Thrustmaster servo base with the upgraded wheel and pedal is worth the extra money I’d probably go for it. Will be getting the WheelstandPro to go with any of these options, since that fits my space and is storable. ($180)

Thoughts?

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I welcome you to the most difficult peripheral to buy in the world.
Anyways, there are several options, as you described, with several advantages attached to them.

Thrustmaster. The TX has the best FFB of the lot you posted. Belt-driven wheels are largely better than gear-driven ones. It can be good-value depending on where you buy it. The stock 458 rim is atrocious though. It is small, plasticky and overall it just feels like a toy. The upcoming 599XX looks like a decent bet so I would wait for that one. The leather/GTE rims are good but rather small which can affect precision and immersion. If size matters (lol) then try it before you buy it.
I don´t have any feedback on the basic/PRO pedals. I tried the regular T500RS and they do the job but they are not as good as Fanatec Pedals. Ask around.
Regarding reliability, I´ve heard that they are sending revised units into shops that are improved and there are several other individuals that had no issues with the base. Depends. The internet is not a realible source for this kind of information so be cautious. Remember, the people that never had issues rarely post about the product.

Logitech. Personally, I would not pay more than 250 dollars for this product. Seriously. This a re-built G27. The technology is old and it just doesn´t offer the same experience as the TX. While the, yet to be proven, reliability is attractive it just doesn´t compensate the lack of power/precision/smoothness of the other belt-driven wheels. Attach the price and you have something that is not good value overall.

Madcatz. Stay away from it. Its not just the name. It isn´t PC compatible. Materials are poor, reliability is atrocious and the feedback is average. The price is a joke. Stay away from it.

Fanatec. They do have an Xbox wheel in the works which expected to launch later this year. See here: Fanatec V3 and CSL Range? | GTPlanet
Also, their pedals are very, very good.

The best advice I can give to you is to wait. FM6 hasn´t come out yet and there other Thrustmaster wheels in the works (called T-150 I think). Also, always look for PC Compatibility, because, like most of us, you will realize that FM6 FFB is poor after trying the PC Sims.
If you are in a rush, buy the Servo TX base along with the pedals and the 599XX. Remember than you will most likely need a stand too.

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Thanks for the link on the Fanatec I finally bought a X1 (preordered the FM6 bundle). I have been really debating on what to do about a wheel there is a lot of options to think about.

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Echovelocity, I just received my new Fanatec gear and I have a Thrustmaster set-up. I also have a Basher Adapter for it so you can use Fanatec Pedals which I have a set of the Clubsport V2 pedals to go with it. I would sell it so if interested send me a PM keep in mind that it will not have any warranty. I have had no problems with any of it and they were all fully updated till the time I quit using them about 2 months ago. I live in Michigan and if interested For the shipping.

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There hasn’t been any official word out of Fanatec regarding the lower priced 8th gen compatible wheel, so it’s anyone’s guess as to when that product will be announced. I am waiting to see what they deliver.

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The G920 is more than a G27,it has been improved inside,yes it is gear driven but one of the better ones,i own 2 TX’s and don’t trust them,my 1st one burned up in 2 mins,the 2nd lasted 2 weeks,i am getting a G920 as soon as I can I know it will be reliable.

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A Youtube comparison between the Logitec G29 and the Thrustmaster T300, had a comment that I thought was interesting. The reviewer/tuber said that the G29 was stronger and quieter than the TX in the FFB Dept?!?

Other than that, no surprises with the review.

I’m as puzzled as you are. Still an interesting comparison…

Seeing that these are the PS compatible versions of the G920 and the TX, I wonder if this will hold up once the G920 is released.

Side note, the G29 pedals are the same as the G27’s except for a rubber bumper used in the brake pedal, and a flattened surface under the upper spring bump mounts. That being said, any G25/ G27 pedal mod should work with the G920 pedals. So if the pedals are MEH, that can be fixed, depending on how far you want to go and, how much you want to spend.

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I think that guy made a mistake in the video or had used the wrong FFB settings. The TX is definitely more powerfully than the G29 from what I’ve read.

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Every time I lean towards the TX I read another horror story, the TX (with the CPX adapter)would be easier for me to switch with my CSR. Logitech has a great track record which is what I should go for, but another Fanatec wheel might be the best option depending on price, hope the reveal something soon.

Going to be tough using a pad until I can get a wheel, I’ve never got use to using one in Forza.

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option 1 is your best option for playing forza, I agree with inside sim racing review, to get the most out of forza games, press option 1, after you have upgraded the rim, the pedals and shifter you will not question your decision. when mounted on a playseat or home built rig, you will be very pleased. The pro pedals have come with a couple different brake mods, rubber or spring, I am content using it as is. I used a G27 and it worked decent with an adapter, but the pedals and shifter fall short every time when compared to thrustmaster offerings. that goes for Fanatech also. In my humble opinion…

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I’d say if you can hold out on getting a wheel, get the TM Servo base and then buy whatever rim you want and pro pedals. The servo base will be very smooth and accurate and hopefully, better quality than the TX base.

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The servo base is the TX base. The only difference is that it is sold separately.

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My first TX lasted 30 seconds. Went up in a heap of electric smoke. I returned it after being unable to reach Thrustmaster support and got another one that was good for about 9 months. I got rid of it as soon as the Logitech G920 was announced. Too many horror stories about Thrustmaster wheels failing and Thrustmaster support is also horrible. Takes weeks to get an e-mail response and their phone line was never open when it said it should be. Also in North America the TX only has a 1 year warranty (Logitech has 2 year warranty). Yes the force feedback is stronger but I never ran it past 50% as it was too strong and I feared the wheel would cook it self. As for these units now being improved I’ve never heard that and don’t know where that information came from. There is tons of info on the internet showing the insides of a TX and the poor materials and construction used. My first wheel was brand new (came with v47 firmware) and was purchased well over a year after the TX launched and still toasted itself right away.

Yes the Logitech G920 is based on the G27 but it has several upgrades. The brake pedal has a rubber damper to make it feel progressive. Both the wheel and pedals also now have a Hall effect sensor and new digital encoders to make them more accurate and reliable. So I’m going to get a G920 if I like Forza 6. Logitech from what I’ve read has much better reliabllity and also better customer service. The wheel also comes with a 2 year warranty versus only 1 year with the TX. For the $400 U.S. price I feel the shifter should be included. It is a little expensive for what it is but still cheaper than a TX in any configuration when you factor in a 3 pedal set. Many reviewers also say it is quieter than the G27.

I have no experience with the wheel stand pro but it’s expensive at $180. I own the Fanatec CSL wheel stand and its $90. Super solid (heavy) and both the TX (same hard mounts as T500) and G920 (same mount points as G27) can be hard mounded to it. It worked great with the TX and is strong and well designed. So I’d recommend it as it’s half the price of the wheel stand pro. Save yourself some money. The Fanatech CSL looks sturdier from the photos I’ve seen as well.

Here is the link to the Fanatech CSL Wheel Stand:
http://www.fanatec.com/us-en/wheel-stands-table-clamps/csl-wheel-stand-us.html

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Hey guys, thanks for the replies - tons of helpful information!

I think - especially after seeing how people who have wheels are responding to the Forza 6 demo - I’m going to wait to see how it shakes out. I want to see if T10 puts out any updates and if those who have a Thrustmaster can get things dialed in. I’m leaning towards the servo base with the 599 wheel, I just hope by “Q4 2015” they mean closer to October than December. I’m sure once it’s the 15th I’m going to be itching for a wheel.

Also, two things of note:

  1. Saw the MadCatz wheel is now $299 on Amazon as well.
  2. Thrustmaster just announced a new basic force feedback wheel for PC and PS4. No details yet, but it slots in below the TX. I wonder if they’ll have an Xbox version?

@Dan the Dartman: Going to be a great deal for someone, but I’ve gotta have that warranty from what I’ve seen. Plus I don’t think you can swap out the wheel for a different one on the TX, right? Might change my mind on the 15th though!

@Skunkworks: Wheel stand could be a good way to save some money, thanks for the tip. I think that if the G920 were $299 and included the shifter, it would be a no-brainer. Maybe there will be a deal on Black Friday.

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It’s about time Madcatz reduced the price on that wheel. Now maybe they can compete with the TX, although I still say they should lower it another $50 seeing as though the TM has more parts in the ecosystem and Madcatz has yet to show anything new for that wheel.

As for the new wheel TM announced, I think it’s nice they are making a middle wheel that has Force feedback. I hope to see them make one for the XB1 for those that don’t want to spend the money on the TX and are looking for more than what the 458 Spider offers.

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No problem at all. Like I said I don’t mind having it here for a spare either. I have offered it a couple of times not to get rid of it but more if someone wants to go the wheel route it is a great set-up for them. I really enjoyed it as I ran that wheel stock then, a Basher adapter so Fanatec V1 pedals then bought the V2 pedals for and upgrade. As one would expect for the price the now Fanatec Set up wheel, pedals ( V3 now ) and the shifter is REALLY nice!!!
I guess I love racing Forza with a wheel and if I can help someone else experience that pleasure, well that’s what it’s about. Us racers have to stick together. LOL