Many pilots are training today on the simulator. Today, these technologies are available to the general public but which steering wheel should you choose according to your budget? Our guide will start with the cheapest ruffles to finish with the most expensive flying.
First, what console are you playing on? The steering wheels are almost all compatible to play PC games but are not necessarily compatible with Xbox One or PS4…
The criteria to watch are:
The wheel: this is the wheel itself; its diameter will give you the best sensations according to your tastes. So rather flying Mini or rather trucker? Choose ruffles with diameters ranging from 27 to 30 cm read buyers guide and reviews about racing wheel on it.
The return of strength: one of the most important elements in realism is the return of strength. This is the system that will vibrate your steering wheel depending on the track (bumps, holes …) and the behavior of the car (understeer, oversteer, drift …). Unquestionably, the more expensive the steering wheel, the better the sensations.
The pedals: good pedals are always more valuable. The biggest difference is here: what pressure do you want to put on the brake to achieve good braking? Some steering wheels are sold with pedals without resistance that will make driving difficult without ABS for example. Others have parameterization systems ranging from a simple rubber cone to a hydraulic drive.
The fixation: what do you want to put your steering wheel on? An office or a real chassis for automotive simulation (we will come back in a future article on this point).
The options: who would not dream of a beautiful display on the steering wheel? Who would like an H or sequential gearbox next? Many options are available with the steering wheels so choose well.
Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 spider wheel
Ideal to begin or to please his children, the Thrustmaster 458 Spider is the first of our comparison. Designed entirely in plastic, the steering wheel has no force feedback and its pedal is composed only of an accelerator pedal and brake.
If you want to try the car simulation, it will be a good playmate but when if you are looking for performance, I advise you to go down a little lower in the comparison! It is compatible with PC and Xbox One.
- The +:
- Price
- Ideal to start
- The –
- Feeling
- Quality
- Bad fixation
Logitech G29 / G920
After the success of the G27, Logitech released two new “Consumer” steering wheel models with the G29, PS4 and PC compatible, and the G920, compatible with Xbox One and PC. It is a robust and reliable steering wheel whose good point is undoubtedly the pedal whose brake pedal requires good braking power. In addition, it has a clutch pedal, rare in this price range. The return of force is rather satisfactory and the diameter of the steering wheel, 28cm, will be perfect for its use.
- The +:
- Good pedals
- 28cm in diameter
- The – :
- Quality of manufacture
- Felt in lack of realism
Thrustmaster T300 RS
The Thrustmaster T300 RS is a mid-range flywheel that will delight many players looking for driving pleasure. Some problems of reliability are to report anyway during long sessions of use. The return of strength is good enough but the bottom of the range pedal with a brake pedal without progressivitée despite the addition of a rubber cone and the absence of the clutch pedal. It is compatible with PS4 and PC.
- The +:
- Force return
- Price (349 euros)
- The – :
- Crank
- Quality
Thrustmaster TS PC-Racer
Halfway between a general-purpose steering wheel and a high-end steering wheel, the TS PC Racer will fully engage automotive simulation enthusiasts. Only PC compatible, this single-seat steering wheel will give the player good sensations on games such as Assetto Corsa, iRacing and Project Cars. The steering wheel is sold without pedals at a price of 499 euros.
- The +:
- Quality of manufacture
- Feeling
- The – :
- Price a bit high
- No pedals
Fanatec CSL Elite
Fanatec here is a very nice name for automotive simulation products. The last born of the brand is the CSL Elite, a very good steering wheel for experienced players. Indeed, the steering wheel is sold with its pedals for 499 euros (Xbox One version and PC) and 519 euros (PS4 and PC version). It will provide a great feel to the player all with the good build quality.
- The +:
- Quality
- Force return
- Value for money
- The – :
3 pedal pedals optional
Fanatec Forza Motorsport Bundle
The high-end steering wheel of our comparison is the Fanatec Forza Motorsport. What to say about it? It is beautiful, includes a steering wheel with a digital display, a pedal with hydraulic management, a powerful and realistic force feedback. A sequential-H gearbox is even included in the pack. Frankly, if you have the means, I can only advise you to take this one! The steering wheel is compatible with PC and Xbox One.
- The +:
- Design
- Quality
- Feeling
- Sequential gearbox / H
- Crankset excellent
- The – :
Direct Drive
The direct drive is a system operated by professionals. It clearly gives the most realistic sensations possible. In addition, it is customizable at will: the flying base, the wheel, the pedal, the gearbox and the handbrake. Its price will depend on what you want with but count between 2000 and 5000 euros for a set.
- The +:
- Sensations
- Realism
- Customizable
- The – :
- Price
