A force feedback wheel is an absolute must-have tool for any sim-racer. Especially when it comes to sims like Assetto Corsa and iRacing that generally don’t play too well with gamepads and cheap wheels.
But, which one should you pick? There are a ton of options out there starting from less than $100 all the way up to the thousands. That’s why we’re here to help you out with the process.
Here are some of the best wheels that you can get in 2019!
1: Logitech G29: Best Budget Force Feedback Wheel
Those of you who have been into sim-racing for a while probably saw this coming from a mile away – and rightfully so. After all, Logitech’s wheels have been an extremely popular option for a long time now.
It definitely struggles to compete with some more expensive wheels. But, for just about 200 bucks, it’s really hard to go with this one.
Covered in leather with a metal frame, the G29 does its best to look like a real driving wheel. And for the most part, it does a rather ok job at it.
That being said, the flashy buttons definitely take away from all that. So, it may be a deal-breaker for some people. While we’re at it, the Playstation buttons are also off-putting for PC gamers who are used to the Xbox layout – but that’s just a minor detail.
What really matters is the feel of the wheel and the force feedback. Thankfully, the force feedback is extremely strong. Probably more than you’ll ever need it to be.
However, the overall feel is a bit weird. It just doesn’t feel as smooth as its competitors like the T300 RS. Then again, both wheels have their own pros and cons which makes it hard to recommend one over the other.
For us, the clutch pedal is enough to go with the G29 over the T300 RS. But, that’s just a matter of personal preference. Speaking of additional features, do keep in mind that the shifter isn’t included with the wheel and actually costs 50 extra bucks or so.
Still, all things considered, finding a wheel that’s as reliable and sturdy at that price point is kind of impossible right now. So, if all you have to spend on a wheel is about $200 or so, definitely consider this one!
Pros:
- Great value
- Feels sturdy
- Has proven to be more reliable compared to its competitors
- Compatible with PS3, PS4, and PC
- Strong force feedback
Cons:
- Force feedback doesn’t feel as smooth compared to other options (Still much better than entry-level options)
- The shifter is not included
- No support for Xbox One (There is the G920 for that. But, it’s a slightly inferior version)
2: Thrustmaster T300RS GT: Best Mid-Range Force Feedback Wheel
Yet another very popular option. The T300 RS GT is all around a better choice compared to the G29. It looks like a real wheel, feels like a real wheel, doesn’t come with those flashy buttons, and the pedals are also superb.
But, with all of that being said, do keep in mind that it’s also much more expensive. On certain occasions, it asks for twice as much compared to the G29. Does that mean that it’s twice as good? Probably not.
Still, if you want something that’s objectively better than the Logitech G29 without having to spend a fortune, then this is more or less your only choice. It has one of the best force feedback responses that we’ve ever seen and it looks gorgeous as well.
If there’s one downside, then that has to be Thrustmaster’s quality control. It’s not uncommon for some people to report that their wheel stopped working after a couple of years.
On some occasions, it didn’t even last for more than a few months – and that seems to be a recurring theme with Thrustmaster wheels. That’s obviously unfortunate. But, at the same time, there are no better alternatives at this price point.
Pros:
- Great force feedback
- Feels great
- Looks objectively good
- Compatibility for both PS4 and PS3 while also being supported for PC
Cons:
- Not compatible with Xbox (There is the TMX for that – but it’s a significant downgrade compared to this one)
- Generally more expensive than the G29
- Also doesn’t include a shifter
3: Accuforce Pro V2: Best High-End/Enthusiast Force Feedback Wheel
Let’s make one thing clear, this is not targeted towards your average consumer. The Accuforce Pro V2 is a direct drive wheel which is mainly made for pros and/or enthusiast sim racers.
To give you a point of reference, just the base with the wheel will cost you a thousand bucks. No shifter, no pedals – just the wheel and the base unit.
If that sounds expensive to you, then do keep in mind that this is one of the cheapest direct drive wheels on the market. By comparison, other direct drive wheels can easily ask for $1400 or more just for the base unit without even a wheel.
In case you’re not familiar with direct drive wheels, then you should know that the reason that they are superior to consumer alternatives is that they are directly connected to the force feedback motors.
See, cheaper wheels like the G29 use a sort of gear system to connect the wheel with the motor. The problem with that is that since there is a medium that needs to transfer the motion over to the wheel, a bit of detail and power always gets lost on the way.
Direct drive wheels, on the other hand, don’t lose any power or detail. After all, they are directly connected to the motor and that’s what makes them so much superior.
Does that mean that you should spend the extra money? Well, if you’re the average sim-racer like us, no. But, if you’re an enthusiast or someone who wants to take every bit of advantage, then do absolutely consider getting one.
Pros:
- Amazing feel
- Great attention to detail
- Easy to use (For a direct drive wheel)
- Extremely sturdy
- Literally more powerful than you can handle (May even end up breaking your wrists at full power)
Cons:
- Way too expensive for your average player
- Complicated to use (Compared to consumer wheels)
- Add-ons are relatively expensive
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there is no clear winner. Each wheel has its own pros and cons. Overall:
- Logitech: Offers better reliability but the force feedback isn’t that smooth
- Thrustmaster: Better force feedback but it’s more likely to break down
- Accuforce: Surpasses both wheels in every single way but also costs a lot of money and is tougher to setup