I'm tempted...

I was. But then TDU was a dissapointment, NFS:Carbon was a dissapointment and Forza 2 was delayed, so I find it hard to justify the cost at this time.

I was. But then TDU was a dissapointment, NFS:Carbon was a dissapointment and Forza 2 was delayed, so I find it hard to justify the cost at this time.

I still own Most Wanted, Burnout and PGR3 so... maybe.

...and TDU which is an ok game for me.

If it is up to par with my beloved Driving Force Pro then yes!

i thought the wheel was delayed along with forza?

Check out the video...scroll about half way down.

http://on10.net/

When Forza 2 is released for sure. I only played Forza with a Fantec wheel.

I have it preordered. Not sure when it is suppose to come in. Hopefully, it is as good as it looks.

If I do get it, I'm not getting it till Forza comes out.

I have it preordered. Not sure when it is suppose to come in. Hopefully, it is as good as it looks.

Where did you pre order it? And why? Is there some shortage? I was just going to pick one up at Wally World or something like that.

Prehaps, if the reviews are really good

When they bring out a NASCAR game I will purchase it.

I was prepared to purchase Forza2 and the wheel this fall, but since Forza has been delayed I think I'll wait and see if Logitech ends up releasing a real force feedback wheel.

I know that MS has the wireless capability reserved for first party peripherals, but does anyone know if they're going to keep the force feedback capability to themselves as well??

I'm hoping that MS just wants to be first to market with the FF wheel, and that Logitech will eventually release a G25esque control system for the 360.

Since the only game available that I'd really want a wheel for is PGR3, I'll be content with experiencing force feedback on GTR2/GTLegends this fall :).

I also was planning to buy it together with forza2, because to me it only makes sense with that game and probably TDU..but ill see the reviews ...looks good tho.

Will the wheel definitely work with older gamers like NFS:MW?

NO Forza = no need for wheel.

Give me Forza, and I'll NEED the wheel :)

Can't wait for Forza

[QUOTE]When they bring out a NASCAR game I will purchase it.

And then it only needs to turn left!

I hate to jump on the bandwagon but even with an update to have it work with PGR3, I'm waiting for Forza2 and then I'll get the new wheel for sure.

It doesn't update PGR, it comes with a Force Feedback version of PGR. Can't wait. Hope I don't hate wheels. I've never tried one.

It doesn't update PGR, it comes with a Force Feedback version of PGR. Can't wait. Hope I don't hate wheels. I've never tried one.

Actually there will be an update via Live. Not sure why they need one since it ships with PGR3 but they said there is one during the wheel demonstration.

I just wish the G25 would work with the 360. Logitech said it was a software issue, not hardware. So, it games in the future will be programmed with FF, then why wouldn't it work?

>>Actually there will be an update via Live.

Sweet, so I'll actually have two copies of PGR3, either of which can work with the wheel. System Link, here I come... (actually, xmas maybe, i'm getting the hd-dvd drive now).

when Forza 2 comes out.

We got them in at EB Games. I'm really impressed in fact the interview done from on10.net is something you all should look at. Anyway, it comes with PGR3 w/ force feedback. Wireless is wireless, obviously. The one thing that'll be annoying to some, is that you'll have to plug in an AC for force feedback; i'd rather deal with that than to have to deal with 20 cases of batteries or hours of charging.

It feels solid, responsive, flexible and comfortable; you guys won't be disappointed. It comes with an accessory to attach the unit properly to the table for those who use it on one, if not, like it says in the interview, you can lay it comfortably on your lap. Anyway, i'm going to keep on playing with it whenever i get the chance and i'll pop in for some feedback on it. Cool?

We got them in at EB Games. I'm really impressed in fact the interview done from on10.net is something you all should look at. Anyway, it comes with PGR3 w/ force feedback. Wireless is wireless, obviously. The one thing that'll be annoying to some, is that you'll have to plug in an AC for force feedback; i'd rather deal with that than to have to deal with 20 cases of batteries or hours of charging.

It feels solid, responsive, flexible and comfortable; you guys won't be disappointed. It comes with an accessory to attach the unit properly to the table for those who use it on one, if not, like it says in the interview, you can lay it comfortably on your lap. Anyway, i'm going to keep on playing with it whenever i get the chance and i'll pop in for some feedback on it. Cool?

Cool.

[QUOTE]When they bring out a NASCAR game I will purchase it.

And then it only needs to turn left!

Sorry wrong answer!

There is Sonoma, California and 1 other road course (sorry the name escapes me) at the moment. Ha! I remembered Watkins Glenn.

I haven't killed off all my brain cells yey.

Count me in on one! <forza 2>

Where did you pre order it? And why? Is there some shortage? I was just going to pick one up at Wally World or something like that.

It was like $127 shipped. It was listed for close to $150. And I order most items in this day and age. It doesn't bother me to wait a day or two and sometimes more after release for delivery and I save on gas and usually tax. I have to want something really bad to go to the store and pick it up. :p

I saw it in my local GameStop tonight, and I can definitely say it was sexy! Perfect packaging to boot to show that baby off. I'm not a wheel fan by any means, but this one almost had me impulse buy!

yep looks beatiful

If it works good with Burnout Revenge then I want one but I doubt that it will since Burnout does not have any adjustments for wheels :( . I have tried 2 different wheels with Burnout and it is unplayable ( hey Criterion how about an online update/patch to add some wheel adjustments ! ) .

------ Jason

Check out the video...scroll about half way down.

http://on10.net/


dude's a stiff, but that's fine with me, he's an engineer :) and it looks pretty well designed, albeit rather plastic-y

no clutch? **** that ****

Where did you pre order it? And why? Is there some shortage? I was just going to pick one up at Wally World or something like that.


don't you know that there's a shortage for everything nowadays? i preordered viva pinyata before they started developing it

OK, I did find one at a local GS last night, after calling three of them. They said they got one extra one in and I drove over and picked it up. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to open it until December 25. For those that have it, I have a question about the battery. If you plug it in in order to use the Force Feedback option, then does that mean it does not need any other battery pack to function with the console?

From what I can tell, I guess it uses the same battery pack that the hand held wireless controller uses, right? And that can be either a rechargeable one or the one with AA batteries installed. Do you still have to use this if you plug the unit into an AC outlet?

BTW, It came with PGR3 Force Feedback edition, but I was surprised to see a sticker on the box for NFS Carbon since I thought the current version will not support Force Feedback (?). Other than PGR3, are any of the other racing games featured on the MS website for the wheel that support Force Feedback available yet or does anyone have projected release dates for them?

Thanks for that link...it looks cool.

If it works good with Burnout Revenge then I want one but I doubt that it will since Burnout does not have any adjustments for wheels :( . I have tried 2 different wheels with Burnout and it is unplayable ( hey Criterion how about an online update/patch to add some wheel adjustments ! )
I had a lot of problems with various games and the Madcatz wheel like this. NFS:MW was too sensitive, Burnout was counter-intuitive, and Full Auto didn't work at all. Hopefully now that the wheel is an MS accessory they'll be more aggressive about getting decent developer support included. I doubt most of these companies will go back and add support though (even just wheel sensitivity controls). Too bad. :(

right; it seems clear that MS is going to be using THIS AND ONLY THIS wheel to test and design driving games, and i think you'll see accuracy skyrocket

Well I was strolling through Futureshop today and on a whim I grabbed the new wheel. The box is now sitting on my floor and I'm trying to decide whether I should keep it.

I was planning to get the wheel eventually anyways, but if there is a chance that Logitech might release a superior FF wheel then I'd rather wait for that.

Does anyone know if MS will even allow third parties to release a force feedback wheel in the future? I know that MS is supposed to be keeping the wireless feature to first party peripherals, but what about the force feedback feature?

NO Forza = no need for wheel.

Give me Forza, and I'll NEED the wheel :)

Can't wait for ForzaMy feelings exactly. When Forza 2 arrives I'll have a look at what wheels are available.

I noticed today that the officially FIA licensed Formula 1 is coming to PS3 next spring. Damn, I wish we could get it for XBox 360, but no way that will happen. I would even switch to PS for that, but I think paying $600 for a game console is ridiculous ($400 was already bad enough).

Actually there will be an update via Live. Not sure why they need one since it ships with PGR3 but they said there is one during the wheel demonstration.

Didn't seem to understand that one either. Seems like they would offer a non game version for those that already own PGR3.

I want to get it, but right now there are just to many games out there I want to play. Still when the time is right I will pick it up.

Ill guess well have plenty of time between forza2 comes out...too many games not so much time right now...holidays in the way and whatnot...the time will come!

I doubt you'll see a better wheel on the market ever, given that MS has to license any 3rd party peripherals. I don't think they want the competition.

PGR3 is pretty cool with the wheel, but hardly worth $150 by itself. With NFS:Carbon and Test Drive Unlimited adding full FF support shortly (both currently have reasonable wheel support and rumble), there's a fair amount of racing goodness to be had with the unit even before Forza 2.

I went into Toys R us with a pocket full of credit hoping to find component cables for my Wii thats on the way.

Right..fat chance. Also no Gears of War. But they did have the new Microsoft Wheel.
It looked pretty sexy, but like alot of you I only really want this wheel for Forza. Playing a game like TDU or PGR3 would also be cool with the wheel, but I'm not sure...does this wheel SUPPORT TDU?

PGR3 I can do just fine with the joypad...ie: it doesn't REQUIRE the wheel...but I'm curious as to what you all think about it...

Street, open that sucker up and tell me how it works! :D

TDU does not support force feedback but people here have said they will be offering a patch to update it.

For any who have the wheel, I am curious about how it works in the lap. My game setup is on a couch with a coffee table, and while I used the GT3 logitech FF wheel for a time, it became less than desireable to have to slouch with slumped shoulders to reach the wheel. Also, the low couch made the pedal base too unstable. I was pushing too much laterally for it to maintain friction, so I ended up having to sit on the edge of the couch with my knees splayed out to reach the pedals directly below me, looking a lot like Homer on that mini bike in the Krusty the Clown College episode!

Anyway, this wheel intrigues me greatly, but I wonder if it is functional at all in the lap, and if the pedal base would work from a low couch, my legs more 'out' than 'down.' I'll probably still wait for Forza or GTR2 or a price cut (what with the HD-DVD and the Wii competing in my brain for that money right now), but actually if TDU is patched, this device might be just the thing to get me back into that excellent game and finish some of the loooooooong challenges. The immersion factor of good FF and a nice wheel is superior to any other video game feature to me.

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/67/37/21/0002673721596_215X215.jpg
I actually bought one of these ($30 at WalMart) and tossed the center VCR tray and it works GREAT as a "Table" to clamp a wheel to, in my case a Logitech FF wheel for use iwth Gran Turismo 3 and 4.

In fat its just wide enough that two people can clamp down two wheels and have just enough room to have fun. You can even flip it upside down and use it that way if you want.

(its much less expensive than those stupid-expensive custom "wheel holders" designed for wheels and gaming,and its also not light and slippery like your average TV snack tray).

1) Its heavy, and very stable (see how wide the base is)

2) When the wheels aren't attached, it makes a great couch tray for holding booze, your snacks..

(PS: Its basically a TV stand designed for 32" CRT sets)

When they bring out a NASCAR game I will purchase it.

Dude, you can turn left with a stick just as easily :D

When forza 2 drops I'll consider it. I just don't know how the wheel will benefit me in a circuit style game. If it were all left turns then......duh! I think a controller might be better for whipping the car in and out of hairpins and the like.

All the racing titles released so far have been arcade-style trash IMO.

Dude, you can turn left with a stick just as easily :D
And don't you just turn it left once and leave it there to make circles until everyone watching goes to sleep? :D

I don't hate NASCAR...oh, wait...yes I do.

I have never used any other ff wheel but this wheel is very immersive. To me it seems like a solid piece of fun. I can safely say that it has been my most emersive video game experience to date by FAR!!!!!!! Brilliant FUN has occurred in my living room. And yes I am talking about playing video games, specifically PGR3.

If you are on the ropes about buying only when forza comes out. Why not buy it now and get the practice in with pgr 3. Get the feel for the wheel and the pedals. I am building a cockpit for my wheel tomorrow. I'll post pics for you guys.



THE WHEEL IS RAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I posted in the other thread, I like the wheel. In fact I bought the 360 yesterday just to play Gotham 3 with the wheel (ok and gears of war). I have been using the Logitech DFP for about a year now and the MS wheel compares very well. The force seems a bit weak, but that could just be the game. Overall the feeling of the wheel is a lot smoother than the DFP though the middle deadzone plays as very large. I am hoping that this is just a sensitivity issue with PGR3 because a wheel with a large deadzone is worthless in my opinion (I'm looking at you mad catz).
Playing burnout with the wheel is poor. That's not the wheels fault or even burnout's fault; burnout was just meant to be played with a controller.

The pedals are my only real issue with the wheel. The do not have carpet spikes and they have a stylish little bar right where your heels rest which looks nice but is not comfortable. The pedals also don't have a lot of throw distance.

I guess the real test for the wheel will be Forza. That game should show make the wheel shine, if it doesn't then there are problems with the wheel.

I had a chance to run a few laps in PGR last night using the wheel, and so far my only real complaint is that it costs $160.00. The MS wheel feels very similar to my Logitech Momo Racing (the steering wheel is virtually identical in shape/size/grip), and the Momo only cost me $60 CDN, but this is proprietary next-gen console hardware, and it doesn't sound like we'll have any other FF wheel options, so if you can swallow the price tag then I definitely recommend it!

It's difficult to pass final judgment on the wheel when there's only 1 supported game available for testing (and it's on the arcade end of the racing simulation spectrum), but so far I'm pleased with the construction, performance and potential. The real test will come when GTR is released in the spring, and I can test the wheel on a proper simulation that I'm already familiar with.

Most of my experience with FF racing has been with GTR/Logitech Momo on PC, and I don't think that PGR delivers quite the same range of feedback as GTR, but this could easily be explained by the fact that GTR is a real simulation with a much more advanced physics engine. The differences are most noticeable on the nurburgring, where the rumble strips and off-track journeys don't seem to produce the same range of feedback responses, but this is most likely a limitation of the game, and not the hardware. The wheel is definitely capable of producing subtle nuances, such as the momentary loss of traction when catching 'air', so I'm confident that the shortcomings in PGR are mostly software related.

The resistance & effects also don't seem as strong as my Logitech Momo, but it's quite possible that PGR just isn't using the maximum force available. Since there don't seem to be any configuration options available for feedback strength you're stuck using whatever settings the developers dialed in, and I'm guessing that they left the force a bit light so that it wouldn't rip inexperienced arms out of shoulder sockets :). I'm hoping that the more simulation oriented games (GTR/Forza) will offer some options for adjusting the feedback strength. For most users the PGR3 force level is probably more than sufficient, but I know that some people like to feel like they're autocrossing a town car without power steering :).

Overall, this wheel compares very favorably to the Momo (which is considered to be one of the better PC FF wheels), so I'm happy with it, and with the right software things should only get better.

I have noticed that my wheel sometimes produces a 'knock' when I make fast/severe steering adjustments, so if anyone else has noticed something similar then please let me know. Basically it feels like there is a counterweight that hits against something when I turn the wheel quickly, so I'm just wondering if this is normal. I know that most FF wheels have their own 'idiosyncracies', so it's possible this 'knock' is normal for this wheel, so I just want to ensure that mine isn't somehow defective.

My only other small complaint is that the mounting system doesn't remain completely secure during spirited racing, so I'm going to have to make some adjustments to keep the base clamp from sliding around. It would have been nice if MS had used more than a more substantial base, perhaps with more than ONE
clamping point, but I'm sure I'll figure something out...

See you on the 'ring!

Oo I can't keep buying everything I want and I need something left for the woman to buy me, but it's taking everything I've got not to run out and get this thing and start working on my racing cockpit NOW.

Edit to my earlier post: The deadzone seems fine. I tried Gotham again at lunch and noticed that I had not selcted "wheel" in control type (idiot).

Street: I agree that we need a good sim to really test the wheel. GTR will be a nice test. I am not sure if I will buy it again for 360 though. Maybe I will just to do my part in supporting sim racing development.

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tempting......

I gotta say it looks like a nice wheel, but I think it's impossible for me to go back to a 270 degree wheel. The Logitech Driving Force Pro has completely spoiled me with its 900 degree mode in Gran Turismo 4. It actually feels like driving.

Too bad Logitech and MS didn't work together to develop support for the Driving Force Pro wheel. It's a USB device after all. It even works on my Mac and PC.

And then there's the G25...

I don't see why the G25 or DFP wouldn't work. Logitech said that it was an issue of games not supporting FF, not hardware. Do now that the support is there... I think tonight I'll plug in the G25 with the updated PGR3 and see what happens. I would think that it would at least recognize it as the MS wheel. I know it won't work, but I can dream...

I don't see why the G25 or DFP wouldn't work. Logitech said that it was an issue of games not supporting FF, not hardware. Do now that the support is there... I think tonight I'll plug in the G25 with the updated PGR3 and see what happens. I would think that it would at least recognize it as the MS wheel. I know it won't work, but I can dream...

It's not that it can't work, its just that MS won't support it. That's console gaming for you, you are at the mercy of what the console company wants you to do. At least they do give us a nice option this generation though.

I liked the 900 degree support of the DFP but in reality I have very seldom played games that supported it and where I ever went past 200 degrees.

hey i saw it at my local best buy today. went to get rainbow six (unsuccessful-they never got their shipment:(...) and saw it there. damn sexy piece of hardware. looks perfect actually

I have one more question, does anyone know how I can hook this up to my PC? Anyone tried it?

I believe that PC connectivity will be available through the new 360 wireless gaming receiver, which hasn't been released yet.

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802337

Estimated release date: December 26th...

Thanks for the link. I actually bought the wheel assuming for some reason that it would hook up with USB in some way. I guess I will have to wait for the adapter.

By the way I love the second "review". It gets my award for the dumbest comment of the year.

"I think that the receiver will be nice to have if you are in to xbox 360 gaming and pc gaming. The only bad thing I see about this is if you aren't in to pc gaming this is not the item for you unless you just want it to say that you have it."

I was chuckling over that as well :D

It would have been nice if the wheel at least offered a USB port, but the receiver is only $20 so I'm not too upset.

It's not that it can't work, its just that MS won't support it. That's console gaming for you, you are at the mercy of what the console company wants you to do. At least they do give us a nice option this generation though.

I liked the 900 degree support of the DFP but in reality I have very seldom played games that supported it and where I ever went past 200 degrees.

I agree as well that in most racing situations 300 degrees or so is enough. But the issue is when I've used other wheels with limited rotation, especially in games using production cars, I'd have the entire steering range compressed into 300 degrees. This made the cars twitchy. I got used to it, but it never felt like driving. The DFP is the first wheel I've ever used where it really felt like I was driving a car. Hell, my wife can play using it, which is huge. She never got comfortable with other wheels and controllers because it didn't feel like what she was used to.

It just bums me out. I put off buying a 360 until Gears of War convinced me. Now I have one and it impresses me more and more. It's a premium product and it feels like it, and Microsoft should be proud of themselves. I just want a real premium wheel to go with it. Especially since it seems like the premier console for driving games lately.

I'd like to say that I'm on the record as hating 900 degree turning. I immediately turned it off and went back to 270 mode when I had my Driving Force Pro..then sold it and went back to the Driving Force I had instead.

900 Degree steering may be great for you people who think less is more, but I noticed no extra "fine control" in my steering response, in fact it just made all the cars feel sloppy. Like I had to really work even to make the slightest turns, all the while fighting the FF.

Thats not fun, nor is it realistic.

Question: Why do you want 900 degree steering when the wheel itself is only 60 to 75" the size of an actual real steering wheel in a car. Performance cars all have closer ratio steering (or should), and yet the 900 degree steering made every single car feel like I was driving a 67 Lincoln Continental. :P

I vastly prefer the 270 degree wheels....

IMHO. :)

I'd like to say that I'm on the record as hating 900 degree turning. I immediately turned it off and went back to 270 mode when I had my Driving Force Pro..then sold it and went back to the Driving Force I had instead.

900 Degree steering may be great for you people who think less is more, but I noticed no extra "fine control" in my steering response, in fact it just made all the cars feel sloppy. Like I had to really work even to make the slightest turns, all the while fighting the FF.

Thats not fun, nor is it realistic.

Question: Why do you want 900 degree steering when the wheel itself is only 60 to 75" the size of an actual real steering wheel in a car. Performance cars all have closer ratio steering (or should), and yet the 900 degree steering made every single car feel like I was driving a 67 Lincoln Continental. :P

I vastly prefer the 270 degree wheels....

IMHO. :)


I agree. I wonder if you can get a suicide knob for that 900 degree wheel, that is the only way you are going to get your wheels turned fast enough to counter steer into your drift. :D

IGN reviewed it and liked it http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/747/747438p1.html. Without Forza 2 though, I too will be waiting before i buy it.

Team Xbox also posted a fairly extensive review yesterday.

http://hardware.teamxbox.com/reviews/xbox-360/69/Xbox-360-Wireless-Racing-Wheel/p1/

And on the 900 degree issue, I'm curious in what situations people find that they use 900 degrees?

Even in a real car the only time I use significantly more than 270 degrees is when parking...

Gran Turismo 4 uses 900 degree perfectly. D1GP does as well. Also, the G25 wheel is closer in size to a real steering wheel.

The option to have it is nice.

Also, the MS wheel has no gearshift. Not every car has paddle shifters. Although it would be fun to make your own shifter, I suppose.

Team Xbox also posted a fairly extensive review yesterday.

http://hardware.teamxbox.com/reviews/xbox-360/69/Xbox-360-Wireless-Racing-Wheel/p1/

And on the 900 degree issue, I'm curious in what situations people find that they use 900 degrees?

Even in a real car the only time I use significantly more than 270 degrees is when parking...

In a racing game I seldom use 900 degrees, but I don't want the full range compressed into 270 degrees either. There are instances when you do want maybe not the full range but way more than 270. Rallying in particular in GT4.

TOCA 3 and especially GT4 showcase perfect use of the 900 degree mode. There is fine control and it does feel like real driving to me. The DFP gives about 2.5 turns lock to lock. My Miata has 2.7. My friend's S2000 has 2.4. I think the Lancer Evo has around 2.3 or 2.4 as well. I'd say that's pretty damn close to real world production performance car ratios. You can still use 270 degree mode with purpose built race cars if you want anyway.

I'm not saying it's the end all, be all, but compared to the crappy Mad Catz I had for PS1, the Mad Catz MC2 for PS2, the Driving Force, and the Momo Force (PC, the one in red with the leather wrapped wheel and metal paddles) it feels the closest to driving by far, in the games that support it (which I admit is a pretty major qualifier). That said, it still works fine and is no worse than other FF wheels in 270 degree mode.

In a racing game I seldom use 900 degrees, but I don't want the full range compressed into 270 degrees either. There are instances when you do want maybe not the full range but way more than 270. Rallying in particular in GT4.


For me, I like the tight-snap turning radiuses of a 270 degree wheel in GT3/4 rallying. Since in that game you can do an awful lot of Lock-to-Lock turning if you need to correct yourself, having to spin that wheel multiple times in a short timespan becomes too much like work....I find the 270 degrees not to be limiting in any way, but rather to be a nice compromise between "reality and fatigue" :)


TOCA 3 and especially GT4 showcase perfect use of the 900 degree mode. There is fine control and it does feel like real driving to me. The DFP gives about 2.5 turns lock to lock. My Miata has 2.7. My friend's S2000 has 2.4. I think the Lancer Evo has around 2.3 or 2.4 as well. I'd say that's pretty damn close to real world production performance car ratios.


Its nice to have, I guess, but for me I dont like it......I dont feel it adds to the experience, if anything it just makes me have a hard time judging my steering. I remember doing one of the road rallies in GT4 after I got my DFP, the Umbria one.
I couldn't hit any turns....even to make a simple attitude change on a straightaway I had to turn the wheel a completely fake amount in order to make that correction. Doing 75 on the highway in my mustang I dont have to turn my wheel more than a couple inches to change lanes...but in GT4 with the DFP I had to turn the wheel like 45 degrees to get that same effect, its like the wheel had the worlds biggest deadzone, and I couldn't compensate out for it.

The other thing I hated about the DFP was that in neutral position there was almost no FF. With the original DF even in the neutral position you could feel the bumps and kicks from the road pretty well....but with the DFP you could barely feel them, so when you were driving down a straightaway it was as though you had no FF at all...the bumps and shocks seemed a million miles away.

At first I thought I got a bum unit but I tried a second one, same issues.

I looked online and found this was a common complaint with some users....


I'm not saying it's the end all, be all, but compared to the crappy Mad Catz I had for PS1, the Mad Catz MC2 for PS2, the Driving Force, and the Momo Force (PC, the one in red with the leather wrapped wheel and metal paddles) it feels the closest to driving by far, in the games that support it (which I admit is a pretty major qualifier). That said, it still works fine and is no worse than other FF wheels in 270 degree mode.

I suppose, I guess I can agree that while its nice to have 900 degrees, I for one don't need it, and don't miss it when its not there.

FYI, Sams Club has the wheel for $119.00

I got it today some pics here...

http://www.pixagogo.com/9883534125

Dammit.. guess Im going to Sams Club tomorrow

The wheel is very good, it doesnt feel "cheap" for sure.
If you have the TDU you need to go into the settings and enable the wheel and sensitivy, and for pgr3 you need to pop the disc that comes with the wheels so it can install the new drivers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPrvVqTTYj8 instantly got me sold on the wheel. I bought it today and......lets say its pretty different from driving my 06 wrx.

The wheel itself is very very nice, and is pretty heavy. The wireless is instant response, and the FF on PGR is pretty cool. Pedals are reallllllllly nice. Clamping is good too. Loudish-but expected.

PGR3- Only way to experience good FF on the 360 right now. Sitting close to the TV and using the in-car game is freeking UNBELIVEABLE. It's soooo realistic I could'nt belive it. Turing even the taddist will turn in game. If I can make a better driving set-up I can seriously play it for hours straight. It feels soooo real.

Colin Mcrae 04- Does not work, well everything works, but it takes alot of turns before it turns in game.

Forza- Pretty good, I used the speedster setting, .....actually its very good, but understeer is a real issue for some reason. Again the manual clicks don't work.

NFS-Carbon- Lmfao don't even try it. For those who want to know... I tried drifting so far and it's sooooooo bad that you WILL regret buying this wheel.....untill you put back on PGR3.

Anyone know where I can buy Richard Burns Rally like in the video? I HAVE to have this game.

Can't wait for the Wireless reciever so I can play GTR2.

9.7/10- takes a while to get used to, but if you find a comfortable chair and a good way to put the pedals, you won't regret the 150$ price tag.

Wow, I didn't even realize Richard Burns came out on Xbox, and I can't find it for sale anywhere either (not even ebay). Looks like you might have to wait to play this one on the PC as well (it kicks ass on the PC, but graphics are a bit dated).

And thanks for the tip on NFS Carbon, I was going to rent it tonight just to check out the FF implementation, but I'll give it a pass. I just hope that Atari gets their force feedback out for Test Drive soon because it could be a long wait for Forza.

Just picked mine up at lunch today but I am still at work so I have not hooked it up yet. I got BB to match the Sam's price of $119.82 since I had a gift card to use.

I pwn carbon with the wheel but only if I use the hood cameral. Behind car is impossible for me for some reason. I also want to ask SteelGrayScooby what game that guy was playing on youtube and how do I get that on the 360. It looked amazing and I want that bad. I have a cockpit I built but I havent taken new pics of it since I got the ms wheel but here are a couple pics of my setup with the DFP and my ps2 back in the day.

Admittedly im not the best at making things like this so it doesnt look all that great. And I live in a ghetto mobile home. So feel free to make fun all you want. Whay the chair does do is adjust in almost anyway imaginable.

The game is Richard Burns Rally. You can get it on PC but I have no freeking idea where you can get it on Xbox. It is one of the backwards-compatabilty titles for the 360. The Richard Burns website said it was released on Xbox and Ps2 in 2004, but I'm starting to think that it was in the UK only.

The only site where I found it was at http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-w/section-games/pid-1004304501/ which said it was released on Xbox in 2006.

I can't wait till December 31ish when the wireless reciever is released so we can play PC titles using this. Edit- Found it on Amazon, where it's slated release is December 31st 2006. Got it on pre-order.

Xbox.com claims Richard Burns Rally was released in 2/2006 in America! I was dying to play this game so much that I downloaded it from bit torrent and played it on my modded Xbox, but it was absolutely unplayable with a controller. I couldn't make it past the first bend without flying off the road, and I'm a hardcore console rally racer (Colin McRae and Rallisport.) I want this game! Someone figure out how to get it!!!

Would you guys say that this is the best racing wheel out for the 360? If so, has it improved the game play of those racing games that are compatible? Thanks!

Without question it is the best wheel for the 360. It has FFB. That alone changes everything completely. You can never go back after you play with FFB. That being said the software developed for it so far is a weak effort and really there is no immediate need for any wheel on the 360. That will change when GTR, Forza and Colin are released.

So would you say that the wheel itself is a good buy ? Is the software going to change with the release of GTR, Forza2 and Colin?? Thanks!

If you really like racing, then yes. If not then wait. Wait untill Colin Mcrae comes out so you can REALLY experience FFB and also wait untill Forza 2 comes out.

The reason I bought it now is because the wireless reciever is comming out soon which allows me to play GTR2, Richard Burns Rally, and Live for Speed on PC.

No freeking doubt this will be the best wheel for at least 3+ years.

It also can make sense to buy the wheel if you don't already have PGR3. It comes with it so I decided to get it over with and get it and practice for Forza 2 ;)

-Jerry C.

Bought the wheel and an AK Ratchet gaming chair. If I like the wheel, I'll be building my racing cockpit.

I saw this at my local Wal-Mart today and wanted to grab it really bad.
I'm definitely getting it soon though.

Bought the wheel and an AK Ratchet gaming chair. If I like the wheel, I'll be building my racing cockpit.
I'd like to hear what you think of the wheel when you finish breaking it in.

I'm going to bed so I'll make this quick. It didn't work out like I had hoped. I could not find a comfortable way to use it. It's terrible in my lap and even worse on my tray table, where I can hardly fit my legs to work the pedals. When it's on my lap, I feel like I could twist it right off and I have to use my ankles to work the pedals instead of my knees. So what I said is moot, because I don't feel like I'll be comfortable until I build the damn cockpit. Worked on it with my dad from about 11 to 3:30 today and I have 95% of the framework done. Will finish it on Tuesday hopefully. Updates later in the week.

Here is the picture of my cockpit in progress. I have a wheel assembly that will go over the front and be able to be moved backward and forward for adjustments. More pics to come.

Nice start!

Cool project..make sure you keep us informed!

I want the wheel, but the price is outragous. I'll wait for a killer amazon deal on it (50 or less) or just wait till MS officially supports the G25. The PS3 supports the G25 out of the box.

or just wait till MS officially supports the G25.

I really hope that doesn't happen... :(

I want the wheel, but the price is outragous. I'll wait for a killer amazon deal on it (50 or less) or just wait till MS officially supports the G25. The PS3 supports the G25 out of the box.

I wouldn't go so far as to say the PS3 supports G25 out of the box. See this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617913) And you say the price is outrageous yet you'll spend $300 on a G25 and it doesn't even come with a game. :rolleyes:

You'll not be seeing that wheel anytime soon for $50 bucks, unless its a refurb at Overstock.com

I just picked the wheel up last week. It is $119.82 at Sam's Club which seems a little more reasonable. I purchased a set of folding wooden TV trays to mount it to but had the same problem as NoThru22 with my legs. I then proceeded to try it in my lap which I thought I would hate. To my surprise it works great (for me at least) and I am much more comfortable which resulted in better race times. I can now kick back on the futon and I use 2 angled automon cubes to keep the pedals from sliding forward. This allows me to postion the pedals perfectly and made braking and accelerating much more efficient. I would say within 2-3 hours I have already surpassed my skill level with a controller which I thought might not ever happen. Finally just earned my Silver Champion Achievement! Using the wheel in your lap seems to work quite well, you just need to grip the wheel tightly and it helps to apply some downward pressure toward your legs. If I had the room though I would much rather have a cockpit. I look forward to seeing your completed project NoThru22! Great idea with the PVC!

I wouldn't go so far as to say the PS3 supports G25 out of the box. See this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617913) And you say the price is outrageous yet you'll spend $300 on a G25 and it doesn't even come with a game. :rolleyes:

But the G25 has a a three-pedal setup, six-gate/sequential shifter, 900-degree option, and is just overall a better quality wheel. I get your point, though.

The MS wheel is kinda pricey when compared to similar FF wheels. And if you already have a G25, I wouldn't want to shell out another 100+ bucks on another FF wheel, especially one that doesn't have a shifter.

Just for grins, I plugged the G25 in to 360 just to see what would happen. The wheel calibrated to 270-degree mode... but the 360 didn't recognize it, of course.

Why must Microsoft torture me so...

But the G25 has a a three-pedal setup, six-gate/sequential shifter, 900-degree option, and is just overall a better quality wheel. I get your point, though.

The MS wheel is kinda pricey when compared to similar FF wheels. And if you already have a G25, I wouldn't want to shell out another 100+ bucks on another FF wheel, especially one that doesn't have a shifter.

Just for grins, I plugged the G25 in to 360 just to see what would happen. The wheel calibrated to 270-degree mode... but the 360 didn't recognize it, of course.

Why must Microsoft torture me so...

It is a sweet looking wheel, though it looks like its primary use would be in a custom racing seat.

I went into TRU today to buy the wheel, even though my 360 ain't back from visiting the mothership in TX yet... :)

They were sold out! Oh well, in a couple weeks.

I've been playing gT4 with the Logitech Driving Force wheel lately and I forgot how much fun a FF wheel can be. Really.....how much fun....

But the G25 has a a three-pedal setup, six-gate/sequential shifter, 900-degree option, and is just overall a better quality wheel. I get your point, though.

The MS wheel is kinda pricey when compared to similar FF wheels. And if you already have a G25, I wouldn't want to shell out another 100+ bucks on another FF wheel, especially one that doesn't have a shifter.

Just for grins, I plugged the G25 in to 360 just to see what would happen. The wheel calibrated to 270-degree mode... but the 360 didn't recognize it, of course.

Why must Microsoft torture me so...

Exactly my point. If im going to spend some cash, i want the full meal deal. The G25 is what a lot of people have been waiting for since racing games first came out. True 900 degree, clutch pedal, and gated shifter. Seriously, MS should be jumping through hoops to get it supported on the 360 so people will want to buy one just to play their top racing titles with some serious hardware.

Nothru, where you getting the plans for your wheel cockpit? Any links? I was hoping to build one soon but wanted a design which didn't have the cockpit sitting on the floor as my set is rather high and I don't want to be looking up at the screen.

BTW, yours is looking pretty good.

First off, let me tell you: don't try to paint it if you're impatient. Four coats on and I can still see a little white and the final coat needs a week to fully cure! It might have been better to just get the primer for plastic, let it dry, and then put regular paint on, but I didn't know that! I can't find the plans I use online now, but you can download them from this yousendit link. My version is a highly bastardized version, we came up with the wheel assembly on the fly and I don't have those poles in the back for rear speakers, but my wheel will still be seperate and fully adjustable. I haven't even finished or started painting the wheel assembly, which I hope to do on Saturday. More pics coming soon.

http://download.yousendit.com/E51ED967317C28F3

I want the wheel, but the price is outragous. I'll wait for a killer amazon deal on it (50 or less) or just wait till MS officially supports the G25. The PS3 supports the G25 out of the box.


I also dont think the price is going to be that low...when you feel the wheel you feel the quality and the price is about right for the product.

I also dont think the price is going to be that low...when you feel the wheel you feel the quality and the price is about right for the product.

I got the camera bundle with the 1 year of live for 40 shipped at amazon. Stranger things have happened =) I'll wait. Hopefully G25 will be supported tho.

Whats the difference with the G25 vs. the Microsoft's?

The only difference that I see is the gated shifter, which I can live without because it takes almost no effort to shift; and the cluth.

Also the 900 degrees is in effect vs Microsoft's. I admit sometimes playing PGR3 I wish I had more degrees because it doesn't feel too real.

If logitech made the shifter with more clunk and force then I would have bought it just for GTR2 alone.

Which is more superior? the FFB on the G25 or Microsoft? No games so far really pushes this wheel's FFB, so I'm wondering if the G25's is better.

This wheel to me is getting pretty boring, I havn't touched it since I bought it. PGR3 needs more FFB IMHO. Sometimes I just go in the dirt just to experience more FFB.

Overall I regret buying this wheel 2 weeks ago, unless the wireless reciever supports this wheel off the bat. If you REALLY love PGR3, then its a good buy. Otherwise wait.

You know, as much as I like the G25, I think that its chances of gaining compatibility with the 360 has just dropped to zero with the release of microsofts wheel. They're just not going to allow this wheel to cut into their profits and I don't blame them. It looks like alot of thought went into this first party wheel. Why allow competition if you dont have to?


On another note, im not sure I'd want a G25 for my 360 for 2 reasons:
1) 300 bucks....i like the immersion just as much as the next man, but not 300 bucks worth.

2) the 360 wheel has the hook up to connect the xbox live mic ...that almost sells the wheel to me alone. One reason I'm glad this was made by MS themselves. Its got all the right ports.

Im very tempted to but Im not sure yet though :confused:

Review for the wireless reciever is up.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/749/749090p1.html

It's pretty early in the morning so I'm just skimping over it. Anywhere in there does it say it works well with XP off the bat?

The cockpit is coming together like a pair of sweaty asscheeks! It won't be able to be completed until next weekend because the spray paint for plastic really does take a week to cure.

Now you gotta go to the Junkyard and get a car-seat for the cocpit!! Get like a reclining seat from a Pinto or Escort or something....

I got the AK Ratchet seat. It sucks because it's all foam and I will have to bungie tie it down, but if I like the cockpit enough, maybe I'll scour the junkyards for a leather BMW seat or something. For now, the Ratchet will do.

And I promise once it's all done I'll get a picture of me driving the thing, looking like a chode!

I bought the wheel today, but I can't seem to get it to work. The wheel seems to be loosing connection all the time. I can move maybe 3 times in the Blades menu, and then it starts searching again for the connection. Any one know why this might be. PGR3 does not recognize it, either.

Make sure you are installing the disk that came with it...it has the drivers in it...

It started working now. I think powering off an on helped. Thanks

the title says it all 119.00

Im glad you get it to work...
They have it at buy.com for $134.99 free shipping...

I got it, love it, can't wait for Forza 2!!!

Cockpit is done, thread is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9179865#post9179865

I'm picking up a wheel soon hopefully! My quick question is this: Does this wheel work ok for games that aren't specifically supported (PGR3 only one?)? Games like Burnout Revenge, Test Drive Unlimited and NFS's?

Thanks!

TDU is supported you need to go into control settings and select and adjust the wheel, i dont know about burnout revenge, but NFS is supported i dont know how good it is with that game.

The TDU demo does not support the wheel, unfortunately, only the retail game. I deleted the NFS demo minutes after trying that POS, but I'm curious as to whether that supports the wheel as well. Burnout really isn't the kind of game meant to be played with a wheel. How would you aftertouch?

The TDU demo does not support the wheel, unfortunately, only the retail game.

I can't get TDU to give me any kind of feedback. I have wheel enabled. Is there anything else to do?

Does anybody know if the PGR3 game that comes with the wheel will work with a regular controller? I'm buying two wheels but only need one game...plan to re-gift the other for my nephew that doesn't have any wheel.

It doesn't support FF yet, the patch is due this month to enable FF with TDU.

The PGR3 that comes with the wheel is the same game only with an update applied, so you can re-gift the game.

Mine's wrapped and under the tree! :) Looking forward to it. I'm thinking about building some sort of "shelf" that I can attach to the arms of my recliner, and then I'd clamp the wheel to that. The whole set-it-in-your-lap concept sounds convenient, but not very comfortable. (The arms of my chair are both flat and wooden, so I think the shelf thing would work pretty well. Ah! Here's a pic (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60113201@N00/93980230/) from the TV thread.)

Of course, I wouldn't be able to recline whilst driving, because I couldn't touch the pedals. I was thinking about that too. I was wondering, if I mounted the pedals on something like this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=BRLECT5RNGM&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=328520), would it bring them up to a more "car like" height? I can't make my chair as low as a car seat, at least not without pissing off my wife, so the only other choice is to bring the floor up. Do you think something like that might work? Would the slanted top make the pedals easier to use, or harder? :confused:

Not sure if this would work with your recliner but I picked up this computer desk at Walmart for $36.99 and it works great with my desk chair. I just position it in front of my futon and raise the chair height and the pedal reach is perfect.

http://tkfiles.storage.msn.com/x1pdXMbD-RMMPweYJ6P1nwkZw1wfG9jaDaoi-zNIVoOwAEbLITcVNilwls1Ut6L9aXC369q3Yjo62JX3zUgbTCOapldRvwWOX yra_mr4kyiles

http://tkfiles.storage.msn.com/x1pdXMbD-RMMPweYJ6P1nwkZyIuijGN-EFwq1L60qVvSwh0q0HW6huGD8K6Xm3qnj0_eP5OicWRRJ3p3g75cRQCmNNTS PeYT3q80AySy7YPt1A

http://tkfiles.storage.msn.com/x1pdXMbD-RMMPweYJ6P1nwkZ3UCfmDn2ZWrRODZdVQ1TSVF79wvNKChy3_8pQGyR6VxNX vonxmu21TBdKJ2RDq8G_r0so-mf6gzC_IL6pWwHiU

http://tkfiles.storage.msn.com/x1pdXMbD-RMMPweYJ6P1nwkZ04ejGQt86Fz7T-LHaMNBtf_yXKBmbz1Ynal_4GC77BIey-6YxQTLCcCVxwtXRW5F8zXujrQTjV9UB8YaqVSdZ8

That's hot.

I'd love to find some kind of retractable table I could use while playing on the couch. I don't want to have to sit far forward to use a TV tray (which aren't stable enough anyway).

There was another thread in the past two days where a company was selling a contraption to use it on your couch for about $85 shipped on ebay. Looked like exactly what you need.

There was another thread in the past two days where a company was selling a contraption to use it on your couch for about $85 shipped on ebay. Looked like exactly what you need.

Think it was this site http://www.xlstands.com/index.html. Sent them an email and they replied a 360 stand may be looked at.

I'd love to find some kind of retractable table I could use while playing on the couch. I don't want to have to sit far forward to use a TV tray (which aren't stable enough anyway).


I was looking into this from http://www.brookstone.com/ (http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?product_code=520528&wid=5&cid=93&sid=9308&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t2) . The retractable top looks good for the job and you could mount the pedals inside the cabinet and only have to pop the wheel on when needed. Mild mannered coffee table by day and closet racer by night. <insert Transformers music here for effect> ;)

-Jerry C.

The problem with the brookstone one is that the pedals would be tooooo close to your body in that position. For comfort you want to be able to stretch your legs out a bit.

The problem with the brookstone one is that the pedals would be tooooo close to your body in that position. For comfort you want to be able to stretch your legs out a bit.


I was looking at the manual for it and the inside shelves are adjustable. You could place the pedals inside the cabinet on the floor of the unit and it would also make it impossible for them to slide forward on you.

-Jerry C.

[QUOTE=Panic 66]Not sure if this would work with your recliner but I picked up this computer desk at Walmart for $36.99 and it works great with my desk chair. I just position it in front of my futon and raise the chair height and the pedal reach is perfect.

http://tkfiles.storage.msn.com/x1pdXMbD-RMMPweYJ6P1nwkZw1wfG9jaDaoi-zNIVoOwAEbLITcVNilwls1Ut6L9aXC369q3Yjo62JX3zUgbTCOapldRvwWOX yra_mr4kyiles

How stable is that setup? Do the bungie cords ever slip or come loose from the bottom? I just picked up the wheel yesterday and have to figure out a setup. Hopefully the update to Test Drive will be coming soon.

Anyone tried to play the Mini cooper in PGR3 with this wheel? That would be really fun.

How stable is that setup? Do the bungie cords ever slip or come loose from the bottom? I just picked up the wheel yesterday and have to figure out a setup. Hopefully the update to Test Drive will be coming soon.[/QUOTE]

This setup is pretty stable. The desk has some movement since it is not a heavy duty piece of furniture but I am very happy with the results. I thought about leaving the castor wheels off for more stability but it was not going to sit level with the bungie cords I was using. The bungie cords are very tight and as far as I can tell the pedal base has not moved at all after many races. The rubber grippers on the wheel base and pedal base grip very well to the surface. I also bought the bungies at Walmart. It was a 5 pack of flat cords that includes 2-red, 2-blue and 1-green with big plastic hooks. The 2 red were the perfect length to wrap from the front and all the way around and back to the front again (very tight). Two of the five castor wheels have a locking mechanism.

Anyone tried to play the Mini cooper in PGR3 with this wheel? That would be really fun.

Yep. It works nice as do all the cars in gotham.

Does PGR3 do a good job of simulating the differences in the cars?

Example, in GT4 with the FF wheel you could easily tell if you were driving an older car (bad braking, floaty handling), a newer car, a race car, a rear wheel drive car, a front wheel drive car, etc. Cars felt lighter or heavier, were more or less prone to spinning out, etc...and all of that was conveyed via the wheel.

Does the MS wheel do as good a job of doing that, or does all the FF for all the cars "feel" the same.....

This setup is pretty stable. The desk has some movement since it is not a heavy duty piece of furniture but I am very happy with the results. I thought about leaving the castor wheels off for more stability but it was not going to sit level with the bungie cords I was using. The bungie cords are very tight and as far as I can tell the pedal base has not moved at all after many races. The rubber grippers on the wheel base and pedal base grip very well to the surface. I also bought the bungies at Walmart. It was a 5 pack of flat cords that includes 2-red, 2-blue and 1-green with big plastic hooks. The 2 red were the perfect length to wrap from the front and all the way around and back to the front again (very tight). Two of the five castor wheels have a locking mechanism.

Thanks for the quick reply. I may just see if they have this desk near me and give it a try. Definitely, not to expensive.

Does PGR3 do a good job of simulating the differences in the cars?

Example, in GT4 with the FF wheel you could easily tell if you were driving an older car (bad braking, floaty handling), a newer car, a race car, a rear wheel drive car, a front wheel drive car, etc. Cars felt lighter or heavier, were more or less prone to spinning out, etc...and all of that was conveyed via the wheel.

Does the MS wheel do as good a job of doing that, or does all the FF for all the cars "feel" the same.....

Yes it does thats what makes the wheel for GT4 amazing you have to learn how to handle each car all over again...

Has anyone placed the wheel on their lap to play? How is it?

I just returned my MS wireless wheel. I was very unhappy with the quality, build, feel, and performance of this wheel. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it will satisfy 90% of the people out there, just not me.

I've been playing online racing sim leagues for a few years now (GTR, Live For Speed, RFactor, Richard Burns Rally, Grand Prix 4, etc) so I've become very picky about the wheel and pedal setup I use. I got the Logitech G25 a few months ago and I am very very pleased with it. My problems with the MS wheel:

1) Wheel is small and plastic, just feels cheap
2) Pedals are horrible, no resistance, and where's the clutch?
3) FFB feels dead to me, feels more like simple resistance than force feedback (if that makes any sense)
4) Where's the gear shifter? Not every car has sequential paddle shift, some still have a sequential stick.
5) Won't properly mount to my Playseat setup

I'm being overly critical, and like I said before this wheel will be great for the casual racing gamer. But if you are accustomed to using higher end products (ECCI, some Logitech, custom setups, etc) you will be very dissapointed. I'll stick to the gamepad for 360 games I guess. Too bad MS has a hair up their ass about supporting USB steering wheels :(

Wife got me the wheel for Xmas. Love it! Wish there was more to use with it right now though. PGR is nice with the Force Feedback. Funny since I didn't care for the game when it first came out. Can't wait for the Test Drive patch for force feedback and of course Forza 2. Does anyone know if NFS: Carbon is compatible (feedback) with the wheel?

This thing just looks sweet sitting on the desk of your rig!

The Carbon demo is not compatible with wheels but I believe the full game is. It is advertised on the wheel's packaging as such, so I don't think it needs a patch like Test Drive.

Even though it says "Wheel" compatible on the back, it just means that you can steer the cars with the wheel but the force-feedback is not enabled (nullifying using the wheel in the first place IMO). Test Drive is the same way, you CAN use the wheel now to drive and get a little rumble, but no feedback, the patch is supposed to enable the Force F. in the wheel though (patch due in Jan.). On the back of the "updated" PGR3 boxes it says something like "wheel" and "force" to let you know it works fully with the MS wheel.

Has anyone placed the wheel on their lap to play? How is it?


I have. I got this as well as a Pyramat Gamer Chair (I HIGHLY recommend this chair as it engulfs you into game play with virbations and sounds, etc).

In my short experience with this I feel Microsoft did a great job on it. I played Test Drive, Carbon, and PGR3. While I am substantially better with the Xbox Controller, the wheel did need a small learning curve. The bottom of the unit (lap mount) is angled to fit a lap. Both the lap mount and the pedals have rubber mounts on the bottom significantly reducing slip.

The Wheels' vibrations are strong enough to give you a good jolt, but it won't virbate off your lap. The rubber on the pedals is fairly firm and won't move too much. The rubber works well on wood and carpet. THe pedals are spring loaded and feel VERY similar to todays drive-by-wire vehicles. I own a 2004 2500HD truck and a 2005 1500 truck, both with drive-by-wire and the accelerator feels exactly the same. The brake could be firmer, but this is a toy. So who cares.

I also own a Logitech Force feedback wheel for the PC. In comparison, the Microsoft wheel has a much stronger assembly, IMO a better build quality, feedback effects are the same and the pedals onthe Microsoft unit are MUCH firmer. The Logitech unit definately has a cheaper feel and the Logitech pedals feel like they are going to snap at any minute, though the Logitech wheel has lasted since I got it back in the late '90s.

Since all of this is bulky, I probably won't use it too often. It just isn't convenient for me. I wanna stick in the game and sit on the couch or my gamer chair.

The only complaint I have with the build quality is that fact that now the neck seems to wiggle up and down just a bit where it connects to the base. I may have to pull it apart and see if something got lose.

I finally got it today and I have to say that it is really solid. I was surprised even after how many told me it was solid.

I havent played with it much yet but my one complaint so far is that the PGR doesnt come with a case. It was just a disc in a paper sleve. I was a little dissapointed there, but no big deal.

I have. I got this as well as a Pyramat Gamer Chair (I HIGHLY recommend this chair as it engulfs you into game play with virbations and sounds, etc).

In my short experience with this I feel Microsoft did a great job on it. I played Test Drive, Carbon, and PGR3. While I am substantially better with the Xbox Controller, the wheel did need a small learning curve. The bottom of the unit (lap mount) is angled to fit a lap. Both the lap mount and the pedals have rubber mounts on the bottom significantly reducing slip.

The Wheels' vibrations are strong enough to give you a good jolt, but it won't virbate off your lap. The rubber on the pedals is fairly firm and won't move too much. The rubber works well on wood and carpet. THe pedals are spring loaded and feel VERY similar to todays drive-by-wire vehicles. I own a 2004 2500HD truck and a 2005 1500 truck, both with drive-by-wire and the accelerator feels exactly the same. The brake could be firmer, but this is a toy. So who cares.

I also own a Logitech Force feedback wheel for the PC. In comparison, the Microsoft wheel has a much stronger assembly, IMO a better build quality, feedback effects are the same and the pedals onthe Microsoft unit are MUCH firmer. The Logitech unit definately has a cheaper feel and the Logitech pedals feel like they are going to snap at any minute, though the Logitech wheel has lasted since I got it back in the late '90s.

Since all of this is bulky, I probably won't use it too often. It just isn't convenient for me. I wanna stick in the game and sit on the couch or my gamer chair.

Thanks for the detailed review.

As someone who is on the fence about this wheel I'm hoping to hear some of your opinions on whether the force feedback acts the way you'd expect it to or does it seem gimmicky (mainly with PGR3). I have the Dual Force Pro for the PS2 and when playing GT4 the force feed back feels close to what one would expect but the DFP and GT4 were built to compliment each other.

Has anyone tried TDU with the wheel? My wife got me the wheel for xmas. PGR3 is OK, but after reading about TDU on amazon it sounds really cool. Seems you can free roam. I heard there was a patch to be released soon for force feedback, just wondering how it plays now.

On a side note, has anyone ever played Test Drive 1,2, or 3 for PC? I used to have TD3 and it was cool how you could free roam.

Teddy

IMO PGR3's effects seem gimmicky. Not much substance, but there isn't really any terrain changes that I have seen either. NFS: Carbon on the other hand has varying effects that are to the penny what I expected. Similar to driving an early model Acura NSX. No Power Steering, so you definately "feel" the road.

I have played every Test drive available on the PC. My favorite was 2 for some reason. I was impressed by the game play even wioth the 16 color EGA graphics. TD3 introduced the 256 color VGA as well as the CERV III, which we all thought was the next Corvette back in the Day. Hahaha.

TDU is kewl, offering the casual gamer with options to just drive in an ultra realistic envrionment or compete when the need arises. Haven't tried the wheel on it though.

vhato, thanks for the impressions. Anyone else agree or disagree with his opinions? I think I may hold of for Forza 2 and pick the wheel up then hopefully cheaper).

I've played TDU with the wheel and even though I am terrible at the game I have beaten my times using the wheel and enjoy it more. I am able to take the curves better than before. Am greatly anticipating the update. PGR3 did feel gimmicky to me also and did not enjoy that as much but will give it another go before giving up on it. I guess I need to rent NFS: Carbon to see if I like it or not.

I like the feel of the wheel with PGR3. I have been able to beat some of my previous times with minimal practice so far. I find I have better car control, make fewer mistakes, and have more fun. I believe with more practice I can beat all my best times with the wheel. As always, your results may vary. :)

You guys should try Forza Motorsport. I've started a new career and played the game over again; and this wheel is soooo freeking precise with this game.

Using the speedster wheel setting this wheel has a lot of resistance and turning the wheel feels to me; A LOT better then PGR3's hit and miss FFB. I swear you can feel when the back end is kicking out on rear-wheel cars in Forza with this wheel.

The only thing bad about this and forza is under-steer. It's pretty hard pumping gas continuously with all-wheel drive cars and FD cars compared to the controller. Also the vibration is pretty good.

You guys should try Forza Motorsport. I've started a new career and played the game over again; and this wheel is soooo freeking precise with this game.


I rebought Forza to play with the wheel until Forza 2 comes out. I agree that the is pretty spot on. Still the resistance seems a bit wimpy.

will Forza play in 1080p on the 360?

I think it's safe to say that they're going to optimize Forza for 720p. It will scale to 1080p fine, I'm sure.

You guys should try Forza Motorsport. I've started a new career and played the game over again; and this wheel is soooo freeking precise with this game.

Using the speedster wheel setting this wheel has a lot of resistance and turning the wheel feels to me; A LOT better then PGR3's hit and miss FFB. I swear you can feel when the back end is kicking out on rear-wheel cars in Forza with this wheel.

The only thing bad about this and forza is under-steer. It's pretty hard pumping gas continuously with all-wheel drive cars and FD cars compared to the controller. Also the vibration is pretty good.
Forza does not support any real force feedback. All youre getting is some level of resistance + basic vibration.

That's exactly what my review said. I mentioned that this wheel feels so much better then PGR3 even though it does not have FFB......it just works extremely well.

So much for your thumbs down.

That's exactly what my review said. I mentioned that this wheel feels so much better then PGR3 even though it does not have FFB......it just works extremely well.

So much for your thumbs down.
heres another one for you.

If no force feedback works/feels better than the FFB in pgr3 thats REALLY pathetic.

And your post suggests that forza does have FFB, when in fact it does not.

If it's pathetic to have a better, more "real" driving experience then you can enjoy your PGR3 while I enjoy my Forza.

PGR3 is an arcade game that when combined with this wheel is a gimmick. Sure it's free, but it certainly does not represent a solid driving game. You even get points for drifting and power-sliding; that's exactly what you want for better lap times. :rolleyes:

You can certainly give me another thumbs down but know resistance does not mean the wheel pulls and jerks according to the car. If you got FFB out of resistance....then you sir need a dictionary.

If it's pathetic to have a better, more "real" driving experience then you can enjoy your PGR3 while I enjoy my Forza.

PGR3 is an arcade game that when combined with this wheel is a gimmick. Sure it's free, but it certainly does not represent a solid driving game. You even get points for drifting and power-sliding; that's exactly what you want for better lap times. :rolleyes:

You can certainly give me another thumbs down but know resistance does not mean the wheel pulls and jerks according to the car. If you got FFB out of resistance....then you sir need a dictionary.
Actually, ill enjoy GT4 with a great wheel and force feedback that works VERY well.

Using the speedster wheel setting this wheel has a lot of resistance and turning the wheel feels to me; A LOT better then PGR3's hit and miss FFB. I swear you can feel when the back end is kicking out on rear-wheel cars in Forza with this wheel.

This isnt very clear, but it seems you are suggesting that forza has some feedback.
I'm not equating resistance with feedback, but "you can feel when the back end is kicking out" sure sounds like feedback.

As someone who is on the fence about this wheel I'm hoping to hear some of your opinions on whether the force feedback acts the way you'd expect it to or does it seem gimmicky (mainly with PGR3). I have the Dual Force Pro for the PS2 and when playing GT4 the force feed back feels close to what one would expect but the DFP and GT4 were built to compliment each other.

Do you mean the "Driving Force Pro" ? There's no such thing as a Logitech Dual Force Pro, and the DFP doesn't have dual FFB motors like their new G25.

Lots of people seem to be happy with the MS wireless wheel, just because I gave it a bad review doesn't mean people shouldn't consider it. I gave it a bad review because I have become accustomed to using much higher quality equipment from ECCI and VPP.

I was unhappy with the FFB effects of the MS Wireless Wheel while I had it, I tested with PGR3 mainly, but it's not the best way to test the wheel, since PGR3 isn't exactly a realistic game.

My mistake, it did sound like I was implying FFB on that sentence. Let me explain what I meant.

PGR3 has no real feeling of "losing" the back end on a car. Most of the cars feel like they have formula 1 turn ins and isn't realistic. When you do lose the back end the steering goes light; and if you add throttle and apply opposite lock you can gain control again with very little effort.

Forza has a more realistic feel in "losing" the back end. When I drove the Viper I could instantly feel when the back end was losing grip because the car would do a slight drift; but not spin out. Controlling the drift and getting the car back into place would require proper steering angle and throttle technique.

That is where a the terms "Simulation" compares to "Arcade".

So i should rent forza to try the wheel with..is forza running ok on the 360? i remember at the begining the frames kept droping everytime you took a corner....

thanks

So i should rent forza to try the wheel with..is forza running ok on the 360? i remember at the begining the frames kept droping everytime you took a corner....


The frame rate is only bad if you have the mirror on. Turn it off and it runs smooth.

Why rent when you can buy Forza used for a little over 7 bucks at Gamestop/EB?

Oh i have gamefly....and i live in the end of the world key west...we dont have EB or gamestop down here... :(

I've experienced slow down on certain tracks only with the inside the car view. The slow down is pretty bad when it happens, but it only happens on some tracks; and overall is pretty rare.

Audio lock-ups however, occur every time I play. Like the tire screech will play through out the session and can only be "reset" if you press start.

Anyone used the wheel with the F50 GT? I have picked up PGR3 again and just started racing online but this car is very hard to handle. Does the wheel help at all? Thanks

The F50GT isn't hard to handle at all, lay off the accellerator around turns and make friends with the brake :)

The faster the cars, the more you want to use their insane power by not powersliding (which leads to fishtailing). The slower cars you can throw around the track with reckless abandon, but the faster A class cars you definately want to race like a real car...slow down going into corners, power your way out, lay off the powerslides, learn to use the brake.

Thanks, I actually do try to take turns slower - problem is when racing online people will slam right into the back of you and end your race :) Have you tried it with the wheel though? Online is pretty addicting and I want to increase my performance if possible.

I think I'll be getting it once Forza 2 comes out. I hope they run some sort of promotion to save some money. Between Forza 2 and the wheel and Guitar Hero and the Guitar, I'm going to be broke!

no, sorry, dont own the wheel..waiting for Forza2 and a $99 pricetag...ALMOST bought it before xmas but wound up buying a bunch of other stuff instead. The wheel should help you take much smoother corners and recover from fishtailing or spins easier, however.

I would rather wait for Forza 2 before getting the wheel as well, but PGR3 is a lot of fun to play for me again. Would only cost $100 as I have a $50 Best Buy gift card. Does anyone know when Forza 2 is expected? Is it this year or 2008?

Forza2 is this year....I still play PGr3 from time to time, but in all honesty, TEST DRIVE UNLIMITED has a superior driving model....ie: its a little harder...and I find the roads
more challenging (you clip enough cars the cops chase you, etc) so its a bit more technical.

I dont know if they're released the FF patch for TDU yet.

No FF patch for TDU, but it's AWESOME anyways! That game plus the wheel is about as close to real life driving as I've seen the 360 get. It's a total buzz, I can drive for hours with the wheel in that game!

If you've got the wheel I highly recommend this game, it's not as comical as NFS, it's much more of a "sim". They're planning a hardcore physics model update for it in the near future too, and the FFB patch is supposed to be coming soon...

Make sure you are installing the disk that came with it...it has the drivers in it...

Mine didn't come with a disk :mad: . Can I download the drivers and PGR3 force feedback update via Xbox Live, or should I just go and exchange it and hope that the next box has everything it's supposed to have inside?

Is Need for Speed Carbon force feedback out of the box? I'm strongly considering getting it even though I hated the demo.

Mine didn't come with a disk :mad: . Can I download the drivers and PGR3 force feedback update via Xbox Live, or should I just go and exchange it and hope that the next box has everything it's supposed to have inside?


The disk comes in a white sleeve, if i remember correctly it was at the bottom of the box.
Im not sure if you can get it thru xbox live.

I am not convinced there are any drivers on the PGR3 disc. It did not appear to be installing anything when I first fired it up.

I gave it a shot without the disk, and everything was loaded up just fine from Xbox Live (with the PGR3 update). I was reluctant to try at first because I didn't want to have to repackage the bloody wheel, et al. if I had to return it. I bet the engineering of the Eiffel tower was less complicated than the wheel's ridiculous packaging. Long story short, I wanted the disk anyway, and was able to convince the retailer to open another box and give me the disk therein. Putting that disk into the 360 updated nothing. So I guess the Xbox Live was sufficient.

The wheel is awesome. Now I've just got to get my hands on some PVC (nice job Tom).

Yup I picked one up. Its quite fun relearning PGR3 with the wheel. Oh yeah the box is unbelievably huge. I'm good for my next gen racing experiences though.

:)

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