Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Steering Wheel Review

The MSFFW was a piece of art design wise. It's really a shame Microsoft
abandoned it's SideWinder stuff. They had best-in-class for just about all
the devices, yet they dumped them. Hell, they were even #1 rated. MS is a
hard complany to figure out sometimes and I've never trusted them to do the
right thing with hardware since.

-Larry

"huh?" > wrote in message
...
>I came from a Microsoft FFB wheel. I did like the clamp on that wheel a
>lot. However, I got the Fanantec wheel and the FFB is completely different
>than the Microsoft wheel. Not only was I able to feel the smack of the wall
>when I hit it (just like the Microsoft wheel) I was able to feel the little
>bumps on the road (something I never felt before).
>
> My only real complaint about the Porsche wheel is that first, there's no
> on/off switch. I need to unplug it so it doesn't light up the entire room.
> Second, the stitching on the leather may be perfect for the real Porsche
> 911, but on this wheel the parts of my fingers that rub up against the
> stitching near the wheel spokes can get pretty irritated after a while. I
> actually need to use driving gloves if I sim for a while.
>
> Is the Porsche wheel worth the money? Well, considering I played with the
> G25 at the store and realized I didn't like the shifting feel, yeah, I
> think it's worth it. However, I did like the Microsoft wheel but having an
> actual shifting lever for games like Nascar is really nice.
>
>
>
> "Flat Earth Society" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Tim Wheatley > wrote in
>> :
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> If anyone is interested I just posted a 911 Wheel review:
>>> http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/09/0...-turbo-wheel-r
>>> eview
>>
>> Looks like a nice wheel but you complained about the clamping system
>> which
>> is somehting I always consider seriously in wheels. Why hasn't anyone
>> ever
>> copied the clamping system from the old Microsoft FFB wheels? Did
>> Microsoft
>> patent that clamping system or something? It's easily the best clamping
>> system for wheels ever devised. The Logitech still uses the clunky old
>> two
>> plastic screw system they have always used. With the Microsft wheel once
>> you have set the gap there are no big plastic screws to turn, you just
>> push
>> the clamp up to make it clamp to your desk and it can clamp to any
>> thickness of desk, only takes a few seconds to do it too. That's the main
>> reason why I still use my Microsoft FFB wheel going on 7 years now and
>> haven't bothered to buy a new wheel.
>
>

"PlowBoy," > wrote in message
...
> Tim,
>
> I'm wondering if you cant get (borrow) a g25 to review somehow. I'd
> really like to see how your reviews would take into account "compared,"
> especially since you haven't had or tried the 25. I thought "UUUUGH, 300
> bucks, no way!" Then I finally bought one (while in the ordering phase,
> praying I would NOT regret nor have wasted the 300 bucks {US}.
>
> I'm one of the guys that loved the MS Sidewinder ff wheels and never
> thought I would like any other.... I had used and tried everything from
> the Thrustmaster t2, through nascar pro2 and the 2 other Logitech wheels.
> well about a year ago, I got the 25 because I got new PC... (sidewinder
> with XP sp2 or greater is tricky to get installed correctly)... I think
> and soapbox obviously, it was good, and pleasant decision.
>
> IMHO generally: if you haven't tried the g25 ya just don't know what you
> are missing (even I didn't). Still, at least you, Tim, have tried a 900
> degree wheel. I been told (and might concur) that since I haven't tried a
> Ecci I don't know what I am missing, but I know I cant/wouldn't spend the
> >$12 hundred either.
>

I have seen the G25 sold for about 200$ in Canada.

Larry,

I don't seem to have this "dual motor" issue you guys banter on about.
But I set my wheel settings exactly like everyone was setting the settings
for the momo's...

you know, centering spring ON but set to 0, (yes when car is moving the
castor/camber forces will center the wheel)
ff to 100%
2 other settings I would have to post from home, as I cant recall the names
ATM, one seems like dampening is at 18% but I might have the wrong
setting/term...

Google MOMO for this newsgroup a couple years ago. set wheel like they did,
or even follow the settings they suggest for the g25 at Iracing (can only
see it if you're a member sorry) and then race any game, you will enjoy it.

"Larry" > wrote in message ...
> The DFGT is also a reasonable choice at around $125. The pedals aren't as
> good as the G25, but the wheel is great and the shifter is serviceable.
>
> Frankly, the shifter on the G25 feels like it's made by Mattel to me.
> Very cheap and not very reliable.
>
> If you already have a pedal set you like, the DFGT is a great choice.
> IMHO, the FF is even better than the G25, particularly around-center as it
> does not have the dual-motor problems the G25 does.
>
> -Larry
>
> "PlowBoy," > wrote in message
> ...
>> Tim,
>>
>> I'm wondering if you cant get (borrow) a g25 to review somehow. I'd
>> really like to see how your reviews would take into account "compared,"
>> especially since you haven't had or tried the 25. I thought "UUUUGH, 300
>> bucks, no way!" Then I finally bought one (while in the ordering phase,
>> praying I would NOT regret nor have wasted the 300 bucks {US}.
>>
>> I'm one of the guys that loved the MS Sidewinder ff wheels and never
>> thought I would like any other.... I had used and tried everything from
>> the Thrustmaster t2, through nascar pro2 and the 2 other Logitech wheels.
>> well about a year ago, I got the 25 because I got new PC... (sidewinder
>> with XP sp2 or greater is tricky to get installed correctly)... I think
>> and soapbox obviously, it was good, and pleasant decision.
>>
>> IMHO generally: if you haven't tried the g25 ya just don't know what you
>> are missing (even I didn't). Still, at least you, Tim, have tried a 900
>> degree wheel. I been told (and might concur) that since I haven't tried
>> a Ecci I don't know what I am missing, but I know I cant/wouldn't spend
>> the
>> >$12 hundred either.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Tim Wheatley" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> On Sep 6, 10:13 am, "Bob Loblaw" > wrote:
>>> "Tim Wheatley" > wrote in message
>>>
>>> ...
>>>
>>> > Hi,
>>>
>>> > If anyone is interested I just posted a 911 Wheel review:
>>> >http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/09/0...11-turbo-wheel...
>>>
>>> > Also recently posted a Logitech Force EX review too:
>>> >http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/08/2...iving-force-ex
>>>
>>> > Cheers,
>>>
>>> > Tim.
>>>
>>> Interesting review but if i may make a suggestion, the price is one of
>>> the
>>> most important factors in hardware reviews. For example, the new Frex
>>> wheel
>>> is getting rave reviews but the 2000$ price tag has to be considered. I
>>> have
>>> found that the Logitech G25 hits the sweet spot for the price/quality
>>> ratio.
>>> It's also very moddable for those who like customizing their equipement.
>>
>> Thanks Bob. I didn't really consider pricing because I didn't have to
>> pay for it. I do think that it is well worth the money when compared
>> to the G25 pricing. I added info on the price and said that I think
>> it's worth the price now in the article... Just a mention though...
>>
>

Everyone does. It's part of the design. You can't NOT have it.

Because of the dual motors, Logitech has to roll off the FF effects
on-center. If they didn't, the two motors would sit there and fight with
each other constantly.

You have it. It just may not bother you as much as others.

-Larry

"PlowBoy," > wrote in message
...
> Larry,
>
> I don't seem to have this "dual motor" issue you guys banter on about.
> But I set my wheel settings exactly like everyone was setting the settings
> for the momo's...
>
> you know, centering spring ON but set to 0, (yes when car is moving the
> castor/camber forces will center the wheel)
> ff to 100%
> 2 other settings I would have to post from home, as I cant recall the
> names ATM, one seems like dampening is at 18% but I might have the wrong
> setting/term...
>
> Google MOMO for this newsgroup a couple years ago. set wheel like they
> did, or even follow the settings they suggest for the g25 at Iracing (can
> only see it if you're a member sorry) and then race any game, you will
> enjoy it.
>
> "Larry" > wrote in message
> ...
>> The DFGT is also a reasonable choice at around $125. The pedals aren't
>> as good as the G25, but the wheel is great and the shifter is
>> serviceable.
>>
>> Frankly, the shifter on the G25 feels like it's made by Mattel to me.
>> Very cheap and not very reliable.
>>
>> If you already have a pedal set you like, the DFGT is a great choice.
>> IMHO, the FF is even better than the G25, particularly around-center as
>> it does not have the dual-motor problems the G25 does.
>>
>> -Larry
>>
>> "PlowBoy," > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Tim,
>>>
>>> I'm wondering if you cant get (borrow) a g25 to review somehow. I'd
>>> really like to see how your reviews would take into account "compared,"
>>> especially since you haven't had or tried the 25. I thought "UUUUGH,
>>> 300 bucks, no way!" Then I finally bought one (while in the ordering
>>> phase, praying I would NOT regret nor have wasted the 300 bucks {US}.
>>>
>>> I'm one of the guys that loved the MS Sidewinder ff wheels and never
>>> thought I would like any other.... I had used and tried everything from
>>> the Thrustmaster t2, through nascar pro2 and the 2 other Logitech
>>> wheels. well about a year ago, I got the 25 because I got new PC...
>>> (sidewinder with XP sp2 or greater is tricky to get installed
>>> correctly)... I think and soapbox obviously, it was good, and pleasant
>>> decision.
>>>
>>> IMHO generally: if you haven't tried the g25 ya just don't know what
>>> you are missing (even I didn't). Still, at least you, Tim, have tried a
>>> 900 degree wheel. I been told (and might concur) that since I haven't
>>> tried a Ecci I don't know what I am missing, but I know I cant/wouldn't
>>> spend the
>>> >$12 hundred either.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Tim Wheatley" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> On Sep 6, 10:13 am, "Bob Loblaw" > wrote:
>>>> "Tim Wheatley" > wrote in message
>>>>
>>>> ...
>>>>
>>>> > Hi,
>>>>
>>>> > If anyone is interested I just posted a 911 Wheel review:
>>>> >http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/09/0...11-turbo-wheel...
>>>>
>>>> > Also recently posted a Logitech Force EX review too:
>>>> >http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/08/2...iving-force-ex
>>>>
>>>> > Cheers,
>>>>
>>>> > Tim.
>>>>
>>>> Interesting review but if i may make a suggestion, the price is one of
>>>> the
>>>> most important factors in hardware reviews. For example, the new Frex
>>>> wheel
>>>> is getting rave reviews but the 2000$ price tag has to be considered. I
>>>> have
>>>> found that the Logitech G25 hits the sweet spot for the price/quality
>>>> ratio.
>>>> It's also very moddable for those who like customizing their
>>>> equipement.
>>>
>>> Thanks Bob. I didn't really consider pricing because I didn't have to
>>> pay for it. I do think that it is well worth the money when compared
>>> to the G25 pricing. I added info on the price and said that I think
>>> it's worth the price now in the article... Just a mention though...
>>>
>>
>
>

On Sep 9, 11:44*pm, "huh?" > wrote:
> Forgot to add that the clamp system on the Fanatec system isn't as secure as
> the Microsoft model, but it's good enough.
>
> "Flat Earth Society" > wrote in ...
>
> > Tim Wheatley > wrote in
> :
>
> >> Hi,
>
> >> If anyone is interested I just posted a 911 Wheel review:
> >>http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/09/0...-turbo-wheel-r
> >> eview
>
> > Looks like a nice wheel but you complained about the clamping system which
> > is somehting I always consider seriously in wheels. Why hasn't anyone ever
> > copied the clamping system from the old Microsoft FFB wheels? Did
> > Microsoft
> > patent that clamping system or something? It's easily the best clamping
> > system for wheels ever devised. The Logitech still uses the clunky old two
> > plastic screw system they have always used. With the Microsft wheel once
> > you have set the gap there are no big plastic screws to turn, you just
> > push
> > the clamp up to make it clamp to your desk and it can clamp to any
> > thickness of desk, only takes a few seconds to do it too. That's the main
> > reason why I still use my Microsoft FFB wheel going on 7 years now and
> > haven't bothered to buy a new wheel.

I'm pretty pleased that you concur with the review, having tried it.
Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Tim Wheatley > wrote:
> lid

>> Why not post your review here?

> Same reason those rollerblade photos aren't here. The article
> wouldn't display as I want it to, images and all.

I wasn't talking about a signature. But I would agree that a
signature is a good place to put a link to your article(s) or your
website (if Google Groups allows you to use a signature). Quoting
relevant text from your article is a lot easier if the text is
posted here, quoting/threading is the outstanding feature of USENET
that clarifies discussion and distinguishes USENET from World Wide
Web forums.



--
The first big front wheel rollerblades.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27532210@N04/2565924423/
Google Groups is destroying the USENET archive.

"Larry" > wrote:

> Everyone does.

No way.

> You can't NOT have it.

I do NOT have it.

> You have it.

No, YOU have it.

> It just may not bother you as much as others.

Just don't get close enough to give it to anybody else.

Dude, it's engineered in the device, on purpose, by Logitech for mechanical
reasons. Unless you re-engineered it and removed it then it is there.

Like I said. Maybe you ain't bothered by it. Nothing wrong with that, but
it IS there.


"John Doe" > wrote in message
...
> "Larry" > wrote:
>
>> Everyone does.
>
> No way.
>
>> You can't NOT have it.
>
> I do NOT have it.
>
>> You have it.
>
> No, YOU have it.
>
>> It just may not bother you as much as others.
>
> Just don't get close enough to give it to anybody else.

It doesn't exactly zero the forces around *center*. It may zero the
forces when the torque on the virtual steering column is close to
zero, but that's not too different from real life.

Raising the FFB strength in the controller menu above 100% diminishes
that dead spot.

FWIW, you don't have to completely zero out the forces on both
motors. Electric motors can withstand a low level of current
indefinitely.

--
Pat Dotson


On Sep 15, 9:32*am, "Larry" > wrote:
> Dude, it's engineered in the device, on purpose, by Logitech for mechanical
> reasons. *Unless you re-engineered it and removed it then it is there.
>
> Like I said. Maybe you ain't bothered by it. *Nothing wrong with that, but
> it IS there.
>
> "John Doe" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
>
>
> > "Larry" > wrote:
>
> >> Everyone does.
>
> > No way.
>
> >> You can't NOT have it.
>
> > I do NOT have it.
>
> >> You have it.
>
> > No, YOU have it.
>
> >> It just may not bother you as much as others.
>
> > Just don't get close enough to give it to anybody else.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

On Sep 6, 10:40*pm, Flat Earth Society > wrote:
> Tim Wheatley > wrote :
>
> > Hi,
>
> > If anyone is interested I just posted a 911 Wheel review:
> >http://timwheatley.org/www/2008/09/0...-turbo-wheel-r
> > eview
>
> Looks like a nice wheel but you complained about the clamping system which
> is somehting I always consider seriously in wheels.

The clamping system works fine on most tables. In case you need it
much stronger there is a clamp made of steel available which is ultra
strong.
http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=291&lang=en