Some time ago I posted news on the site regarding the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 Collector’s Edition and one of our readers (The_Claw) mentioned to me:
"With all this GT5 talk maybe someone should cover the best kind of racing wheels/setups out there. To me that would be the only way to play the game, but I have no idea which one to get."
I replied: "I'll see if I can get some wheels for review."
All that said brings me here today. I sent out several requests for racing wheels to review and in no time I found a big box in front of my apartment door. What was inside you ask? Believe it or not, it was a brand new Logitech G27 PS3/PC racing wheel. I was as happy as a kid in a video game store and a little surprised that a large company such as Logitech would reach out to little guys like me. Enough with the ranting, Read more for the review.
To be honest, I haven’t had much experience with racing wheels and the only one I previously used/owned was the Microsoft racing wheel. It may be a little unfair to compare the two, especially since they work on different platforms, but at least you'll see what a $100 difference will get you.
Right off the bat you’ll see how well the G27 is made when you take a look at it. The materials used are top notch. The 11 inch steering wheel and H pattern shifter knob are wrapped in black stitched leather. Behind the wheel you'll find the stainless steel paddle shifters. This is a huge step up in comparison to my Microsoft wheel, and they even have that nice "click" and weight to them when shifting.
The H pattern shifter has six gears forward and a push-in reverse gear. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest reasons to get the G27. The feel and resistance are just right, although I do wish it sounded a little less like feeble plastic when changing gears.
The pedals are made from stainless steel and each of them has their own specific resistance as in a real car. They are also adjustable to the left or right.
You'll find a lot of map-able buttons on the wheel as well as on the shifter console, but since they are not color coated or even marked they can easily become confusing and mixed up.
The current list of compatible games isn't very impressive, but (for those like me) the most important titles are included such as: Gran Turismo 5, DIRT 2, and all of the Need For Speed and NASCAR titles. I'm sure in given time the list will grow longer.
For a more detailed look, check out the videos below:
I’m sure you may be wondering, “so, how does it feel ‘driving’ this thing?” Let me put it to you this way… I've never liked the beginnings of any racing game, even when using my Microsoft wheel. The first couple of cars are slow and it takes forever to finish a race. I never understood why developers put in TIER 1/Class D cars in their games since they're not very fun to drive especially when using a game pad. However, when you put the G27 into the frame, the picture undergoes a complete metamorphosis.
When I have this wheel set up, for a preferably better experience I turn off all assists, set every setting to simulation, and switch the transmission and clutch to manual. This setting gives you (at least it did for me) the best "feel" of the car. Trust me, once you become used to one car and its characteristics, you'll be less likely to switch to a different car. Think of it like this, whatever car you drive on a daily basis (of course that goes with the assumption that you do drive) has a feel that is attuned to your liking. When put into a situation where you have to drive another vehicle, it will no doubt feel different especially if it’s a different make and model. That same “feeling” can be applied when using this wheel. Of course that all can be said (to an extent) when using a typical controller, but it’s even more apparent when using this wheel.
Truthfully, I've only had about 6 hours of total game time with the G27, but I can surely say that I'm having more fun driving a Lancer then a Bugatti Veyron because of the reasons stated earlier, and that is nothing but a good thing.
One of the main ways this wheel brings in a total sense of immersion is that the shifter brings in a new level of interaction. Now, instead of just pushing a few buttons, you have to worry about actually shifting correctly and not forgetting to use the clutch all the while steering with your left hand. It may sound like too much to focus on, but that very reason is why the TIER 1/Class D cars are so much more fun.
If you're a fan of racers then this is the steering wheel to get. The craftsmanship is excellent. The force feedback is strong, smooth, and, above all, very quiet. Lastly, the H pattern shifter brings in a whole new level of immersion and realism that my Microsoft wheel doesn't even come close to.
There are a few minor flaws, however, as I point out in the video, such as the lack of button differentiation, slew of cables, and, perhaps the biggest issue, the price. But none of these flaws will take away from a great driving experience you will have with this wheel. If you're in the market for one, the Logitech G27 should be on the top of your list.
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It's really an excellent wheel if you're looking for real action. I wish a wheel of this caliber was available for the Xbox 360. No wheel as good as this one is there on the Xbox at the moment, which is a shame, as there are good racing games on Xbox as well.
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@ cylon
The Microsoft wheel is horrific compared to this really. It may be wireless, but it has a very small amount of rotation, no shifter, and its generally cheaper all around. Also, they went wired because it works with the PC, and is probably used more often with the PC. Probably the same reason they didn't but graphics on the buttons.
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I was actually thinking about making a weekly program in which players show off their game rooms either in video or picture format. The only problem with such a show is that it's mostly supported by the community. There is only so many of us in TGA that can record our setups, but it would be up to you guys to keep it going. This isn't the first time someone asked about this kind of show, so if you are interested in showing off your gaming setup hit me up at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or darnokg on skype.
I would love to add this chair to my console gaming collection:
Pricing and info http://www.amazon.com/Playseat...d_sbs_sg_3.
Is that your living room, or is that your dedicated gaming room? It would be interesting to have an article on TheGamerAccess where everyone talks about their gaming setups and includes pictures.
@Konrad
Sony drops the ball in this niche accessory area, in my opinion. The Microsoft Steering Wheel is incredible. Wireless wheel, wireless pedals and no power cords (provided you use the batteries instead, of course). Wonder why Sony won't do the same? I really do not want any wires running on my Spanish Tile floor in front of the HDTV.
Excellent review though! And I definitely like the videos that you added as well.
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