From the Vault — originally published January 5, 2010. Some links, videos or prices may be out of date.
So here’s the back story. Back in the days I was a HUGE Outrun fan. Other than Street Fighter II and most likely before Street Fighter II I would pump as many quarters as I could scrounge up, or beg to get into Outrun machines. The shaking steering wheel on the stand up or seated cabinet was among my favorites. Later on around 1995-1996 I was addicted to Ridge Racer and then Ridge Racer Revolution for the original PlayStation system. I bought a steering wheel for it which I believe was a Madcatz wheel and it took the enjoyment of racing to a new level though I remember having to sit it on my lap and not being able to clamp it down. An any case it was good times.
Fast Forward to 2009 and with a purchase of the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel In realized that as with everything else high definition and next generation these steering wheels have come a long way. The Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel is a mid-range wheel. The Logitech G27 wheel being the top of the line and three times the cost at around $299 USD. The Wireless Logitech Driving Force wheel would be the worst of the bunch at about half the price of the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel. I have not tried it yet myself but I have read that the Wireless Xbox 360 Wheel is comparable to the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel.
For a mid range product the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel does impress with its sturdy feel and powerful force feedback. When your playing a game that fully supports the wheel such as Gran Turismo Prologue, or Midnight Club Lost Angeles you will fight the wheel. The feedback is much more rich and detailed than I expected. When you drive onto varied terrain such as grass or hit bumps you feel it. Not only that but the wheel turns 900-degrees which is about 2.5 times around lock to lock. The pedals are firm and have a good resistance as well.
If you are considering buying this or any wheel do consider mounting and placement. Think about where you will be playing with it and make sure that you have a sturdy and preferably clamp able surface to mount the wheel on. If you do not have a desk, or sturdy table in a place where you intend to play then consider a wheel stand. There is the Wheel Stand Pro , or Speedblack. Expect a review on one of these stands soon.
I totally recommend the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel for those that want to play Gran Turismo, Midnight Club LA, Need For Speed Shift, Grid, Burnout or any of the supported games. There are some games however that unfortunately are not supported such as Motorstorm Pacific Rift and Ridge Racer 7. Both of these were total letdowns as there is no support for any wheels. Despite these omissions after using the wheel there is no turning back.
