Why so many? MIDI-compatible game port issues would be my guess (or
lack thereof). I had to get a new sound card to get my Saitek to work
(mine was a new retail unit, not a refurb). I've NEVER had ANY
problems with my Saitek wheel -- the buttons on the front of the wheel
do stick a bit on mine, so I guess they leave a bit to be desired, but
when you're steering, shifting, braking, and accelerating, who has
time for buttons, anyway? Otherwise, though, it's rock-solid, from
both an electrical and mechanical standpoint. All in all, an
outstanding wheel even after several months of use by a variety of
drivers.
My friend's refurbed Saitek wheel looked new when he got it, and he's
also had no problems over the past few months.
Also, how do you know there are "so many" refurbished Saiteks -- the
offer indicates a "limited number," which probably means that they may
have one or two refurbished items on hand at any given time. You make
it sound like they can't give them away, which isn't the case, I
assure you.
You've obviously got your opinion on the Saitek wheel, though, but all
I can say is that I've got one, I like it, and if you want a decent,
cheap FF wheel, you'd be hard-pressed to beat the Saitek R4 Force
wheel for the price. THIS is the wheel that TSW and ECCI owners
should be looking at -- especially since they've spent al that dough
on the really GOOD wheels, already. FF is still in the gimmick stage
as far as I'm concerned; GPL's implementation may change that, but I
still think most people would be better off spending $220 on a TSW2
that will last forever, rather than investing $199 on a MS FF wheel,
for example (insert your favorite price and FF wheel manufacturer here
-- the MS wheel was used as a comparison due to the price similarity
between it and the TSW2 wheel).
On the other hand, based on what you have to say, you do seem to be an
expert, Tom, so maybe people will just want to ignore my opinion on
this. Or maybe not.
-- JB
>tom
>>I'm no expert on FF wheels, but the Saitek R4 Force wheel is a great,
>>inexpensive wheel (with Microsoft internals, yet) -- refurbed ones are
>>only $79 (at this price, they're a steal). Check my review at:
>>http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/sims/
>>A friend of mine owns the Microsoft Sidewinder wheel and loves it. He
>>also bought a refurbed Saitek on my recommendation so he could have
>>two FF wheels for his networked setup. He likes the Microsoft wheel a
>>bit better (slightly stronger forces, he says), but thinks the Saitek
>>wheel is a great wheel for the price.
>>I've never tried the ACT Labs FF wheel, but I have the non-FF version,
>>and this is a VERY nice wheel. My biggest gripe is the tiny paddle
>>shifters, but you can re-map the buttons for shifting (the buttons are
>>well-placed). I'd consider this one to be a contender in the FF
>>realm, based on my experiences with their non-FF products. Great tech
>>support, too.
>>Logitech wheel looks great, folks seem to like it, but I've never
>>tried one out for myself.
>>Avoid the Thrustmaster Formula Force wheel like the plague -- I've
>>heard nothing but bad reports about them. FWIW, in the non-FF realm,
>>the new Thrustmaster NASCAR Super Sport is a VERY nice wheel for the
>>price.
>>I hope this helps a bit.
>>-- JB
>>>Microsoft? (I'm afraid it might be too much like their software and not
>>>work when you need it most)
>>>Act Labs? (who the hell are these guys?)
>>>Logitech ? (pedals look skimpy)
>>>Thrustmaster Nascar Force GT? (I like the fact that this wheel still has
>>>a regular shifter)
>>>Is getting a FF wheel even worth it?
>>>--
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