Sim Drivers,
I just took delivery of one of the first TSW Deluxe
steering wheel/pedal systems with the new paddle
shifters just like the F1 setup (I will primarily
use it with Grand Prix 2) and all I can say is
"where is my racing sponsorship?"
After only FIVE MINUTES of setup I was behind the
wheel and flicking shifts as if the unit was part
of my body. Truely great ergonomics for the overall
system. The shifters are behind the wheel, the
right paddle shifts up and the left shifts down. As
you turn the wheel the shifters turn with the wheel
so you're fingers are always ready to flick the
next gear selection. Anyway as I'm thrashing in my
hot laps there is not one rattle, squeak or
vibration from the TSW wheel or pedals. It is solid
as a rock, yet smooth, quick and responsive... so
real that it is hard to believe it's a computer
input device.
The unit looks like something out of a serious
custom-built street racer. The wheel is REAL. All
of the mechanics and electronics look
purpose-built, which I think is cool (because
that's the way race cars look). It looks like it
can take allot of abuse... I suppose I will have
the pleasure of finding out if it can.
I'd been disappointed using a borrowed T1 and was
anticipating the T2, but when I saw one I couldn't
believe how cheap it was. So I started researching
the web and SIM NEWS, which lead me to consider a
TSW system. When I accessed the Thomas Super Wheel
web page (http://www.racesimcentral.net/~thomas/) and read
about the new Deluxe model with the paddle shifters
I decided to order one. This wheel may seem a
little expensive in comparison to a toy like the
T2, but with the paddle shifters it rivals anything
twice it's price. If I hadn't found the TSW I
probably would still be researching instead of
racing. (Closest competition is made in the UK,
France, or Australia and my long distance company
doesn't have good discounts to these countries if I
need support or parts).
All I can say is if you thew away money for a T1
and now T2 you blew-it.
This wheel is turning my games into simulators.
Check-it-out,
Craig