For a look at how the Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro wheel and the Thomas
Enterprises TSW2 compare, check out the following link:
http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/tsw2rev.htm
The Thrustmaster products have always been good in terms of
reliability, and they are a good choice if you're on a budget. The
TSW2 wheel is as solid as a tank (quite literally), but it costs more
than the Thrustmaster wheels. The TSW2 does offer a lifetime warranty
on all mechanical assemblies (which does not include the
potentiometers, which are electrical assemblies), so reliability is
basically not a concern if you decide to invest in a TSW2.
FWIW, I own a NASCAR Pro wheel and a TSW2 -- and the TSW2 is by far my
favorite. The NASCAR Pro wheel is nice, but the TSW2 is just that
much nicer. At $120, the NASCAR Pro wheel isn't all that cheap, but
you might find it on sale occasionally. The TSW2 is currently priced
at $200, I believe, but the extra cost buys you a wheel with more
solid build quality AND a lifetime warranty.
I don't have any experience with some of the other wheels on the
market (i.e., the CH driving set, the new ACT labs wheels, etc.), but
my impression is that they just don't seem as durable and well-built
as either the Thrustmaster or Thomas Enterprises products. Keep in
mind that this is just my impression, though -- others may have more
experience with these products.
Hope this helps a bit.
-- John Bodin
Publisher, The IRL Insider Magazine On-Line
http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/