I do have one yet but planning to get Act Labs Force RS.
I have only read and heard good things. I'm also getting setup as a
reseller and hope to purchase a shipment in the next month.
They cost more but are worth it.
"John Wehman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:k8Rm7.9297$[email hidden]...
but
I am in the market to get a new wheel/pedals combo for N4 under Win2K. I
only have one shot and it's got to last at least two years to make the
purchase seem worthwhile to my wife.
I have looked (drooled?) at the ACT Labs FF wheel/pedals/shifter combo
extensively, but I want to know from people who have used these if they're
worth the price.
I could shell out half as much for a Nascar TM FF wheel or MS FF wheel, but
I don't think that would hold up as well or feel as real.
The ACT Labs shifter really has me leaning that way - plus their quality
seems much superior to the others.
Comments?
Regards,
John Wehman
Couldn't pry mine away from me. Really nice wheel and shifter. I also have the
new pedals on order due out at the end of October.
Wanna know the best deal out there. I used a Thrustmaster T2 for many years,
Right up until last year when I bought an Act Labs. I found the Act Labs
wheel fun to use with the rally games, But terrible for Nascar 4. N4 needs
such subtle inputs that the notchy feel of the wheel hamper controlling the
car. I went back to my T2 until I then found a used ECCI wheel. I am in
heaven now. Anyway getting back to the good deal. The T2 are not bad and can
be bought for less then it would cost to ship. Maybe something to pick up
until you know exactly what you want or raise more money.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1272985522
--
Kevin Anderson
[email hidden]
"John Wehman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:k8Rm7.9297$[email hidden]...
> I am in the market to get a new wheel/pedals combo for N4 under Win2K. I
> only have one shot and it's got to last at least two years to make the
> purchase seem worthwhile to my wife.
>
> I have looked (drooled?) at the ACT Labs FF wheel/pedals/shifter combo
> extensively, but I want to know from people who have used these if they're
> worth the price.
>
> I could shell out half as much for a Nascar TM FF wheel or MS FF wheel,
but
> I don't think that would hold up as well or feel as real.
>
> The ACT Labs shifter really has me leaning that way - plus their quality
> seems much superior to the others.
>
> Comments?
>
> Regards,
>
> John Wehman
>
>
I bought a MSFF almost 2 years ago. It has been abused heavily because of my
addiction of GPL. I recently bought N4, and think my wheel is superb for
left turns, too. My MSFF must have been in use for hundreds and hundreds of
hours.
I guess the MSFF will last twice as long when driving N4 than when driving
GPL, as you turn only half as much in N4 (mostly left handers) ;-)
The downside with MSFF is that it may cause a fps drop. It uses Microsoft's
force feedback technology, which requires more of the cpu than Logitech's
I-force technology.
Jon Andersen
"John Wehman" <[email hidden]> skrev i melding
news:k8Rm7.9297$[email hidden]...
but
Quoted text (9 lines)
> I am in the market to get a new wheel/pedals combo for N4 under Win2K. I > only have one shot and it's got to last at least two years to make the > purchase seem worthwhile to my wife. > > I have looked (drooled?) at the ACT Labs FF wheel/pedals/shifter combo > extensively, but I want to know from people who have used these if they're > worth the price. > > I could shell out half as much for a Nascar TM FF wheel or MS FF wheel,Quoted text (12 lines)
> I don't think that would hold up as well or feel as real. > > The ACT Labs shifter really has me leaning that way - plus their quality > seems much superior to the others. > > Comments? > > Regards, > > John Wehman > >Using my Force RS/shifter and TM Pro Digital 2 pedals...nice and comfy..(if
only I could get split axis in winxp that is)
"John Wehman" <[email hidden]> wrote:
> I am in the market to get a new wheel/pedals combo for N4 under Win2K.
> I have looked (drooled?) at the ACT Labs FF wheel/pedals/shifter combo
> I could shell out half as much for a Nascar TM FF wheel or MS FF wheel,
> but I don't think that would hold up as well or feel as real.
> Comments?
You can't go wrong with the MS FF wheel, I had one for a year or so. Since
then, I've had an AL FF wheel and it hasn't let me down. Recently, it did
start to squeek but I just took it apart and lubed it and it's been quiet
ever since. The shifter simply rocks too, and I'm looking forward to their
new pedal set to include a clutch.
FWIW, I have over 13000 race miles on my AL setup and if you include
practice, it's most likely over 20000 miles in a year and a half.
--
Looking for some good online Nascar 4 Racing?
Join the Stock Car Pro Racing Club. http://www.scprc.com
Racing on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays,
starting at ~10:15 PM Eastern for ~1.5 hours
John Wehman <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:k8Rm7.9297$[email hidden]...
>
> I could shell out half as much for a Nascar TM FF wheel or MS FF wheel,but
> I don't think that would hold up as well or feel as real.
Or you could shell out 3X as much and get a TSW and would never need to by
anything but pots with their lifetime warranty. I got tired of buying
plastic wheels, they're good out of the gate, but only last so long. My old
Thrustmaster T2 is about dead after me using it for more than 2 years then
passing it on to my neighbor who has used it for 2 years now.
> The ACT Labs shifter really has me leaning that way - plus their quality
> seems much superior to the others.
I have heard similar reports from online friends, ActLabs is at or near the
top of the consumer grade of wheels (I consider TSW and the like
"pro"sumer). I also have friends that swear by MS, Logitech, Mad Catz and
even home made. Moral to the story, get what you like and you are likely to
like what you get.
Good luck.
John...
Not to get personal.....but why is your wife dictating your "specs and
requirements" for a sim racing wheel? Is she also a sim racer and sharing
the sim race equipment with you? If not.....maybe you should get her
involved with sim racing so she at least can dictate from a position of
knowledge and authority? I'm not trying to be a smart-ass.....honest.
In the 6 years I've been actively involved with the sim racing community and
the industry......I've known tons of good sim drivers who have substantially
improved the quality of their sim racing hobby.....and their home
life.....by getting their spouses involved in the sport along with them.
There has even been "wife only - sim racing leagues" formed from time to
time (mostly back in the TEN days.....but perhaps even more recent and I'm
just not aware of them)....that have been very successful.....more so than
many "guy" racing leagues I know of!
To answer your question(s) directly:
**Entry Level Controllers**
As far as entry-level sim racing controllers are concerned.....I don't think
there's better value (price verses performance) than the Thrustmaster NASCAR
Pro Digital-2 wheel....now manufactured by Guillemot. It has USB connection
(more reliable than gameport), smooth and adequate resolution performance in
all the axis controls (wheel, brake and gas pedals) and with the combined
shifter paddles and stick shift (sequential)...its perfect for sim drivers
who run both open wheel (GPL or GP3) and sedan/GT type tracing sims (SCGT,
Viper Racing, NASCAR 4) and you can use either/or for rally sims! There's
no more "complete" package available in my opinion.....for a suggested
retail of $60.....than the TM NAS Pro Digital-2 wheel......particularly for
use with NASCAR 4 and some serious online racing! There had been some
problems with the TM NAS Pro Digital-2 drivers in the past.....but it turned
out to be mostly a Microsoft/USB problem and if you go to the Windows Update
page (after you've installed your controller), you can download the
patch/fix for this directly from Microsoft. I use this controller on
several of our desktop rental units.......and have used it personally from
time to time. For $60 bucks....this unit rocks!
**Suggestion: Do Not get a FF sim racing wheel if you plan on doing any
serious online sim racing (especially in N4).
**FF Controllers**
If your sim racing activity is going to be mostly for fun and
entertainment......racing off-line or casual online racing with a few
buddies.....then by all means, consider getting a FF sim controller. FF is
great fun in rally sims......and arcade-type racing sims such as NFS-PU and
so forth. However, no FF sim controller is realistic enough that it doesn't
detract from the immersion factor.....if you are a serious sim driver.
That's not all the fault of the controller manufacturers by the way. FF API
and application within the racing sim programs......is just not realistic
enough......to accurately duplicate the forces one feels from a real-life
racing car (steering system). This is only my opinion......and I keep doing
research on this every time someone comes out with a new FF controller.
They are all fun....but not realistic. My pick of the crop from the FF
"entry-level" or "retail-level" controllers would be Logitech's FF (though
their pedals are not great)....coupled with an Act Labs independent shifter
unit. I have not had a chance to test out the new TM FF unit....you should
do that before buying a Logitech controller I would suggest.
**Serious Sim Racing Controllers**
Moving up to the next level of sim controllers.......my pick of the crop
would be either a Thomas Industries wheel/pedal system....or a Ball Racing
one....each have their unique advantages and disadvantages at the
moment......but they are both solid racing wheels with excellent durability
and design. As far as which one looks the coolest (the one that looks most
like some piece of real-world racing equipment), I'd have to give the edge
to the BRD controls. That is a subjective opinion, however. These units
are going to set you back anywhere from $300 to $500 (or more if you go
crazy with options).....but with a little preventative care and good
maintenance....you'll never have to buy another sim controller again (unless
somebody comes out with a better looking, or more functional unit). Both
systems are very smooth, have excellent axis resolution....... and will
definitely make you faster!
**My Disclaimer** (...lol...)
I should tell you (since I don't know you....I have to assume you might not
know my background in sim racing either) that coming this Fall, we will be
offering a sim racing equipment "e-store" on our website (Pabst-Racing.com).
We have been selected as the North American Distributor for BRD sim
controls.....but we will be carrying TSW and TM products as well (at least,
that is our plan at the moment). Hopefully, we will manage to be a reseller
for the Act Labs shifter also (yet to be finalized). I want to tell you
this up front.......so you don't think I'm making the above recommendations
just to "pad my own pocket." I am not. I am making those recommendations
because they are the best products....in my opinion and also in the opinion
of my "partners" (all of whom are sim racers). That is the reason we are
carrying those products in our Sim Equipment E-store. We will also be
carrying lots of accessories, hand made brackets, screen shrouds and
gadgets.....mostly the stuff used or created by the sim communities' top
drivers......in part....this is the stuff that helps make them so fast.
None of this sim racing paraphernalia is hard to make (some of it is pretty
innovative, though). However, many guys don't have the fabricating skills,
the tools, the workshops or the time.....to make this stuff on their own (or
invent it on their own). So, we are going to provide a unique place that
all sim racers can come to buy it.....ready-made. And, anyone who does have
the tools, time and skills to make this stuff.....we'll help them do just
that (free). Sorry....didn't mean to make this into a commercial for our
sim equipment e-store....but I needed to tell you about my involvement with
it myself....so someone else didn't claim my recommendations above were only
for self-interests.
Have fun in your search and research for a new sim racing controller! And
give your wife a turn or two at the wheel of your sim racing rig! You might
find she takes a whole new attitude about your sim racing......heck, maybe
she'd like to sim race too? Just think, you'd have a built-in LAN racing
opponent.....right at home!
Regards,
Tom
Without question, bar none the TSW is the best choice. They start at 225
and can go up to 1k nicely optioned out.
www.Thomas-SuperWheel.com
--
Darrin Stevens
www.Stevens-Racing.com
www.TeamECR.com
www.SimRaceCar.com
www.Thomas-SuperWheel.com
"John Wehman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:k8Rm7.9297$[email hidden]...
> I am in the market to get a new wheel/pedals combo for N4 under Win2K. I
> only have one shot and it's got to last at least two years to make the
> purchase seem worthwhile to my wife.
>
> I have looked (drooled?) at the ACT Labs FF wheel/pedals/shifter combo
> extensively, but I want to know from people who have used these if they're
> worth the price.
>
> I could shell out half as much for a Nascar TM FF wheel or MS FF wheel,
but
> I don't think that would hold up as well or feel as real.
>
> The ACT Labs shifter really has me leaning that way - plus their quality
> seems much superior to the others.
>
> Comments?
>
> Regards,
>
> John Wehman
>
>
A friend spent $800 on a TSW (ordered the shifter when it comes out) and it
drives like crap compared to my ECCI
Even he admitted the same thing, that when it comes to precision steering,
the ECCI has no equal
Darrin Stevens <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> Without question, bar none the TSW is the best choice. They start at 225
> and can go up to 1k nicely optioned out.
They both are nice yes, but seeing as the ecci is no longer available the
tsw has no equal any longer. FWIW TSW's won all 3 major Like Real Racing
LAN events.
--
Darrin Stevens
www.Stevens-Racing.com
www.TeamECR.com
www.SimRaceCar.com
www.Thomas-SuperWheel.com
"Tim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:6nbn7.54$[email hidden]...
> A friend spent $800 on a TSW (ordered the shifter when it comes out) and
it
> drives like crap compared to my ECCI
>
> Even he admitted the same thing, that when it comes to precision steering,
> the ECCI has no equal
>
> Darrin Stevens <[email hidden]> wrote in message
> news:[email hidden]...
> > Without question, bar none the TSW is the best choice. They start at
225
> > and can go up to 1k nicely optioned out.
>
>
>
Quoted text (15 lines)
> They both are nice yes, but seeing as the ecci is no longer available the > tsw has no equal any longer. FWIW TSW's won all 3 major Like Real Racing > LAN events. > > > A friend spent $800 on a TSW (ordered the shifter when it comes out) and > it > > drives like crap compared to my ECCI > > > > Even he admitted the same thing, that when it comes to precision steering, > > the ECCI has no equal > > > Without question, bar none the TSW is the best choice. They start at > 225 > > > and can go up to 1k nicely optioned out.Only cause you and Mike used them and you guys could have won with anything.
<g>
I know it's irreverent since they quit making them, but ECCI had some wheels
for sale recently and I know of at least three guys that bought one even
though they already owned a TSW after seeing the ECCI at the LAN events.
ECCI had some extras from a corporate order or something.
Tom
"Darrin Stevens" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:3b9d8da9$[email hidden]...
steering,
Quoted text (20 lines)
> They both are nice yes, but seeing as the ecci is no longer available the > tsw has no equal any longer. FWIW TSW's won all 3 major Like Real Racing > LAN events. > > -- > > Darrin Stevens > www.Stevens-Racing.com > www.TeamECR.com > www.SimRaceCar.com > www.Thomas-SuperWheel.com > > > "Tim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:6nbn7.54$[email hidden]... > > A friend spent $800 on a TSW (ordered the shifter when it comes out) and > it > > drives like crap compared to my ECCI > > > > Even he admitted the same thing, that when it comes to precisionQuoted text (12 lines)
> > the ECCI has no equal > > > > Darrin Stevens <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:[email hidden]... > > > Without question, bar none the TSW is the best choice. They start at > 225 > > > and can go up to 1k nicely optioned out. > > > > > > > >I can confirm that ECCI had some new units available. I purchased a new
CDS4000 from ECCI last month. A few months ago, while I was ordering parts
for my original CDS wheel, I asked about the possibility of purchasing a new
wheel. I was told that ECCI was negotiating with a commercial customer on
an order for wheels in the desktop configuration. ECCI told me that if the
order came through, they might build some extra units for retail sale. Last
month I asked if the order went through. The answer was yes and there was a
unit available if I wanted it!
This wheel is a mind bending (and wallet shrinking) work of art. I
purchased the original CDS unit in 1996 and I was always impressed by the
build quality and operational smoothness. This CDS4000 is much better in
both departments.
.........yes, the original CDS is already sold.
Robert
"Tom Oliver" <tomol(removethis)@oz.net> wrote in message
news:3bbb8ae9$[email hidden]...
> Only cause you and Mike used them and you guys could have won withanything.
> <g>
>
> I know it's irreverent since they quit making them, but ECCI had somewheels
the
> > tsw has no equal any longer. FWIW TSW's won all 3 major Like RealRacing
