Saitek vs. MS vs. Logitech FF wheel?

I have always enjoyed the various racing games -though I am not a fanatic by any means... I just like to get in the car, maybe run a race, and be done with it. I do not need any total simulation where I can tune the various components to varying degrees. As a newbie to the racing game world.... what FF wheel do your recommend? I went to Best Buy and I liked the feel of the logitech wheel the best... but I have heard only good things about the MS Wheel. Wasn't real impressed with the Saitek wheel but I know their flight sim stuff is top notch. What should I ask for for Xmas? The $$$ is not really a difference.

I just got the Logitech FF, after spending several hours toying with each at Best Buy (I need to hide my name tag and Best Buy logo so people quit asking me questions........hehe) and I am pleased with it. It will be a smoother wheel, since it uses the steel cable technology, rather than the gears that the microsoft and saitek has. The paddles and buttons are easier to reach than the microsoft, I didn't look to closely at the saitek after I saw it used the gear drive. The microsoft pedals are a little better than the logitech's, but both serve their purpose. Game compatibility shouldn't be too big of an issue with either joystick, though I've been told Interstate '76 only works with the Microsoft. I haven't got my copy to re-install right since my computer upgrade. And as long as I'm rambling, I'll put in a Best Buy plug and suggest that you get the 2 year replacement plan whichever wheel you get, it's only 24.99 and with newer technology like FF it might be a worthwhile investment down the road............hehe, sorry, I couldn't resist. Brian Fox >I have always enjoyed the various racing games -though I am not a fanatic by any >means... I just like to get in the car, maybe run a race, and be done with it. I >do not need any total simulation where I can tune the various components to >varying degrees. As a newbie to the racing game world.... what FF wheel do your >recommend? I went to Best Buy and I liked the feel of the logitech wheel the >best... but I have heard only good things about the MS Wheel. Wasn't real >impressed with the Saitek wheel but I know their flight sim stuff is top notch. >What should I ask for for Xmas? The $$$ is not really a difference.

I bought and returned the Saitek. Hated it. I bought the MS and I absolutely love it...except for the shifting paddles--they're too short, more like buttons. Looked at the Logitech, and the wheel is amazing. The pedals, however, look crappy and reviews I've seen say they are pretty bad. I'd say the MS is your best buy (pun intended) overall, although the Logitech is a close second. I wouldn't even consider the Saitek--it's a major disappointment, given the high quality of their flight sim stuff.

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>I just got the Logitech FF, after spending several hours toying with each at >Best Buy (I need to hide my name tag and Best Buy logo so people quit asking >me questions........hehe) and I am pleased with it. It will be a smoother >wheel, since it uses the steel cable technology, rather than the gears that >the microsoft and saitek has. The paddles and buttons are easier to reach >than the microsoft, I didn't look to closely at the saitek after I saw it >used the gear drive. The microsoft pedals are a little better than the >logitech's, but both serve their purpose. Game compatibility shouldn't be >too big of an issue with either joystick, though I've been told Interstate >'76 only works with the Microsoft. I haven't got my copy to re-install >right since my computer upgrade. And as long as I'm rambling, I'll put in a >Best Buy plug and suggest that you get the 2 year replacement plan whichever >wheel you get, it's only 24.99 and with newer technology like FF it might be >a worthwhile investment down the road............hehe, sorry, I couldn't >resist. >Brian Fox >>I have always enjoyed the various racing games -though I am not a fanatic >by any >>means... I just like to get in the car, maybe run a race, and be done with >it. I >>do not need any total simulation where I can tune the various components to >>varying degrees. As a newbie to the racing game world.... what FF wheel do >your >>recommend? I went to Best Buy and I liked the feel of the logitech wheel >the >>best... but I have heard only good things about the MS Wheel. Wasn't real >>impressed with the Saitek wheel but I know their flight sim stuff is top >notch. >>What should I ask for for Xmas? The $$$ is not really a difference.

-- Rick Worrell Sports *** Network [link lost in import: /***.com]

I think the MS clamping device is CRAP! Alan