For anyone shopping for a new wheel, here's one take on Logitech's Wingman
Formula (non-FF), which I've been using for a while now.
While not perfect, it's much better than the other wheels I've had. More
accurate, more reliable, looks better, feels better. For reference, I've been
using a TM GP1(modified for 270deg. w/stiffer bungee) with CH pedals (w/a
racquet ball duct-taped behind the brake pedal). I've tried, used and returned
a Nascar Pro, a Nascar SuperSport, and a Saitek R4, because they all had too
many problems/glitches or were just not as good as what I already had.
The wheel unit's great; good ergonomics, easy-to-reach shift paddles, good
clamps, nice looks, grippy rim, the works. The wheel size and angle are very
close to the GP1, which I prefer to the new low-rider TM wheels, and the base
footprint is even smaller. It uses a steel steerer shaft with dual return
springs (one per side), and the resistance is close to the SuperSport's; a bit
less than older TM wheels, and very smooth. It only has about 190 degrees of
rotation, which I didn't think sufficient for GPL, but I gather that's
preference. I removed the two stops and replaced them with a single one at 12
o'clock, giving about 270 degrees, and also relocated the spring mounting bolts
to increase the centering tension. I prefer a pretty heavy wheel though, and
have always kept a stout bungee in my GP1. I could easily have lived with the
stock setup, but hey, I've got that spiffy cordless drill. And while it's not
quite Momo-spec, just knowing that drilled-out Campagnolo chainring bolt (my
new stop) is in there just makes me feel better. Forza Italia! Email me if
you'd like a how-to.
The Logitech Profiler software is nice, allowing you to map different
functions and keystrokes (even macros) to the wheel buttons. And you can
switch between single and dual-axis pedals in software without rebooting or
recalibrating. In future driver versions, this will be tied to each game.
Once you set it, it will be automatic. The software and wheel work fine with
GPL, ICR2, N1999, Viper, CPR, F1RS, and CMR, but you have to use combined-axis
pedals in GP2, as the software has some problem with separate pedals there.
The biggest hit against the Wingman Formula is that the pedal springs are too
soft. The base is good, though, and stays put better than any of the TM pedals
I've tried. They'd be ok with some stiffer or supplemental springs, and indeed
are not bad as-is for most everything but GPL, which requires more pedal
control than anything else. They use simple coil springs, which are easy to
round up. In the end, though, I just removed the Logitech wiring and plugged
it right into my CH pedals, since I already had 'em, loved 'em, and it was easy
to do. As above, email me if you'd like instructions.
One problem I did have with my wheel, which may not show up on many, was a bit
of slack between the pot and the steering shaft, caused by excess clearance in
the plastic collar that mates the two. It gave a bit of lag whenever I changed
directions with the wheel, made very obvious since I had long ago set the
deadzone to zero in my dinput.dll file. While it required disassembly of the
wheel, a tiny bit of epoxy putty closed the gaps completely and made it very
accurate. Of note: Logitech uses three dabs of silicone to stabilize the pot,
not relying solely on the tab that secures it; a nice touch. With the modified
rotation and precision of this setup, I can run my linearity at full-left, or
within a couple of millimeters (depending on caffeine intake :-)).
A final observation would be that the guys at Logitech provide excellent
support. They follow r.a.s., as well as the forum on Force-1.com, and offer
help and advice promptly and freely. Our suggestions have ALREADY found their
way into the product. We'd all be better off if the rest of the industry were
as responsive.
In sum, a really nice wheel, particularly at the price point. I'd been really
disappointed in all the new wheels I'd tried, and was about to splurge on a
TSW2, but just couldn't abide the combined pedals. It took a little tweaking
to get the Wingman Formula just right (for me), but then it WAS $150 less.
Well worth the effort.
A happy camper(driver) at last,
Steve B.
remove "edy" from address for email
I've got one of 'em too and I like it. When I get the time, I think I'll
go to Builders Square or Home Depot and buy some stiffer springs for the
pedals.
Nanakofi....
