looking for quality wheel

Was that $500 or $5000 you wanted to spend? Tore

An ECCI is the BEST wheel you can get. If you want to settle on Mom & Pop-type quality, with a cheaper price.....look into a TSW.

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> Looking for suggestions for a new wheel from your personal > experiences. I have had several wheels in the past and am currently > using Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro but would like something more precise > and that has a quality feel. I played with a FFB wheel but returned it > because the emphasis seemed to be on jolts from crashing and wooden > bridges, not on road feedback like under steer etc. Maybe drivers and > software have matured since Christmas in this aspect of FFB? In any > event I don't think I'm going to find the quality I'm looking for from > the current filed off FFB wheels. BTW looking to spend around $500... > Things I'm looking: > Good spring/tension device that offers spring with no 'dead spot'. > NO wiggle or slop in the wheel or the shaft, no clicks, pops, twangs > etc. > Easily serviceable by myself. > Shifting paddles and/or wheel mounted button (although doing wheel > mounted button myself wouldn't be a big deal). > Good pedals with same quality standard as wheel. > Overall solid feel and build, nice looking polished unit would be a > good perk. > Units I'm considering and/or eliminated > ECCI- Very nice, friend has one of the originals. Base unit costs > $1049 out of my price range :( > TWS- Read lots about it here looks like it fits all my criteria above. > SRC- Looks well built, love the pedal layout but haven't read much > about it here on the NG (please post your opinion if you own one) BTW > web site is http://www.mindspring.net/~srcwheel/ if your curious to > take a look. > ???- Any other wheels that are in this category please post along with > a mini review or your impressions. > Thanks!! > Adam M

Hypersim Is what you mean? this link doesnt take me anywhere

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>The best product is at www.hyperstimcanada.com. >> Looking for suggestions for a new wheel from your personal >> experiences. I have had several wheels in the past and am currently >> using Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro but would like something more precise >> and that has a quality feel. I played with a FFB wheel but returned it >> because the emphasis seemed to be on jolts from crashing and wooden >> bridges, not on road feedback like under steer etc. Maybe drivers and >> software have matured since Christmas in this aspect of FFB? In any >> event I don't think I'm going to find the quality I'm looking for from >> the current filed off FFB wheels. BTW looking to spend around $500... >> Things I'm looking: >> Good spring/tension device that offers spring with no 'dead spot'. >> NO wiggle or slop in the wheel or the shaft, no clicks, pops, twangs >> etc. >> Easily serviceable by myself. >> Shifting paddles and/or wheel mounted button (although doing wheel >> mounted button myself wouldn't be a big deal). >> Good pedals with same quality standard as wheel. >> Overall solid feel and build, nice looking polished unit would be a >> good perk. >> Units I'm considering and/or eliminated >> ECCI- Very nice, friend has one of the originals. Base unit costs >> $1049 out of my price range :( >> TWS- Read lots about it here looks like it fits all my criteria above. >> SRC- Looks well built, love the pedal layout but haven't read much >> about it here on the NG (please post your opinion if you own one) BTW >> web site is http://www.mindspring.net/~srcwheel/ if your curious to >> take a look. >> ???- Any other wheels that are in this category please post along with >> a mini review or your impressions. >> Thanks!! >> Adam M

TSW is hardly mom and pop type quality. I would put its quality darn near the ECCI at about 1/3 the price. Plus the TSW doesn't come with tractor pedals <VBG> Yes.. I have used both and although I love the wheel on either unit, I prefer the feel of the TSW pedals over the ECCI pedal unit. Again... its all about preferences and the amount of money you want to spend. If you do not need digital or force feedback controllers, IMHO the TSWs are the best value on the market. Particularly the TSW2 modified for $350.00 which includes the clutch pedal assembly. Scott PA-Scott -- Scott B. Husted PA-Scott on TEN G.T.S. Racing - http://www.GTS-Racing.com High Gear "The View" Editor - http://www.simracingnews.com http://home.earthlink.net/~sbhusted ICQ# 4395450

sorry your right this link dows work i just had to wait awhile for the page to come up sorry robocat

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>Hypersim Is what you mean? this link doesnt take me anywhere >>The best product is at www.hyperstimcanada.com. >>> Looking for suggestions for a new wheel from your personal >>> experiences. I have had several wheels in the past and am currently >>> using Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro but would like something more precise >>> and that has a quality feel. I played with a FFB wheel but returned it >>> because the emphasis seemed to be on jolts from crashing and wooden >>> bridges, not on road feedback like under steer etc. Maybe drivers and >>> software have matured since Christmas in this aspect of FFB? In any >>> event I don't think I'm going to find the quality I'm looking for from >>> the current filed off FFB wheels. BTW looking to spend around $500... >>> Things I'm looking: >>> Good spring/tension device that offers spring with no 'dead spot'. >>> NO wiggle or slop in the wheel or the shaft, no clicks, pops, twangs >>> etc. >>> Easily serviceable by myself. >>> Shifting paddles and/or wheel mounted button (although doing wheel >>> mounted button myself wouldn't be a big deal). >>> Good pedals with same quality standard as wheel. >>> Overall solid feel and build, nice looking polished unit would be a >>> good perk. >>> Units I'm considering and/or eliminated >>> ECCI- Very nice, friend has one of the originals. Base unit costs >>> $1049 out of my price range :( >>> TWS- Read lots about it here looks like it fits all my criteria above. >>> SRC- Looks well built, love the pedal layout but haven't read much >>> about it here on the NG (please post your opinion if you own one) BTW >>> web site is http://www.mindspring.net/~srcwheel/ if your curious to >>> take a look. >>> ???- Any other wheels that are in this category please post along with >>> a mini review or your impressions. >>> Thanks!! >>> Adam M

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> Looking for suggestions for a new wheel from your personal > experiences. I have had several wheels in the past and am currently > using Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro but would like something more precise > and that has a quality feel. I played with a FFB wheel but returned it > because the emphasis seemed to be on jolts from crashing and wooden > bridges, not on road feedback like under steer etc. Maybe drivers and > software have matured since Christmas in this aspect of FFB? In any > event I don't think I'm going to find the quality I'm looking for from > the current filed off FFB wheels. BTW looking to spend around $500... > Things I'm looking: > Good spring/tension device that offers spring with no 'dead spot'. > NO wiggle or slop in the wheel or the shaft, no clicks, pops, twangs > etc. > Easily serviceable by myself. > Shifting paddles and/or wheel mounted button (although doing wheel > mounted button myself wouldn't be a big deal). > Good pedals with same quality standard as wheel. > Overall solid feel and build, nice looking polished unit would be a > good perk. > Units I'm considering and/or eliminated > ECCI- Very nice, friend has one of the originals. Base unit costs > $1049 out of my price range :( > TWS- Read lots about it here looks like it fits all my criteria above. > SRC- Looks well built, love the pedal layout but haven't read much > about it here on the NG (please post your opinion if you own one) BTW > web site is http://www.mindspring.net/~srcwheel/ if your curious to > take a look. > ???- Any other wheels that are in this category please post along with > a mini review or your impressions. > Thanks!! > Adam M

I have had my TSW Formula for over a year; no problems, and I am very happy with it. Bill Yowell

Looking for suggestions for a new wheel from your personal experiences. I have had several wheels in the past and am currently using Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro but would like something more precise and that has a quality feel. I played with a FFB wheel but returned it because the emphasis seemed to be on jolts from crashing and wooden bridges, not on road feedback like under steer etc. Maybe drivers and software have matured since Christmas in this aspect of FFB? In any event I don't think I'm going to find the quality I'm looking for from the current filed off FFB wheels. BTW looking to spend around $500... Things I'm looking: Good spring/tension device that offers spring with no 'dead spot'. NO wiggle or slop in the wheel or the shaft, no clicks, pops, twangs etc. Easily serviceable by myself. Shifting paddles and/or wheel mounted button (although doing wheel mounted button myself wouldn't be a big deal). Good pedals with same quality standard as wheel. Overall solid feel and build, nice looking polished unit would be a good perk. Units I'm considering and/or eliminated ECCI- Very nice, friend has one of the originals. Base unit costs $1049 out of my price range :( TWS- Read lots about it here looks like it fits all my criteria above. SRC- Looks well built, love the pedal layout but haven't read much about it here on the NG (please post your opinion if you own one) BTW web site is http://www.mindspring.net/~srcwheel/ if your curious to take a look. ???- Any other wheels that are in this category please post along with a mini review or your impressions. Thanks!! Adam M

The best product is at www.hyperstimcanada.com.

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> Looking for suggestions for a new wheel from your personal > experiences. I have had several wheels in the past and am currently > using Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro but would like something more precise > and that has a quality feel. I played with a FFB wheel but returned it > because the emphasis seemed to be on jolts from crashing and wooden > bridges, not on road feedback like under steer etc. Maybe drivers and > software have matured since Christmas in this aspect of FFB? In any > event I don't think I'm going to find the quality I'm looking for from > the current filed off FFB wheels. BTW looking to spend around $500... > Things I'm looking: > Good spring/tension device that offers spring with no 'dead spot'. > NO wiggle or slop in the wheel or the shaft, no clicks, pops, twangs > etc. > Easily serviceable by myself. > Shifting paddles and/or wheel mounted button (although doing wheel > mounted button myself wouldn't be a big deal). > Good pedals with same quality standard as wheel. > Overall solid feel and build, nice looking polished unit would be a > good perk. > Units I'm considering and/or eliminated > ECCI- Very nice, friend has one of the originals. Base unit costs > $1049 out of my price range :( > TWS- Read lots about it here looks like it fits all my criteria above. > SRC- Looks well built, love the pedal layout but haven't read much > about it here on the NG (please post your opinion if you own one) BTW > web site is http://www.mindspring.net/~srcwheel/ if your curious to > take a look. > ???- Any other wheels that are in this category please post along with > a mini review or your impressions. > Thanks!! > Adam M

The 1000 model is $1,500 Canadian or $1,000 US including shipping. Considering, what you are getting, it is a great deal. Just ask anyone who has one if it is worth it? Rory

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> Was that $500 or $5000 you wanted to spend? > Tore > > The best product is at www.hyperstimcanada.com.

Thanks for all the feedback. The TSW Sports has all or most of the features I'm looking for in my price range. When browsing TSW's page I saw that a ball bearing shaft was an upgrade option. The stock version is a bushing and seems more than enough for a low RPM application. Anyone ever upgraded theirs or tried out both versions? If so did it feel any more robust or smoother? One of my pet peeves with wheels is wiggle or slop in the shaft so if this option totally eliminates it I wouldn't mind spending the extra $50. TIA Adam

I have both a TSW and a TSW2; the TSW2 uses a nylon bearing for the steering shaft, and it has NO slop at all -- my TSW has the standard shaft, and it, too, is great (a bit more smooth than the TSW2, but both are WAY more smooth than anything else I've ever tried). FWIW, I've never tried an ECCI, but the pedals just don't seem right to me. -- John Bodin

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> Thanks for all the feedback. The TSW Sports has all or most of the >features I'm looking for in my price range. When browsing TSW's page I >saw that a ball bearing shaft was an upgrade option. The stock version >is a bushing and seems more than enough for a low RPM application. >Anyone ever upgraded theirs or tried out both versions? If so did it >feel any more robust or smoother? One of my pet peeves with wheels is >wiggle or slop in the shaft so if this option totally eliminates it I >wouldn't mind spending the extra $50. >TIA >Adam

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>I have both a TSW and a TSW2; the TSW2 uses a nylon bearing for the >steering shaft, and it has NO slop at all -- my TSW has the standard >shaft, and it, too, is great (a bit more smooth than the TSW2, but >both are WAY more smooth than anything else I've ever tried). FWIW, >I've never tried an ECCI, but the pedals just don't seem right to me. >-- John Bodin >> Thanks for all the feedback. The TSW Sports has all or most of the >>features I'm looking for in my price range. When browsing TSW's page I >>saw that a ball bearing shaft was an upgrade option. The stock version >>is a bushing and seems more than enough for a low RPM application. >>Anyone ever upgraded theirs or tried out both versions? If so did it >>feel any more robust or smoother? One of my pet peeves with wheels is >>wiggle or slop in the shaft so if this option totally eliminates it I >>wouldn't mind spending the extra $50.

So, what's the benefit of the ball bearing upgrade? I've never seen a TSW in person, so I don't know the level of quality. Anyone in the Detroit area have one I could check out? <g> Eldred __ Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the ***-sea... remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

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> Thanks for all the feedback. The TSW Sports has all or most of the > features I'm looking for in my price range. When browsing TSW's page I > saw that a ball bearing shaft was an upgrade option. The stock version > is a bushing and seems more than enough for a low RPM application. > Anyone ever upgraded theirs or tried out both versions? If so did it > feel any more robust or smoother? One of my pet peeves with wheels is > wiggle or slop in the shaft so if this option totally eliminates it I > wouldn't mind spending the extra $50.

I have the one with the bushing, and it is *utterly* smooth. I took the cover off to have a look, and basically it's a thick steel shaft going through a huge block (about 4" long) of what looks like PTFE, so it's not surprising that it's smooth! I can't imagine it ever wearing out, but I've only had the wheel for a few months so I don't know for sure.

I've had my SRC for 8 months now, and it's great!..........I've used ECCI and TSW wheels. The ECCI is very good quality, (pedals leave something to be disired) and over priced. The TSW works good, but is very poor quality........... If your looking for EXCELANT quality and realistic pedals at an affordable price, (with a 30 day trial) The SRC is the way to go. Dave Trager - DTrager 1998 NROS Pro Div. Finalist PS If you have any questions about the SRC, just let me know.

I agree DT, I love how people try to defend their purchase of a TSW by saying it is anything BUT low/mid-quality. When I first drove a TSW, I thought it was decent..........after I drove an ECCI, I laughed at the TSW. It looks like it was made in 7th-grade shop class. For those that havn't driven one, look at the pix. Very ugly, very very ugly. It has garage-door springs for the wheel tension. It has an L-clamp and a wing-nut to clamp it down. The TSW is *definately* much more solid then the T2, which is probably the reason that people think it is so high-quality. Here's the scale, T2=lo-quality, TSW=mid-quality, ECCI=very high quality It has garage-door springs for the wheel tension. Nuff said.

LOL, you hit the nail on the head!!!!!! I assume thoes that say the TSW is quality, just have very low standards. I'm not tring to put people down, but some are happy with "bailing wire"..........I'll take the zip tys. Since reciving my SRC, I have become very good friends and teamates with Rodney the owner of SRC. If any of you are hesitant about the SRC Wheel for any reason, I can assure you there is nothing to be worried about. Rodney is a straight up guy, provides only the best quality and stands behind it. http://www.mindspring.com/~srcwheel/ Dave Trager - DTrager 1998 NROS Pro Div. Finalist

So, the TSW *isn't* quality?!? Dang, you guys are making it hard to decide what to replace my T2 with. I am NOT going to spend $1000+ on an ECCI..... __ Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the ***-sea... remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

The TSW products *ARE* quality devices -- it doesn't have the Mercedes-level polish and paint that the ECCI wheel does, but compared to any wheel from Thrustmaster, or the Microsoft Sidewinder, or the Logitech Wingman, et al, the TSW products are quality personified; these things are durable (nigh-indestructible), and they come with a lifetime guarantee on the mechanical assemblies. Yes, the TSW products do have that one-of-a-kind model shop prototype look to them, but, then again, they're hand-built, and they have that same rugged, no-frills, purpose-built look that you find in *real* racing cars. Ever had a chance to look in the***pit of a Winston Cup Monte Carlo? If so, you know that from a "quality" and comfort standpoint, the roadgoing Monte Carlo looks MUCH nicer -- but at 200 mph at Talladega, you don't care how it LOOKS; what matters is how well it WORKS. Like the Winston Cup Monte Carlo, the TSW works great, and although it may look a little utilitarian, it definitely doesn't look like a "piece of crap," as some people would have you believe. The TSW products are solid, purpose-built, no-frills devices that work great (OK, so a genuine MOMO wheel does constitute a "frill," perhaps). The ECCI wheel may be a more polished product, but it's kind of like comparing a Mercedes SLK to a Miata -- for the price difference, the paint and leather had BETTER be nicer on the Mercedes, but overall the Miata pretty much works just as well, thank you very much! <G>. -- JB

Compared to any wheel you can buy at Electronics Boutique, Best Buy, etc., the TSW models with the bushings are the epitome of smooth -- and better yet, they're rock-solid, with no "slop" or looseness at all in the wheel's shaft. You can lean on a TSW product just like you'd lean on a desk, with no fear of damaging the unit; I can't say that for any other wheel I've tried, but I'm sure this also holds true for the ECCI and SRS wheels, too. As for the ball-bearing upgrade, figure that it's going to be one notch up the smoothness scale from the models that use nylon or brass bushings: In other words, even better. -- JB

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>> Thanks for all the feedback. The TSW Sports has all or most of the >> features I'm looking for in my price range. When browsing TSW's page I >> saw that a ball bearing shaft was an upgrade option. The stock version >> is a bushing and seems more than enough for a low RPM application. >> Anyone ever upgraded theirs or tried out both versions? If so did it >> feel any more robust or smoother? One of my pet peeves with wheels is >> wiggle or slop in the shaft so if this option totally eliminates it I >> wouldn't mind spending the extra $50. >I have the one with the bushing, and it is *utterly* smooth. >I took the cover off to have a look, and basically it's a thick steel >shaft going through a huge block (about 4" long) of what looks like >PTFE, so it's not surprising that it's smooth! >I can't imagine it ever wearing out, but I've only had the wheel for a >few months so I don't know for sure.

I've had my TSW2 for almost 2 years, and it's in the same shape it was when it arrived at my door -- these things don't wear out! FWIW, I also recently acquired a used 3-year-old TSW wheel, and it is in perfect condition after I don't know how much use -- out of the box, it was smoother and more solid than anything else I've ever tried (except for other TSW products, that is). ECCI and SRS wheels will give you the same kind of quality and durability, I'm sure, but TSW beats them both in terms of entry-level price. -- JB

Quality is most meaningful when considered individually alongside value. A Patek Philippe watch is undoubtedly quality, but pretty meaningless for the vast majority of potential watch buyers. As a balance of quality and value the TSW is at least on a par with anything else on the market, and far ahead of most of its competition. Cheers! John

The TSW is a better quality product then a T2 or any of the other cheap plastic wheels that you can get at Best Buy. But if you're going to spend 200-300+, it's not much more for a $400 SRC.....it's quite a bit more for a $1000 ECCI, but it is by-far the best $1000 I've ever spent, and only for those that want the best.

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> I agree DT, I love how people try to defend their purchase of a TSW by > saying it is anything BUT low/mid-quality. When I first drove a TSW, I > thought it was decent..........after I drove an ECCI, I laughed at the TSW. > It looks like it was made in 7th-grade shop class. For those that havn't > driven one, look at the pix. > Very ugly, very very ugly. > It has garage-door springs for the wheel tension. > It has an L-clamp and a wing-nut to clamp it down. > The TSW is *definately* much more solid then the T2, which is probably the > reason that people think it is so high-quality. Here's the scale, > T2=lo-quality, TSW=mid-quality, ECCI=very high quality > It has garage-door springs for the wheel tension. > Nuff said.

I actually like the "low tech" construction of the TSW - nice big solid components that can be modified if you want to (eg. I spaced the pedals further apart by using longer bolts with nuts as spacers). That L-clamp is amazing - it looks so simple, but it clamps the thing to the desk like a limpet - nothing will shake it free. I agree that the case looks pretty ***compared to a moulded plastic one - but for me this is a pretty minor consideration - "quality" for me relates to the functionality of the wheel and pedals, and their robustness - the TSW scores on all of them. Of course, if you want to pay an extra $700 for a nicer case... ;-)

If you looking for the SLK at the Miata price, then the SRC IS the answer! I could go on forever about the SRC, and for good reason...........I have used all the wheels in question and the hands down winner to me is the SRC. Dave Trager 1998 NROS Pro Finalist

I'm not buyin' a Mercedes, EITHER! <g> Thanks.

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>-- JB >>So, the TSW *isn't* quality?!? Dang, you guys are making it hard to decide >>what to replace my T2 with. I am NOT going to spend $1000+ on an ECCI.....

__ Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the ***-sea... remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

writes: Hehe - I'm still trying to talk myself into spending *$200-$300*...<g> But, I'm starting to think that my T2 lack of precision is screwing up my lap times. It's kinda hard to put the car in the same place every time when the steering wheel 'wanders'... Eldred __ Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the ***-sea... remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

Yeah, I had a T2 before I got my ECCI and it was total crap. I had to replace the pots in them 3 times. I tried out my friend's TSW2 before I got the ECCI, and wasn't very impressed with it. I got the ECCI and it is SO much smoother and precise then the TSW2. My friend has tried my ECCI and wishes he would have spent the extra money to get one. It's not that the TSW is TERRIBLE.....it's just night and day between it and the ECCI. Some people think that all the extra money goes to is a shiny metallic case, but the precision and smoothness is just scary. No doubt, the best wheel available.

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>Yeah, I had a T2 before I got my ECCI and it was total crap. I had to >replace the pots in them 3 times. I tried out my friend's TSW2 before I got >the ECCI, and wasn't very impressed with it. I got the ECCI and it is SO >much smoother and precise then the TSW2. My friend has tried my ECCI and >wishes he would have spent the extra money to get one. It's not that the >TSW is TERRIBLE.....it's just night and day between it and the ECCI. Some >people think that all the extra money goes to is a shiny metallic case, but >the precision and smoothness is just scary. No doubt, the best wheel >available.

Not to mention the adjustability. Whatever you want the wheel to feel like, you can get there, swapping springs, doubling or tripling them, centering force on a***with a jam nut. Pedal tension is also adjustable, and the progressive brake pedal is the most incredible thing yet. I've seen a lot of posts making fun of the pedals, these are people who have never tried one, I'm sure. The pedals are the thing I like the most about this combo. No question, it's an insane amount of money. Don McCorkle Libertarian Motorsports

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>>Yeah, I had a T2 before I got my ECCI and it was total crap. I had to >>replace the pots in them 3 times. I tried out my friend's TSW2 before I got >>the ECCI, and wasn't very impressed with it. I got the ECCI and it is SO >>much smoother and precise then the TSW2. My friend has tried my ECCI and >>wishes he would have spent the extra money to get one. It's not that the >>TSW is TERRIBLE.....it's just night and day between it and the ECCI. Some >>people think that all the extra money goes to is a shiny metallic case, but >>the precision and smoothness is just scary. No doubt, the best wheel >>available. >Not to mention the adjustability. Whatever you want the wheel to feel like, >you can get there, swapping springs, doubling or tripling them, centering force >on a***with a jam nut. Pedal tension is also adjustable, and the >progressive brake pedal is the most incredible thing yet. I've seen a lot of >posts making fun of the pedals, these are people who have never tried one, I'm >sure. The pedals are the thing I like the most about this combo.

I have never tried an ECCI setup, and I won't deny the inherent quality of the product (they obviously make good stuff -- too many people love their ECCI setups, so the price must be in line with the qualilty). That said, even though I haven't tried the ECCI pedals, though, I know they wouldn't work well for me -- I'm a right-footed driver, and no matter what I do, I just can't adapt to braking with my left foot (although I've tried it with various pedals). When I've tried left-foot braking with other pedals, it doesn't feel realistic for me (I can't drive my 5-speed Honda on the road and use my left foot for braking, and doing so in a sim feels REALLY wrong to me), and my lap times suffer -- and I don't see how the ECCI would be different, regardless of how good the pedals feel. This is my personal opinion, of course, but given this, it makes the $1000+ pricetag even harder to justify (or even consider). Just my $0.02. -- JB

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>I have both a TSW and a TSW2; the TSW2 uses a nylon bearing for the >steering shaft, and it has NO slop at all -- my TSW has the standard >shaft, and it, too, is great (a bit more smooth than the TSW2, but >both are WAY more smooth than anything else I've ever tried). FWIW, >I've never tried an ECCI, but the pedals just don't seem right to me. >-- John Bodin

John, I just ordered a TSW2. But I'm curious,why do you have both a TSW and a TSw2? Joel Willstein

Dave, I can't believe you said that the TSW is very poor quality. Your the 1st person to have ever made that statement since I've been reading this newsgroup. I just ordered a TSW2,and it got great reviews from every online mag that tested it. Joel Willstein

You could try the PDPI digital game card, which I find goes a long way in making the TM more accurate. Tore

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> Dave, > I can't believe you said that the TSW is very poor quality. Your the 1st > person to have ever made that statement since I've been reading this > newsgroup. > I just ordered a TSW2,and it got great reviews from every online mag > that tested it.

I think most people would agree that the TSW is excellent quality, although I'm sure they have "bad batches" they like most manufacturers, what seems to put some people off is the somewhat homemade look of the wheel, but I've only experienced a few people here and on TEN that has not been happy with their TSW, in fact, the feedback from most owners was so overwhelming that we decided to build our own wheels over here, with ideas from the picturers on the TSW site, it's a basic, sound contruction from the looks of things I wouldn't worry too much if I were you, chances are very good that you will be pleased with your new wheel, I'd bought one myself if it wasn't for the long delivery times :-) -- Beers and cheers (uncle) Goy "Team Mirage" http://www.teammirage.com/ "The Pits" http://www.theuspits.com/

I am curious to see if anyone (ECCI owners and either manufacturer included :-) would disagree with the following asserions. 1. The TSW and the ECCI bat in the same league for functionality. Compared to the plastic wheels they are cousins. 2. The ECCI is slightly smoother and looks enormously more polished. Some ECCI models have unique features, such as a nonlinear force brake pedal. 3. Both are easily customizable and repairable (although both seldom if ever need repair and are superbly backed by their manufacturers). 4. The TSW is a true bargain at about 1/2 the price, since _most_ of the difference is in appearance rather than function. The ECCI is the best, but you pay for that pride, as well as for the quality. bob (TSW2 modified + paddle shifters = $500, including clutch)

I'll be the second person for ya then Joel. The TSW is very low quality. > >I've had my SRC for 8 months now, and it's great!..........I've used ECCI > and > >TSW wheels. The ECCI is very good quality, (pedals leave something to be > >disired) and over priced. The TSW works good, but is very poor > >quality........... > >If your looking for EXCELANT quality and realistic pedals at an affordable

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> >price, (with a 30 day trial) The SRC is the way to go. > >Dave Trager - DTrager > >1998 NROS Pro Div. Finalist > Dave, > I can't believe you said that the TSW is very poor quality. Your the

1st

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> person to have ever made that statement since I've been reading this > newsgroup. > I just ordered a TSW2,and it got great reviews from every online mag > that tested it. > Joel Willstein

> I'll be the second person for ya then Joel. The TSW is very low quality. "The TSW works good, but is very poor quality..........." So it boils down to what you mean by "quality". Anyone who's been on one of those company training courses about "quality" knows that the key definition of quality is "fitness for purpose", and is specifically NOT about stuff like polished gold finish etc. unless that is an integral part of the purpose. So, a statement such as "The TSW is very low quality" is pretty meaningless, IMHO, unless you make it clear what your criteria are. There seems to be a pretty clear consensus that the wheel is good in operation, robust and easily customisable, but is not particularly pretty. Maybe we should just leave it at that! ;-)

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>writes: >>The TSW is a better quality product then a T2 or any of the other cheap >>plastic wheels that you can get at Best Buy. But if you're going to spend >>200-300+, it's not much more for a $400 SRC.....it's quite a bit more for a >>$1000 ECCI, but it is by-far the best $1000 I've ever spent, and only for >>those that want the best. >Hehe - I'm still trying to talk myself into spending *$200-$300*...<g> >But, I'm starting to think that my T2 lack of precision is screwing up my lap >times. It's kinda hard to put the car in the same place every time when the >steering wheel 'wanders'...

You might want to consider a Mad Catz Andretti Racing Wheel; $69, all digital, rock solid response with no spikes, pedals that some hate, some love. There's also the ACT Labs RS/PDPI combo -- this features an ACT Labs RS wheel and a PDPI L4 digital game card, plus a PDPI cartridge for the RS wheel. Nice pedals, solid feel, digital controller, no spikes, possibly the SMOOTHEST input you can get, all for about $139 or so. Then there's the PDPI L4 game card itself ($59) -- works great with all controllers that are non-digital (this means Thrustmaster products work great, too). I use a PDPI L4 game card with my TSW wheel, which means that in addition to being built like a tank, the controller is also spike-free, like a digital controller. Reviews of the Andretti Racing Wheel, the TSW2, and the PDPI L4 card are available at The IRL Insider Sim Hardware Review Web site: [link lost in import] Enjoy! -- JB

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>>I have both a TSW and a TSW2; the TSW2 uses a nylon bearing for the >>steering shaft, and it has NO slop at all -- my TSW has the standard >>shaft, and it, too, is great (a bit more smooth than the TSW2, but >>both are WAY more smooth than anything else I've ever tried). FWIW, >>I've never tried an ECCI, but the pedals just don't seem right to me. >>-- John Bodin >John, > I just ordered a TSW2. But I'm curious,why do you have both a TSW and a >TSw2?

Uh, because I can! <G> Seriously, though, I help out with controller reviews for The IRL Insider Magazine, so we have a wide variety of wheels on-hand. The current staff stable includes the Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro, the Thrustmaster NASCAR Super Sport, the ACT Labs RS/PDPI combo, the Mad Catz Andretti Racing Wheel, the Saitek R4 Force wheel, the CompUSA Formula racing wheel, a TSW2, and a TSW. We have some reviews of these wheels up already, and several more are currently underway. Check it out at: [link lost in import] FWIW, I acquired the TSW on my own when I spotted a "for sale" post on the Web -- the TSW2 is so durable, I thought it would be great to have two such wheels on-hand for head-to-head network play. Sim racing novices are REALLY *** the hardware, and I've cringed many times when a guest or a friend has slammed the NASCAR Pro wheel harder than I would ever dream of doing -- and now with the TSW and the TSW2 on-hand, I don't ever have to worry about it! <G> -- John Bodin Publisher, The IRL Insider Magazine http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/

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>I think most people would agree that the TSW is excellent quality, >although I'm sure they have "bad batches" they like most manufacturers, >what seems to put some people off is the somewhat homemade look of the >wheel, but I've only experienced a few people here and on TEN that has >not been happy with their TSW, in fact, the feedback from most owners >was so overwhelming that we decided to build our own wheels over here, >with ideas from the picturers on the TSW site, it's a basic, sound >contruction from the looks of things >I wouldn't worry too much if I were you, chances are very good that you >will be pleased with your new wheel, I'd bought one myself if it wasn't >for the long delivery times :-) >-- >Beers and cheers >(uncle) Goy

Goy, I figured that the middle of the summer would be the slowest time of the year for sim racing,so major purchases like wheels would be low. And it looks like I was right. TSW has a 30 money back guarantee,so I'll have time to evaluate it. If they didn't offer that,I would have passed on it. Joel Willstein

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> Goy, > I figured that the middle of the summer would be the slowest time of the > year for sim racing,so major purchases like wheels would be low. And it > looks like I was right. TSW has a 30 money back guarantee,so I'll have time > to evaluate it. If they didn't offer that,I would have passed on it. > Joel Willstein

Yeah, I probably would have bought it still, but shipping charges to Europe made it a bit too pricey for me, looked into a few used TSW's too and talked to Trevor briefly about warranties and support as it was a very early model, and that was no problem, so anyone stepping up from something like the TM Nascar PRO or anything like that will be very pleased I'm sure The only thing I can see that lets' these wheels down a bit (having never actually used one of them) is the looks, you can see that they're a bit "homemade", but that is reflected in the price as well, if it looked and felt like an ECCI it would probably cost like an ECCI too, you get what you pay for most of the time, and to me the TSW looks like good value I'm currently looking at the F1 Sim though (http://www.interactiveracing.com), as I know a couple of people who have just bought themselves one (one of them bought his second wheel from this company, the previous one had lasted him 3 years of extensive use, but the design has now changed and the stuff that wore out on his old wheel is now changed and shuld probably last forever), and ther's a review of it at "The Pits", looks very promising -- Beers and cheers (uncle) Goy "Team Mirage" http://www.teammirage.com/ "The Pits" http://www.theuspits.com/

I hope the F1 Sim design has changed. I was VERY disappointed in how fast mine wore out. In a matter of weeks the wheel started making click, pop and make scraping noises. The bushing had too much clearance for the shaft in the first place and had a lot of slop. Changing a pot on the thing seemed like it would have been a lot of trouble too, but was a moot issue for me. The pedals on the other hand were pretty cool. They are still being used by my friend with his rev. 1 bulletproof ECCI wheel. Adam