Short question, possibly no short answer - steering wheels

[riverdale]

Newish to Mac, totally new to gaming! However, my son has recently discovered racing games. Trying to play with a keyboard is really horrible and we need to get him a steering wheel. Simple, or so I thought.

I cannot find any decent comparison reviews of various wheels, except those dated 2004, 2005, etc. which of course are essentially useless. There doesn't seem to be anything to help you choose a good wheel. Tons of info. about each specific model once you have figured out which one you want though.

I thought the Logitech MOMO wheel looked like about the right mix of features and cost for his relatively casual playing. All I can find about the MOMO is the huge issue with the pedals which doesn't seem to be fixed after how many years?!

So is there a simple answer to "what would be a decent wheel to get started with"? Not too much money, but something that will last for a while.

I should add this will be used for PC games only. He still has a PC as we gradually switch the whole house over to the preferred systems

Thanks for any advice, pointers, opinions, etc.

 

[byocrysis]

Why not try this one out:
http://www.amazon.com/PS2-PS3-Ferra...8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206582193&sr=1-8

 

[beige matchbox]

I use a Logitech Driving Force Pro, It's actually a PS2 wheel, but it works just fine with the Logitech wheel drivers, it was one of the favorite wheels before the G25 came out

I'm guessing your in the states, heres a link to Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Driving-Force-Pro-PS2/dp/B000H5A1Y8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206583855&sr=1-2


The DFP also features force feedback, which is rather good in some games, for a good simulation feel try Live For Speed http://www.lfs.net/

 

[bassism]

The DFP is really what you want. It's got great force feedback, and 900 degrees of rotation, which really helps with the immersion factor if you're driving anything other than f1 cars and the like. It's also pretty solidly built.
But if that's out of your price range, the MOMO is probably the next best choice.

 

[iowamensan]

I too vouch for the Driving Force Pro. It can be had from Amazon for under $100. Seems to be a good wheel. The biggest challenge with any wheel is mounting. Holding on to it on your lap doesn't work, and mounting it to a desk with the pedals straight down on the floor just doesn't feel right. Enter the Playseat. Although pricey, they definitely make the wheel experience complete. Normally around $300 each, if you watch them on Amazon the price will dip occasionally. I have seen them at $199 occasionally and I caught mine one afternoon for $149.

 

[evan g]

jeez... i dont know about you, but i LIKE having a living room.

i would just buy one of those steering wheels for ps2 or something, and then just check online for a cable that lets you plug in ps2 controllers. I have no idea what the steering wheel costs, but the cable should only run u up about 5-10 bucks. thats my 2 cents

 

[Highcroft]

I would also recommend the driving force pro. I got it for Gran Turismo and it is one of the best steering wheels I've used. It's kind of uncomfortable with a computer chair and you will probably have to prop the foot pedals on something.

Anyways, what racing games do you play?

 

[iowamensan]

jeez... i dont know about you, but i LIKE having a living room.

i would just buy one of those steering wheels for ps2 or something, and then just check online for a cable that lets you plug in ps2 controllers. I have no idea what the steering wheel costs, but the cable should only run u up about 5-10 bucks. thats my 2 cents

I don't have them in my living room, they are down in the basement. I have a projector down there and playing Gran Turismo on a 70" screen using those seats is a downright blast.