Steering Wheels and Commercial Bases

In this article, we continue analyzing the commercial range of steering wheels for simulation. In the previous one, we looked at the main manufacturers and the low-end range. Now we will discuss the mid and high-end ranges of commercial steering wheels and bases, a very good option for those already initiated users who want to experience more and better Force Feedback (FFB) sensations in their hands.

MID-RANGE

Starting from the mid-range, it is more common to talk about bases rather than steering wheels, as the steering wheel (button panel, paddles, and rim) becomes just another accessory, and the base starts to take center stage, integrating much higher quality motors and mechanical systems to offer us more realistic sensations. This gives us the possibility of swapping steering wheels and customizing our setup much more.

Without a doubt, this range is a good starting point to dive into the world of virtual racing, especially due to the generally good offerings from different brands, all of which provide an excellent quality-price ratio. Additionally, in this range, we begin to see high-quality materials, more powerful FFB motors, configuration software, and broader compatibility with various simulation games (console or PC). Moreover, most bases in this range are compatible with various accessories or add-ons, such as gear shifters or handbrakes, leading to a more complete driving experience.

The precision in this range starts at 16-bit resolution, resulting in 65,536 different values.

Their price ranges between 250 and 450 euros.

The most representative models in this range are:

A direct descendant of the G27 and the legendary G25, its introduction to the market marked a significant shift. It is considered the enthusiast steering wheel par excellence, as it managed to bring to the masses a steering wheel with very acceptable features and finish quality, competing with the mid/high range at a very competitive price.

This new revision includes changes such as an improvement in the helical gears of the steering wheel to avoid play and eliminate the annoying noise produced by previous versions. This new mechanical system provides it with about 2.3Nm of torque. It has a steering angle of 900° and is compatible with PC, MAC, PS4, and PS3. Lastly, it includes pedals, but the H-pattern shifter is sold separately.

Thrustmaster T300 Racing Wheel Servo Base

The T300 is a high-quality base, as has been proven over the years it has been on the market. It comes as a definitive replacement for the T500, and this new revision includes several improvements, with optimized electronics and a new dual-belt mechanism. This base has the same power as the old T500, about 4.5Nm, but it is much more precise thanks to the 16-bit magnetic sensor integrated into the shaft.

Although this base can be purchased separately, there are several bundles that include a 30 cm steering wheel and pedals. Specifically, four different bundles are sold: RS, Ferrari GTE, Ferrari Integral, and RS GT Edition. It has a steering angle of 1080° and is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS3.

Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Servo Base

This base is slightly different in appearance from the T300, though with practically identical performance. Its differences lie in the fact that it comes in a bundle that includes a 7/10 scale steering wheel of the Ferrari 458 Italia, with a 28 cm diameter. Another difference is its compatibility, exclusive to PC and Xbox One.

Fanatec CSL Elite Wheel Base

This base is the most basic model offered by Fanatec, though as we will see, its features make it the most powerful base within the mid-range.

This base is a direct descendant and an improvement in several aspects over the discontinued Wheel Base v.2. It boasts the best belt system in the entire mid-range thanks to the

“Single Belt Drive”, which essentially consists of tensioners that press the belt tightly against the motor shafts, preventing play and movement during motor operation. All of this together grants it about 6Nm of torque.

The overall finish is outstanding, and the quick-release system makes it compatible with all the brand’s steering wheels. The steering angle is 1080°, and it is compatible with PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

HIGH-END

This is the top tier within commercial steering wheels. In this range, the goal is to offer the best product to the average user, providing premium finish quality, all kinds of accessories, and steering wheel bases with easy mounting systems to allow quick rim swaps. In this range, the bases begin to use industrial-type (brushless) motors and belt tension systems to ensure greater and better FFB responsiveness, which, while not reaching Direct Drive levels, still offer an acceptable feel.

However, all these improvements over the mid-range are not enough for some users who don’t see the upgrades as justifying the significant price increase for these bases, making it more tempting to save a bit more and step into pro territory.

Their price ranges between 400 and 900 euros.

The most notable base models in this range are:

Fanatec Clubsport Wheel Base v2.5

The Clubsport Wheel Base v2.5 is the direct evolution of the Wheel Base v2.0. Although the dimensions and appearance are similar, there have been various changes and redesigns in electronics and mechanics to get even more out of this great base.

For starters, the belt system in this revision has been made dual, with V-shaped ribs, and the bearings are larger, preventing the belt from slipping. The motors have been replaced with higher-performance brushless servo motors, allowing this new base to develop about 8.1Nm of torque. It is a very quiet base, and the FFB sensations live up to expectations.

The finish remains the strong point of this base. Within the high-end range, it has no competitor in this regard due to the high quality of its materials, primarily constructed from aluminum and CNC-machined, which also makes it the heaviest commercial steering wheel at over 8 kg. The downside of this base is that it is sold alone, requiring the purchase of a steering wheel or pedals to start racing. The steering angle is 900°, and it is only compatible with PC and Xbox One.

Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer

Thrustmaster wanted to start competing in a different league, and with this TS-PC Racer, it seems to be heading in that direction. This base has swapped the motors used in the T300 for lower-consumption brushless motors that, thanks to an exclusive cooling system, have four times the locking force, granting it about 6.2Nm of torque.

But undoubtedly, where the TS-PC Racer shines is in its use of FFB, as the magnetic sensors included in the motor shafts provide good responsiveness to changes during the race, allowing the user to perceive a wide range of effects and useful car information.

In some comparisons, some say that these FFB sensations are even more precise than those provided by Fanatec bases.

On the downside, the base’s finishes are generally not up to par for a high-end steering wheel costing over 500 euros. It has a steering angle of 1080° and is only compatible with PC and Xbox One.

Thrustmaster T-GT

With this Thrustmaster T-GT, the veteran simulation steering wheel manufacturer presents its most advanced base in a very “Gran Turismo” format, as it includes the official Gran Turismo Sport wheel.

The motors in this base are practically identical in power to the TS-PC, but where this base truly stands out is in its FFB management, taking it to another level with the technology they call “T-DFB”, which creates sensations through the steering column, giving us a more realistic perception of the environment. Additionally, this system delivers FFB force in a linear and proportional manner.

On the downside, we can point to a very high price, the included steering wheel being too small, and the pedals being of very low quality.

It has a steering angle of 1080° and is only compatible with PC and PS4.