DS3 v Wheel Lap time difference

[architype07]

Hi Guys

I have just invested in a PS3 and would really like to take the next step and get a wheel.

The obvious choice being the G25/G27 but budgets can't stretch that far at the moment.

I was wondering if anyone has carried out any laptime comparisons using the DS3 against the wheel.

How much faster could I be with the wheel?

 

[HN7]

I bought my G27 when the TT came out. My fastest with the DS3 was 1'41 and after getting used to the wheel, my time was 1'39. A wheel will definitely improve your time, but not always 2 sec like the TT of course, it will varies.

 

[skazz]

My answer: Depends on your controller skills. I am really crap with console controllers (always been a PC gamer, never developed controller skills, not going to bother either), so I'm many seconds faster with a wheel than I could ever hope to be with controller

 

[SimYouLater]

You should be quicker with a wheel, but that is not the issue. A good, well mounted wheel will take the whole driving simulation experience to a completely new level. You will also be able to drive without driving aids which will further increase your involvement in playing the game.
Despite all the negative comments, I can highly recommend the DFGT wheel. The value for money is excellent, and if you do have any problems with it, which you probably wont, there are solutions to be found here, as well as Logitech's no questions replacement policy.
Its the only way to really fully enjoy GranTurismo.

 

[architype07]

Cheers for the info guys.

Anyway of shaving a few seconds off my lap times will be worth the money

I have been weighing up the pros of having a wheel. Well, what I should say is trying to justify the cost to her indoors. She wasn't very impressed when I arrived home with the PS3. She wanted a dishwasher.

SimYouLater - thanks for recommending the DFGT. This is definately closer to the budget as I need to think about a stand as well. How are you finding the pedals, they seem to be discussed alot.

 

[skazz]

I'm using the combo of a DFGT and Fanatec Rennsport wheelstand with my PS3. The pedals are definitely the limiting factor, but mine work fine, it's just that I can be a lot more subtle with the pedals on my G25 (which is mounted to the PC).

My DFGT brake pedal has about 1cm of travel which is very loose, then the springs start to kick in and the pedal gets harder to press. This means you have to leave your foot totally off the pedal otherwise a little braking is constantly happening, which is very bad. In comparison, my G25 pedal takes way more pressure to push down even slightly, and you can rest your foot on it without problem.

The G25/G27 paddle shifters are also excellent and way better than the plastic buttons on the DFGT, but the DFGT is perfectly useable.
For GT5 (prologue), the DFGT offers all buttons on wheel which is very nice, especially the PS button which simply isn't present on the G25. Furthermore, the extra buttons on the DFGT (especially the big red button and rotating wheel) are handy for mapping stuff. For instance in DiRT 2 I use the big red button for getting into the flashback menu, since it's easy to push that button and it gives me a way to get the maximum flashback rewind I possibly can. G25 lacks enough buttons in easy reach for that kind of thing.

As it is I'm happy to run the DFGT with my PS3 (attached permanently to the Rennsport stand, which I keep in the corner of the living room and move out in front of my HDTV when I need it), and use my G25 as the PC simming wheel permanently attached to my PC desk. If I had to keep only 1 wheel it would be the G25 however: it costs more but is most definitely better, particularly the pedals.

 

[architype07]

Cheers for the info Skazz

You have made my mind up. Going to save the pennies and get myself a G25 if I can find a new one for sale otherwise I will be saving for alot longer to get the G27.

 

[skazz]

Cheers for the info Skazz

You have made my mind up. Going to save the pennies and get myself a G25 if I can find a new one for sale otherwise I will be saving for alot longer to get the G27.

Just to make things clear: The DFGT is a perfectly functional wheel. It has the 900 degrees steering with FFB motors capable of handling it, it has all the PS3 buttons which is a big plus. I don't believe there's any reason why someone would drive slower on the DFGT than a G25.

But as always in life, you pay for what you get. G25 is without doubt the better wheel.

 

[HN7]

Just to make things clear: The DFGT is a perfectly functional wheel. It has the 900 degrees steering with FFB motors capable of handling it, it has all the PS3 buttons which is a big plus. I don't believe there's any reason why someone would drive slower on the DFGT than a G25.

But as always in life, you pay for what you get. G25 is without doubt the better wheel.

True, but the clutch will improve your time more (once you master it), note that the clutch will be disabled for tournament and stuff to make things equal.
But you're right, the DFGT is a really good wheel for the money and right now the only wheel officially support by GT.

 

[Coxis]

True, but the clutch will improve your time more (once you master it), note that the clutch will be disabled for tournament and stuff to make things equal.
But you're right, the DFGT is a really good wheel for the money and right now the only wheel officially support by GT.

The previous DF wheels are officially supported too. Pro, EX and DF.

 

[SimYouLater]

I have only recently realised from reading these forums that you could actually use the clutch in GT5P. I have modded my G25 shifter, and have extended the arms on the pedals, as well as fitting a load sensor on the brake pedal. I would not say I have perfectly mastered useing the clutch and gate shift with consistency, but I fail to see how using the clutch and gate shift could possibly improve lap times. Flat shifting has been known to be a slight advantage, but this is no longer possible due to the latest upgrade of GT5P. Heel and toe double clutch downshifts are fun and challenging, but there is no way in my mind that you could brake on the limmit and effectively trail brake on entry to the same degree while heel and toeing downshifts. Seriously fast modern race cars dont use gate shifts unless they are governed by class rules. Using the clutch with the G25 gives yet another dimension to the game, particularly when accelerating through the gears, its more involving and seems to make it more believable, but faster? I may stand corrected, but I just cant see it.

 

[Bevo49]

Just bought a DFGT and actually I don't care if my times have come down, the game is so much more immersive and fun with the wheel. Only had the wheel for about two weeks and my times have actually come down abit, but my driving is now much cleaner and enjoyable. I did have to shove one of my old work socks behind the brake pedal, but at this stage i love my DFGT!!!


Hey SimYouLater, Toowoomba is a beautiful part of the world, been here for the last 22 years or so.....

 

[ronaldrover]

Hey guys, interesting read! helps me a lot. So I've decided that I am going to get the DFGT over the G27 mainly because of my budget. But are their any chances that a new wheel will come out!? I would hate to buy the DFGT and a few months later another DFGT2 or w.e comes out, i would be mad lol.

 

[Coxis]

I doubt there will be a new official wheel for GT5. The DFGT is most probably going to be the official wheel of the full game as well. Regarding a new "G" wheel... That's completely independent from GT, as it is a PC steering wheel, not GT's official wheel.

 

[ronaldrover]

thanks for the reply! DFGT it is period. Now let me finish processing the transaction =]. Cant wait.

 

[architype07]

After reading lots of reviews I just couldn't wait any longer so I have emptied the bank account and got myself a G25 and wheelstand pro. The other half doesn't know yet.

She will go mad when the postman knocks the door.

Ah well, the silent treatment means I get lots of time to try out the new wheel, when it arrives.

Time to start learning how to drive all over again. I can't wait

 

[eSZee]

My DFGT brake pedal has about 1cm of travel which is very loose, then the springs start to kick in and the pedal gets harder to press. This means you have to leave your foot totally off the pedal otherwise a little braking is constantly happening, which is very bad.

I wouldn't call that a negative. Your foot should never be touching the brakes unless you're braking, whether driving a real car or not.

 

[cpp214]

No, that IS a negative. Why? Because the fastest way to get around in Gran Turismo--as well as most other racing games (and in some forms of real racing)--is by left foot braking.

I have a DFGT too, and I always keep my left foot poised right over the brake, and in fact, my left foot rests on it ever so slightly. You don't want the thing constantly braking if you barely touch it. It should have a slight amount of travel before the brake kicks in.

 

[markoc84]

After reading lots of reviews I just couldn't wait any longer so I have emptied the bank account and got myself a G25 and wheelstand pro. The other half doesn't know yet.

She will go mad when the postman knocks the door.

Ah well, the silent treatment means I get lots of time to try out the new wheel, when it arrives.

Time to start learning how to drive all over again. I can't wait

Glad to see you have brought a wheel, they are a lot of fun.
I found this thread useful in convincing me to buy a wheel in the fist place, and then there are loads of useful tips to convert yourself to using a wheel:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=115679

Enjoy your new toy and hope Mrs Architype isnt too pissed!

 

[tbones999]

Glad to see you have brought a wheel, they are a lot of fun.
I found this thread useful in convincing me to buy a wheel in the fist place, and then there are loads of useful tips to convert yourself to using a wheel:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=115679

I have to second what markoc said, that is an EXCELLENT article.

My advice is to find something solid to mount it to. An actual wheel stand would be ideal; but if you spend most of your budget on a wheel, purchasing a stand might not be an option. When I started using my DFGT, I mounted it to a small collapsible TV table. I hated it with a passion. It was actually less immersive because I was fighting to keep the table stable while I played. It wasn't glaringly unstable, just enough to be an issue. Basically, if you ever, even in the slightest bit, have to think about the stability of whatever you mount the wheel to, find something more stable (heavier, bigger, wider.) I ended up using a computer desk. I just take the monitor off, unplug some stuff, and wheel it in front of the TV. As soon as I did that, the magic that everyone talks about happened. It really becomes a whole new game.

Enjoy the new wheels!
T

 

[Azuremen]

Looks like he bought a stand. I just use a rolling printer desk. Just heavy enough for my DFP and I already had it. Downside is the seating position is optimal, but I sit almost completely up right anyhow in real life.

There is a learning curve to the wheel, but you will be faster after you adjust, as you have much more precision with the wheel and pedals. Don't get too hung up on what feet work what pedals... I use my left for braking regularly because it is a bit quicker and I have used it in real life.

I am a touch jealous that you have a G25, as my DFP is feeling dated. Combined with 5.1 and a nice HDTV and the in car view, games will be far more engaging.

 

[architype07]

Cheers for the link Markco84. That is a great read and will be a good reference tool for me.

The last time I had a wheel was GT1.

The missus doesnt know about the wheel yet as she is on holiday. Thats what happens when you leave us boys behind with access to the bank account

The good news is my wheel and stand both turned up today. I'm counting the minutes until I can get out of work. I think its going to be a late night tonight.

Hey boss, I feel sick, can I go home early.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

DS3 against the wheel

I started with the wheel and try sometimes DS3.
The wheel with force feedback for me allows more precise inputs, also on the throttle with the pedal.
At first I thought it was impossible driving with the DS3, but now I can do most Events using it.

However a lot of people using DS3 are faster then me with a G25.

Also check out other people's experience with the transition to a wheel, like
Maz: https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=115679
R1600Turbo: https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=123870

Some people believe you absolutely need a wheel, I do not agree, here is some more discussion:
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=124197

 

[CoolColJ]

About 1 second difference for me, but the faster the car, the greater the difference. ie an F1 style car is easily 2-3 seconds better on the wheel

 

[Balocco]

My lap times have gotten a bit faster since I started using the G25, but they've gotten a LOT cleaner and smoother overall. It's easier to drive a proper line when the controls are the same as those in your car. The feedback you get allows you to have a much better understanding of what your car is doing at any given time and you can use the steering and pedals like you normally would to make the car do what you want it to do.

The thing is, though, even if it made me slower, I'd still choose the wheel, since it's so much more fun. It makes you feel like you're driving a car, which is something a controller just can't do. It can be a little frustrating at first, since you'll have to have to learn to forget about how you drive with a controller and start doing the at-first-unnatural thing of playing a game in exactly the same way as you would in real life. Once you stop thinking of what you're doing as playing a game (which can be harder than it sounds) and start thinking of it as driving, you'll have a blast.