Fanatec for PS3 - Did I do the right thing?

[strtgng]

So i just placed an order for the Fanatec Turbo S (no clubsport pedals, just the regular ones). Now I'm stressing! I play exclusively on the PS3 and currently have a DFGT on a Wheelstand Pro. The DFGT is okay and for the price it can't be beat, but... I like the 6-speed shifter idea, the belt drive FFB, and the widespread reviews which say the Fanatec wheel provides a more real-life feel without the deadzone, notchiness, etc of the Logitech wheels.

I'm not too stressed over all the poor quality comments I see online - most seem to be from early or pre-production users... and i can find just as many complaints about faulty DFGTs (but those can be returned easily at your local Best Buy!).

What I am stressing about is did I just spend $350 on overkill? I really enjoy driving games but just casually, never played online yet as i don't want to be a speed bump to others... if the AI can still walk away from me in most games I think I have some learning to still do. The logic behind the Fanatec buy was that maybe some of my problem is fighting the wheel, as opposed to the car, and getting a controller that is described as having much better feedback/car control would help me focus on driving and just enjoying the games.

I play Supercar & Ferrari Challenge, Need for Speed Shift, GT5P, Dirt 1 & 2, and Superstars V8 Next Challenge.

Thoughts?

 

[Vince_Fiero]

It seems if you have the quality issues you still have the DFGT to fall back on.

What I get is not more issues with Fanatec, but very slow resolving time sometimes. No good if it is your only wheel.
Seems some people have gone back from Fanatec to Logitech, not clear to me why.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3782789&postcount=9

There are some Fanatec comments on this site, search.

 

[strtgng]

I've searched and read most Fanatec related threads - most seem to be input by gamers who spend more time on PC sims like rfactor, etc. I'm looking more for insight from PS3 specific users who are playing games beyond just GT5P. Thanks!

 

[Raitziger]

I am loving my Turbo S; no problems.

 

[MrDrWatson]

I've had no problems with the wheel yet. I'm a casual gamer, work doesn't allow me to play everyday and my game sessions last between one to two hours so I guess I don't put much stress on the wheel. I play GT5P, Shift, Ferrari Challenge, Dirt 1 and 2, Grid (can't get a good feeling with the wheel for this game).
After I tried the wheel I decided I was going to buy every game that I could use this wheel with.
The only bad thing of this wheel is that it doesn't work with a PS2....

 

[Raitziger]

My turbo s's belt is now loose or something is broken.

 

[oqvist]

You already ordered it and ask now if it´s the right thing?

If it´s overkill or not depends on who you are nobody can answer that for you. Since you will get it isn´t our opinions worthless by now? Nobody here know anyway how good it will be with GT 5 which every PS 3 owner seem to look forward to. I was not that impressed by the demo honestly

For myself if I didn´t have my PC that have much better force feedback and sims I would not pay the money for a Fanatec wheel. I would probably went with the DFP GT or similar priced Fanatec wheel in such case. But that is just due to me not being all to impressed with the console semi sims. If you are a big GT fan you may feel its the best investment you ever made of course

 

[NickA]

I use my Turbo S wheel for the odd 1-2 hour gaming session and have to say I'm VERY impressed with it!
I have a 360 and a PS3 and started with a Playseat with the official MS wheel/pedals (Which lacked feel) together with a G25 (Which was a HUGE improvement over the 360 wheel!)
Depending on what console I wanted to use meant time mounting whichever wheel/pedals to the Playseat and cable tying the necessary cables so it looked neat. Obviously in the end I just tried to buy games for one console (Which was the PS3) but then Forza 3 came out last year. Having spent a fair amount of time using the G25 (Mainly with NFS Shift!) going back to the MS wheel was painful and I only played Forza for about 30 mins before I put it back on my shelf.
Having spent several months reading all the stuff on Thomas' blogs I decided to order a Turbo S and CSP's and then to replace the Playseat with a VR3! (And sell the Playseat, G25 and MS wheel)
So you see I had different reasons to you for ordering the Turbo S but personally, I find it a BIG improvement over the G25 with the feedback and feel of the wheel and don't regret it for one minute!

Good luck and I'm sure you won't be disappointed! (The Turbo S comes with a 2yr warranty anyway) 👍

Nick

 

[Kilborn230]

I am loving my Turbo S; no problems.

+1 So do I, but I also use it for PC sims and Forza 3. No problems with the PS3 at all.

 

[strtgng]

Delivery date 3/26... can't wait!

 

[Raitziger]

Fast delivery. Too old customers like me with broken wheels can only hope that they have a working wheel by the time GT5 is out.

 

[strtgng]

Fast delivery. Too old customers like me with broken wheels can only hope that they have a working wheel by the time GT5 is out.

yeah - I am interested in the Fanatec "experience" from a new customer perspective. All the reviews and comments I seem to find are from early adopters or beta/test wheel users. Your plight seems to be a common theme.

From buying online last Friday to delivery scheduled on 3/26 will be only a week. I assume the wheel I will be getting will be fairly "new stock" as well - so I am interested if a lot of the issues people had early on are fixed.