Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo wheel: Test
- Thread starter cdcdude
- 436 comments
- 85,798 views
I heard that some beta testers regret that they did not take the offer for the discounted final wheel. As I don't want to have anybody disappointed here, I re-activated the codes so you are still able to order the final wheel with the coupon code i sent to you.
Please note that you are not allowed to transfer the Code to somebody else.
The testers which already received the wheel are very welcome to report about the differences between beta version and the final wheel.
Thomas
Please note that you are not allowed to transfer the Code to somebody else.
The testers which already received the wheel are very welcome to report about the differences between beta version and the final wheel.
Thomas
Has any used the 50% discount for beta testers?.
EDIT:
Thomas has replied my question just before to write my post!
EDIT:
Thomas has replied my question just before to write my post!
Yeah seems kind of strange I am just about the only one in the world that seem to have gotten it I expected more buzz
You are not the only one but I dont want to disclose the others due to data protection reason. But I also know that some are already working on a revised review.
Edit: Thanks for your review, oqvist!
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=106882
- 13
Hey neighbor MikeMav out in Leesburg, VA.
I will be passing through on occasion as I've recently gotten into Kayak fishing and will be doing some float trips on the upper Potomac once I have some more experience in it. Do you do any smallmouth bass fishing? PM me if you do.
I will definatley post my impressions of the Fanatec wheel, hopefully by Friday evening as I am suppossed to get it by tommorrow. However, DHL has not updated any status on it since May 21st, so I don't know for sure when it is coming. We'll see.
That is an awesome gaming rig you got there. You are one hard core gamer for sure. I have a 22 inch Samsung Syncmaster that I like alot driven by a top end gaming PC, home built with components from newegg.com.
Currently using a Logitec MOMO, soon to retire afer a few years of dependable and satisfactory service.
My main interest is the venerable GPL racing sim and am a member of the LoPeN online racing group, bunch of fun and friendly guys. Hope to use the new wheel during a LoPeN GPL race at Monaco this Thursday night. With all the turns and shifting needed, I'll have a good idea of how much I like the Porsche wheel after that. I will probably use the shifting "paddles"/buttons on the wheel to start with and the shifter later on.
I intend to use the pedals with my joystick for flight sims. The pedals will not have all the functionality of a set designed for flight sims, but as long as I can precisely control the rudder with them, I'll be happy. That would be a key selling point for people that fly and drive and don't want to buy two pedal sets. Gets kind of clutered and expensive you know.
I spend some time in the Frederick, MD area, in fact I will be there this Sunday as I am a member of: www.m-asa.org. But I mostly fly out of the Fairfield, PA gliderport (was there over the holliday weekend actually).
Well back on track, expect a posting from me by Friday night.
Take care,
Mike
I will be passing through on occasion as I've recently gotten into Kayak fishing and will be doing some float trips on the upper Potomac once I have some more experience in it. Do you do any smallmouth bass fishing? PM me if you do.
I will definatley post my impressions of the Fanatec wheel, hopefully by Friday evening as I am suppossed to get it by tommorrow. However, DHL has not updated any status on it since May 21st, so I don't know for sure when it is coming. We'll see.
That is an awesome gaming rig you got there. You are one hard core gamer for sure. I have a 22 inch Samsung Syncmaster that I like alot driven by a top end gaming PC, home built with components from newegg.com.
Currently using a Logitec MOMO, soon to retire afer a few years of dependable and satisfactory service.
My main interest is the venerable GPL racing sim and am a member of the LoPeN online racing group, bunch of fun and friendly guys. Hope to use the new wheel during a LoPeN GPL race at Monaco this Thursday night. With all the turns and shifting needed, I'll have a good idea of how much I like the Porsche wheel after that. I will probably use the shifting "paddles"/buttons on the wheel to start with and the shifter later on.
I intend to use the pedals with my joystick for flight sims. The pedals will not have all the functionality of a set designed for flight sims, but as long as I can precisely control the rudder with them, I'll be happy. That would be a key selling point for people that fly and drive and don't want to buy two pedal sets. Gets kind of clutered and expensive you know.
I spend some time in the Frederick, MD area, in fact I will be there this Sunday as I am a member of: www.m-asa.org. But I mostly fly out of the Fairfield, PA gliderport (was there over the holliday weekend actually).
Well back on track, expect a posting from me by Friday night.
Take care,
Mike
- 13
👍
I have sucessfully used the production/commercial model Fanatec Wheel in GPL and GTR2 so far including the use of GPL Shift.
At first I was a bit concerned about the wireless connnection, but I think one just has to make sure there are no metal or electronic items between the wireless doggle and the pedals or wheel and of course there might be a problem with signals in the area that could interfere with the wireless connectivity. But the wireless aspect of it seems to work well.
The wheel is very nicely done, I like it a lot. However, the cable connectors on the power cable used to hook up the pedals (if you don't use batteries) are not as firmly connected as I would wish them to be. If you use the lap wings, the wheel can mover around a bit and work the connetor loose. Same is true of the connector to the pedals, if you move them some during heavy use, the connector may come loose a bit. If you use batteries, then no problem. If the wheel is clamped to at table and the pedals are afixed to something, this should not be an issue. Regarding connectors, the prevously reported spark that occurs when plugging in the wheel to the power line still happens, but not to the point that their is any danger that I can see. A minor thing if you don't unplug it much which I will not be doing. So the wheel gets a good grade from me, but the cable connectors are...satisfactory, needs some improvement. (not an issue when using batteries which is the primary intention of this product to begin with..I am using batteries all lthe time now, will only use the cable as a back up).
The illuminated numbers help when configuring buttons, like in GPL Shift and all games.
The Pedals are very nice I think and with the added steel plate and rubber mat under them, they do not move much at all if any, less than my MOMO pedals I think. However the MOMO has a flip down carpet grabber that works very well..on carpet. That would be a nice improvement as most people have carpet.
The only issue I have with the pedals is mostly due to my own personal desire, and that is to have about 25% less pressure needed for the brake pedal. I am used to the MOMO pedals that require light pressure for the brake and throttle pedals. I am used to using mostly my big toe to input very light braking changes. I can't do that as easily with these new pedals as more pressure is needed and my left foot just isn't calibrated yet. Perhaps with some experience, I will get used to it. I understand that the pedals are supposed to be more realistic than other wheel/pedal sets. This may be more of a personal taste critque. The pedals are excellent without the issues I saw posted about them before...but I do wish I could use my big toe to finesse the brakes like I used to..maybe with some practice.
I did use the shifter buttons on the back of the wheel and the 7 gear shifter as well. both worked just fine. If you use the lap wings instead of fixing the wheel to a table, then the two shifter buttons on the wheel will probably work best for you. This is because using the shifter tends to move the wheel around a bit though I was able to use it like this. I've never used a shifter, but I liked it. One must get used to steering with one hand while shifting though, and that can be a lot. I will probably stick to the shifter "paddle" buttons on the back of the wheel as I will be mostly using the lap wings. But I found the shifter to work very well with very positive movement between gears, not sloppy at all, and firm enough so it seems more realistic, not like grabing a wet noodle and slinging it about like some shifters, so I have head. And I didn't feel that the shifter was moving about that much as I used it, it may be a bit stiffer than was reported on the beta version, not sure, or maybe i don't have big heavy paws like some beta testers.... ;-) And the clacking sound when shifting that some critized, I found to be very helpfull to hear and know that a solid shift was made without looking to see if it did. And with all that loud engine noise, wheels sqealling and such going on ( yeah baby!!) the sound is not too loud or distracting, infact I liked it and it was helpfull).
So, this is a much improved wheel set compared to the beta version IMHO and a good purchase, just be aware that the brake may be firmer than you are used to by design, more realistic. I would recommend the wheel at the going price.
Oh yes, the lap top wings go on very easy...if you read the friggin directions.... doah...
Mike
I have sucessfully used the production/commercial model Fanatec Wheel in GPL and GTR2 so far including the use of GPL Shift.
At first I was a bit concerned about the wireless connnection, but I think one just has to make sure there are no metal or electronic items between the wireless doggle and the pedals or wheel and of course there might be a problem with signals in the area that could interfere with the wireless connectivity. But the wireless aspect of it seems to work well.
The wheel is very nicely done, I like it a lot. However, the cable connectors on the power cable used to hook up the pedals (if you don't use batteries) are not as firmly connected as I would wish them to be. If you use the lap wings, the wheel can mover around a bit and work the connetor loose. Same is true of the connector to the pedals, if you move them some during heavy use, the connector may come loose a bit. If you use batteries, then no problem. If the wheel is clamped to at table and the pedals are afixed to something, this should not be an issue. Regarding connectors, the prevously reported spark that occurs when plugging in the wheel to the power line still happens, but not to the point that their is any danger that I can see. A minor thing if you don't unplug it much which I will not be doing. So the wheel gets a good grade from me, but the cable connectors are...satisfactory, needs some improvement. (not an issue when using batteries which is the primary intention of this product to begin with..I am using batteries all lthe time now, will only use the cable as a back up).
The illuminated numbers help when configuring buttons, like in GPL Shift and all games.
The Pedals are very nice I think and with the added steel plate and rubber mat under them, they do not move much at all if any, less than my MOMO pedals I think. However the MOMO has a flip down carpet grabber that works very well..on carpet. That would be a nice improvement as most people have carpet.
The only issue I have with the pedals is mostly due to my own personal desire, and that is to have about 25% less pressure needed for the brake pedal. I am used to the MOMO pedals that require light pressure for the brake and throttle pedals. I am used to using mostly my big toe to input very light braking changes. I can't do that as easily with these new pedals as more pressure is needed and my left foot just isn't calibrated yet. Perhaps with some experience, I will get used to it. I understand that the pedals are supposed to be more realistic than other wheel/pedal sets. This may be more of a personal taste critque. The pedals are excellent without the issues I saw posted about them before...but I do wish I could use my big toe to finesse the brakes like I used to..maybe with some practice.
I did use the shifter buttons on the back of the wheel and the 7 gear shifter as well. both worked just fine. If you use the lap wings instead of fixing the wheel to a table, then the two shifter buttons on the wheel will probably work best for you. This is because using the shifter tends to move the wheel around a bit though I was able to use it like this. I've never used a shifter, but I liked it. One must get used to steering with one hand while shifting though, and that can be a lot. I will probably stick to the shifter "paddle" buttons on the back of the wheel as I will be mostly using the lap wings. But I found the shifter to work very well with very positive movement between gears, not sloppy at all, and firm enough so it seems more realistic, not like grabing a wet noodle and slinging it about like some shifters, so I have head. And I didn't feel that the shifter was moving about that much as I used it, it may be a bit stiffer than was reported on the beta version, not sure, or maybe i don't have big heavy paws like some beta testers.... ;-) And the clacking sound when shifting that some critized, I found to be very helpfull to hear and know that a solid shift was made without looking to see if it did. And with all that loud engine noise, wheels sqealling and such going on ( yeah baby!!) the sound is not too loud or distracting, infact I liked it and it was helpfull).
So, this is a much improved wheel set compared to the beta version IMHO and a good purchase, just be aware that the brake may be firmer than you are used to by design, more realistic. I would recommend the wheel at the going price.
Oh yes, the lap top wings go on very easy...if you read the friggin directions.... doah...
Mike
- 93
- RoboKrikit
- 13
Yeah, how would that sound as input from a beta tester. "I can't brake with my toe".....
Well I actually did send an email to their support desk asking if there was a way for me to lighten the brake pressure without violating the warranty.
I suspect there is a way, but it would violate the warranty so I won't be doing that for sure. I may look into it after the warrantey period if I have not become very good at braking with it the way it is now.
The support person told me via email that beta testers requested that the brakes be firmed up a bit, so they did that. And I admit, they do seem to be about what you'd expect in a real car, so they were right to do that so I have no complaint, just a personal preference. I seem to be getting a bit used to it now that I am practicing with the wheel.
Also, the support person told me that the Fanatec wheel brake pedal is actually less firm (easier to compress) than the Logitec G25. That being the case, then the Fanatec pedals must be easier to use than the G25's as it would be easier to make small changes in brake input and feel the difference via your big toe or whatever you brake with... ;-)
I'm not concerned, this is not even an issue, just what I am used to, but I can change and the expereince will probably be more realistic,
The more I use this wheel set, the more I like it. If I was a beta tester, I would jump on the opportunity to get it at half price and either sell my beta test version or keep it as a back up or "hanger queen".
In fact, I'd like some of that action, would like to be a beta tester for hardware and software like this.
So far, I've had little trouble with the wireless connection's reliability. Now I just plug in the doggle and after a few seconds, the pedals and wheel begin to work. Don't seem to have a problem with the wheel and pedals calibration while in GPL. And have experienced very very little EMI and then only for a couple seconds.
I have GTR2 and may get rFactor later so I can participate in all my groups races (LoPeN). I know it works well wtih GTR2 (which I am no good at).
I am probably going to mount the wheel on my keyboard tray on the PC desk to see how that works. Need to get back to work, more later.
Mike
Well I actually did send an email to their support desk asking if there was a way for me to lighten the brake pressure without violating the warranty.
I suspect there is a way, but it would violate the warranty so I won't be doing that for sure. I may look into it after the warrantey period if I have not become very good at braking with it the way it is now.
The support person told me via email that beta testers requested that the brakes be firmed up a bit, so they did that. And I admit, they do seem to be about what you'd expect in a real car, so they were right to do that so I have no complaint, just a personal preference. I seem to be getting a bit used to it now that I am practicing with the wheel.
Also, the support person told me that the Fanatec wheel brake pedal is actually less firm (easier to compress) than the Logitec G25. That being the case, then the Fanatec pedals must be easier to use than the G25's as it would be easier to make small changes in brake input and feel the difference via your big toe or whatever you brake with... ;-)
I'm not concerned, this is not even an issue, just what I am used to, but I can change and the expereince will probably be more realistic,
The more I use this wheel set, the more I like it. If I was a beta tester, I would jump on the opportunity to get it at half price and either sell my beta test version or keep it as a back up or "hanger queen".
In fact, I'd like some of that action, would like to be a beta tester for hardware and software like this.
So far, I've had little trouble with the wireless connection's reliability. Now I just plug in the doggle and after a few seconds, the pedals and wheel begin to work. Don't seem to have a problem with the wheel and pedals calibration while in GPL. And have experienced very very little EMI and then only for a couple seconds.
I have GTR2 and may get rFactor later so I can participate in all my groups races (LoPeN). I know it works well wtih GTR2 (which I am no good at).
I am probably going to mount the wheel on my keyboard tray on the PC desk to see how that works. Need to get back to work, more later.
Mike
Mike seriously you need to mount wheels like this on a desk. Otherwise you don´t get very good force feedback and it´s kind of impossible to get any ergonomical position with it in your lap. I would kind of wish they would have done without the lap pads not encouraging in your lap driving on a wheel that offers such strong force feedback but well .
I haven´t tried it with this wheel but I did for fun try the ms wireless ffb wheel on my lap... Lol it was aweful though it did work since that wheel has extremely weak force feedback and little travel but much of the feel get lost when the wheel itself is free to move around and not very comfortable.
As for spring a tip is use the brake a lot. I guess you have like me used the G25 brake pedal so much it´s a lot softer now then when new. From my memory I would think the G25 new was maybe a bit stiffer still but that may just be because you had to push it twice as long as the fanatec pedal as well for full brakes. You could apply a bit of pressure too on the fanatec pedal since there is a deadzone on the brake so you can preapply pressure to faster get on the brakes and would also help being smooth with little inputs. But new pedals always takes a while to get used to, it takes time to readjust our muscle memory
But if you really want them to soften quicker you could as practise just keep pushing it when you sit by your computer to soften it up
.I haven´t tried it with this wheel but I did for fun try the ms wireless ffb wheel on my lap... Lol it was aweful though it did work since that wheel has extremely weak force feedback and little travel but much of the feel get lost when the wheel itself is free to move around and not very comfortable.
As for spring a tip is use the brake a lot. I guess you have like me used the G25 brake pedal so much it´s a lot softer now then when new. From my memory I would think the G25 new was maybe a bit stiffer still but that may just be because you had to push it twice as long as the fanatec pedal as well for full brakes. You could apply a bit of pressure too on the fanatec pedal since there is a deadzone on the brake so you can preapply pressure to faster get on the brakes and would also help being smooth with little inputs. But new pedals always takes a while to get used to, it takes time to readjust our muscle memory
But if you really want them to soften quicker you could as practise just keep pushing it when you sit by your computer to soften it up
- 13
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/showthread.php?t=298533&highlight=fanatec&page=4
My comments on the Fanatec Porsche 911 Wheel.
Mike
My comments on the Fanatec Porsche 911 Wheel.
Mike
?? I was wonder'n the samething. WTH is that? I'm guess'n the new wheel.I posted the question on thier site 3 weeks ago....no answer. So whats the "retail" wheel compared to the beta? I only run my beta, put my momo away soon as I recieved my test wheel. I haven't really heard anything from the beta testers that went w/the new wheel.I would like to hear from some of you.Is the plate on bottom of the pedals really worth a 175 dollar price tag? Or the optional mounting system? By the way I still haven't see pics of that only the mock up.Software still .......lacking as well.
I do like the wheel.Just not sold on buying a new one w/o more feedback. I'm gratefull for the wheel. So don't anyone think this is a flame post.
I do like the wheel.Just not sold on buying a new one w/o more feedback. I'm gratefull for the wheel. So don't anyone think this is a flame post.
I owe the community a good review on my final production wheel (the beta I've commented on before and enjoyed very much.) I've just been very busy at the start of summer. Short version: MUCH improved! I thought the wheel itself before was very good, but had issues with the shifter and mostly pedals. Wheel is much the same on the production version, but that's good. The pedals are a TON better. Brake pedal has about 50% more travel distance but is very firm; feels very real. Shifter handle and base are now covered in a FANTASTIC soft almost suede-like rubber coating instead of just the hard plastic on the beta version. Much nicer feel. Exactly the same texture they use on the plastic parts in my real Infiniti G35 2008 car. Also the shifter action is improved and feels smoother side to side so all gates are about the same resistance. Very nice improvement overall.
Now, I can't speak to the PC drivers yet as I only use the wheel on a PS3. But for GT5
rologue, it's awesome. GRID is a totally arcade experience compared the the more sim-like GT5P, but still fun for me with this wheel (also has much stronger force feedback when cranked vs. GT5P, but overall of course GT5P rules compared to GRID!)
Now, I can't speak to the PC drivers yet as I only use the wheel on a PS3. But for GT5
rologue, it's awesome. GRID is a totally arcade experience compared the the more sim-like GT5P, but still fun for me with this wheel (also has much stronger force feedback when cranked vs. GT5P, but overall of course GT5P rules compared to GRID!)
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- 1
I have a question for anyone who has the wheel. I tried searching the official specs but couldnt find the answer to what im looking for. What is the maximum width table that the clamp is able lock?
- 5,610
- Gabkicks
- GabkicksX
I found some software that makes windows load automatically w/ criver signatures disabled 
http://www.tipandtrick.net/2008/per...iver-signature-signing-with-readydriver-plus/
I just payed for a monthly subscription to iRacing too. The solstice feels great w/ the Porsche wheel. I've only driven on Laguna Seca w/ the solstice sofar.
http://www.tipandtrick.net/2008/per...iver-signature-signing-with-readydriver-plus/I just payed for a monthly subscription to iRacing too. The solstice feels great w/ the Porsche wheel.
I've only driven on Laguna Seca w/ the solstice sofar.Lots of interesting stuff in the pipeline ...
I would be interested in another thing. For you that get force feedback effects stuck in ISI-games like GTR 2/rFactor/GTR Evolution for example. That is fixed the next time you run on a cerb can you send Thomas your dxdiag file?
this is in XP it´s being fixed in Vista on the next driver release but it doesn´t seem to affect all users. Oh and of course it´s not the beta wheel
...I would be interested in another thing. For you that get force feedback effects stuck in ISI-games like GTR 2/rFactor/GTR Evolution for example. That is fixed the next time you run on a cerb can you send Thomas your dxdiag file?
this is in XP it´s being fixed in Vista on the next driver release but it doesn´t seem to affect all users. Oh and of course it´s not the beta wheel
- 1,238
- RocketPunch1221
- RRoD? no thanks.
Lots of interesting stuff in the pipeline
I would be interested in another thing. For you that get force feedback effects stuck in ISI-games like GTR 2/rFactor/GTR Evolution for example. That is fixed the next time you run on a cerb can you send Thomas your dxdiag file?
this is in XP it´s being fixed in Vista on the next driver release but it doesn´t seem to affect all users. Oh and of course it´s not the beta wheel
Thomas just got the banned??....I guess oqvist you will have to ask him on RSC.
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