Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo wheel: Test
- Thread starter cdcdude
- 436 comments
- 85,821 views
- 1,238
- RocketPunch1221
- RRoD? no thanks.
After the community testing program has been concluded, I have secured a separate deal with Endor AG to do a second round of review for them and this time is with the final production unit. Fanatec has made around 40+ design changes to the beta unit based on the feedback from the community testing program, and I expect many of the issues with the beta unit will be resolved. I will keep you posted.
You can read my review of the beta unit here.
- 7
From what you are describing, you get 2 for HALF of 1. You guys are very lucky. If the wheel cost $175, I would definitely buy it. At $350, I will have to pass. From the various reviews, it appears that the G25 has better quality pedals and shifter for a significantly more affordable price.
- 5,610
- Gabkicks
- GabkicksX
It is for sure. Though it looks better and is more suitable for cockpits unless you get the shifter holder... But the shifter is not a strong part in any of these wheels but I do at least have some use of the fanatec one as a sequential shifter which just doesn´t work for me on the G25... I miss so many shifts on a sequential!!!! it ain´t funny and no feel 
However the G25 shifter is easier to use compared to the beta shifter anyway so for people more focused on lap times they may prefer it
... Will be very interesting to see how the retail pans out though wonder when they will start shipping those?.
However the G25 shifter is easier to use compared to the beta shifter anyway so for people more focused on lap times they may prefer it
... Will be very interesting to see how the retail pans out though wonder when they will start shipping those?.Just got PS3 and GT5 prologue. I own the older GT driving force pro wheel and looking to upgrade for the new PS3 experience, mainly because as a diehard stick shift driver, I want a clutch and H-pattern gearbox.
Having read this entire thread, I'm surprised that it's stalled now that GT5 is released and it seems that the proposed changes to the Fanatec wheel are/have been implemented. My question...does anyone know if I order the Fanatec wheel today if it will be the upgraded version with detachable gearbox and improved pedal set?
The Fanatec site has no mention of the improvements over the beta models nor do the pictures reflect them. It also says the ship date is end of April...practically now.
Should I wait or should I plunge? To me, the proposed improvements warrant the $100 premium over a two-year-old model G25. Just want to make sure they are actually coming.
Thanks guys for your help.
UPDATE: Bought the DF GT wheel and couldn't be happier. Saved some bucks too!
Having read this entire thread, I'm surprised that it's stalled now that GT5 is released and it seems that the proposed changes to the Fanatec wheel are/have been implemented. My question...does anyone know if I order the Fanatec wheel today if it will be the upgraded version with detachable gearbox and improved pedal set?
The Fanatec site has no mention of the improvements over the beta models nor do the pictures reflect them. It also says the ship date is end of April...practically now.
Should I wait or should I plunge? To me, the proposed improvements warrant the $100 premium over a two-year-old model G25. Just want to make sure they are actually coming.
Thanks guys for your help.
UPDATE: Bought the DF GT wheel and couldn't be happier. Saved some bucks too!
- 91
If it were me, I'd wait to be sure. If the gearbox and pedals were well known issues, I'd assume they'd make it a point to announce it when those problems had been corrected.
the beta wheel wasn´t sold to the public AFAIK... It would be like listing changes made to the G25 prior to it was released... Makes no sense. Difference is only that fanatec let the community try out the 911 Turbo wheel whereas logitech and pretty much all have very closed beta tests where noone are allowed to mention anything about it
All wheel that ships have the improvements over the beta wheel we all beta testers have used... I think this thread will kick off again when we start to get the new wheels for sure. Not much to say about the beta wheel that hasn´t been said already.
All wheel that ships have the improvements over the beta wheel we all beta testers have used... I think this thread will kick off again when we start to get the new wheels for sure. Not much to say about the beta wheel that hasn´t been said already.
- 1,614
- South Florida,
- Chadwicksracing & Racecleanstupid
I've been tracking this thread for some time, I must say you guys a lot to say about the wheel. Which is good for me, because I cannot for the life of me figure out what wheel I want to buy. It goes something like this: I like the G25, but I hear things I don't like. I like the Fanatec, but I hear bad things about it. I like the new wheel for GT5, but I think I want something more realistic. I think I will wait for one of you guys to get the new Fanatec before I make my final decision, so please discuss onward! lol Please let me know how it is and if they did fix those awful problems.
- 13
If the 40 or so fixes have been implemented as described in other postings, the Fanatec wheel set should be worth it's price tag and worthy of the Porsche name. I doubt they would sell a product that puts the Porsche reputation on the line. I have not before seen the involvement in and acceptance of customer testing and feedback that I have noted for this wheel set by the vendor. If they respond and fix the issues with the wheel as i suspect they have, I will be impressed with their interest in meeting our needs and probably will become a long time customer/supporter. I appreciate it.
I have pre-ordered one myself and am looking forward to getting it. I will post my experiences with it. I am particularly interested in the pedals myself as i want to finesse the car into and out of corners with my feet. I am particularly interested in the feel, durability, and configurability, and responsiveness of the pedals. This is the case as I am convinced that the wheel will be superior to any other available and that the shifter with fixes applied will be as good as any. My concern is that I want to have happy feet...as I intend to do a lot of driving with them.
Mike
I saw a Fanatec posting someplace, maybe in this thread, that the pedals have been completely reworked and that different materials were used for the shifter.
I am keeping the faith that means I will like those components. A major overhaul of the pedals is/was in order based on the considerable negative test results/feedback I have read.
I had confidence to pre order it due to this specific positive response by Fanatec.
My purchased is in the processing phase now, hope to see shipped status within a week or so
MikeVictor
I fly a real, sit in it, sailplane with the identifying letters "MV" on it's tailfin, thus the name MikeVictor
I have pre-ordered one myself and am looking forward to getting it. I will post my experiences with it. I am particularly interested in the pedals myself as i want to finesse the car into and out of corners with my feet. I am particularly interested in the feel, durability, and configurability, and responsiveness of the pedals. This is the case as I am convinced that the wheel will be superior to any other available and that the shifter with fixes applied will be as good as any. My concern is that I want to have happy feet...as I intend to do a lot of driving with them.
Mike
I saw a Fanatec posting someplace, maybe in this thread, that the pedals have been completely reworked and that different materials were used for the shifter.
I am keeping the faith that means I will like those components. A major overhaul of the pedals is/was in order based on the considerable negative test results/feedback I have read.
I had confidence to pre order it due to this specific positive response by Fanatec.
My purchased is in the processing phase now, hope to see shipped status within a week or so
MikeVictor
I fly a real, sit in it, sailplane with the identifying letters "MV" on it's tailfin, thus the name MikeVictor
well pedals is the only thing I am "worried" about a little. I am confident in the wheel and the shifter. Already the beta wheel though it issues make me curse when going back to hte G25 wheel and it still feels just wrong today Though I will just use the sequential since I already have a SST Lightning shifter.
But pedals yes had their issues. Really hope the improvements really enhance them both regarding durability and feel. However as it´s now I do suspect I will run with my nixim modded G25 pedals and the Fanatec wheel shifter/SST LIghtning shifter.
Got a mail today the wheels are being shipped to Europe and US now. Expected ship date to customers early or mid next week
Though I will just use the sequential since I already have a SST Lightning shifter.But pedals yes had their issues. Really hope the improvements really enhance them both regarding durability and feel. However as it´s now I do suspect I will run with my nixim modded G25 pedals and the Fanatec wheel shifter/SST LIghtning shifter.
Got a mail today the wheels are being shipped to Europe and US now. Expected ship date to customers early or mid next week
- 5,610
- Gabkicks
- GabkicksX
the beta wheel is giving me some pretty bad problems. its too bad i cant afford the retail version yet i cant play racing games wl this wheel. I joined a server in LFS and did joined as another race was about to end. i got in a few good laps, then at the start of the next race, my pedals stopped working and i can't gett them to work. the pedal "recoupling" steps arent working lol. Ihope they will still give me the discount when i can afford the wheel
i cant play racing games wl this wheel. I joined a server in LFS and did joined as another race was about to end. i got in a few good laps, then at the start of the next race, my pedals stopped working and i can't gett them to work. the pedal "recoupling" steps arent working lol. Ihope they will still give me the discount when i can afford the wheel- 13
Has anyone recieved the upgraded production model that was recently shipped yet?
If so, tell us about it.
Mike
If so, tell us about it.
Mike
I am expecting one. I was told they were shipping this week, so we'll see. I'll post when I check it out.
- 13
I'm expecting one too. Not here yet, possibly due to customs and security checks upon entry to the USA.
Will also post my impressions about it when it arrives.
Mike
Will also post my impressions about it when it arrives.
Mike
- 13
Just recieved an email with an invoice attached stating that my payment has been recieved (I ordered the Wheel a couple weeks ago) and that it would now be shipped. Shipment will take about a week according to the invoice. So I should see it next week sometime, not this week.
I guess they are sorting out their customer communications approach with this order and will improve upon it. I suspect that will be my only "issue" with this. On-line vendors more often than not provide a tracking number that provides some status to the buyer, that is unless the US Post Office is making the delivery, then tracking numbers if provided are useless as per my experience.
If there is anything I would change to date with my experience, it would be improving the on-line order status reporting and provision of shipment tracking numbers for customers. Perhaps the Fanatec folks will address these concerns as they did those for the product itself. I have no big heartburn with this, unless the package is deliverd and sits on my doorstep and gets stolen without my being able to do anything to prevent it.
Has anyone else recieved an invoice in the email?
Mike
I guess they are sorting out their customer communications approach with this order and will improve upon it. I suspect that will be my only "issue" with this. On-line vendors more often than not provide a tracking number that provides some status to the buyer, that is unless the US Post Office is making the delivery, then tracking numbers if provided are useless as per my experience.
If there is anything I would change to date with my experience, it would be improving the on-line order status reporting and provision of shipment tracking numbers for customers. Perhaps the Fanatec folks will address these concerns as they did those for the product itself. I have no big heartburn with this, unless the package is deliverd and sits on my doorstep and gets stolen without my being able to do anything to prevent it.
Has anyone else recieved an invoice in the email?
Mike
- 13
The Fanatec folks are quick to respond to email inquiries and are very positive/friendly, impressive. I was emailed today by their customer support department that there was a delay in clearing customs (that is predictable) and that the Wheels should arrive at the USA wherehouse today to be shipped via DHL quickly on to our homes. A DHL tracking number will be provided via email. I am glad to hear this as I need to plan on being home to recieve or shortly thereafter the package.
One of the best procurement and shipping status reporting capabilities I have seen is on the newegg web site. Amazon, and Yahoo are a good examples too. Not an advertizement, just a fact.
So the shipping situation is looking good to me now as is the customer support.
I am a believer in German made products, I lived in Germany for 3 years (1978-1981) near Frankfurt, an experience I will remember fondly, a truly beautiful country. I've never been disapointed in anything I paid for in Germany, including some expensive hi-fi equiipment.
Once I recieve the wheel, I will do a review and post it.
Mike
One of the best procurement and shipping status reporting capabilities I have seen is on the newegg web site. Amazon, and Yahoo are a good examples too. Not an advertizement, just a fact.
So the shipping situation is looking good to me now as is the customer support.
I am a believer in German made products, I lived in Germany for 3 years (1978-1981) near Frankfurt, an experience I will remember fondly, a truly beautiful country. I've never been disapointed in anything I paid for in Germany, including some expensive hi-fi equiipment.
Once I recieve the wheel, I will do a review and post it.
Mike
- 5,610
- Gabkicks
- GabkicksX
Here's a vid of me using the beta wheel. you can see a bit of the wheel and shifter. but i didnt have a second camera, so no pedals. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3022234&postcount=454
i hope GT5 has engine sounds like that
you can see a bit of the wheel and shifter. but i didnt have a second camera, so no pedals. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3022234&postcount=454i hope GT5 has engine sounds like that
- 9,589
- GTP_DelphicR
- Esoterik1
Is that GTR2, or Rfactor?
- 13
- 13
Glad to hear someone is getting their wheel delivered this week.
I recieved a notice via email today that my Fanatec Wheel has been picked up by DHL in California and is enroute to me now.👍 Expected delivery is next week. So I have a tracking number now. Apparently, US customs/security delays occured beyond the control of anyone.
Will post next week (hopefully) my initial impressions of it. Will answer questions about it posted here or PM'd/emailed to me.
My interest in this wheel started with it's pedals as they might be usable with the wheel for racing and with my joy stick for aviation sims. Will give that a try as well. I was interested in obtaining a wheel set that would enable me to be more precise in my wheel, brake, accelerator inputs to optimize my cornering in GPL (GPL will pass it's 10 year aniversary this Fall).
It would be a significant improvement if the vendors of Fanatec wheels could adopt a web based shipment tracking and reporting capability similar to that provided by newegg.com where steps in the shipment process are reported on their web site both before and after the local shipper picks up the package. I would add "bogged down in US customs" as a step... 💡
Mike
I recieved a notice via email today that my Fanatec Wheel has been picked up by DHL in California and is enroute to me now.👍 Expected delivery is next week. So I have a tracking number now. Apparently, US customs/security delays occured beyond the control of anyone.
Will post next week (hopefully) my initial impressions of it. Will answer questions about it posted here or PM'd/emailed to me.My interest in this wheel started with it's pedals as they might be usable with the wheel for racing and with my joy stick for aviation sims. Will give that a try as well. I was interested in obtaining a wheel set that would enable me to be more precise in my wheel, brake, accelerator inputs to optimize my cornering in GPL (GPL will pass it's 10 year aniversary this Fall).
It would be a significant improvement if the vendors of Fanatec wheels could adopt a web based shipment tracking and reporting capability similar to that provided by newegg.com where steps in the shipment process are reported on their web site both before and after the local shipper picks up the package. I would add "bogged down in US customs" as a step... 💡
Mike
Mike, small world- mine is on it's way too and I'm only about 45 minutes to the west of you in Leesburg, VA. I have been using the rev 1 Fanatec 911 wheel I got a few months ago as a beta tester and have built it into a pretty elaborate rig with 40" 1080p LCD right in your face and angled down like (and a similar size to) a car windshield, to maximize the simulation of an in-car view. I've got an iVibe and a Buttkicker gamer in the seat as well for directional rumble feedback, and Dolby Headphone outputting to nice cans for sound.
I'm very happy with the 911 wheel and can't wait until next week when I get to try the model with all the improvements! I'd be curious to hear your impressions. Unlike a lot of the other testers, I use it 95% of the time with a PS3 and GT5
instead of PC racing. I may get into rFactor or another PC sim at some point but I like the console more and more as the games get better like GT5.
Hope you enjoy your wheel. Maybe we'll have to get together sometime to comare notes.
I'm very happy with the 911 wheel and can't wait until next week when I get to try the model with all the improvements! I'd be curious to hear your impressions. Unlike a lot of the other testers, I use it 95% of the time with a PS3 and GT5
instead of PC racing. I may get into rFactor or another PC sim at some point but I like the console more and more as the games get better like GT5. Hope you enjoy your wheel. Maybe we'll have to get together sometime to comare notes.
Similar threads
