Thinking about getting a wheel+setup

[ildd]

Would like some advice firsthand from you guys; here's my dilemma.

With GT6 coming out, I'd like to start completely fresh and get a wheel. The problem is I don't have anything (of course I have a PS3 and TV, haha). The biggest problem I have is space. I believe my room maximizes the space given, but I only have about 3 1/2 feet between my desk(on which the TV sits) and my bed. Although I will plan different layouts when I get more time...

I don't want anything too special. I'm on a pretty limited budget. So here are my ideas-

I heard the Logitech G27 is pretty good, and it suits what I want- paddle shifters, regular manual shift with clutch, and I can probably get a used one for around $160 per eBay. Reasonable?
I'll also need a wheel stand. Is this really the cheapest? How hard would it be the just make my own(and what materials)? Remember, I need to keep length space in mind.
I won't be too picky about a chair. I can just use an office chair that I have so $0. After quickly visualizing a wheel in front of me, I think it'll do.


What do you guys think? Will a chair/seat make an enormous difference? I'm not looking to set records, just enjoy the game as much as I can without, IMO, going overboard.
I would love some tips from you guys as it will influence my decision.

Thanks.

 

[CBH]

Would like some advice firsthand from you guys; here's my dilemma.

With GT6 coming out, I'd like to start completely fresh and get a wheel. The problem is I don't have anything (of course I have a PS3 and TV, haha). The biggest problem I have is space. I believe my room maximizes the space given, but I only have about 3 1/2 feet between my desk(on which the TV sits) and my bed. Although I will plan different layouts when I get more time...

I don't want anything too special. I'm on a pretty limited budget. So here are my ideas-

I heard the Logitech G27 is pretty good, and it suits what I want- paddle shifters, regular manual shift with clutch, and I can probably get a used one for around $160 per eBay. Reasonable?
I'll also need a wheel stand. Is this really the cheapest? How hard would it be the just make my own(and what materials)? Remember, I need to keep length space in mind.
I won't be too picky about a chair. I can just use an office chair that I have so $0. After quickly visualizing a wheel in front of me, I think it'll do.


What do you guys think? Will a chair/seat make an enormous difference? I'm not looking to set records, just enjoy the game as much as I can without, IMO, going overboard.
I would love some tips from you guys as it will influence my decision.

Thanks.

I have a G27 with a V2 stand and a table chair that all I need. But as you stated it depends on how much room you have got but my setup is find with no problems.

 

[ildd]

I have a G27 with a V2 stand and a table chair that all I need. But as you stated it depends on how much room you have got but my setup is find with no problems.

I chose a stand because it looks pretty compact compared to a small rig, plus I would use the chair at my computer too. Couldn't do that with a built in chair/stand.

Thanks for the input

 

[cjmpe]

I use an office chair and mount the G27 to a folding table. It's good enough for the 2 or 3 times I week I have time to play GT5. What I really need to do is come up with a way to secure the pedal base. I upgraded from a DFGT last weekend and I'm finding that the increased force on the pedals makes the base move around while I'm racing...keep that in mind when you work on your setup.

 

[ildd]

I use an office chair and mount the G27 to a folding table. It's good enough for the 2 or 3 times I week I have time to play GT5. What I really need to do is come up with a way to secure the pedal base. I upgraded from a DFGT last weekend and I'm finding that the increased force on the pedals makes the base move around while I'm racing...keep that in mind when you work on your setup.

The pedals will probably be right against the desk the TV stands on.

Hmmm... perhaps I'll have enough room to put the steering wheel on the desk. It sits a little high but maybe I can deal with it.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

I have a G27 and a wheelstand pro, not the V2 though. Honestly the WSP is worth every penny, I have had mine for about 2 and a half years, and it still works great. Its also foldable and does not take up as much space as some other stands do.

The G27 is great too, its smooth, quiet, and is really engaging when your using the clutch and shifter, you will experience how awesome GT is with a wheel. I have had mine for almost a year and it still works great.

Totally recommend this setup!

 

[Rallywagon]

Here is something to think about, Chris Hill (Hillracing), one of the gtacademy finalists, plays literally with whatever the hotel offers and his DFGT. What you use as a rig will not supplement what you lack in skill. So, use whatever you have room for and whatever you are comfortable with. There are complex foldaway rigs, and there are inexpensive wheel stands. The nice thing about a decent wheel stand is that as you progress, our get more room, there are mods that you can add over time for a seat, shifter mount and even tactile mounting points.

 

[Rallywagon]

Here is something to think about, Chris Hill (Hillracing), one of the gtacademy finalists, plays literally with whatever the hotel offers and his DFGT. What you use as a rig will not supplement what you lack in skill. So, use whatever you have room for and whatever you are comfortable with. There are complex foldaway rigs, and there are inexpensive wheel stands. The nice thing about a decent wheel stand is that as you progress, our get more room, there are mods that you can add over time for a seat, shifter mount and even tactile mounting points.

BTW. The g27, if probably the best wheel without spending over a grand. And the mods are plentiful and more come everyday.
Sorry about the double post, I think edit and reply are swapped from the old software...

 

[ildd]

Good to know. Space probably won't increase. I may make a custom swinging wood wheel and shifter stand that attaches to the desk. I really think that'll be enough.

I have a few questions about the g27 itself though.

I know it's harder to reverse than a DS3. Can I just program a button that acts as reverse or do i actually have to go in reverse gear?
Shifter is 6 speed, correct? Would I have to use the paddle Shifter if there is a 7 speed car?

 

[Rallywagon]

If you are not using the clutch, you can program a button for reverse. If you are using the clutch, then you must use the shifter though. And yes, you will need too use the paddle to get to 7th. Not sure that I ever have though, as I like to portray what the car itself uses, and any trans that goes above 6, and is not in a semi is generally paddle shift anyway.

 

[MrDavid5465]

Reverse is so easy to get into. The shifter pushes down and then you put it in the 6 position and its in reverse

 

[Sick Cylinder]

I've had two Wheelstand Pro's - the first for a DFGT and the second for a T500RS - I've been completely happy with them in every respect.

When I bought my DFGT I used a Workmate (a builders stand), but was unable to stop the wheel moving away from me when I pressed the pedals - this is very uncomfortable and results in you pulling the wheel towards you all the time which destroys the bearing in the steering wheel. This was despite many experiments with strapping the stand to the sofa etc, etc. Finally I bit the bullet and bought a wheelstand Pro - what a transformation, non-slip feet so it doesn't move, unbelievable quality, easy to transport to friends houses in the car - I don't bother folding it, just pop it in the passenger seat and fasten the seatbelt!

Three friends bought the Wheelstand Pro and are also completely satisfied, one went with the Omega stand and says it is fine with an office chair, but doesn't have enough adjustment for him to drive when seated on the sofa.

G27 will be a good choice - I expect that if I had chosen a G27, I wouldn't have upgraded to a T500. GT5 was my first racing game, apart from Mario Kart with the kids, so I was trying to spend as little as possible when I got the wheel. It totally transforms the game. Without a wheel I would only have played GT5 for a couple of weeks, with a wheel I can escape to another world when time permits!

Finally - be very careful when buying wheels secondhand - it should be fine if buying from a friend or someone you trust, but the wheel described as very little use, or only played a couple of times might be virtually worn out from 5 hours a day of drifting! Why is the person selling? If in doubt buy new. You should be fine buying a stand secondhand as these don't normally go wrong.

 

[ildd]

I read ebay descriptions very carefully. The one I'm bidding on now says is was only used a couple times, works perfectly, is selling because of too much school and work. If it doesn't work perfectly, I'll get my money back because item wasn't described right.

To begin with, I'll more then likely make a wood stand that attaches to desk. I'd I'm not satisfied I'll buy real stand.

 

[shaun_ccxr]

why not considering the GT Omega wheel stand. personally I think the design is way better than WSP with that pole sitting right between your legs

 

[Sick Cylinder]

Have you tried the WSP shaun?
The centre pole doesn't hinder right foot braking or heel and toe braking / gear changing because of its distance from the pedal box / area where you pivot your foot.

 

[Rallywagon]

I read ebay descriptions very carefully. The one I'm bidding on now says is was only used a couple times, works perfectly, is selling because of too much school and work. If it doesn't work perfectly, I'll get my money back because item wasn't described right.

To begin with, I'll more then likely make a wood stand that attaches to desk. I'd I'm not satisfied I'll buy real stand.

look around the forum and google. There are lots of options for doing it yourself. I've built my own custom rig. And something like a PVC wheelstand, or even desk mount unit could be done quick, easy and low cost. And you can make it the way you want it.

 

[shaun_ccxr]

Have you tried the WSP shaun?
The centre pole doesn't hinder right foot braking or heel and toe braking / gear changing because of its distance from the pedal box / area where you pivot your foot.

I havent but even though its still not ideal to have something between.

 

[LeMansAid]

I wouldn't recommend buying a used wheel, especially if you can't view it in person. If it fails quickly you'll hate yourself for it.

Since you are talking of the possibility of buying a stand: forget about the stand and put that money towards a brand new wheel. Once you have it you can work on mounting and seating options. Usually the excitement of getting one's first wheel is enough to put up with somewhat inconvenient mounting for a while anyway. You can then work out what setup will work best in the space. A self-made stand/rig/mount is the best way to save money in my opinion.

 

[jsjakesaid]

Spend an extra few bucks and buy a new one... My G25 looked virtually new except for some bite marks (guilty) but one day just lost calibration due to the gearing being eaten out by regular wear and tear (about 2-4 hours a day for about 3 years.

 

[raptoronwheelz]

Generally speaking, I would never recommend a Playseat, but check out the Playseat Challenge. For the price of some wheel-stands, you get a full-on cockpit with adjustable peddle tray, seat, and wheel-deck. It even folds up to about the same size as a folded wheel-stand. I'd say it's a much better bedroom/living room rig, as you get all the benefits of a wheel-stand plus the added immersion from a proper racing position. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Ryanswannell]

When it comes to basic cockpit setups ( including just the Seat, wheel holder and a Pedal mount), what are the cheapest options? I looked at the Playseat and it comes to £269, but are there any other variants that are cheaper?

 

[m00ndancer]

The closest are the Fanatec CSL. Nothing in the way between your legs. I got the Playseat Challenge and it works fine. With a high WAF as well.
Got the GT3rs v2 and the Porsche pedals on it, waiting for the CSR, CSR Elite pedals that's on order.

 

[ildd]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but this is what I'm looking at.

$220 for new wheel
Possibly a new PS3. Mine is going downhill. So about $120 more, but not yet.

I really can't afford to spend more than $300 but my parents may pick up some if my PS3 breaks. For the time being, I'll have to go without a stand or proper seat.