ShylockHolmes
(Banned)
- 591
- ShylockHolmes
- ShylockHolmes
Wheel buyers guide for Forza Motorsport
- Thread starter Darkmiss
- 113 comments
- 24,245 views
I was a community tester reviewer for ISR, I have had the pleasure of the Elite for quite a while now.
My review below
This will be the first part of my review.
The Elite review
History .... When looking for a multi platform wheel, there is only one place to look... Fanatec. First came the 911s. I had one myself and found it to be a great wheel, a revelation compared to the MS wheel. Then came the GT2. I have one of these also, its a beautiful wheel. Next was the CSR, shortly followed by the high end CSR Elite. The best of the best multi platform wheel bar none. What does the future hold? who knows but can't wait to find out....*
First look ..... Opening the box you see a mysterious looking black cloth bag, same sort of thing a Louis Vuitton bag comes wrapped in *( wife has a few ) just keeping you waiting that little bit longer for your first view. Then you get to behold the monster..... coming in at over 11 kilos this is a hefty bit of kit. Looking through the Perspex window in the top there are lots of very sexy looking belts and pulleys. It looked pretty alien to anything I have seen in any wheel I have owned before. *What do they do i hear you cry ? Ill tell you....... Getting away from the sexyness for a minute, the *Elite comes with very high resolution sensor mounted directly onto the main steering shaft. Mounting this high resolution sensor directly to the main input shaft removes any possibility of mechanical lag. The belt drive is super smooth and silky, giving a really nice weight and resistance to every turn of the wheel. It gives the feeling of real car steering.
Testing with .... GamePOD EVO, three xbox 360s, three screens, overclocked I7 gaming pc.
I will break this down into small bite sized sections.
Let's start with the base, everything about the base screams quality. It's a heavy well built, well engineered beautiful work of art. The Perspex window in the top is a nice touch to me. It's like the see through cover on a ferrari engine cover.
The paddles, nice size and have a nice travel distance and a reassuring snick as you change. ... See auto clutch.
The wheel rim, this is going to be the marmite bit about this wheel. *Personally *I do not mind the wheel at all, I'm used to the buttons. *People seem miffed about having to move their hands but no such complaints about doing the same to push a button box ?*
I digress, others are saying the wheel is not to the same quality of the base. *This I somewhat agree with but the wheel does not, for me, take away from my enjoyment of the whole package. Could it be better? yes but no matter what's on it. Could always be better. Would it put me off the wheel ? Not for a second, *could be wrapped in barbed wire and I would still forgive it as the whole package is just amazing..
Flex... I fail to see any flex in my wheel under normal driving. *I have seen the YouTube video showing this but I can also see the amount of force he is using.
Fitting to my rig.... Very easy, uses the same bolt holes as other fanatic products. The Elite Looks very much at home on my GamePOD EVO. All the wires now run out of the back of the wheel, I like this new design. Keeps everything neat and tidy and out of sight.
On to gaming.*
I am running the BETA 717 FW*
In game..... Pc
Tested with Netkar pro, Iracing, F1 2011, Dirt 3 and GT Legends.
The Elite performed really well with all games tested. *The accuracy is mind boggling, the steering is direct, Lag free and fast as lightning. *I personally think it's the most impressive aspect of the Elite, closely followed by arm wrenching, shoulder ripping, muscle pumping Force Feed Back. Make no mistake this is a beast of a wheel when it comes to FFB. Very impressive indeed ! *I am faster in every game, not only that but just feel more confident.
That is why I may be faster, I know how sharp this wheel is so push a bit harder.
*NkP is just so stunningly sharp with the Elite, it's feels like your on rails. You can get a bit carried away and convince yourself you have uber skills. I start getting a god complex *
Remember this is multi platform so onto the xbox...
Forza4*
All classes of car are a dream to drive with the Elite on your side, even the very fastest are easily tamed. Auto clutch OMG who ever came up with this is a genius ! *You can run manual with clutch and with every flick of the paddle the clutch is engaged for a milli second. Giving the user "YOU" a massive speed advantage over someone not using Manual clutch. The steering is direct and smooth, though not as smooth as on the pc but I'm sure this is a FW issue I am using a BETA version. *FFB is strong and feedback through the wheel is excellent, you get a good vibration through the wheel as you go over a rumble strip and a very convincing sensation.
Firmware*
I run 717 BETA. This removes the dead zone a few degrees off centre, bit of a tease for you all I know as you do not have it ; Muhahaha ! I have included this point because I feel it's important for you to know, it's a fw issue not a mechanical problem.*
I am still putting together some video, I will release it when I have tested the Elite to my satisfaction.*
I am reluctant to give the Elite marks, it's hard to be objective because I clearly love it. If I were being super picky.... The buttons do not light up like my GT2 I loved that ..... I love the full *alcantara of my GT2 ...... That's about it.
This is my honest opinion and no one has influenced me in anyway.
Daz
My review below
This will be the first part of my review.
The Elite review
History .... When looking for a multi platform wheel, there is only one place to look... Fanatec. First came the 911s. I had one myself and found it to be a great wheel, a revelation compared to the MS wheel. Then came the GT2. I have one of these also, its a beautiful wheel. Next was the CSR, shortly followed by the high end CSR Elite. The best of the best multi platform wheel bar none. What does the future hold? who knows but can't wait to find out....*
First look ..... Opening the box you see a mysterious looking black cloth bag, same sort of thing a Louis Vuitton bag comes wrapped in *( wife has a few ) just keeping you waiting that little bit longer for your first view. Then you get to behold the monster..... coming in at over 11 kilos this is a hefty bit of kit. Looking through the Perspex window in the top there are lots of very sexy looking belts and pulleys. It looked pretty alien to anything I have seen in any wheel I have owned before. *What do they do i hear you cry ? Ill tell you....... Getting away from the sexyness for a minute, the *Elite comes with very high resolution sensor mounted directly onto the main steering shaft. Mounting this high resolution sensor directly to the main input shaft removes any possibility of mechanical lag. The belt drive is super smooth and silky, giving a really nice weight and resistance to every turn of the wheel. It gives the feeling of real car steering.
Testing with .... GamePOD EVO, three xbox 360s, three screens, overclocked I7 gaming pc.
I will break this down into small bite sized sections.
Let's start with the base, everything about the base screams quality. It's a heavy well built, well engineered beautiful work of art. The Perspex window in the top is a nice touch to me. It's like the see through cover on a ferrari engine cover.
The paddles, nice size and have a nice travel distance and a reassuring snick as you change. ... See auto clutch.
The wheel rim, this is going to be the marmite bit about this wheel. *Personally *I do not mind the wheel at all, I'm used to the buttons. *People seem miffed about having to move their hands but no such complaints about doing the same to push a button box ?*
I digress, others are saying the wheel is not to the same quality of the base. *This I somewhat agree with but the wheel does not, for me, take away from my enjoyment of the whole package. Could it be better? yes but no matter what's on it. Could always be better. Would it put me off the wheel ? Not for a second, *could be wrapped in barbed wire and I would still forgive it as the whole package is just amazing..
Flex... I fail to see any flex in my wheel under normal driving. *I have seen the YouTube video showing this but I can also see the amount of force he is using.
Fitting to my rig.... Very easy, uses the same bolt holes as other fanatic products. The Elite Looks very much at home on my GamePOD EVO. All the wires now run out of the back of the wheel, I like this new design. Keeps everything neat and tidy and out of sight.
On to gaming.*
I am running the BETA 717 FW*
In game..... Pc
Tested with Netkar pro, Iracing, F1 2011, Dirt 3 and GT Legends.
The Elite performed really well with all games tested. *The accuracy is mind boggling, the steering is direct, Lag free and fast as lightning. *I personally think it's the most impressive aspect of the Elite, closely followed by arm wrenching, shoulder ripping, muscle pumping Force Feed Back. Make no mistake this is a beast of a wheel when it comes to FFB. Very impressive indeed ! *I am faster in every game, not only that but just feel more confident.
That is why I may be faster, I know how sharp this wheel is so push a bit harder.
*NkP is just so stunningly sharp with the Elite, it's feels like your on rails. You can get a bit carried away and convince yourself you have uber skills. I start getting a god complex *
Remember this is multi platform so onto the xbox...
Forza4*
All classes of car are a dream to drive with the Elite on your side, even the very fastest are easily tamed. Auto clutch OMG who ever came up with this is a genius ! *You can run manual with clutch and with every flick of the paddle the clutch is engaged for a milli second. Giving the user "YOU" a massive speed advantage over someone not using Manual clutch. The steering is direct and smooth, though not as smooth as on the pc but I'm sure this is a FW issue I am using a BETA version. *FFB is strong and feedback through the wheel is excellent, you get a good vibration through the wheel as you go over a rumble strip and a very convincing sensation.
Firmware*
I run 717 BETA. This removes the dead zone a few degrees off centre, bit of a tease for you all I know as you do not have it ; Muhahaha ! I have included this point because I feel it's important for you to know, it's a fw issue not a mechanical problem.*
I am still putting together some video, I will release it when I have tested the Elite to my satisfaction.*
I am reluctant to give the Elite marks, it's hard to be objective because I clearly love it. If I were being super picky.... The buttons do not light up like my GT2 I loved that ..... I love the full *alcantara of my GT2 ...... That's about it.
This is my honest opinion and no one has influenced me in anyway.
Daz
My brief reviews / comments:
Microsoft force feedback wheel: Worth the money if you can find it for $100 used. Entry level FF wheel but still 100x better than a controller. Mine still works great.
Logitech G27: This would be a great option if you could use it on the xbox. It has the best shifter I've ever used. I would rate it's reliability the highest out of any wheel on the market. Lots of leather - very nice Pedals are no where near the Fanatec CSR elite but much better than MS pedals.
Fanatec GT2: Better feedback than the G27. (I'm not sure how to quantify that statement) Paddle shifters are terrible. Lots of fine tuning adjustments. Download the pdf manual from fanatec and take a look at the options. Biggest complaint? -mine is constantly broken.
Fanatec CSR - best wheel I've used. No issues yet but it's only 2 months or so old. I wish they wrapped the entire wheel in alcantara. Paddle shifter are greatly improved from gt2. Plastic part of wheel feels cheap for $250 price. It's a little noisy (more noisy than gt2) but if you can hear it when you are playing, you don't have the stereo loud enough. =D
Microsoft force feedback wheel: Worth the money if you can find it for $100 used. Entry level FF wheel but still 100x better than a controller. Mine still works great.
Logitech G27: This would be a great option if you could use it on the xbox. It has the best shifter I've ever used. I would rate it's reliability the highest out of any wheel on the market. Lots of leather - very nice Pedals are no where near the Fanatec CSR elite but much better than MS pedals.
Fanatec GT2: Better feedback than the G27. (I'm not sure how to quantify that statement) Paddle shifters are terrible. Lots of fine tuning adjustments. Download the pdf manual from fanatec and take a look at the options. Biggest complaint? -mine is constantly broken.
Fanatec CSR - best wheel I've used. No issues yet but it's only 2 months or so old. I wish they wrapped the entire wheel in alcantara. Paddle shifter are greatly improved from gt2. Plastic part of wheel feels cheap for $250 price. It's a little noisy (more noisy than gt2) but if you can hear it when you are playing, you don't have the stereo loud enough. =D
Hmm... I guess I never changed it from the default setting. So "off" is temperature controlled?
- 119
- 12
- Delaware
- lBlade Runnerl
- lBlade Runnerl
Your going to love it! I know. I have one!
- 265
I (still) have the MS FF 'wireless' wheel and pedals, but the cheap crappy paddles are now broken.
I'd like to upgrade the wheel but am quite happy with the MS pedals.
Does anyone know if my current pedals are likely to be compatible/able to be connected to any of the current wheels ?
Many thanks.
I'd like to upgrade the wheel but am quite happy with the MS pedals.
Does anyone know if my current pedals are likely to be compatible/able to be connected to any of the current wheels ?
Many thanks.
- 4,440
- zr1chris
- zr1chris
I (still) have the MS FF 'wireless' wheel and pedals, but the cheap crappy paddles are now broken.
I'd like to upgrade the wheel but am quite happy with the MS pedals.
Does anyone know if my current pedals are likely to be compatible/able to be connected to any of the current wheels ?
Many thanks.
I'm amazed you actually like those pedals. Worst I have ever used. But to answer your question Fanatec does have an adapter for the MS pedals to be used on their wheels.
Corsa
Premium
- 2,104
- United States
Entire gaming community...I don't understand nor agree with pretty much any of this.
My current setup cost $1200.
I have 400 hours into GT5 and FM4.
1200/400= $3/hr.
And none of this includes the insane amount of hours I've got into other franchises.
What kind of entertainment are you finding for $3/hr that involves the latest hardware on the market?
I'm reading the same sort of complaints on the GT5 side involving the PS4 release.
"There's no way I'm spending $500 on a PS4!"
I've said it before, I don't care if the 720 box or the PS4 cost $1000. You always get your money back by the dollar/ by the hour in entertainment.
It's all about what your primary entertainment requires, you could go buy a $30K Harley. But then you'd have to ride it 10,000 hours to see $3/hr. Wait, fuel and insurance would add another 1500 hours.
Just have a thought next time before posting a generalization of high end gear fans in a sim racing hardware forum.
- 608
- saskman1950
OR, you can get an Xbox from your kids, includes two controllers...ADD a used FM4 game for $20
Now do the math:
$20/400hrs=you get the picture...
Seriously...I do not have a wheel...and I enjoy the game a lot.
Others who have wheels enjoy the game a lot.
If a wheel is too expensive, then use a controller. Is that a bad thing?? No
A wheel is more imersive, but if you can't afford one.. You are not alone.
Disclaimer. Please do not take offense, this is just MHO, an observation.
Now do the math:
$20/400hrs=you get the picture...
Seriously...I do not have a wheel...and I enjoy the game a lot.
Others who have wheels enjoy the game a lot.
If a wheel is too expensive, then use a controller. Is that a bad thing?? No
A wheel is more imersive, but if you can't afford one.. You are not alone.
Disclaimer. Please do not take offense, this is just MHO, an observation.
Corsa
Premium
- 2,104
- United States
No offense taken.
My general thoughts are those who are browsing through the hardware forum are looking to see what's out there, read reviews, etc.
It just puts me off when folks come in selling the idea that a controller will do, there's no need for a wheel.
If you don't want to spend the money, or feel a controller is all you need, great.
IDK, I'm not trying to upset folks.
My general thoughts are those who are browsing through the hardware forum are looking to see what's out there, read reviews, etc.
It just puts me off when folks come in selling the idea that a controller will do, there's no need for a wheel.
If you don't want to spend the money, or feel a controller is all you need, great.
IDK, I'm not trying to upset folks.
- 39
- Oklahoma
- IveStilGotItNme
As far as the Madcatz offering goes don't waste your money. That last thing Madcatz did right was the Madcatz Panther XL. Mind you that was over twenty years ago and it wasn't a wheel. But it was a PC killer of mouse/keyboarders all over the globe. A small following still exists, and to keep up with the times, the internals of the Panther have been gutted and replaced with high resolution trackball controllers and MAME designed control boards. Team this up with a XIM3 Box and you have a direct replacement for an Xbox game pad ON the Xbox. It's a shame Madcatz has gone into the toilet as far as quality products go. Before I opted and bit the billfold for the Fanatec set, I purchased Madcatz's "newest" offering approved for Xbox 360. Less than 2 hrs later they got it back. Either the guys at Madcatz have gone mad or they must think society isn't as smart as they once were...they MAY be onto something!
chromatic9
Premium
- 2,835
- England
- chromatic9
- 62
- Netherlands
- FugitiveYOY
Tired of waiting to see what Fanatec was going to do, I pre-ordered this. Looks to be the best wheel currently (soon to be) available for the XB1. Really looking forward to finally playing Forza 5. I'll post a review once I have this in hand.
- 161
- mf-dif
- SCTuning
Well I have a XBone Thrustmaster VG Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel coming tomorrow. It's the non-FFB version, I picked it up for $80. I just don't like any of the options available yet and Forza 5 is the only game that accepts a wheel anyways. I have no clue if I'm going to like it, but at least the "bungie" system and self centering seems like it might get me by.
I've owned a GT2, G25, Carrera, XB360 wireless wheels. The GT2 was by far my favorite. Someone needs to actually make a full featured set right out of the box (leather/alcantra metal wheel, 3 pedal set, full shifter) and I hope Fanatec does, but I'm not holding my breath.
I've owned a GT2, G25, Carrera, XB360 wireless wheels. The GT2 was by far my favorite. Someone needs to actually make a full featured set right out of the box (leather/alcantra metal wheel, 3 pedal set, full shifter) and I hope Fanatec does, but I'm not holding my breath.
I don't understand nor agree with pretty much any of this.
My current setup cost $1200.
I have 400 hours into GT5 and FM4.
1200/400= $3/hr.
And none of this includes the insane amount of hours I've got into other franchises.
What kind of entertainment are you finding for $3/hr that involves the latest hardware on the market?
I'm reading the same sort of complaints on the GT5 side involving the PS4 release.
"There's no way I'm spending $500 on a PS4!"
I've said it before, I don't care if the 720 box or the PS4 cost $1000. You always get your money back by the dollar/ by the hour in entertainment.
It's all about what your primary entertainment requires, you could go buy a $30K Harley. But then you'd have to ride it 10,000 hours to see $3/hr. Wait, fuel and insurance would add another 1500 hours.
Just have a thought next time before posting a generalization of high end gear fans in a sim racing hardware forum.
I like your cost/benefit analysis lol. Guess why I buy PS3 + GT6 because dollar/hour is so much cheaper (almost 100 times!!!) than running my car on autocross or tracks.
Autocross 1 day session including 14 runs with 90 seconds long or so $85, helmet $250, Tires: 1000, alignment: 70, brake fluid flush: 100, oil change: 80, brake pads and rotors change parts plus labor: 500 etc plus many other maintenance.
Track 1 day session: $150, driving suit: couple hundreds, helmet 250, the rest is similar and add even more stress on the engine.
Of course all this require a car which you know cost a lot more than a PS3.
Basically, autocross/track outside in the long term will run you in the 5 digit xx,xxx budget. I still do autocross/track but less now after finding simulation game such as GT6. It is 100 times cheaper and have a lot more cars/tracks i can test for fun haha.
- 830
- Australia
- Soulfresh-ACV
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