Wheel stand with center post or not?

[GTP_FastM3]

Hi
I'm looking to get a wheelstand of some sort in the near future. The two main options would be the Fanatec and WheelStand pro which both have a center post. There are some other options including Apex V, Agapi (?sp) and home made that don't have a center post. Most of these (other than home made which would be time consuming) are more expensive or less adjustable (Agapi).

I'm wondering if the center post is an issue or not. If I can be certain that the center post is a non issue then I'll just go with the Fanatec or Wheel stand, but I would like feedback on this issue from those experienced with a center post. Opinions for and against appreciated.

 

[nick09]

I think it depends on how you position the pedal box. I'm not sure about since I never owned a stand with an center post. I have built a stand with my father and the time to make it was only 2-3 hours long. I have posted plenty of pictures in the cheap cockpit forum if you want to take a look at it.

 

[Molydood]

I have used a table to start with (no centre post) and then, once it arrived, a fanatec wheel stand. I would prefer no centre post as you do have to position the pedal box just right but you can get a setup that works with some effort.

On my fanatec I needed to use mole grips on the centre post retention dial to get is solid enough so I don't think the foldaway option is going to be very convenient for me once my wife insists it goes in the cupboard.

 

[blacbul67]

While I must admit I have a Rennesport wheelstand for use with a Turbo S wheel and Clubsport pedals and I would prefer not to have a centre post I have to say that the centre post has not been a hindrance in the 12 months I have owned and used this setup. Its more psychological thing for me at least thinking its an hindrance but in actuality it hasn't stopped me driving as I would want to (thats down to a lack of talent!)

 

[GTP_FastM3]

While I must admit I have a Rennesport wheelstand for use with a Turbo S wheel and Clubsport pedals and I would prefer not to have a centre post I have to say that the centre post has not been a hindrance in the 12 months I have owned and used this setup. Its more psychological thing for me at least thinking its an hindrance but in actuality it hasn't stopped me driving as I would want to (thats down to a lack of talent!)

Do your legs ever hit it? Can you tell it's there when you are driving? If so, is it annoying?

 

[Cheeba]

I use the Rennsport stand and love the stability of it. I am fairly tall but I don't have any problem with my leg hitting the bar. The center post does not interfere with my driving at all.

I also have an xcelarator wheelstand that does not have a center post but I prefer the fanatec stand due to its stability.

 

[blacbul67]

Do your legs ever hit it? Can you tell it's there when you are driving? If so, is it annoying?

No they don't, but you have to initially spend time making sure you have everything set up and positioned just where you want them. For example I have been using all 3 pedals since I got my Fanatec set up a year ago, but now playing F1 2010 and no longer needing the clutch I had to re-acclimatise myself to a 2 pedal set up again and as part of that I moved my Clubsport pedals to the left on the wheelstand ( I have them secured with velcro strips to give me this adjustabilility) and repositioned the actual brake pedal plate to the left to help speed up the process but that was for me and will not be necessary for everyone.