Racing wheel

Racing wheels started off as simple plastic wheels hooked up to a rotary potentiometer, which were sprung by springs or bungees. Eventually manufacturers began to use electric motors in the controllers, in place of springs, in order to achieve a level of force feedback, first seen in Microsoft's Sidewinder wheel. At first this technology simply provided the centering force and other artificial effects such as shaking the wheel in a crash or other vibrations. However, as driving simulations have evolved, their physics engines have become more accurate and the developers have linked their in-game physics more closely to the force feedback. This allows the user to truly feel what forces go through the steering rack, instead of just artificial effects, and genuinely enhance the realism of the game. Despite this, some high end manufacturers believe that force feedback has still not been perfected, and therefore companies such as Thomas SuperWheel have not adopted a force feedback system in their products. Frex, on the other hand, has gone the other way and equips their high-end Simwheel with powerful force feedback and no mechanical centering device.

* FFB stands for force feedback.

Note 1: Includes two separate analog paddle axis.

Note 2: Components may be packaged together in some cases and sold as a bundle.

Note 3: Includes hub mechanism only; wheel and adapters not included.

Note 4: Prices converted from Japanese Yen.

Note 5: Utilizes fluid dampening.

Note 6: Prices converted from NZD.

Note 7: Future FFB addon possible.

• List of Logitech Racing Wheels compatible games

HOTAS