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Choosing a racing wheel: force feedback, console and pedals

Which racing wheel fits your console and your desk? Force feedback, direct drive, pedals and swappable rims explained.

Short answer: First pick a wheel that fits your console: many wheels come in a PlayStation and an Xbox version, and many direct-drive sets are PC only. Then look at the force feedback. Gears (such as the Logitech G923) are the cheapest, a belt (such as the Thrustmaster T300) feels smoother, and direct drive feels the strongest and most precise, but costs more and needs a sturdy mount.

With a racing wheel you feel the road, the corners and the grip of your tyres. Here is what to look for, with examples from our racing wheels.

Does the wheel fit your console?

This is the first choice. Wheels do not work on every console. Most PlayStation and Xbox wheels also work on PC; check the name or description to be sure.

So the same name can be two products. Check the name or description for the console the wheel is made for.

Force feedback: gears, belt or direct drive

Force feedback is the wheel pushing back by itself, so you feel what the car is doing. There are three ways:

  • Gears: a motor drives the wheel through gears. Cheap and effective, but you can sometimes feel the teeth. Examples are the Logitech G29 and the G923.
  • Belt: the motor drives the wheel through a belt. Smoother and quieter. Examples are the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT and the T-GT II. The T248-X uses a mix of gears and belt.
  • Direct drive: the wheel sits right on the motor shaft. This feels the strongest and most precise. Makers state the force in newton metres (Nm), such as 10 Nm for the Thrustmaster T818 and 12 Nm for the Moza R12 bundle. An entry model is the Moza R5 bundle.

Cheap wheels such as the Trust GXT 289 Movi only vibrate and have no real force feedback.

Racing wheels from this guide

Rotation

A real car’s steering wheel turns more than once. Many racing wheels do too: the Logitech G923 turns 900 degrees, the Thrustmaster T300 1,080 degrees. In the game you set how much of that you use. Cheap wheels turn less, such as the Trust GXT 289 Movi with 270 degrees.

Pedals and shifter

Most wheels come with pedals, sometimes two (throttle and brake) and sometimes three (with clutch). Pricier pedals measure the pressure on the brake rather than how far you press it. Makers call this a load cell. It feels more like a real brake.

If you want to shift yourself, you can buy a separate shifter. The Driving Force Shifter fits the Logitech G29, G920 and G923. Thrustmaster sells some wheels together with its TH8A shifter.

Mounting: desk or cockpit

Gear and belt wheels usually clamp to a desk or table. Direct-drive wheels are strong enough to make a desk move. Put them on a sturdy stand or a cockpit instead, such as a Playseat racing seat. Read more in our guide choosing a gaming chair.

Swappable wheel rims

On many pricier wheels you can swap the rim itself. According to Thrustmaster, the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On fits the T818, T598 and T300. That way you drive a Formula 1 car with a different wheel than a GT car. Always check which base a separate rim fits.

Frequently asked questions

Does a racing wheel work on every console?

No. Many wheels come in a PlayStation and an Xbox version, and most of them also work on PC. Many direct-drive sets are PC only. Check the name for the console the wheel is made for.

What is force feedback?

The wheel pushes back by itself, so you feel what the car is doing, in a corner or when your tyres lose grip. Cheap wheels only vibrate; real force feedback comes from a motor with gears, a belt or direct drive.

What does Nm mean on a direct-drive wheel?

Newton metres is the force the motor can put on the wheel. The higher, the stronger the force feedback. More force also needs a sturdier mount.

Can I clamp a racing wheel to my desk?

Gear and belt wheels, yes, with a clamp. A strong direct-drive wheel is better on a stand or in a cockpit, because a desk can start to move.

Do I need a shifter?

No. On most wheels you shift with paddles behind the wheel. A separate shifter is an extra for anyone who wants to shift by hand, as in an old sports car or a truck.

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GameCrew does not test products. This guide sums up what manufacturers and publishers state. Always check the manufacturer for the details.

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