Best Simracing Wheel Bases

The world of sim-racing wheel-bases can be overwhelming yet very interesting. We will discuss here our top picks in this area by considering above all the value for money of each product. Before giving our top pick, let me add that this recommendation here is only about the wheelbase. If you want a recommendation about a bundle, go check our dedicated page here.

Our best value for money sim racing wheelbase is the Thrustmaster VG T300/TX (Check it here). It has a nice price for both beginners in sim racing and more experienced virtual racers. The Thrustmaster VG T300/TX is one of the most popular force-feedback wheelbases on the market. It has a 900° rotation (very important, we will come back to that in a minute) and a strong double belt-driven wheelbase. It is also compatible with pretty much everything: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox depending on the model (T300 or TX). This wheelbase works within the Thrustmaster ecosystem. If you want to use a Logitech go for the G29.

There are better wheelbases on the market but, as we will see in a minute, the price range of wheelbases can be well… somewhat shocking. We do not recommend going lower than $200 for a wheelbase as for lower price points there are few good options out there.

If on the other end, budget is not a problem for you, we highly recommend the Fanatec wheel-bases. Mainly the Fanatec CSL Elite (check it here) and the Fanatec Clubsport (check it here). As a general rule, if you have the means go for high-end Fanatec gear. It just cannot disappoint.

Now this is our humble opinion. If you want to do your research thoroughly on your own, then keep reading.

What to Look For in a Steering Wheel

Steering Wheels and Wheel Bases

First, you need to know what you are buying: is it just a steering wheel? A steering wheel with its wheel-base? Or just a wheel-base?

Our suggestion above is only for a wheelbase. You can also buy the steering wheel separately or the wheelbase separately.

For lone steering wheels, we recommend the Thrustmaster TM Open Wheel (see it here ). It is an F1 inspired wheel, with a 900° rotation angle. It has comfy handles and it is very reliable. The value for money is really good (it costs less than $200 in most places). Again if you have more budget to spend, any Fanatec steering wheel will do the job. We especially recommend the ClubSport Steering Wheel GT (see it here).

For lone wheelbases, in addition to our top pick above, we recommend the Fanatec Clubsport wheel base (see it here). It is a belt drive wheel base almost equivalent to a direct drive. It is very advanced, reliable, smooth and precise.

The Range of Rotation

A good wheelbase must allow the steering wheels’ rotation range to match the rotation range of the in-game steering wheel. To do this, to have a 1:1 ratio you need to have at least 900° rotation on your sim racing wheelbase. A lower rotation means that you will turn the physical wheel more than the in-game wheel. This is one of the most important points when choosing a steering wheel and a wheelbase for sim racing. Don’t overlook this.

The Right Force Feedback

Force feedback is what gives you sensations when driving with your steering wheel at home. It is the system that replicate driving a real car. This is also the main difference you will see between a very expensive wheel base and a cheaper one.

In fact, there are 3 types of force feedback out there. By order of invention: Gear Drive, Belt Drive and Direct Drive. Gear drive force feedback is the oldest tech. It was created in the around 2000. It uses plastic gears to create a transmission in order to increase the force given by the motor to the wheel. It is a good solution budget wise. The drawback is that plastic made transmissions are harder, less precise and noisier. Usually, the cheapest wheel bases will have this system.

The Gear Drive was outclassed by the Belt Drive force feedback around 2010. It is relatively new tech. Most wheelbases on the markets are Belt Driven. Our top pick, the Thrustmaster VG T300/TX (check it here), is double-belt driven. This system work by utilizing a belt, a pulley and a small motor. The motor generates the force feedback which is then passed by the belt to the wheel rim. The belt and the pulley can increase the force created by the motor up to 20 times. Belt Drive force feedback systems tend to be smoother and stronger that Gear Drive systems for a very competitive price.

Going up on the ladder, there is the Direct Drive system which is the most expensive one. It equips the most expensive wheelbases on the market. This system is very simple: the steering wheel is mounted directly on a large and strong motor. There are no limits on the created force. Direct drive is the strongest, fastest and smoothest force feedback creating technology.

So when picking your wheelbase, think about the force feedback creation tech you want. It is, with the 900° rotation, the most important point in choosing the right system.

Materials

Obviously, you need to look into the wheelbases by analyzing their materials, what they are made with. First, check if the materials with which the wheel is made is solid and reliable. Lots of systems are made with stainless steel.

Price

The sim racing market requires some expertise and research. Price can vary greatly from a low end $80 wheelbase to a $2 000 Fanatec wheelbase. If you are tight on your budget go with our pick (Thrustmaster TX/T300 or a G29), if you have big bucks to spend go for a high-end Fanatec system.

Compatibility

Check the compatibility with PC and/or your Xbox or PS4. Usually, compatibility with PC is not an issue. However, it can become one with your console. Check also compatibility with your other sim racing gear. If you buy pedals from a brand and a wheel from another they make not work together on consoles. This should not be a problem with PC.

Top Brands To Consider

Logitech – A Good value-for-the-money brand. They make products in the $200-$400 price range. Ideal if you are a beginner in sim racing or if you are on a budget.

Thrustmaster – A solid choice. They make wheels covering a price range going from $100 to $1000. I would avoid the entry-level stuff and focus on +$200 wheelbase.

Fanatec – They have 3 ranges of products going from good to incredibly good: Fanatec CSL, Fanatec Clubsport and Fanatec Podium. We recommend going for the CSL if you have the means. Pretty much anything Fanatec is the reference when it comes to sim racing.

Ascher Racing – Precision Sim Engineering – Simucube. These brands are the top of the top. Very good products but also incredibly expensive. Their entry-level gear starts roughly at $1.000. It is overkill in my opinion. If you are a beginner definitely don’t buy these brands. Only do it if you have big money and some experience in sim racing. We recommend sticking to Logitech, Fanatec and Thrustmaster.

Parting thoughts

It requires heavy research to choose the right wheel base. According to ours, the best of the best are:

• Thrustmaster VG T300/TX (Check it here). Probably one of the best value for money on the market.
• The Fanatec CSL Elite (Check it here) or Fanatec Clubsport (Check it here) if you want something fancier.

You should research heavily before buying your sim racing gear as there are many important features to consider. Give a particular focus on the force feedback generation method that is used and on the rotation range of the wheel.

If you are looking for other sim racing gear recommendation, we have other pages just like this one on our recommended products section. We also have a section for karting and racing equipment. This is the best gear on the market in our opinion.