What is Force Feedback in a Racing Wheels?
One of the terms that often get thrown around during sim racing discussions is Force Feedback. Every gamer using a steering wheel knows it and there are a lot of differing opinions on what the best type of force feedback is for sim racing. As such, we’re here to help you understand the different types of Force Feedback on a racing wheel so you can decide which is the right one for you.
What is Force Feedback in Racing Wheels?
Force Feedback effects aim to simulate real-world driving at the comforts of your own home. It’s a simulation technique that intends to provide gamers with a sense of touch while playing their favorite racing games. Force Feedback is similar to a controller vibration but it elevates the realism to the highest level to simulate the weight of the vehicle, roads, bumps, and so much more.
What are the Best Racing Wheels available right now based on the type of Force Feedback?
Direct Driven Racing Wheel: Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 NM)
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The Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 NM) by Fanatec has arrived just in time for the release of Sony’s latest Gran Turismo game for the latest console. This racing wheel utilizes Direct Drive Force Feedback technology wherein the wheel is directly mounted to the motor shaft. This means that there are no gear or belt systems to dilute the force feedback effects making this the perfect choice for sim racing enthusiasts as well as professional drivers.
Buying the Gran Turismo DD Pro includes a Boost Kit 180 to unlock the full performance of the wheelbase. The boost kit sustains the racing wheel without the need for active cooling so that you can play for longer hours on your favorite racing games. The racing wheel is specifically designed for Gran Turismo for use on PS4 and PS5 consoles.
Direct Driven Racing Wheel: Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1
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Another great option for sim racers looking for a high-quality Direct Drive racing wheel is the Podium F1 racing wheel by Fanatec. It’s the first-ever Direct Drive racing wheel for consoles that’s also officially licensed by F1. This racing wheel is one of the most used gaming peripherals for Esports competitions worldwide because of its compatibility with almost all the important racing games available right now. The wheel is loaded with Fanatec innovations such as buttons, multi-positional switches, thumb encoders, rocker switches, and more.
Get your wallets ready though as Fanatec Direct Drive racing wheels are a huge investment as they’re the most expensive types of racing wheels you can get your hands on. They’re also the best steering wheels you can use for your favorite racing games so it’s definitely a no-brainer if you have the money to spend on.
Gear Driven Racing Wheel: Logitech G29 Driving Force
The G29 Driving Force racing wheel by Logitech is powered by a dual-motor combo to create realistic Force Feedback effects. This provides realistic racing experiences on your favorite games so you can respond with precision especially during tight races. The G29 is one of the most affordable racing wheels you can get right now for your PS3, PS4, and PS5 consoles. It also works for PC and Mac making it one of the more versatile steering wheels on the market.
The wheel, paddle shifters, and pedals are all made from durable metal to deliver the look, feel, and reliability of an actual race car. The wheel is covered with hand-stitched leather making it appealing on display along with the rest of your racing rig.
Gear Driven Racing Wheel: Logitech G923 Racing Wheel
The Logitech G923 is a direct successor of the popular G27 while also being a reworked version of the G29. This steering wheel is compatible with a lot of racing games and works across multiple platforms such as the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, as well as PC. The G923 is really affordable when compared to other racing wheels available on the market right now that deliver a good level of Force Feedback relative to its price.
Buying this gaming peripheral also comes with progressive brake pedals so that you can play your sim racing games right away. The primary disadvantage of the G923 is the notable rumble when turning the wheel. This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker as this is a common issue associated with gear-driven wheels.
Belt Driven Racing Wheel: Thrustmaster T300 RS
The Thrustmaster T300 RS Racing Wheel uses a simple wheel-changing system for racers to enjoy using different steering wheels on the fly. The dual-belt system of the T300RS reduces disruptive noise and provides smooth movement during gameplay for a more flexible driving experience. It also removes uncomfortable jolts which are present on gear-driven wheels. This ensures optimal realism in all racing environments is enjoyed, which can be the difference between winning or losing the race.
The price of the T300RS is quite reasonable so it’s highly recommended for first-time and even veteran racers as the peripheral is worth the money. It’s durable as it’s made from metal and is reinforced with a rubber texture on the wheel’s entire circumference to ensure it’ll last a long time. Lastly, the T300RS is also compatible across all platforms such as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC making it a versatile racing wheel for all sim racing enthusiasts.
Belt Driven Racing Wheel: Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
Another great alternative for a belt-driven racing wheel is the T248, also from Thrustmaster. The T248 features a premium leather wrapping on the outer portion of the wheel which makes it look great on any racing cockpit setup. The Force Feedback of this racing wheel utilizes a HYBRID DRIVE system using a mix of belt and gear-driven mechanisms to provide powerful and versatile Force Feedback effects. There are 3 Force Feedback effects to choose from such as Force Feedback 100%, enhanced Force Feedback for better skid control, and boosted Force Feedback for racers to feel all effects from the track like curbs, skids, off-track, and more.
The racing wheel also has 25 action buttons so that gamers can assign a lot of racing controls as well as 20 different displays on its built-in screen. The T248 also comes with a magnetic pedal set during purchase as well as magnetic paddle shifters so that you can quickly race ahead of the pack even during the most intense gaming sessions.
FAQs
How does Force Feedback Effects work for Racing Games?
Force Feedback effects help racers interact when driving as an added layer to the visual and audio signals during gameplay. The effect lets you feel the dirt when you drive your racecar off the road which in turn creates a sudden resistance on the racing wheel. The extra layer lets you experience a new type of communication with the game as these interactions simulate realistic driving, making you feel more immersed as opposed to playing with a regular controller.
Force Feedback effects also provide you with a more accurate range of motion making gameplay more authentic. They provide better control over the game so that you can react more intuitively. Moreover, the immersion from using a racing wheel with Force Feedback when compared to the simple vibrations of a controller is second to none. There are no actual vehicles that are controlled with a joystick so being able to play your favorite games using an actual steering wheel allows gamers to totally immerse themselves in the race and feel like they’re actually driving a real car.
Is it worth it to get a Racing Wheel with Force Feedback?
Racing wheels are definitely worth it if you’re into simulation racing games. Force Feedback effects aim to provide gamers with a realistic driving experience, making the latest games more immersive and enjoyable overall. However, expensive racing wheels such as those that are Direct Driven are probably not worth it for beginners and casuals due to their expensive price point. They’re usually marketed for professional or hardcore racers which is why gear or belt-driven steering wheels are much better in terms of affordability.
With all these in mind, it’s important to note that Force Feedback isn’t really necessary for a lot of racing games. The purpose of Force Feedback effects is to elevate your gameplay experience to the next level so if this is what you’re going for, then a steering wheel with reliable Force Feedback is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion
Gear and Belt Drive Force Feedback systems on steering wheels are best suited for beginners and casual sim racers who’re on a budget. Racing wheels that utilize Direct Drive Force Feedback effects meanwhile are for gamers looking for accurate reproduction of driving in real-life conditions where realism and immersion are at their highest. It’s better to get an affordable racing wheel when it’s your first time to try sim racing games or you’re just in it casually and upgrade along the way rather than splurging on an expensive setup and then realizing sim racing games are not for you.
Bottom line is, your budget will always be the deciding factor when choosing the racing wheel when setting up your cockpit.
