Stronger, Faster, More Precise – What Really Makes a Great Wheelbase

More Newton metres, faster reactions, higher resolution: The technical data of wheelbases can be easily compared. However, these numbers do not reveal how good a base feels in everyday use. Additional functions, software and compatibility with steering wheels, pedals and platforms can be equally important when making a purchase decision. So, what really matters?

Newtonmeter, slew rate and more: how much do you really need?

The motto of many simracers is naturally “higher, faster, further”. After the first entry-level base, the next one often needs to be as powerful as possible. Many manufacturers now offer bases with over 30 Newton metres, which can be extremely difficult to use without significant drosseling. However, many Simracers would find a base with 12 to 15 Newtonmeters sufficient, although, as so often, this depends on the individual case.

Similarly, additional parameters such as the slew rate (which can be compared to the acceleration of the motor. It indicates how quickly a certain force change occurs. It is usually measured in Nm/ms.) or the encoder resolution are important. The latter is usually in the range of 21 to 24 bits for current wheel bases, which is a range in which differences are no longer perceptible to users in practice.

This does not mean that there are no differences in force feedback between the various manufacturers. However, these differences are becoming increasingly smaller with each generation of wheelbases and are more nuanced. Issues such as cogging (the sensation of spinnable magnets during rotation) and overheating are, except in extreme situations, usually not a decisive purchase criterion for all known sim racing manufacturers in normal use nowadays.

Force Feedback – Subjektivität, Telemtrie und Software

Fragt man fünf verschiedene Simracer nach der Base mit dem besten Force Feedback, erhält man nicht selten fünf verschiedene Antworten. Das Hauptproblem ist hier schlicht die Vergleichbarkeit: Kaum ein Nutzer hat die Unterschiede von mehr als maximal einer Handvoll Bases außerhalb von Messe-Umgebungen selbst erfahren können und auch die gewählten Einstellungen unterscheiden sich oftmals voneinander.

WÄhrend sich die Bases auf der Hadrware-Seite zunehmen annähern gibt es beim Thema Software weiter gewisse Utnerchiede. Dazu zählz zum Beispiel dass immer mehr in mOde kommende Telemtrie-FFB (Fahr- und Fahrzeugdaten werden für tzusötzliche Effekte genutzt), welches mittlerweile von verschiedenen herstellern eingeesztt wird. Zudem gibt es Utnerschiede bei den eisntellbarern Paramtern und dem BEdinugnskomfort der Software.

Zusammengefasst bleibt das Force-Feedback ein sehr subjektives Thema, bei dem Diskussionen nicht selten in Glaubensfragen abdriften können. Die Hersteller versuchen, sich vor allem durch kleine Verbesserungen von der Konkurrenz abzuheben, und produzieren dabei von Generation zu Generation immer bessere Wheel Bases. Allerdings hat sich die Entwicklung mittlerweile sehr deutlich verlangsamt.

Ecosystem and compatibility

One factor that can definitely influence the decision to buy is the ecosystem of the various manufacturers. While some manufacturers tend to be more closed off, others now offer direct USB support via Passtrough, for example. In addition, there is the use of various QR systems, some of which are proprietary (e.g. Simucube, Fanatec or SimLab), while others use standard components. Therefore, sometimes the use of a single steering wheel can be the deciding factor for or against a wheel base.

Additionally, some manufacturers can differentiate themselves from the competition by offering support for almost all current PC racing sim titles as well as Xbox or PS5 compatibility. This is a factor that even good force feedback or other features cannot make up for.

Conclusion and recommendations

So, what is the conclusion? Above all, one thing: Your own requirements should be at the forefront of your decision-making process, and you should not be overly influenced by ever-increasing numbers. It can always be worth listening to recommendations from individual users, but you should always bear in mind their bias towards their “own” product. Consequently, there is no universal recommendation. It is therefore worth taking a look at comparisons and also test reports, which can be a good indicator for a new purchase. It is also important to note that it is difficult to make a mistake on the current market. The era of poor wheelbases in products costing over €500 is thankfully over.