Steering Wheel+Pedals

Set recommendations

Here you will find the steering wheel recommendations for use with a PC for the usual simracing titles. All steering wheels with the exception of the T150 RS have been extensively tested(!) and put to the test. The T300 RS and the Fanatec CSW wheelbase each lasted more than 1000 hours. Additional steering wheels tested were the Logitech G25/G27 and the Logitech Driving Force GT. These, too, are a serious alternative if there are good offers.

Beginner set up to 150€: Thrustmaster T150 RS

The Thrustmaster T150 RS is a simple but solid entry-level steering wheel. It has 2 large sequential shifters, 13 function keys and a control cross. The supplied pedals (gas and brake pedals) are to be used for the first meters, but no longer meet higher demands. However, they can be replaced by a compatible pedal set (T3PA-PRO). The TH8A can also be supplemented by a seperat-available gear shift. The steering wheel shows weaknesses in the material appearance and in the force feedback. The mixed pulley and gear system can’t quite keep up with the systems of the more expensive steering wheels. As the first steering wheel, however, the T150 RS is definitely worth a recommendation.

Up to €300: Thrustmaster T300 RS

The Thrustmaster T300 RS is the big brother of the T150. It offers the same advantages: upgradeability, a good price/performance ratio and many function keys. The improved pedal set (T3PA) is still far from providing a realistic braking sensation, but it is a major upgrade to the T150’s 2-pedal set. The biggest difference is achieved by the double belt system in combination with the brushless industrial quality servo motor. As a result, the steering wheel can display the force feedback in a much more detailed way and is also significantly quieter. Occasionally, problems with too much heat are reported (consequence: Force feedback is reduced). The T300 RS is offered in various packages: the steering wheel rim can be selected at will, the t3PA-Pro model is preferable for pedals.

For €550: Fanatec CSL Elite Set

The recommendation up to 700€ is the entry-level set from Fanatec. It consists of the Elite pedals, the CSL Elite Wheel Base and the CSL Elite Racing Wheel – officially licensed for PlayStation™. The pedals are processed in a higher quality than those of the T300 RS, but the optional CSL Elite Pedale Loadcell Kit is required for around 140€ for even more realistic braking behaviour. This extends the CSL Elite pedals with a loadcell brake (up to 90 kilos of braking force) and then uses the previous brake pedal unit as a clutch pedal. The Wheelbase used is significantly more powerful than the recommendation up to 300€ and delivers a similar performance jump as the T300 RS to the T150 RS. There are also countless upgrade options for the Fanatec system. In addition to numerous steering wheels, there is a handbrake, the ClubSport Shifter SQ and even higher-quality pedals.

€2000: Fanatec Podium Series + Clubsport V3 Pedals

The set from the 2000€class is another significant leap. With a peak torque of 20 NM (comparable to the torque of most real racing cars with power steering) and a holding torque of 15 NM, this base should leave nothing to be desired. Other features of the base with Direct Drive Motor are:

• OLED display for displaying e.B. current force feedback data
• Improved Fanatec Tuning Menu
• 5-year warranty
• Fully certified (EMI and ESD tests, CE, FCC, C-Tick, ROHS)
• Wireless data and power supply to steering wheels
• Integrated electronics housed directly in the housing
• Own software (FanaLab) with many settings

The V3 pedals from Fanatec are currently suitable pedals. For a bit of extra charge, however, the pedals from Heusikveld are also suitable, which can or must be operated separately. Information about the pedals can be found here: https://simracing-pc.de/pedale/

When Money Doesn’t Matter: Simucube Ultimate + Heusinkveld Sim Pedals Ultimate

For around 3000€ you get the SIMUCUBE 2 Ultimate with up to 32NM torque, a housing made of whole metal and wireless support.

The Sim Pedals Ultimate from Heusinkveld are available for a further 1300€. With a maximum braking force of 136kg with a built-in 200kg loadcell, nothing is left to be desired. Fully adjustable pedal geometry and pedal force as well as adjustable hydraulic damping on each individual pedal complete the overall package.

To The Base: https://de.simucu.be/sc2ultimate-direct-drive-wheel-base

To the pedals: https://heusinkveld.com/products/sim-pedals/sim-pedals-ultimate