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Step Up Your Digital Driving With the Best Sim Racing Wheels
Immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of virtual racing with our roundup of the best sim racing wheels. From entry-level to pro-grade, take your virtual racing to the next level.
Welcome to the thrilling world of sim racing, where the experience of navigating a Porsche 911 GT3 RS around the Nürburgring or wrestling a vintage Ford Mustang through Laguna Seca's corkscrew is no more than a seat and quality gaming rig away. In this adrenaline-fueled sphere, one's choice of equipment makes a difference, but arguably, no piece of gear is more crucial to that tactile connection to the digital tarmac than a proper sim racing wheel.
At the center of all sim racing experiences, a sim racing wheel provides direct feedback from your virtual vehicle and transmits the nuances of the track it's traversing. But how do you decide on the right wheel to ensure your lap times are less about luck and more about skill? Buckle in, because we're here to guide you through the best wheels for anyone looking to get started in the world of sim racing.
Things to Consider When Buying a Sim Racing Wheel
When looking to buy a sim racing wheel, there are key factors to consider:
Force Feedback: This technology simulates the resistance and vibrations you'd feel driving a real car by using a small motor attached to the wheel. This feedback gives you an authentic sense of the road and relays the vehicle's response to your actions, making the digital driving experience more immersive. There are three main types of force-feedback systems: gear-driven, belt-driven, and direct drive. Typically, gear-driven wheels are on the entry-level, while belt-driven and direct drive wheels are for serious sim racers who want the most realistic driving experience.
Compatibility: Some wheels are multi-platform, but others are specific to a single gaming platform. Ensure your racing wheel is compatible with your gaming console or PC. As you'll see in our list below, some manufacturers make what is effectively the same model for different consoles due to different button and feature requirements.
Material and Build Quality: Wheels made of more sturdy components, such as steel or carbon fiber will almost always outlast the cheaper plastic wheels found at the lower end of the sim racing wheel market. Additional touches, such as the use of leather or Alcantara on the wheel, can also lend a more deluxe feeling compared to plastic and composite counterparts.
Pedals and Other Accessories: Many wheels come with pedals for an even more immersive experience, and some also offer gear shifters. Make sure you get the accessories you need for the style of racing you're planning to partake in. For example, if you're planning on rally racing, you'll probably want a sequential shifter and handbrake. Likewise, you'll probably want a formula-style wheel with paddle shifters if you plan on racing open wheel or prototype vehicles for added realism.
Price: Sim racing wheels vary widely in cost, from budget options to high-end setups. A more expensive wheel does not necessarily mean a better experience, but you will typically find the more expensive options offer better materials quality, more realistic feedback, and better support across multiple sim racing games. Select a wheel that matches your budget and meets your specific needs.
Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.
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