So, my G25 crapped out on me and I need anew wheel.
Fanatec is looking like a good choice, especially since the new shifters are coming soon, and I can use my G25 pedals on them (mounted in my simpit, keeping them for now).
So, is the new Clubsport base and rim really worth the premium?
I think it REALLY is worth it. I actually switched from a GT3RS V2 to a CSW a few months back, and the difference is REALLY huge. The quality of that wheel is just insane.
The GT3RS V2 is faster than a G25, and the CSW is faster than a GT3RS V2 from what I've found. I've owned all those three wheels in the past, and the CSW is not slow, in the contrary.
I'm not sure if their production is up to par, because most wheels should work fine. Me and a friend of mine have a CSW (from beta even) which works fine. We both race and drift daily with a lot of force, so we abuse it plenty without any problems right now.
There's always a chance you get a wheel that might not be great, but if you think that Fanatec will just replace it without any further hassle.
I have the GT3RS with the Elite pedals and had the G27. I'm quite a bit slower trying to adapt, but the wheel feels great just need to adjust to the feeling of the rear end losing grip.
Also I have an odd issue with the brake pedal clunking due to somethings binding up it seems. Moved it up a rung and problem fixed, but there's no way in hell I can push a pedal that stiff on a regular basis.
What I like about the GT3RS vs G27
Adjustable settings on the fly including wheel lock, FFB setting, and vibration shock etc.
Smoother force feedback
throttle is much more accurate and the brake feels much more natural, but is a learning curve.
the wheel is very easy to resynch
shifter is all metal and seems durable
the clamp is much more adjustable for thinner surfaces and there is an easy to use drill template
fanaleds helps out a lot
What I liked about the G27 vs the GT3RS:
Wires were much more neatly organized
Paddle shifters felt more sturdy and made a nice click
Way more buttons
medal wheel made me a bit more sure of the wheel and feeling.
Shifter is a bit more function able and easy to setup
fanaleds is just meh for the g27, just indicators and such
Equals:
The leather on both wheels are great and unique.
both wheels have solid build quality (though the fanatec is all plastic)
both are about the same price (in the US, and I'm talking about the fanatec XL bundle)
Trying them both out would be the best. But really, if you have the money, go for it. You won't be looking back on any other wheel for years. If you're not comfortable with spending that much, the GT3RS is also a good choice.
Then there is also the T500RS with the Thrustmaster shifter.... Available now, and inbetween the Fanatex and G27 in price.... Seems like a pretty good choice if I want to go a little up on the G25 but don't wanna spend all my savings?
I have a Thrustmaster Warthog setup, and if the build quality is anything NEAR that the T500 must be amazing!
Yeah, they're non-issues. I'm going to get the DS wheel adapter and mount a real Nardi on the T500 anyway as it has the power to drive one, no more rubber.