OK. First off--yes. I use a gamepad, not a wheel (I can't afford, nor do I have the space for a decent wheel and pedal set). I don't like using the mouse and keyboard because then I don't have good control over the throttle and brake.
For a while I was using a wired Xbox360 controller, but found it to be woefully inadequate for the job--much more suited to Project Gotham 3 than LFS. So I picked up instead a Logitech Rumblepad 2 from yon local big box store. For $34.99 I'd say I got my money's worth.
The controller is shaped like the PS2 DualShock, with the same button layout and twin analog sticks--so it's a familiar layout and easy to hold. The controller itself has a good heft to it, but isn't excessively bulky. The cord is also plenty long enough to not get caught or snared on anything.
As for the controls itself..the lack of analog buttons (like the PS2's dualshock) is a little disappointing, but the twin analog sticks are superb. They have adequate resistance and good feel, and have fantastic on-center feel with none of the dead spots or looseness the 360's analog sticks suffered from. The controller alone allowed me to shave half a second off my lap times because I no longer had to constantly fiddle with the thing just to drive in a straight line. The analog stick's limited range of movement though makes precision driving maneuvers difficult, where only minor steering corrections are needed. This is an issue with all control methods shy of a 900-degree racing wheel though, and it's easily overcome with a steady hand.
Overall, I'd say it's a good alternative to a wheel. It's hardly an ideal solution (a DFP or one of those new G25 racing wheels would be ideal!) but it's a good compromise. I'm quite satisfied with it.
For a while I was using a wired Xbox360 controller, but found it to be woefully inadequate for the job--much more suited to Project Gotham 3 than LFS. So I picked up instead a Logitech Rumblepad 2 from yon local big box store. For $34.99 I'd say I got my money's worth.
The controller is shaped like the PS2 DualShock, with the same button layout and twin analog sticks--so it's a familiar layout and easy to hold. The controller itself has a good heft to it, but isn't excessively bulky. The cord is also plenty long enough to not get caught or snared on anything.
As for the controls itself..the lack of analog buttons (like the PS2's dualshock) is a little disappointing, but the twin analog sticks are superb. They have adequate resistance and good feel, and have fantastic on-center feel with none of the dead spots or looseness the 360's analog sticks suffered from. The controller alone allowed me to shave half a second off my lap times because I no longer had to constantly fiddle with the thing just to drive in a straight line. The analog stick's limited range of movement though makes precision driving maneuvers difficult, where only minor steering corrections are needed. This is an issue with all control methods shy of a 900-degree racing wheel though, and it's easily overcome with a steady hand.
Overall, I'd say it's a good alternative to a wheel. It's hardly an ideal solution (a DFP or one of those new G25 racing wheels would be ideal!) but it's a good compromise. I'm quite satisfied with it.
