Advice on first wheel - Sept 2014

[SteveS 1,391]

I'm also Mac guy, only built PC for sim racing.

 

Yep, even mid level sim racing rig is cheaper than a few tracks days. One can debate how much more fun it is on a real track, with G force, danger, noise and smell! For me sim racing will never replace the feeling of driving a real car on the edge. But you can still get lots of pleasure from competing against real humans in iRacing.

 

Selling a signed Momo rim by Jackie Stewart, would finance a really nice sim rig! 

 

But I would never sell it. Mount it on the wall as automotive art!!! This is part of Scottish automotive history... Jackie was like Colin a total international legend in his own right. 

[The_Scotsman4 8]

I'm also Mac guy, only built PC for sim racing.

 

Yep, even mid level sim racing rig is cheaper than a few tracks days. One can debate how much more fun it is on a real track, with G force, danger, noise and smell! For me sim racing will never replace the feeling of driving a real car on the edge. But you can still get lots of pleasure from competing against real humans in iRacing.

 

Selling a signed Momo rim by Jackie Stewart, would finance a really nice sim rig! 

 

But I would never sell it. Mount it on the wall as automotive art!!! This is part of Scottish automotive history... Jackie was like Colin a total international legend in his own right. 

True. I've been to a few track-days at Knockhill (as a passenger) and they were a lot of fun being chucked around in an M5, a GTR and then later a GT3 RS! I'm hoping that sim racing can help prepare me for a track day in the future.

 

Indeed! Jackie grew up in Milton, about 5 miles from where I grew up so we are certainly proud of him around that area! 

 

I'll need to get my Dad to find it; I'm sure it's in their attic! Should really have been in his office in the house, next to the painting of Jackie that hung in my room as a kid. Would look great once I've got a man cave.

 

For a small island, the UK has certainly produced some cracking racing drivers and teams over the years! 

[SteveS 1,391]

I think sim racing, really helps improves personal reaction times, it really helps you to experience the best racing lines, it helps improve the mechanics of listening to the engine and general human coordination. Real physics like weight transfer, heat of the tires is only really captured in the higher end simulators like iRacing.

 

You will notice more "older" but young at heart sim racers on this forum, because it's great for keeping your reaction times good and addition to having fun!

 

Anyone can win races in GT5 or GT6 against the AI, but it builds a real sense "I'm a great driver", then you join iRacing for a real eye opener because it's so much less forgiving. In iRacing lift the throttle too fast mid corner, will destabilize the car in a very dramatic way like a real car on the edge of traction limits.

 

Mass market racing products don't do this because it makes them just too hard to drive for the average user. Richard Burns Rally is super hard to master, because Richard wanted to teach people what rallying is really like! Awesome physics for such an old title. 

 

Sim racing fails to give a true sense of speed and danger. The real adrenalin rush is just not present IF your life is not on the line! It's that feeling of Wow, that could have been really nasty that gives me the buzz I miss!

 

Driving in Europe is so much different to driving in North America where every corner is carefully sign posted. Driving a car fast on a narrow Scottish roads, makes you learn quickly!

[The_Scotsman4 8]

I think sim racing, really helps improves personal reaction times, it really helps you to experience the best racing lines, it helps improve the mechanics of listening to the engine and general human coordination. Real physics like weight transfer, heat of the tires is only really captured in the higher end simulators like iRacing.

 

You will notice more "older" but young at heart sim racers on this forum, because it's great for keeping your reaction times good and addition to having fun!

 

Anyone can win races in GT5 or GT6 against the AI, but it builds a real sense "I'm a great driver", then you join iRacing for a real eye opener because it's so much less forgiving. In iRacing lift the throttle too fast mid corner, will destabilize the car in a very dramatic way like a real car on the edge of traction limits.

 

Mass market racing products don't do this because it makes them just too hard to drive for the average user. Richard Burns Rally is super hard to master, because Richard wanted to teach people what rallying is really like! Awesome physics for such an old title. 

 

Sim racing fails to give a true sense of speed and danger. The real adrenalin rush is just not present IF your life is not on the line! It's that feeling of Wow, that could have been really nasty that gives me the buzz I miss!

 

Driving in Europe is so much different to driving in North America where every corner is carefully sign posted. Driving a car fast on a narrow Scottish roads, makes you learn quickly!

It's the reactions and coordination I'm really looking forward to working on most.

 

I appreciate that GT5/6 isn't as hard core as the PC sims, but hopefully I can get some good track time and compete online. The GT Academy has always interested me; it's a cool concept. I'll see if I can pick up a copy of RBR for my Rally itch!

 

My uncle grew up with the McRae boys and Robbie Head, another famous Scottish/British rally driver, in the Lanark area. Some awesome roads to have a blast on, but requires a lot of good control. 

 

Perhaps Oculus Rift will help with the speed immersion, even if it can't add more danger!

[SteveS 1,391]

RBR is cheap when you get a PC setup.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Richard-Burns-Rally-PC-2004-DVD-Box-/281434580855?pt=DE_PC_Videospiele&hash=item4186cee777

 

The tutorial is excellent...

Also a really strong MOD community which releases new updates every year.

http://forum.rallyesim.fr/viewtopic.php?f=349&t=13886

 

GT Academy is really great concept! I got really pissed off when I got to first phase of selections and then learned because I lived in Canada was not allowed to compete any further. I think that is the last time I played GT5 on the console... 

 

Even the most arcade racing game, helps with improving reactions & coordination. 

[The_Scotsman4 8]

RBR is cheap when you get a PC setup.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Richard-Burns-Rally-PC-2004-DVD-Box-/281434580855?pt=DE_PC_Videospiele&hash=item4186cee777

 

The tutorial is excellent...

Also a really strong MOD community which releases new updates every year.

http://forum.rallyesim.fr/viewtopic.php?f=349&t=13886

 

GT Academy is really great concept! I got really pissed off when I got to first phase of selections and then learned because I lived in Canada was not allowed to compete any further. I think that is the last time I played GT5 on the console... 

 

Even the most arcade racing game, helps with improving reactions & coordination. 

That's great that there is still an active RBR community, I watched some YouTube footage and it does looks more realistic physics wise; it'll be fun to give it a go. 

 

That's a shame about GT Academy!

[The_Scotsman4 8]

 

BTW how spooky is this; Browsing Jalopnik tonight and they have a Rally Flashback to.... Australia 1997!! 

 

http://rallytakeover.kinja.com/rally-flashback-australia-1997-1633100255/+orlove

[SteveS 1,391]

Very spooky!

 

Yes, GT Academy was a shame.

[Gunstar 615]

They don't let Canadians compete in GT Academy?? That's freaking WEAK.

[SteveS 1,391]

I think they changed the rules, after the year I had lots of fun getting to the first selection phase.

My guess lots of other people also complained. It shows I did not read the small print when I first signed up!

[The_Scotsman4 8]

That's a shame it wasn't open for the first year, but glad it's changed now!

 

Well my G27 will be delivered this afternoon and the Omega GT stand is due to arrive tomorrow afternoon! Waiting for work to end will be an eternity! Can't wait to get set up and started.

[The_Scotsman4 8]

The G27 arrived yesterday and I keen to get set up to try it out! Sadly the GT Omega stand wasn't in (due to arrive today) so I had to use a small table I had sitting around. It proved a really fun but slightly frustrating experience since the table wasn't really suitable for driving. I'm glad I chose to spend money on the stand, as I'm sure once it's set up I'll be able to drive in a better position and use the clutch without the pedals sliding away!! 

 

Would upload obligatory pictures of wheel, but Photobucket isn't cooperating this morning! I'll try post photos later tonight with the GT Omega stand set up. 

 

The GTEYE brake spring was ordered along with the G27 and stand so I'm hoping it arrives in early next week. 

[SteveS 1,391]

Pleased your fun has begun...

[Zebrawire 40]

Hello to you sir.

 

I have so many times wanted to ask these type of questions, but the more I thought about it, the more it really did not make sense. No disrespect sir, but I am a "Realist" and hence realize that only you know all the 100's of variables, that would be next to impossible to post.(your home environment, pets...yes pets )  But space and all kinds of things matter. I am sure you can understand my point.

 

That said, I think sometimes it makes it so much more difficult to understand what may be best for YOU, by trying to digest and analyze all the answers. Don't get me wrong, every single one of these answers mean well, and truly are nice enough to take their time in posting their help.

 

The thing is,as I said earlier, there are so many variables that only you really know. You have done your "homework", and now I would only suggest contacting personal friends, if possible to problematic issues with each device. Knowing someone who has personally used the product is always the best review.

 

Don't get me wrong, different opinions are often helpful, but it is all the questions that don't get asked, must be thought out by you. You can get great general advice ad opinions, but sometimes it is simply  someone who has had a good experience, versus someone who has had a bad experience with the same exact product.

 

Analyze all your info and "Pull the trigger without over thinking it anymore.

 

Hope this helps, and no disrespect whatsoever to those who posted.

 

EDIT/UPDATE....Feel so damn stupid, that I missed the fact you purchased the G27 and never read it until I posted. UNREAL! 

 

Well, I sincerally hope you are happy. Spent time writing a post that did not seem to matter. Maybe someone can get something out of it for future use, if it even makes sense to those who read it.    GEESH and don't mean GEESH, believe me.

[The_Scotsman4 8]

Hello to you sir.

 

I have so many times wanted to ask these type of questions, but the more I thought about it, the more it really did not make sense. No disrespect sir, but I am a "Realist" and hence realize that only you know all the 100's of variables, that would be next to impossible to post.(your home environment, pets...yes pets )  But space and all kinds of things matter. I am sure you can understand my point.

 

That said, I think sometimes it makes it so much more difficult to understand what may be best for YOU, by trying to digest and analyze all the answers. Don't get me wrong, every single one of these answers mean well, and truly are nice enough to take their time in posting their help.

 

The thing is,as I said earlier, there are so many variables that only you really know. You have done your "homework", and now I would only suggest contacting personal friends, if possible to problematic issues with each device. Knowing someone who has personally used the product is always the best review.

 

Don't get me wrong, different opinions are often helpful, but it is all the questions that don't get asked, must be thought out by you. You can get great general advice ad opinions, but sometimes it is simply  someone who has had a good experience, versus someone who has had a bad experience with the same exact product.

 

Analyze all your info and "Pull the trigger without over thinking it anymore.

 

Hope this helps, and no disrespect whatsoever to those who posted.

 

EDIT/UPDATE....Feel so damn stupid, that I missed the fact you purchased the G27 and never read it until I posted. UNREAL! 

 

Well, I sincerally hope you are happy. Spent time writing a post that did not seem to matter. Maybe someone can get something out of it for future use, if it even makes sense to those who read it.    GEESH and don't mean GEESH, believe me.

Zebrawire,

 

Thanks for the comments. I understood what you meant with figuring out what I personally wanted; of course I couldn't post every aspect of my personality to let others make my choice, but I tried to give an indication of what my needs are/were. 

 

The steering wheel debate is very subjective, but so far I'm very happy with my G27!

 

 

The GT Omega stand arrived in on friday and was quickly set up. I went out and bought GT6 on saturday, since GT5 is no longer active online/updates. Really enjoyed getting used to driving with a wheel again and having great fun with the heel/toe shifting too. 

[The_Scotsman4 8]

Hello to you sir.

 

I have so many times wanted to ask these type of questions, but the more I thought about it, the more it really did not make sense. No disrespect sir, but I am a "Realist" and hence realize that only you know all the 100's of variables, that would be next to impossible to post.(your home environment, pets...yes pets )  But space and all kinds of things matter. I am sure you can understand my point.

 

That said, I think sometimes it makes it so much more difficult to understand what may be best for YOU, by trying to digest and analyze all the answers. Don't get me wrong, every single one of these answers mean well, and truly are nice enough to take their time in posting their help.

 

The thing is,as I said earlier, there are so many variables that only you really know. You have done your "homework", and now I would only suggest contacting personal friends, if possible to problematic issues with each device. Knowing someone who has personally used the product is always the best review.

 

Don't get me wrong, different opinions are often helpful, but it is all the questions that don't get asked, must be thought out by you. You can get great general advice ad opinions, but sometimes it is simply  someone who has had a good experience, versus someone who has had a bad experience with the same exact product.

 

Analyze all your info and "Pull the trigger without over thinking it anymore.

 

Hope this helps, and no disrespect whatsoever to those who posted.

 

EDIT/UPDATE....Feel so damn stupid, that I missed the fact you purchased the G27 and never read it until I posted. UNREAL! 

 

Well, I sincerally hope you are happy. Spent time writing a post that did not seem to matter. Maybe someone can get something out of it for future use, if it even makes sense to those who read it.    GEESH and don't mean GEESH, believe me.

Zebrawire,

 

Thanks for the comments. I understood what you meant with figuring out what I personally wanted; of course I couldn't post every aspect of my personality to let others make my choice, but I tried to give an indication of what my needs are/were. 

 

The steering wheel debate is very subjective, but so far I'm very happy with my G27!

 

 

The GT Omega stand arrived in on friday and was quickly set up. I went out and bought GT6 on saturday, since GT5 is no longer active online/updates. I really enjoyed getting used to driving with a wheel again and had great fun with the heel/toe shifting too. The GTEYE brake spring should be in this week so I'll get that in and switch the other springs around too. 

[Zebrawire 40]

Glad you are happy. I like the functions of the Omega. Almost bought one, but went with WSP. which the weld broke when i changed over from the Fanatec GT2 to the Elite. The weight was the difference apparently. I had it welded, and have lost vertical pole rake adjustability..It broke where you have the quick release at where the vertical pole meets the floor base horizontal pole  It does not affect me until perhaps I buy a different wheel, which is very soon, for ONE compatibility.

 

Oh well, nobody ever said it was a cheap hobby right?  Good luck mate.

[The_Scotsman4 8]

Glad you are happy. I like the functions of the Omega. Almost bought one, but went with WSP. which the weld broke when i changed over from the Fanatec GT2 to the Elite. The weight was the difference apparently. I had it welded, and have lost vertical pole rake adjustability..It broke where you have the quick release at where the vertical pole meets the floor base horizontal pole  It does not affect me until perhaps I buy a different wheel, which is very soon, for ONE compatibility.

 

Oh well, nobody ever said it was a cheap hobby right?  Good luck mate.

Yeah my only gripe so far is that I haven't been able to figure out bolting the pedal base to the frame; it's currently held in place by the bar to stop it from sliding around. 

 

That's a shame your stand broke. I'd love to have enough space to build something like the RS1 cockpit....one day! lol

[The_Scotsman4 8]

Pleased your fun has begun...

Big thanks for all the advice! GTEYE mod going in tonight, excited to get playing. 

[Zebrawire 40]

Yeah my only gripe so far is that I haven't been able to figure out bolting the pedal base to the frame; it's currently held in place by the bar to stop it from sliding around. 

 

That's a shame your stand broke. I'd love to have enough space to build something like the RS1 cockpit....one day! lol

Thanks, but it really does not effect me. Maybe with a different wheel it will. I will probably be going with the TM TX 458 , but HATE dumbing down, considering the Elite is just insanely awesome!

 

That is the way it works in the console world. I just am not pc savvy.

[Spinelli 61]

Hey man. Congrats in getting into simracing. Soon you'll be hooked and wanting more and more.

I would honestly go real affordable with the G27, or go with the T500RS package. The T300 and TX seem to almost have the exact amount of power as the T500 (maybe just a touch less? Not sure) but are smoother due to the brushless motors. The thing with the T300 and TX though are the pedals that come with them compared to the T500RS. The only Fanatec wheel I would consider, other than the new Clubsport Wheel V2, is the CSR. It is smoother and more powerful than the G27, and improves upon the instant response times of the Fanatec GT2 and GT3RS (although still not as good as the G27 in that particular area). The CSR also allows you to play on the PC, Xbox and PS.

Game Stock Car Extreme is just awesome as a polished, overall product, especially for a new comer. It's only $20 - $30 and I think you can get a bundle with Formula Truck (amazing) for $40. The physics in GSC are freaking fantastic. Force feedback - well in my opinion Game Stock Car/Formula Truck has the 2nd best FFB in the market, second only to rFactor 2 (nothing at the moment can touch rFactor 2 in terms of FFB).

RFactor 2 owns in terms of the sheer, raw, visceral driving experience itself (physics and FFB, which is obviously BY FAR the biggest factor in terms of enjoying all the hours upon hours spent playing/driving - the gameplay mechanics itself) it's not even a competition for me, rFactor 2 is easily number #1. I have had 3 or 4 friends come over the past few months - I've been really trying to get my friends into simracing. After spending time with rFactor 2 they all thought the same thing, that rF2 was just on another level from the other sims in terms of how alive and raw everything felt, it brought more smiles on their face per hour than the other ones, lol..  2 liked GSC 2nd, one liked AC 2nd and one liked iR second - all four like rF2 the best though.  In terms of the pure driving/racing itself (physics and FFB) rFactor 2 is a real jewel. Honestly, I was trying to sell my friends on GSC and AC the most because they are more polished and user friendly, I wasn't even pushing rF2 to them, but once they finished spending a week or 2 trying all of them they all agreed that nothing can make up for the pure gameplay (physics and FFB) itself of rF2.  Oh, and not to mention full 24 hr day/night cycles, dynamic moving clouds "real" clouds (not fake pre-drawn artwork clouds like in every other game, except pcars I believe), dynamic racing line including offline marbles, drying line, rain wiping out the rubber and becoming "green" again, all the rubber and rain lines are all fully dynamic based on where you and the other drivers (player or A.I. drive) nothing is "fake", scripted, "baked", pre-determined.  Also, different geographical locations of the Earth and even the season actually change properties of the track in terms of look (fall lighting, summer, etc) and weather.  The sky, sun, moon, (even stars I think) are all "real" and based on, again, not only the geographical location of the track, but also the time of the year (again, other than rF2, I think only pcars does this).  Basically everything in rF2 feels alive and connected like you are part of an entire world and physics engine.  Sure it has it's rough spots and even at times feels beta-ish and possibly even amateur-ish, but seriously, once I just start actually playing/driving/racing it just blows me and all my friends away more than any other sim.  Just constant smiles man.

Assetto Corsa is good. Mod friendly, good racing. Some cars are awesome at times but other times some seem a little dead. Same with the FFB, sometimes it's great (at times rivaling GSC for 2nd, even getting close to rF2) other times it just feels dead and boring. It's pretty nice and polished as an overall package though. Can't really go wrong with AC.  As an overall package, I try to sell others on GSC and AC the most, even though I personally like rF2 the best.

IRacing has the multiplayer and competitive "thing" on it's side. People seem to love stat tracking, points, ratings, rankings, licenses, and so on. In that sense iRacing is king. The whole online system easily makes it feel like you are getting what you paid for (subscription wise). Getting hit with points losses is good too - makes people try more to not crash or go off-track. Unfortunately the FFB is pretty crappy though, it can't compete with GSC or AC, let alone with rF2 which absolutely annihilates iR and sends it to another planet. However, FFB aside, and speaking purely about physics only, then there is never a moment in iRacing where things feel game-ish, it always feels like a full on sim (I can't say the same thing about AC's physics). As long as the physics never feel game-ish to me then I can deal with the boring and dull.  I can deal with boring and dull FFB, but I can't deal with boring and dull physics, and that is why I enjoy (generally speaking) driving iRacing over AC.  The multiplayer is where it's at. The stats, voice chat, organization, the forums, etc. it's just all so inviting and makes you feel like you are part of something. I just purchase the base subscription for a year or 2 when it goes on sale, and that's it. Great stat tracking and online organization doesn't make a sim worth 5x, 10x, 20x, more than all the other competitors - for that iR would have to have the absolute no-question-about-it best physics and best FFB in the entire industry, of which they have neither. Their tracks though???...Damn! Best in the industry!