(Logitech, Microsoft, Thrustmaster, Trust)
Introduction
Logitech - WingMan Formula GP
Microsoft - Sidewinder Forcefeedback Wheel USB
Thrustmaster - Modena 360
Trust - Vibration Feedback Rally Master
Features table
Verdict
PC steering wheel (18/12/2000)
Logitech's WingMan Formula GP offering looks well made and sports snazzy, bright yellow, rubberised grip inserts in the rim of the steering wheel. It's certainly comfortable to grip and the fingertip gearshift switches are in just the right place. There are also several other programmable buttons on the front of the steering wheel.
Logitech does offer a more expensive force-feedback version of this wheel, called Formula-Force GP, which also features USB compatibility, but here we've tested the cheaper version. Steering accuracy seemed to be pretty good, although the action of the wheel is extremely light, with minimal centre-position springing or dampening.
Slightly less impressive was the way the steering unit attaches to a desk. Thoughtfully, Logitech designed the system to avoid damaging the edge of a desk. However, we found that there wasn't quite enough depth for the edges of some desks to fit and the two plastic clamps didn't seem tight enough to hold the unit on as securely as we would have liked.
The foot pedal unit is pretty good. It is weighted and has a grippy underside to help avoid slippage. It also looked like it could take a fair amount of punishment, plus the action was smooth and consistent and there was plenty of range in the sensitivity, enabling realistic feathering of the throttle plus subtle braking. There was also plenty of cable between the foot pedal unit and the gameport, which meant positioning of the unit was never a problem.
On paper the Logitech WingMan Formula GP has a very simple specification, but it looks the part and is pleasant to use. No bundled games or demos are supplied.
Buy Logitech WingMan Formula GP securely online at a bargain price
£49.99 inc. VAT
Logitech: 020 7309 0127
