This post will focus only on the top offerings from the major competition in this segment. There are TONS of good choices on the market, but I wanted to create this thread to highlight the latest cutting edge equipment from several manufacturers.A driving simulator, for instance, is much more compelling when you feel the tilt of the car as you hit a sharp curve. Beyond the visual experience, the brain is expecting to sense the curve in other ways. The vibrating game controller is an example of non-visual feedback and there will need to be more of that. - Sensics CEO, Yuval Boger
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Sim Racing Wheels
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Leo Bodnar's SimSteering - $4000+
At the top is a very elite option only for the most hardcore enthusiasts which sells for £2499+VAT in Europe (about 4000 USD). Leo Bodnar does sell this kit worldwide and orders are handled one by one, so if you're not in Europe and are interested in his products, be sure to get in contact with him for more information.
The rim shown is the basic option, but he also has several other rim options available at additional cost. There are several purchase options for this wheel, with or without a rim (you can use your own real rim if you prefer), and Leo offers several custom rim options if you like something specialized. Leo does not currently offer any shifters or pedals.
Race Department recently posted a review of this package.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SimSteering is a professional and very realistic wheel, allows brute force without ever going into clipping, for those who can afford it and is a big fan and especially wants the uncompromising realism is a must buy , the definitive steering wheel .
ECCI Trackstar 7000 - $2599.99+
Extreme Competition Controls Inc. has been around for quite a while, but they only just released their first force feedback equipped wheel a few years ago, the Trackstar 7000.
InsideSimRacing video review of the ECCI Trackstar 7000
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FrexGP SimWHEEL - $1499.99+
Designed and build in Japan, it is very strong and accurate. The SimWHEEL requires a donor Logitech G25/27 wheel to supply its electronics for control.
This video review is for the original version, many of the old issues have been worked out, and the current version has been much improved.
InsideSimRacing video review of the Frex SimWHEEL V1
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Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base - $449.95
The ClubSport wheel base has the following features.
• Choose from a growing selection of very realistic wheel rims in many different styles
• Quick release system to allow the easy exchange of wheel rims within seconds during gameplay
• Wheel base made of CNC machined aluminum with anodized finish.
• DirectSensor™ technology: The sensor is mounted directly on the steering axis to avoid interference and performance issues that are inherent in belt and gear drives that have motor mounted sensor systems
• Strong and fast dual force feedback motors (120W) plus 2 vibration motors in the wheel rim (depending on the rim)
• Large silent fan is installed to provide ample cooling
• Newly designed belt drive mechanism that's made completely of metal and uses high quality ball bearings and European belts to deliver the smoothest, most precise force feedback possible
• Mount for static shifter paddles and other optional accessories
• Possibility to connect telemetry displays to the data port of the wheel
• Firmware can be updated with new features
• 900° of rotation which can be reduced in the Tuning menu of the rim
• Fast 500 Hz USB update rate
• Connection for two external shifters (e.g. H-pattern and sequential) in parallel
Fanatec’s official introduction video
The ClubSport Wheel Base works with multiple rim options, at this time, there are two rims sold for the ClubSport Wheel Base; a formula style rim, and a GT style rim.
Formula Rim - $179.95
BMW M3 GT2 Rim - $249.95
InsideSimRacing video review of the Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base
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Thrustmaster T500 RS - $599.99
The Thrustmaster T500RS Sim Racing Wheel was introduced to the market in Q1 2011 and as of late it has been in very short supply, although some retailers are reporting they expect renewed availability mid August. This wheel comes with pedals, but the brake pedal is not pressure sensitive. However, there is a thriving modding community building up around this package and there are brake pedals mods to add pressure sensitivity (below).
• 30cm (12”) diameter wheel rim with brushed metal central spokes
• Authentic sequential gearshift levers: crafted of brushed metal, attached to the base (so they don’t move with the wheel)
• Realistic pedal set with 2 positions – floor mounted (F1 style), or suspended position (GT style)
• Innovative H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ on the wheel's steering
• Force feedback technology featuring an industrial-class motor (150 mNm torque, 3000 rpm, 65 W, Ø52)
• Adjustable rotation angle (40 to 1080°), motorized stops
• Mechanism with large dual belts
• Upgradable internal memory and firmware
The T500RS package is listed at $599, but many users have been successful in finding it at a much lower price, many store offered the package for $400 or less during their Black Friday sales in 2012. Prices seem very high right now due to an apparent short supply.
Thrustmaster’s official introduction video
The T500RS does have multiple rim options, three at this time, although it does not support a quick release mechanism. There are two GT style rim options; the GT style rim pictured above, a licensed Ferrari 458 style rim, and also a licensed Ferrari F1 style rim with several faux switches.
Thrustmaster T500RS Ferrari F1 Wheel - $199.99
Thrustmaster T500RS Ferrari 458 Challenge Wheel - $129.99
InsideSimRacing video review of the Thrustmaster T500RS
The T500RS Wheel has a very active modding community surrounding it. If you look around, you can find some very compelling upgrades. Most popular are mods which adapt the hub to accept 3rd party wheel rims, and also pressure sensitive brake mods. Some of the most popular mods available are listed below.
BLC-T500 Load Cell Mod
Basherboards T500RS Brake Mod
BWC-T500 Wheel Center Mods
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Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral T500 - $699.99
Thrustmaster also offers the T500 wheel with the F1 rim mentioned above for those who prefer to buy the system without the GT style rim shown above. Although this package only seems to be available through amazon.com at this time, and comes with a price premium.
• Replica of the Ferrari F1 2011 racing wheel, the “Ferrari 150th Italia”
• 2 rotary knobs (to adjust car settings directly during the race), 3 metal switches, 8 professional quality action buttons and 2 D-pads responding to realistic pressure
• Genuine F1 “Push & Pull” scratched-brushed metal sequential gear shifters
• Realistic pedal set with 2 positions – floor mounted (F1 style), or suspended position (GT style)
• Innovative H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ on the wheel's steering
• Force feedback technology featuring an industrial-class motor (150 mNm torque, 3000 rpm, 65 W, Ø52)
• Adjustable rotation angle (40 to 1080°), motorized stops
• Mechanism with large dual belts
• Upgradable internal memory and firmware
InsideSimRacing video review of the Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 add-on rim
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Logitech G27 - $299.99
The G27 has long been a standard in the sim racing world, and the first “real” wheel for thousands of sim racers around the globe.
• Low noise helical gearing
• Steel paddle shifters
• RPM/Shift indicator LEDs
• Real leather wheel rim
• Durable stainless steel construction
• 900-degree rotation
The G27’s force feedback is not as strong as the other wheels mentioned here, but it is still considered very accurate and effective. The pedals are better than they look, and can be improved by removing them from the factory plate and custom mounting them to your rig…and the “perfect pedal” upgrade (below) can make this a very reasonable option for the budget conscious crowd.
InsideSimRacing video review of Logitech G27
The Logitech G25/27 wheels have a massive following, and there is tons of community involvement in modding the kit for even better performance. If you want an inexpensive option to start with, that has the potential for much higher performance down the road via the modding community, this is kit makes a very compelling case.
Perfect Pedal - $249.99 to $299
The “Perfect Pedal” mod has become a favorite for G25/27 owners, it consisted of a new mechanism for the brake pedal, which takes the feel & performance to new levels. They sell the Perfect Pedal upgrade as a DIY kit, or as a fully assembled ready to run option. They also sell fully assembled G27 wheel packages with the Perfect Pedal installed & tested for $625.
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Sim Racing Hybrid Shifters
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Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ - $199.95
The ClubSport Shifter is the brand new addition to the ClubSport line. Available for pre-order right now, it features 7-Gear+Reverse in an H-Pattern, and proper feeling sequential mode. The shifter knob is industry standard size so it can be customized to your liking with many aftermarket options. The shift feeling can be adjusted as well. Multiple mounting options allow the shifter to be mounted to any rig. An ultra realistic shifting feeling also includes an inhibitor to prevent accidental mis-shifts into 7th & reverse. 7th gear only works if the kit is plugged into the ClubSport wheel (using USB connection, 7th gear is disabled).
• Full metal construction
• Ultra realistic shifting experience
• 7 gear H-Pattern mode
• Reverse gear with inhibitor to prevent accidental shifts and makes handling it, more realistic
• Very realistic sequential mode with strong haptic feedback
• Easy to switch between sequential and H-Pattern mode
• Shifter knob made of solid polished aluminum
• Exchangeable gear knob, compatible to popular automotive standards
• Adjustable shift feeling and resistance
• Multiple mounting options on all 4 sides and bottom
Fanatec’s official introduction video
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Thrustmaster TH8 RS
The TH8 RS is a 7-speed + Reverse H-pattern shifter & sequential shifter hybrid. In order to change from H-pattern to sequential mode, it requires the removal of the shift knob and four Phillips screws, then the shift gate plate must be swapped. The shifter tension is adjustable and the TH8 RS has received good reviews.
Also, the neutral position on the shifter acts as an analog axis for input into the PC, I’ve brainstormed about the possibilities of using this device as a helicopter collective, or as an e-brake for driving sims, it seems it could be very well suited to either role.
• Unique design (*) enables 2 driving styles by using the two interchangeable shift plates provided:
"H"-pattern (7+1)
"Sequential (+/-)"
• 100% metal internal mechanism, lever, and clamping system
• Full adjustability
• H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™
InsideSimRacing video review of the Thrustmaster TH8 RS
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Sim Racing H-pattern Shifters
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Frex Hshift+
The Frex sequential shifters are well known in the sim racing community. However, the details are a bit of a mystery to me...if anyone cares to fill in the blanks I would appreciate it.
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SimGear Lightning SST Shifter - $199.99
The Lightning SST™ was engineered specifically for simulated racing. Designed by professionals to be used by professionals. This shifter uses a real ball & socket design, found in many standard shift automobiles, and offers a true H-style gate pattern with 8 gear positions. Ready out of the box with complete plug 'n play USB windows compatibility, so no extra hardware or software is needed.
The secret to the Lightning SST™ is the super short throw and design of the gates, which allows the driver to make extremely fast and precise shifts. The shell housing and 360 swivel mount is made from machined billet aluminum. The main shaft is made of steel. Ball & socket are both Delrin® for a perfectly smooth and "greaseless" ball joint connection. The linear spring bias is made of Delrin® and stainless steel. We also use a very high quality usb chip and lifetime switches. All the electronics are protected and designed to last forever.
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Fanatec ClubSport Shifter - $149.95
The ClubSport Shifter is the brand new addition to the ClubSport line. Available for pre-order right now, it features 7-Gear+Reverse in an H-Pattern. The shifter knob is industry standard size so it can be customized to your liking with many aftermarket options. The shift feeling can be adjusted as well. Multiple mounting options allow the shifter to be mounted to any rig. An ultra realistic shifting feeling also includes an inhibitor to prevent accidental mis-shifts into 7th & reverse. 7th gear only works if the kit is plugged into the ClubSport wheel (using USB connection, 7th gear is disabled).
• Full metal construction
• Ultra realistic shifting experience
• 7 gear H-Pattern mode
• Reverse gear with inhibitor to prevent accidental shifts and makes handling it, more realistic
• Shifter knob made of solid polished aluminum
• Exchangeable gear knob, compatible to popular automotive standards
• Adjustable shift feeling and resistance
• Multiple mounting options on all 4 sides and bottom
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Sim Racing Sequential Shifters
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Five Star Simulations Car of the Future Sequential Shifter - $600+
The sequential shifter is replicated from real car shifters. It is the only shifter on the market that features pressure adjustable shifting.
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum by CNC to 0.16 Micron accuracy, the shifter promises exact shifting every time. Switches are rated to 500,000 shifts.
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Frex Shift+
The Frex sequential shifters are well known in the sim racing community. However, the details are a bit of a mystery to me...if anyone cares to fill in the blanks I would appreciate it.
InsideSimRacing video review of the Frex Shift+
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ARC_Team Carbon Sequential Gear - $160.68 (no USB) to $206.04 (USB)
Thanks to a patented system, the shifter has a firm return-to-center movement with no waving and no double shifts; it features realistic gear engagement and disengagement feeling and adjustable resistance
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DSD Bent Rod GT - $179.75
This is the latest Pro Sequential design. A 20 degree bend in the shaft is used for a more "GT Style" feel and appearance. The Bent Rod GT is the same height as DSD Pro and is equipped with the same long knob. The DSD Pro Sequential shifters will smash the competition, and our intention is that you smash yours as well!
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DSD Pro Sequential - $139.75 to $159.75
Measures about 8" total height, and the case is made from aluminum alloy. Case dimensions are 4.7" x 2.1" x 4". The shaft is steel and is threaded to accept 1/2"x13 threads - the knob in the photo is the knob you will receive on yours. You can fit yours with an aftermarket type provided the threading is the same. The internal action is fitted with a 44# spring. The mechanism is made from 3/8" Acteal - it's rock solid. USB Plug up and Race!
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Sim Racing Pedals
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Emery Emond Pedals - $2000+
Emery’s pedals are custom build one set at a time, and can be customized to your liking. If you need details, please make direct contact with Emery through the iRacing forums.
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Frex SimGP - $1500+
I don’t have any specific information about the Frex sim products. They do have several options available including 2 and 3 pedal sets.
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Sim-Sport Pedals - $1099 to $1499
• Full aluminum construction, each unit hand built in the USA!
• High resolution potentiometers for throttle and clutch pedals
• Design utilizes universal frame, brake module, and 1 or 2 distance modules.
• Utillzes Perfect Pedal Hydraulic brake technology
• Adjustable "distance module" can be configured to replicate throttle or clutch.
• Adjustable module spacing including wide-2 pattern to replicate karts, 2 narrow to replicate formula cars, or three in any config
• Adjustable pedal travel range
• Adjustable pedal face position to accommodate heal & toe or left-foot braking styles
• Uses standard Sparco pedal bolt pattern on face mounts
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ARC_Team Carbon pedals - $1092.44 (2 pedals) to $1381.46 (3 pedals)
This is the latest model from the Italian manufacturer, it features a proprietary solution formed by a pneumatic air cylinder with auto-recharge spring that work on low pressure. More or less strength on the pedals can be set by a screw available on each cylinder.
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HPP Simulation 2-Pedal System - $587
Hargett Precision specializes in aftermarket products for Porsche racing cars (real life). Their pedal sets are the only sim products they make, and seem to be very high quality, however they do not offer a three pedal solution. They offer this kit in black (shown) or silver.
Hargett Precision is very proud to offer simulation racers a new standard in hydraulic based pedals for racing simulation. Our hydraulic pedal system was designed from scratch with the ultimate in racing simulation performance in mind. A true hydraulic based pedal system gives the absolute best immersion possible, providing the ultimate feedback for threshold braking and modulation. Our unique braking system integrates a custom master cylinder with a reverse acting slave cylinder. Different driving and style preferences are facilitated by using the 2 rubber bumpers (included). The throttle action is super smooth and totally linear unlike traditional rotary potentiometer products. Machined out of billet aluminum, these pedals are designed to last and perform like no other. These pedals are PC based and have a circuit board that comes supplied with a USB cable. There are no drivers to install, simply plug them into your PC, calibrate and race!
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ECCI Trackstar 6000 pedal sets - $379 to $599
ECCI offers some very nice pedal kits, their most affordable options also happen to be compatible with Logitech wheels and the PS3.
• Logitech MOMO Force
• Logitech MOMO Racing
• Logitech Driving Force Pro, G25 & G27
ECCI offers TRACKSTAR 6000 pedal units that are plug compatible with Logitech force feedback wheels. Loaded with all the innovative features of the 6000 series, these pedals provide vastly superior operation over the standard plastic OEM components. Features include:
• Top-hinged large cast-aluminum automotive type pedals
• Fully adjustable heel rest
• Optional PMB II pressure mapped brake pedal
• Fully customizable geometry:
pedal angle from vertical; heel rest angle and distance from pedals; pedal height from heel rest; pedal to pedal lateral spacing; and individual pedal resistance rate.
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Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V2 - $249.95
The Fanatec ClubSport Pedals v.2 are made 100% of medal. They have a pressure sensitive and progressive brake pedal, and they are fully adjustable. They even use an innovative new digressive clutch mechanism which has earned high praise, and you won’t find this type of clutch mechanism even on very high end pedal options. They can connect to the PC directly with USB, or to any Fanatec wheel with a proprietary connection.
Fanatec’s official introduction video
InsideSimRacing video review of the Fanatec ClubSport V2 Pedals
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Fanatec CSR Elite Pedals - $149.95
The Fanatec CSR Elite Pedals are the least expensive mass market pedals available with a pressure sensitive brake pedal. The CSR Elite pedals are fully adjustable and a pedal inversion kit as available for $49.95 (pictured below). They can connect to the PC directly with USB, or to any Fanatec wheel with a proprietary connection.
InsideSimRacing video review of the Fanatec CSR Elite Pedals
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Sim Racing Emergency Brakes
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Frex SimHANDB
I have very little details on Frex sim products. They have shown several versions of their handbrakes, and I don’t know which are current or available at all, and I don’t know their pricing.
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ARC_Team Race Handbrake 2013 - $161.78 (no USB) to $199.12 (USB)
Built in aluminum plates and stainless steel screws, it features a 22 pounds gas spring and a linear hall sensor, it can be mounted vertical or horizontal.
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but it's so exciting 
- can't wait
Have you seen my YouTube channel? 