Thrustmaster Enzo Ferrari FFB Racing Wheel (2969082)

List Price: $79.99

Features:

• Progressive gas and brake control with 2 wheel-mounted levers and stable analog foot pedals - 2 wheel-mounted gearshift levers - Central clamping system
• Powerful Force Feedback effects - 8 way D-pad - 9 action buttons -
• Exlusive Ferrari licensed product.
• Rubberized handgrip and carbon-like levers
• Progressive pedal set.

Customer Reviews:

My First Wheel [Posted on 2005-03-09]
The Screensavers show included this wheel in their review, and also Tom's Hardware website reviews it. I bought it because of the paddles for accelerator and brake on the wheel. The force feedback works well, literally shaking the whole desk on high settings. The foot pedals respond as well as in a real car, and the steering goes where you point it. The clamp is simple and sturdy. There are 14 buttons or paddles on the wheel including a POV 360 degree thingy, so it should adapt to about anything one would hope. If you want a wheel that will operate without the pedals, for example when you are standing at your computer table, then this will do it. Latest FFB driver is available at Thrustmasters.com.

Where has this been hiding? [Posted on 2005-04-01]
After searching for a decent FFB wheel I found only two moderately favorable reviews on the Internet of this item. Still, I wasn't prepared to spend more for a Logitech Momo or MS Sidewinder, so I gambled and am pleased with what I got. I don't know why there are no reviews of this item out there (?), but I would say excellent value for your money.
Appearance: replica Enzo wheel. A bit lightweight but with 220 degree travel (not 180 as some have written). Pedals are full size and have long travel. Installation easy. Some reviewers have noted that the upright pedals can be uncomfortable. True enough if you are sitting in your office posture. However, my advice is lower your chair, so the wheel is in front of you, and raise your pedals (mine are on my lowest computer desk shelf). In fact, once you are in an appropriate "sports/racer" posture, the wheel and pedals fit right in place. The gearshift paddles feel delicate, so a light touch is recommended. They have a long travel, so you can "prep" your shifts.
Loads of buttons, and a POV hat too. After turning a couple of hundred laps I don't even notice this wheel, which is I think a compliment. If this meets your specific needs for F1/LM/IMSA type racing (no hand stick shifter) and you are tight on the $$ out of principle, then this a great deal. Not for everyone, and not "the best" in materials and solidity but a decent and comfortable tool to do the business. I'd say excellent value for my $ spent.

Defective [Posted on 2005-04-12]
After contacting Thrustmaster they came to the conclusion that I purchased a defective product.
The only good thing that came from this purchase was the fact that Amazon actually had UPS pick it up at my door and paid the return shipping!! Very pleasantly surprised with Amazon. 5 stars to them!!

Didnt make the grade [Posted on 2005-04-25]
Well after much anticipation , I got my wheel (took 1 week with free shipping). After a whole 2 minutes of gameplay the wheel shifted 10 degrees to the right... after another 5 minutes it shifted another 10 degrees to the right (so it was now 20 degrees off center).

After going through a torturous and very lengthy support process (giving all sorts of personal information) i recieved an email within 24 hours that said the unit was defective and had to go back. Keep in mind that there was absolutely no way to call Guilmot's tech support... email only. and a very lengthy process where you have to tell them what BIOS version you are using! I have never seen tech support like this and was really mad about it.

Well I would possibly consider returning the wheel for repair except for the fact that the force feedback is really nothing more than just a "rumble feedback", there is zero input from the traction of the front tires. The wheel had a general feel of "mushiness" to it also. the car kept "searching" all over the track requiring insane amounts of concentration to keep it straight. Now maybe it is the game (FIA GTR) but my logitech nascar (non FFB) wheel didnt act like this at all.

On the up side, the pedals are very nice although they slide on the carpet. The buttons and stalk mounted shifters and analogs (the reason I decided to try this wheel) were very good. The mounting system is superb.. the wheel stayed put very well.

But the fact that it went out of alignment and then went farther out of alignment was a deal breaker. plus the fact that it just doesnt feel right and basically hurt my driving instead of enhanced it. too bad. the internals looked to be very well made (all gears with a metal frame).

I warn you do not buy this wheel... it has a major defect with its electronics even though its mechanical construction is good.

Im getting a Logitech Driving Force Pro and Im going to enjoy my race sim for a change. Logitech's technical staff answer their phones by the way.

back it goes... sorry Amazon.. no sale this time.

Click here for more details and discount information...