What racing wheel should beginners use for iRacing?
If you are interested in starting your iRacing career but do not already have a racing wheel, it can be difficult to decide which one you should go with. The market for sim racing gear has been expanding in recent years. The purpose of this article is to help beginners pick the best wheel to start off in the best possible position. We will analyze the wheels based on three main factors:
- Price – beginners should be looking at budget wheels to start out
- Performance – how much detail, force feedback, and accuracy the wheel can deliver
- Reliability – you don’t want your wheel to fail a few days in to your iRacing career
Note: This article may contain affiliate links for the products mentioned
Best iRacing Wheel: Logitech Driving Force G29/G920
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Our pick for the best beginner wheel is the Logitech G29/G920. Logitech has been producing sim racing wheels for gaming consoles and PC’s for many years. Their series of Driving Force wheels have been market leaders year after year. The Logitech Driving Force wheel comes in two versions with different platform support, so pick the version that matches what you are playing your sim racing titles on. If you only have a PC and are not concerned about gaming consoles, you can pick either model.
G29 is for PS5, PS4, PS3 and PC
G920 is for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC
With either model of the Driving Force, you’ll get a dual-motor force feedback system that is designed to give strong, accurate feedback. You’ll get 900 degrees of wheel rotation, which is perfect for iRacing. And you’ll also be getting high quality materials, including a leather wrapped steering wheel. Here are the factors that led us to decide on the Logitech G29/G920:
Price – The MSRP for the Logitech G29/G920 is on the higher side but worth it. We feel that it represents a good value over the other entry-level options because of the included 3 pedal set. Many other cheaper wheels save on cost by providing just a throttle and brake, the G29/G920 comes with those in addition to the clutch for a more engaging driving experience with manual transmission cars
Performance – The G29/G920 has a dual motor, helical gear driven force feedback system that delivers plenty of torque that is needed to feel in-game events. In iRacing you will be able to feel the curbs, understeer, oversteer, and more thanks to the powerful motors on this wheel. Relative to other entry-level options, the Logitech offering is the king in terms of performance
Reliability – The Logitech brand has been producing sim racing wheels for many years and remains a market leader. We researched previous models, such as the Logitech G25 and G27, and found no consistent concerns as far as reliability or durability. The Logitech G29/G920 is backed up by a 2 year hardware warranty. It’s safe to say that Logitech produces a quality product that is built to last.
Runner Up: Thrustmaster TMX/T150
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In a close second place to the Logitech is the Thrustmaster TMX/T150. Like Logitech, Thrustmaster has been in the sim racing market for a long time and has produced many successful racing wheels. The TMX is their latest generation of entry-level force feedback racing wheels, joining the existing T150 which is similar enough to call equivalent. For the purposes of iRacing, the TMX and T150 are the same. Pick whatever one you can find on the market the cheapest. The TMX/T150 features many similar features with the G29/G920, such as 900 degrees of steering rotation (1080 degrees for the T150) and strong force feedback. The TMX/T150 force feedback isn’t quite as powerful as the G29/G920, but it is a hybrid belt/gear system that provides quieter operation. Here are the factors that put the Thrustmaster TMX/T150 in the #2 spot on the list:
Price – We found the TMX/T150 at many retailers listed for cheaper than the Logitech. You give up some features for the price savings, such as the leather steering wheel, but the value is very strong with this sim racing wheel at the lower price point
Performance – The Thrustmaster TMX/T150’s hybrid belt/gear force feedback system provides slightly less torque than the Logitech, but still provides plenty for iRacing. You’ll feel the behavior of the car through the wheel and be able to react quickly in all racing situations. The performance of the TMX/T150 is solid, especially when you consider the price relative to the competition
Reliability – The TMX/T150 comes with a 1 year warranty. While this is less than the G29/G920, our research into the longevity of other Thrustmaster models leads us to believe that you’ll get many years out of the TMX/T150. Owners of the previous T150, T300, and T500 Thrustmaster racing wheels report no consistent major issues in terms reliability.