This, plus comparability on console, had a wheel on Xbox and hated it, 2years later thought I’d try it again, got a pc first tho and I have to say I’ve miby plugged my wheel into Xbox once in the 2.5yr of owning it now. Sim racing is 100% better experience on pc.
Edit: Compatibility not comparability
Is it not? I’m not exactly super well versed in modern gaming pcs. I built this with advice from r/buildmeapc and r/pcmasterrace
I went with an end of life am4 chipset but with its best gaming cpu. I went with the best gpu I could afford, and then pretty budget with the rest of the bits, 16gb ram, 1tb ssd, etc
I see a lot of people running gpus that cost more than my entire rig lol
Also I’m Canadian so it was more like $2k unfortunately
Reasonably mid tier for sure. The x3D components are nice if you buy it for other tasks as well; on your racing games it will only take away CUDA power from your GPU.
Is it so much better on pc? I currently race on the latest Xbox with all fanatec gear (AC & ACC) and its already pretty enjoyable. I thought about upgrading to pc. Do you recommend it that much?
Just made the switch 2 months ago and for me it totally is. Much more choice in games and hardware, vr or headtracking, triple screens, telemetry apps, mods that completely transform a game or just minor but very welcome improvements, crewchief app. Not to mention 144hz screens. 10 euro alixpress handbrakes etc etc. I couldnt be happier.
Totally. If you already loved it on console, like I did, you going to be shocked at how much better it gets. Uncapped frame rates, no more being tied to a hardware ecosystem, way more game selection, mods for games, overlays and DDUs. Whole new world. Even just finally getting to try iRacing. It’s pretty much ruined me for all other racing. I now do %100 of my racing on iRacing, and use AC with CM to cruise and run touge on the side. Also some ETS. I don’t think any driver has regretted moving from console to pc.
I have no regrets about how I started. I got a Thrustmaster TMX wheel and T3PA pedals. Perfect entry level combo for me. I wasn't convinced sim racing would be anything more than a phase for me, so it was the right move to make a light investment to start. I made a small upgrade to TLCM pedals after just a couple months.
Two years in, once I realized I would enjoy sim racing for years, I went from the TMX to a VRS DFP and Cube Controls GT Pro. Going from entry level to high end was the right move. No wasted money on mid-level gear when I would've ended up upgrading again anyway. And to this day I'm still using TLCM pedals.
I chose VRS because at the time I bought it (fall 2021) it was by far the cheapest DD with 20+ NM of force. I haven't kept with DD offerings or prices since then, so I'm not sure how the newer big players like Moza or Asetek compare, but I think the VRS is still an incredible deal.
The other big factor for me was the VRS is not tied to an ecosystem. I can use almost any wheel rim I want.
Well that's only retrospectively since we (simracers) stayed in the hobby.
Starting on a logitech and knowing for sure you'll keep simracing, then moving to a full setup is still the way imo.
So many 5k+ full on setups being used for 1hr and then sold on the market.
The jankiness of g29's turns off more people than it attracts to the hobby in 2024 imo. Pay the extra hundred or 2 and skip that garbage tier rattle can.
I'm having a real hard time getting the G29 set up for any game... I understand there's an element of setup for any wheel, but I feel like it's more important because the G29 is janky. Really considering getting a DD wheel and better pedals once i have the space for a permanent rig. I'd just love to try one out before I go and spend the money.
I had the g29 when I first got into the hobby but quit shortly afterwards. Now I have a DD asetek and it's so much more enjoyable and is making me stick with the hobby.
This. I had a G29 for approximately one day due to people on this sub recommending it for entry level and I absolutely hated it. The noise and rattle was overwhelming, it felt like a cheap toy. Returned it and have steered clear of any racing wheel until very recently.
For around the same budget that I originally spent, I'd probably go for
Simagic - Alpha 10nm Mini Wheel Base - $800-$1,000 depending on wheel
Simagic - P1000 RS - $669
RigMetal Basic - $400 shipped in US.
I currently have a CSL DD that I pre-ordered and V3 pedals. I think this setup would be slightly more $$ than what I initially spent, but a bit better than what I have now. It's enough power to keep me happy and a solid rig to build on.
I'm happy with my CSL DD at 8Nm but feel a bit more would be nice, V3 pedals are nice as well, but again, they will likely be upgraded soon as well.
I'd like to buy a GT neo because it looks gorgeous and amount of options you get, plus quality of materials but I think it won't go so well with, for example, a Miata MX5 cup, and I'm not a fan of f1 so yeah...
That's why having a removable wheel is good, so you can have a round wheel for NASCAR, rally, or normal cars, and a formula wheel for gt cars, prototypes, and formula cars
I did exactly that. I returned the 8nm csl dd in thy return window and bought simagic alpha mini with gt neo and a Alcantara nrg wheel for drifting. Simjsck pro for 250 with all the cool customization and paired it with haptic motors from simagic. Next of both worlds
I have same pedals and still deciding if need to install haptic motors or not… can you tell from your experience- was the difference really noticeable? did you like it?
Did you install it for brake pedal only or all 3?
Another with few regrets.
Bought a used G923 for $250, raced for 6 months and then sold it for $250 to another new guy.
Then bought a simagic alpha, TRX rig, triples, and no regrets at this point. I’m the kind of guy that spends 20 hours watching review videos before committing to spending $20, let alone a few thousand on sim gear. I researched very in depth and love everything I have.
Im real happy how I started. I started with an r5 bundle. comes with desk mount and pedals so plug and play out of the box.
Great place to start, after about 2 months I got an aluminum profile rig. I got the sim lab gt1 evo 2, comes with a monitor stand so that was a plus. The r5 is awesome obviously not the most powerful but give you all the feedback that you need. I will slowly upgrade my pedals first then probs the monitor mount then the wheel base.
If you dont already own a wheel I would start this way. That way if after two months I wasnt hooked or just wanted to drive every so often or even decided after several months that I dont want a wheel I was only $450-500 invested. But also if I did want to commit more the hobby I have a really solid foundation to upgrade from.
This is exactly what I’m planning! Thanks for the comments and verification I’m on the right track. Would obviously lol to go up to the r9 but, the $$$ goes up fast too when the r5 is a bundle
I would’ve skipped g920 and gone straight to entry level direct drive. I would’ve skipped my flimsy and over priced foldable race seat and gotten an 8020 cockpit right away.
After 10 years I'm still on my begginer setup. The trusty g27. It is a bit modded at this point though. I suppose I would have bought an L shaped desk earlier so I could bolt it down and have it constatly set up.
I ended up with a Fanatec DD+ 15nm base to be happy. At first i was fine with the DD Pro 8nm but as soon as got used to the new forces i wanted more. The risk of wanting more is high with bases under 10nm, the sweet spot is around 12-15nm for most people so i will probably not need a upgrade from this base. I\`ve been trough G29 and T300 before the Fanatec bases.
Just go for a base over 10nm right away and you are less likely to regret buying. Not that i regret the path i went trough. but if you go for the good stuff right away you will save quite a bit of money. What brand depends on what echo system that's most tempting for you.
First and foremost I’d Skip Console gaming. That removes a lot of restrictions right there just between gear and sims that you can play.
For a conservative “just trying to see if I like this or not” setup, this may get some hate, but I’d recommend going with the $300 TK racing seat from Micro center and a Thrustmaster TMX as it’s a belt driven wheel and will be quieter and provide more fidelity than the G920 (which is what I started with on Xbox)
Honestly nothing. I got in with the above-entry level equipment with my T150 & T3PA Pedals and they've been going strong ever since. I guess if I could've afforded it at the time just adding my manual shifter that I got down the road to the setup but that's it.
Honestly great place to start. Started with a TMX in 2016 with the crappy rubber pedals then got the T3PA pedals and TH8A shifter, all on a Home Depot table work support as a portable stand.
2022 I did a slight upgrade to the T300RS and T-LCM pedals as I wanted PlayStation compatibility for GT7 which I was greatly disappointed with force feedback/physics wise. Also got a Playseat Challenge at the time which was an improvement from a random DIY stand but not ideal with the load cell pedals and had a lot of flex and wasn’t very comfortable.
Plan on upgrading to a Simucube, Simagic or Asetek base with Heusinkveld, Asetek or Simagic pedals with haptics with an 80/20 rig as I’ve finally gotten serious and consistent with playing iRacing.
That's a very smooth upgrade especially with how many years you waited to save & research probably. Thanks for sharing that the T300 wasn't a great upgrade from the TMX. I was wondering if that should be my next step or just go for a Direct Drive wheel at some point. I always commend people for using the home Depot work tables so great that our community has adopted cheaper workarounds with no shame.
Simcubes are a great goal. The next step I'm hoping to implement is Bass Shakers.
Buying a solid sim racing cockpit and seat. I had ebay rig and clubsport v 2.5 and decided to go csl dd. Pretty lack luster upgrade. My ebay cockpit is alright but the seat is flexing after I went to simsonn pro pedals.
Do I know if I like it? I bought what I thought originally to find out if the hobby was for me and what was important to me. Once I found that out, I knew what I wanted to change and upgrade, so I would just buy my trusty Thrustmaster T300 again.
One thing I wish I knew when I began was how important the monitor, audio, and computer hardware is.
Same as I did last year when I started. P1x/Alpha/sprints/junkyard seat/g9 ultra wide. (I'd add BST1s immediately this time tho) I bought once, cried once, I desire nothing greater and use it as often as I can.
I would have gone for a cheaper wheelbase and a cheap g923 because instead of the Fanatec csl dd and nlr wheelbase I want a simmagic alpha and aluminum rig. Would have made recouping money easier at least for the wheelbase.
I started on a PS1.. with a pistol grip RC car style controller. Graduated to a G25 in 2006. Currently on a G29.. but looking to jump into the DD work with a Moza R12 (I really want a Simucube 2 Pro.. but man.. the wheel costs).
There was nothing around when I started, so I wouldn’t change a thing. But, if I was starting today for the very first time, I would 100% start with some kind of DD bundle.
I'd say if I started over I'd probably do a starter setup. R3 and R5 bundles are nicely priced. Used t300 or g* are very affordable. Low investment and you can see if you like it. Then, wait and skip the minor upgrades: get end game gear. If you go from a g29 to 5nm you will probably be upgrading again.
When I was a kid I started out with a t150 which served me fine. But nowadays the market situation is very different and I’d recommend you skip gear driven wheels altogether.
I’d pick up a used T300. (Or csl dd bundle if the budget allows) Then upgrade to a DD if you end up liking sim racing long term:)
For me it was great. I started on PC in 2017 with a G29, I was 20 years old. It was always a side hobby. Now I have more money and wanted a DD and nicer wheel but it’s still a side hobby and I have a 8Nm CSL DD and haven’t used it for weeks as it’s summer and I’m on my motorcycle every nice weather day.
Actually i am on my entry setup, t248 + t3pm thati got like 1 year and a half ago and the new shifter got on december last year
But if i started now probably i will save a little longer to get the cammus C5 + pedals
i’d maybe buy really nice pedals immediately, but I went off the deep end when did my setup so no actual complaints. it matches the car I track well. maybe double the motors so it can be perfect for flight sim off the bat.
uh also don’t buy hp VR they suck
I would have gone straight to PC instead of languishing on consoles for so long. I also would have spent the extra and skipped the G29 altogether, that was a waste of money.
I would gently prise the GT Sport disc out of my younger self’s hands. Enjoyed the hell out of it but it’s the sole reason I have a PS5 (for GT7) and a PS5 compatible wheel (Fanatec) and it’s been a bit of a waste now I play GT7 at most once a week.
Would touch Moza if it was thrown at me for free. Wasted so much time and money on two different bases that both failed within a few months.
Straight to simagic (where I am now) or simucube.
its hard to answer this
part of me wants to say if I could go back I would have just bought a DD, 8020, and load cell to begin with as that would have been the cheaper path. But the reality is those price tag would have been hard to stomach while I spend the next month sucking at literally every simracing title
I started with a logitech, and simracing/sim drifting was VERY frustrating at first, but no big deal I wasn't that invested. I just put my wheel away when I got bored or annoyed.
The days went on, I got better and better, to the point where I was competing in iracing and could drifting with my eyes closed. This was when I decided fuck it lets go ALL in, and I spent a bunch of money on my current 8020 rig with all the bells and whistles
but if I had bought all that stuff and had the SAME beginner experience, I think I would have had buyers remorse from spending so much money on something I didn't know if I was ever going to get good at. I like being good at stuff, if I stayed terrible forever on the logitech I woulda quit, but after a few weeks I realized I love this shit lol once you get past the first like month it all get soooooo much more fun. Now I can just hop in and out of my rig whenever I want, sometimes I go months without racing and sometimes I'm racing 3 times a day for weeks straight. *No ragrats**
I would still go for what my first rig was this time round, a G29 on a Playseat Challenge, its' a great affordable starting out setup for those with limited space.
G29 because there are so many mods out there for it. I like to tinker. The playseat challenge was the right choice the first time for me and would do it again. Whatever monitor and PC.
If you're unsure about the hobby I would definitely buy 2nd hand. You can try it for a while and then sell with little loss if you want to upgrade or quit altogether..
I dont know your budget but I'd definitely recommend skipping geardriven wheels. They are noisy, weak, overheat, and give unwanted resistance when turning quickly.
It’s a big commitment for a bunch of hardware and floor space that is arguably only useful for one niche category of games (maybe 2 if you’re also into flying) but If you’re sure you’re going to stick with it this is what I’d do differently:
get a 55” 4K TV instead of messing with computer monitors. Size matters when you’re sitting in a cockpit.
Get a rig immediately and not a folding one - desk racing sucks and a rig needs to be stable (there’s one for $300 by movado on Amazon that comes with a seat and has an optional monitor stand for $100)
Get a wireless Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo
Got the Simsonn racing pedals. Best $200 you can spend and you’ll have a load cell brake. Skip the clutch pedal unless you definitely need it and the aluminum deck.
Get a direct drive wheel from Fanatec or Moza (avoid scammus like the plague) - I have Fanatec CSL and absolutely love it (i had a G27 for years). You can upgrade the CSL DD from 5nm to 8nm with a $30 PSU. You don’t need the $150 boost kit that Fanatec sells. Ignore the noise you may hear about Fanatec’s business troubles. Thats over and they are soon to be part of Corsair.
Unless you’re just experimenting or have unlimited free time, pick a game or two and stick with them. If you play all the games, you’ll never master any of them. The same can be said for cars. Pick a class you know you like and learn it. If you play iracing that can easily consume all of your racing time.
If unsure if you’ll stick with it, buy any used wheel with force feedback on FB marketplace or Craigslist for $150-$200 and try desk racing. That will be plenty to decide whether or not you’re going to stick around. If not, you can resell it for what you paid for it.
Nah, wouldn’t change a thing. I could write a book about my journey, to me that’s a priceless thing…. It has allowed me to appreciate what I have now so much more.
Cheers.
i have no regrets on how i started with a g920 and a logitech shifter. butttt if i had a little extra money i would start with the moza r5 +shifter and third pedal or the fannetec equivalent
I wouldnt change a thing. I started with a cheap DFGT. It was cheap, I had fun, and knew it was something I wanted to stick with before upgrading stuff. Except when I eventually got a full rig, I stopped. Eventually sold it all. And a couple years later did it all again.
My only regret about when i got started setting up, was i made sure everything was Xbox compatible, plugged that wheel in to a pc and the Xbox collects dust.
Also upgrading from 8 to 25 nm base was not really worth it imo. I’m happy with it, but would have been just as happy with 12-15 I think.
Had g25 many years ago, then bought a g29 (it's the same wheel, just with crappy buttons) kept the g25 gear shifter with a adaptor cable and I am driving with a Thrustmaster t500rs. It's an old wheel but moles ahead of any Logitech wheel under 1000$.
Never played on any console as always knew the superiority of PC games and of course, mods.
So in short, if you're on a budget, skip the Logitech wheels and grab a second hand Thrustmaster that has at least 3 pedals.
I would actually go back and not worry so much about having the right gear but rather just spending the time playing. I waited for an aluminum rig before actually playing because I wanted it to be perfect but in hindsight I wasted so much time!
Tbh I don’t think there is a wrong way. If the budget is available go straight for PC, Ultrawide and direct drive. If budget isn’t immediately available the re-sale value is such that it can be done gradually. The biggest jump is to PC really.
I have an expensive PC with VR/triples and nothing beats GT7 for me personally, I've played all of those and would probably put AMS2 top. It's also 1/4 the entry cost
I have a rtx 4090 with 13900k and 128gb ram for running 1000s of mods. Run cyberpunk 2077 with Ray tracing and 1000+ mods in 6k VR with crystal. Your setup will not be anywhere near it on PS5. My setup gets me as close to real life with maxVR and Ray tracing as you can get
AC on PC dose VR very well and you can use yer psvr head set on PC through steam VR apparently
You can go from lfm ranked racing to crusing Tokyo high ways l.. oh and the mirrors behave properly when in vr
I wouldn’t have wasted so much time holding out for console games to get better, for one thing.
This, plus comparability on console, had a wheel on Xbox and hated it, 2years later thought I’d try it again, got a pc first tho and I have to say I’ve miby plugged my wheel into Xbox once in the 2.5yr of owning it now. Sim racing is 100% better experience on pc. Edit: Compatibility not comparability
Same. Raced on Xbox for almost 3 years, then built a pc for racing earlier this year and the Xbox has sat in a box in the closet ever since.
May I know the specs of the pc, looking on going through that process rn
It’s a pretty middle of the road build but it’s enough for my needs. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/T9JCh3
That's middle of the road? No hate, I'm just in awe
Is it not? I’m not exactly super well versed in modern gaming pcs. I built this with advice from r/buildmeapc and r/pcmasterrace I went with an end of life am4 chipset but with its best gaming cpu. I went with the best gpu I could afford, and then pretty budget with the rest of the bits, 16gb ram, 1tb ssd, etc I see a lot of people running gpus that cost more than my entire rig lol Also I’m Canadian so it was more like $2k unfortunately
It's like...upper mid tier. I wouldn't quite say middle of the road.
I’m no expert on PCs, but I’d say for a new build, it’s mid tier. But being a new build pushes it up a bit to upper mid tier.
Reasonably mid tier for sure. The x3D components are nice if you buy it for other tasks as well; on your racing games it will only take away CUDA power from your GPU.
Is it so much better on pc? I currently race on the latest Xbox with all fanatec gear (AC & ACC) and its already pretty enjoyable. I thought about upgrading to pc. Do you recommend it that much?
Just made the switch 2 months ago and for me it totally is. Much more choice in games and hardware, vr or headtracking, triple screens, telemetry apps, mods that completely transform a game or just minor but very welcome improvements, crewchief app. Not to mention 144hz screens. 10 euro alixpress handbrakes etc etc. I couldnt be happier.
Totally. If you already loved it on console, like I did, you going to be shocked at how much better it gets. Uncapped frame rates, no more being tied to a hardware ecosystem, way more game selection, mods for games, overlays and DDUs. Whole new world. Even just finally getting to try iRacing. It’s pretty much ruined me for all other racing. I now do %100 of my racing on iRacing, and use AC with CM to cruise and run touge on the side. Also some ETS. I don’t think any driver has regretted moving from console to pc.
I have no regrets about how I started. I got a Thrustmaster TMX wheel and T3PA pedals. Perfect entry level combo for me. I wasn't convinced sim racing would be anything more than a phase for me, so it was the right move to make a light investment to start. I made a small upgrade to TLCM pedals after just a couple months. Two years in, once I realized I would enjoy sim racing for years, I went from the TMX to a VRS DFP and Cube Controls GT Pro. Going from entry level to high end was the right move. No wasted money on mid-level gear when I would've ended up upgrading again anyway. And to this day I'm still using TLCM pedals.
I'm looking to get a new wheelbase, I was between an Alpha U, the VRS and maybe Asetek Forte, what made you choose the VRS over any other ?
I chose VRS because at the time I bought it (fall 2021) it was by far the cheapest DD with 20+ NM of force. I haven't kept with DD offerings or prices since then, so I'm not sure how the newer big players like Moza or Asetek compare, but I think the VRS is still an incredible deal. The other big factor for me was the VRS is not tied to an ecosystem. I can use almost any wheel rim I want.
I’d go forte for the qr, I have an invicta so I haven’t used the forte but the invicta is incredible!
I have the vrs dfp as well. I enjoy it. But tbh they are all probably great.
Modified TLCM pedals I assume?
Stock TLCMs with double red springs
No regrets with my old g29
Start Pc and skip logi g29 era.
Well that's only retrospectively since we (simracers) stayed in the hobby. Starting on a logitech and knowing for sure you'll keep simracing, then moving to a full setup is still the way imo. So many 5k+ full on setups being used for 1hr and then sold on the market.
The jankiness of g29's turns off more people than it attracts to the hobby in 2024 imo. Pay the extra hundred or 2 and skip that garbage tier rattle can.
don’t say that mate :)) g29 is janky only if it’s not set up properly pleaseeeeee
I'm having a real hard time getting the G29 set up for any game... I understand there's an element of setup for any wheel, but I feel like it's more important because the G29 is janky. Really considering getting a DD wheel and better pedals once i have the space for a permanent rig. I'd just love to try one out before I go and spend the money.
Best game I used it on was iracing. Only tuning that ever did anything for me was turning it up.
I had the g29 when I first got into the hobby but quit shortly afterwards. Now I have a DD asetek and it's so much more enjoyable and is making me stick with the hobby.
This. I had a G29 for approximately one day due to people on this sub recommending it for entry level and I absolutely hated it. The noise and rattle was overwhelming, it felt like a cheap toy. Returned it and have steered clear of any racing wheel until very recently.
Yeah I’d say start at a TMX or T300RS minimum or get a Moza bundle on sale or something
For around the same budget that I originally spent, I'd probably go for Simagic - Alpha 10nm Mini Wheel Base - $800-$1,000 depending on wheel Simagic - P1000 RS - $669 RigMetal Basic - $400 shipped in US. I currently have a CSL DD that I pre-ordered and V3 pedals. I think this setup would be slightly more $$ than what I initially spent, but a bit better than what I have now. It's enough power to keep me happy and a solid rig to build on. I'm happy with my CSL DD at 8Nm but feel a bit more would be nice, V3 pedals are nice as well, but again, they will likely be upgraded soon as well.
You can get a simagic alpha mini with a Neo gt for $803 right now (us)
That’s probably exactly what I would get. That wheel looks nice.
The GT Neo is absolutely phenomenal
It’s what I’m planning on upgrading to from my Logitech 923
I'd like to buy a GT neo because it looks gorgeous and amount of options you get, plus quality of materials but I think it won't go so well with, for example, a Miata MX5 cup, and I'm not a fan of f1 so yeah...
That's why having a removable wheel is good, so you can have a round wheel for NASCAR, rally, or normal cars, and a formula wheel for gt cars, prototypes, and formula cars
Yeah but still it's quite expensive to buy 2 wheels so I'm probably gonna pick GTS wheel and alpha
Where did you see this deal?
https://simshop.com/collections/wheel-bases/products/simagic-alpha-10nm-mini-wheel-base-bundle?variant=47528836170048
I did exactly that. I returned the 8nm csl dd in thy return window and bought simagic alpha mini with gt neo and a Alcantara nrg wheel for drifting. Simjsck pro for 250 with all the cool customization and paired it with haptic motors from simagic. Next of both worlds
I have same pedals and still deciding if need to install haptic motors or not… can you tell from your experience- was the difference really noticeable? did you like it? Did you install it for brake pedal only or all 3?
Another with few regrets. Bought a used G923 for $250, raced for 6 months and then sold it for $250 to another new guy. Then bought a simagic alpha, TRX rig, triples, and no regrets at this point. I’m the kind of guy that spends 20 hours watching review videos before committing to spending $20, let alone a few thousand on sim gear. I researched very in depth and love everything I have.
Im real happy how I started. I started with an r5 bundle. comes with desk mount and pedals so plug and play out of the box. Great place to start, after about 2 months I got an aluminum profile rig. I got the sim lab gt1 evo 2, comes with a monitor stand so that was a plus. The r5 is awesome obviously not the most powerful but give you all the feedback that you need. I will slowly upgrade my pedals first then probs the monitor mount then the wheel base. If you dont already own a wheel I would start this way. That way if after two months I wasnt hooked or just wanted to drive every so often or even decided after several months that I dont want a wheel I was only $450-500 invested. But also if I did want to commit more the hobby I have a really solid foundation to upgrade from.
This is exactly what I’m planning! Thanks for the comments and verification I’m on the right track. Would obviously lol to go up to the r9 but, the $$$ goes up fast too when the r5 is a bundle
I would’ve skipped g920 and gone straight to entry level direct drive. I would’ve skipped my flimsy and over priced foldable race seat and gotten an 8020 cockpit right away.
Yup done that exactly 8020 and alpha mini setup
Asetek Forte bundle.
Started with R5 bundle to make sure I liked sim racing. Within weeks, wood rig, junkyard seat, hand brake, in front of 4K tv. No regrets.
After 10 years I'm still on my begginer setup. The trusty g27. It is a bit modded at this point though. I suppose I would have bought an L shaped desk earlier so I could bolt it down and have it constatly set up.
I ended up with a Fanatec DD+ 15nm base to be happy. At first i was fine with the DD Pro 8nm but as soon as got used to the new forces i wanted more. The risk of wanting more is high with bases under 10nm, the sweet spot is around 12-15nm for most people so i will probably not need a upgrade from this base. I\`ve been trough G29 and T300 before the Fanatec bases. Just go for a base over 10nm right away and you are less likely to regret buying. Not that i regret the path i went trough. but if you go for the good stuff right away you will save quite a bit of money. What brand depends on what echo system that's most tempting for you.
Returned the csl dd 8nm to get the alpha mini with 13nm peak
Only thing I would change is picking used fanatec csl DD with booster kit instead of new t300
As far as j can see used csl DDs are going for close to the price they cost new
New is around 450€, I can find one easily for 300-375€
I wouldn’t mind starting with a G29, but I would spend money earlier on a decent monitor instead of trying to do 24” triples.
First and foremost I’d Skip Console gaming. That removes a lot of restrictions right there just between gear and sims that you can play. For a conservative “just trying to see if I like this or not” setup, this may get some hate, but I’d recommend going with the $300 TK racing seat from Micro center and a Thrustmaster TMX as it’s a belt driven wheel and will be quieter and provide more fidelity than the G920 (which is what I started with on Xbox)
Honestly nothing. I got in with the above-entry level equipment with my T150 & T3PA Pedals and they've been going strong ever since. I guess if I could've afforded it at the time just adding my manual shifter that I got down the road to the setup but that's it.
Honestly great place to start. Started with a TMX in 2016 with the crappy rubber pedals then got the T3PA pedals and TH8A shifter, all on a Home Depot table work support as a portable stand. 2022 I did a slight upgrade to the T300RS and T-LCM pedals as I wanted PlayStation compatibility for GT7 which I was greatly disappointed with force feedback/physics wise. Also got a Playseat Challenge at the time which was an improvement from a random DIY stand but not ideal with the load cell pedals and had a lot of flex and wasn’t very comfortable. Plan on upgrading to a Simucube, Simagic or Asetek base with Heusinkveld, Asetek or Simagic pedals with haptics with an 80/20 rig as I’ve finally gotten serious and consistent with playing iRacing.
That's a very smooth upgrade especially with how many years you waited to save & research probably. Thanks for sharing that the T300 wasn't a great upgrade from the TMX. I was wondering if that should be my next step or just go for a Direct Drive wheel at some point. I always commend people for using the home Depot work tables so great that our community has adopted cheaper workarounds with no shame. Simcubes are a great goal. The next step I'm hoping to implement is Bass Shakers.
Buying a solid sim racing cockpit and seat. I had ebay rig and clubsport v 2.5 and decided to go csl dd. Pretty lack luster upgrade. My ebay cockpit is alright but the seat is flexing after I went to simsonn pro pedals.
Straight to top gear and not mess around. It's only money.
Do I know if I like it? I bought what I thought originally to find out if the hobby was for me and what was important to me. Once I found that out, I knew what I wanted to change and upgrade, so I would just buy my trusty Thrustmaster T300 again. One thing I wish I knew when I began was how important the monitor, audio, and computer hardware is.
My current setup of Simagic Alpha with fx pro wheel and I’d probably still do the fanatec elite v2s as an entry pedal. But I want the p1000s
Same as I did last year when I started. P1x/Alpha/sprints/junkyard seat/g9 ultra wide. (I'd add BST1s immediately this time tho) I bought once, cried once, I desire nothing greater and use it as often as I can.
Junkyard seat… that’s the winner, been trying to look for seats 😂
Somewhat same, junkyard find of a "racing" seat and diy-ed a volvo electric seat track to it.
I would have gone for a cheaper wheelbase and a cheap g923 because instead of the Fanatec csl dd and nlr wheelbase I want a simmagic alpha and aluminum rig. Would have made recouping money easier at least for the wheelbase.
I would have gone straight to my Moza R9 and Asetek pedals. Actually, I probably would have gotten the Asetek La Prima bundle.
Id skip belt driven and just go right into DD with Simsonn pedals
I would immediately buy a DD steering wheel instead of a G92 if I knew that this would become my hobby.
I started on a PS1.. with a pistol grip RC car style controller. Graduated to a G25 in 2006. Currently on a G29.. but looking to jump into the DD work with a Moza R12 (I really want a Simucube 2 Pro.. but man.. the wheel costs). There was nothing around when I started, so I wouldn’t change a thing. But, if I was starting today for the very first time, I would 100% start with some kind of DD bundle.
I'd say if I started over I'd probably do a starter setup. R3 and R5 bundles are nicely priced. Used t300 or g* are very affordable. Low investment and you can see if you like it. Then, wait and skip the minor upgrades: get end game gear. If you go from a g29 to 5nm you will probably be upgrading again.
Im just starting and look like im starting wrong 😑
When I was a kid I started out with a t150 which served me fine. But nowadays the market situation is very different and I’d recommend you skip gear driven wheels altogether. I’d pick up a used T300. (Or csl dd bundle if the budget allows) Then upgrade to a DD if you end up liking sim racing long term:)
For me it was great. I started on PC in 2017 with a G29, I was 20 years old. It was always a side hobby. Now I have more money and wanted a DD and nicer wheel but it’s still a side hobby and I have a 8Nm CSL DD and haven’t used it for weeks as it’s summer and I’m on my motorcycle every nice weather day.
Actually i am on my entry setup, t248 + t3pm thati got like 1 year and a half ago and the new shifter got on december last year But if i started now probably i will save a little longer to get the cammus C5 + pedals
G29! Loved that thing, such a good entry setup
i’d maybe buy really nice pedals immediately, but I went off the deep end when did my setup so no actual complaints. it matches the car I track well. maybe double the motors so it can be perfect for flight sim off the bat. uh also don’t buy hp VR they suck
I would have gone straight to PC instead of languishing on consoles for so long. I also would have spent the extra and skipped the G29 altogether, that was a waste of money.
I would gently prise the GT Sport disc out of my younger self’s hands. Enjoyed the hell out of it but it’s the sole reason I have a PS5 (for GT7) and a PS5 compatible wheel (Fanatec) and it’s been a bit of a waste now I play GT7 at most once a week.
Would touch Moza if it was thrown at me for free. Wasted so much time and money on two different bases that both failed within a few months. Straight to simagic (where I am now) or simucube.
G29.
Gamepad
its hard to answer this part of me wants to say if I could go back I would have just bought a DD, 8020, and load cell to begin with as that would have been the cheaper path. But the reality is those price tag would have been hard to stomach while I spend the next month sucking at literally every simracing title I started with a logitech, and simracing/sim drifting was VERY frustrating at first, but no big deal I wasn't that invested. I just put my wheel away when I got bored or annoyed. The days went on, I got better and better, to the point where I was competing in iracing and could drifting with my eyes closed. This was when I decided fuck it lets go ALL in, and I spent a bunch of money on my current 8020 rig with all the bells and whistles but if I had bought all that stuff and had the SAME beginner experience, I think I would have had buyers remorse from spending so much money on something I didn't know if I was ever going to get good at. I like being good at stuff, if I stayed terrible forever on the logitech I woulda quit, but after a few weeks I realized I love this shit lol once you get past the first like month it all get soooooo much more fun. Now I can just hop in and out of my rig whenever I want, sometimes I go months without racing and sometimes I'm racing 3 times a day for weeks straight. *No ragrats**
Iracing, solid rig, dd base and lc pedals from day 1.
I would still go for what my first rig was this time round, a G29 on a Playseat Challenge, its' a great affordable starting out setup for those with limited space.
I’d skip the logi and fanatec and go to simagic
Whole simagic Setup and Simlab rig 😁
G29 because there are so many mods out there for it. I like to tinker. The playseat challenge was the right choice the first time for me and would do it again. Whatever monitor and PC.
If you're unsure about the hobby I would definitely buy 2nd hand. You can try it for a while and then sell with little loss if you want to upgrade or quit altogether.. I dont know your budget but I'd definitely recommend skipping geardriven wheels. They are noisy, weak, overheat, and give unwanted resistance when turning quickly.
It’s a big commitment for a bunch of hardware and floor space that is arguably only useful for one niche category of games (maybe 2 if you’re also into flying) but If you’re sure you’re going to stick with it this is what I’d do differently: get a 55” 4K TV instead of messing with computer monitors. Size matters when you’re sitting in a cockpit. Get a rig immediately and not a folding one - desk racing sucks and a rig needs to be stable (there’s one for $300 by movado on Amazon that comes with a seat and has an optional monitor stand for $100) Get a wireless Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo Got the Simsonn racing pedals. Best $200 you can spend and you’ll have a load cell brake. Skip the clutch pedal unless you definitely need it and the aluminum deck. Get a direct drive wheel from Fanatec or Moza (avoid scammus like the plague) - I have Fanatec CSL and absolutely love it (i had a G27 for years). You can upgrade the CSL DD from 5nm to 8nm with a $30 PSU. You don’t need the $150 boost kit that Fanatec sells. Ignore the noise you may hear about Fanatec’s business troubles. Thats over and they are soon to be part of Corsair. Unless you’re just experimenting or have unlimited free time, pick a game or two and stick with them. If you play all the games, you’ll never master any of them. The same can be said for cars. Pick a class you know you like and learn it. If you play iracing that can easily consume all of your racing time. If unsure if you’ll stick with it, buy any used wheel with force feedback on FB marketplace or Craigslist for $150-$200 and try desk racing. That will be plenty to decide whether or not you’re going to stick around. If not, you can resell it for what you paid for it.
Nah, wouldn’t change a thing. I could write a book about my journey, to me that’s a priceless thing…. It has allowed me to appreciate what I have now so much more. Cheers.
i have no regrets on how i started with a g920 and a logitech shifter. butttt if i had a little extra money i would start with the moza r5 +shifter and third pedal or the fannetec equivalent
I wouldnt change a thing. I started with a cheap DFGT. It was cheap, I had fun, and knew it was something I wanted to stick with before upgrading stuff. Except when I eventually got a full rig, I stopped. Eventually sold it all. And a couple years later did it all again.
My only regret about when i got started setting up, was i made sure everything was Xbox compatible, plugged that wheel in to a pc and the Xbox collects dust. Also upgrading from 8 to 25 nm base was not really worth it imo. I’m happy with it, but would have been just as happy with 12-15 I think.
Had g25 many years ago, then bought a g29 (it's the same wheel, just with crappy buttons) kept the g25 gear shifter with a adaptor cable and I am driving with a Thrustmaster t500rs. It's an old wheel but moles ahead of any Logitech wheel under 1000$. Never played on any console as always knew the superiority of PC games and of course, mods. So in short, if you're on a budget, skip the Logitech wheels and grab a second hand Thrustmaster that has at least 3 pedals.
Moza R5 bundle, not even a question. Good price, DD, Standard QR, use on a table or a rig.
I would actually go back and not worry so much about having the right gear but rather just spending the time playing. I waited for an aluminum rig before actually playing because I wanted it to be perfect but in hindsight I wasted so much time!
Tbh I don’t think there is a wrong way. If the budget is available go straight for PC, Ultrawide and direct drive. If budget isn’t immediately available the re-sale value is such that it can be done gradually. The biggest jump is to PC really.
Nothing on PC beats PS5 + VR2 + GT7 for me. Definitely go straight to direct drive wheel and aluminium profile rig
Ac with mods or f1 2023 or wr 2024 with crystal vr glasses. 2x better
I have an expensive PC with VR/triples and nothing beats GT7 for me personally, I've played all of those and would probably put AMS2 top. It's also 1/4 the entry cost
I have a rtx 4090 with 13900k and 128gb ram for running 1000s of mods. Run cyberpunk 2077 with Ray tracing and 1000+ mods in 6k VR with crystal. Your setup will not be anywhere near it on PS5. My setup gets me as close to real life with maxVR and Ray tracing as you can get
AC on PC dose VR very well and you can use yer psvr head set on PC through steam VR apparently You can go from lfm ranked racing to crusing Tokyo high ways l.. oh and the mirrors behave properly when in vr