Logitech Driving Force EX Review: The Affordable Entry-Level Racing Wheel
Sim racing is a thrilling experience that puts you in the driver's seat of some of the world's most powerful vehicles. Whether it's on the racetrack or off-road, there's nothing quite like the sensation of being in control of a high-performance machine. But to truly enjoy the experience, you need the right equipment. A good racing wheel is an essential component of any sim racing setup, as it allows you to get the most realistic and immersive experience possible.
After doing some research, I found that the most popular force feedback wheels were the Logitech G27/G29/g920/ Thrustmaster T150 and Thrustmaster TMX to name a few. However, there was one device that was significantly cheaper but still provided true force feedback. One such device that you may want to consider is the Logitech Driving Force EX.
The Logitech Driving Force EX is an older device that was released for the PS2, but don't let its age fool you. It's still a fantastic budget entry level device that offers an authentic driving experience at a fraction of the cost of more modern wheels. The device has a USB connection, which means it can be used on a PC, giving you more flexibility when it comes to choosing which sim racing games to play.
One of the standout features of the Logitech Driving Force EX is its force feedback system. This system provides a simulated feel of driving a vehicle, making the games highly immersive and realistic. The wheel is made mostly of plastic with soft-touch grips, which may feel a little small in your hands but still provides a solid grip. The flappy paddle shifters are in the form of smaller shoulder buttons, which work well for shifting, although they don't provide the satisfying click you may be used to.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Logitech Driving Force EX only has a 180-degree rotation, which means it lacks the immersion of a 900 degree wheel when driving road-going cars. However, this is not a major problem when racing F1-style cars. The gear-driven force feedback system is also quite loud, which may be an issue for some people, but it's still effective at providing a realistic driving experience.
The pedals are entirely made of plastic, and they provide acceptable inputs for throttle and brake. However, they lack a load cell brake pedal and have fairly weak springs, which means that you'll need to develop muscle memory to perform well with them.
In conclusion, if you're hesitant to put a lot of money into sim racing and want to test the waters before committing to a more expensive setup, the Logitech Driving Force EX is a fantastic budget option. Although it's an older device, it still offers a realistic driving experience and is a great way to get started with sim racing. You can find used ones on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for a very reasonable price, making it an excellent entry-level option for those who are new to the world of sim racing. So, if you're looking for an affordable way to experience the thrill of sim racing, give the Logitech Driving Force EX a try.
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