| SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 Wheel |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices | |
| Written by Steven Iglesias-Hearst | |
| Tuesday, 03 January 2012 | |
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Page 6 of 6
Steering Wheel Final ThoughtsThe SteelSeries SRW-S1 steering wheel has filled a gap that existed in the current marketplace, whether that gap needed filling or not is down to you the consumer. Are you happy enough playing on the keyboard or with a controller? Do you think that $119.99 is a reasonable price for this steering wheel? Or do you think this is just a gimmick? I have an advantage here, I get to test the wheel without committing any cash but in return I must write this review. I am in no way inclined to make out this is a good product when it isn't, and I wouldn't do that anyway. With that being said, at first I wasn't convinced that the SRW-S1 was going to be able to cut it but after extended use on some good racing sims I became accustomed to it and was able to do really well. Sure it won't ever compare to a fully fledged wheel and pedal set but it isn't aimed at that sector. It is quite difficult to think who might actually want the SteelSeries SRW-S1 steering wheel because without a stand you won't be able to use it for a real extended period of time, and I can't see many people laying down $120 for a 'casual' wheel. I really hope that SteelSeries will work on an optional desk stand or even an adapter to attach this wheel to currently available wheel bases on the market (Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster)
SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 ConclusionIn this section I am going to write a brief five point summary on the following categories; Performance, Appearance, Construction, Functionality and Value. These views are my own and help me to give the SteelSeries SRW-S1 Steering Wheel a rating out of 10. A high score does not necessarily mean that it is better than a similar steering wheel set, which has been reviewed by another writer here at Benchmark Reviews that may have got a lower score. It is however a good indicator of whether the SRW-S1 steering wheel is good or not. I would strongly urge you to read the entire review, if you have not already, so that you can make an educated decision for yourself. The SteelSeries SRW-S1 Steering wheel performs really well considering it a brand new concept unlike anything else currently available. The one thing that would possibly make it better is a fixed stand. I often find myself resting my arms on my computer chairs' arm rests while driving which restricts movement somewhat. Appearance is usually a tough one to call because there are so many different tastes to cater for. But I'm pretty sure there will be a unanimous feeling towards the SteelSeries SRW-S1, and that is that it looks extremely professional and authentic indeed. It is styled on and F1 steering wheel and does the job really well, it is really clean looking too. The buttons initially look like a random rainbow assortment but the colors actually correlate to the functions to make them easier to remember. Construction is second to none, and so it should be for $120. The entire unit is constructed form really lightweight but extremely strong and rigid plastic which is then coated with a rubber like soft feel urethane finish. The hand grips are perfectly sculpted for a really comfortable hold, the material used on these grips feels really dry and powdery after extended use but that is good in a way because that means your hands stay dry under the pressure. Functionality is very good in Simraceway but in other games it is somewhat limited, the assist dials and shift LED's will not work in any unsupported games (which is everything but Simraceway). This just means that these options can't be adjusted on the fly in other racing sims but that doesn't stop you adjusting these settings in the in-game menus. For a motion sensitive controller I was initially sceptical, but after a period of use I was really quite impressed by the accuracy that the SRW-S1 has. The gear shift paddles have a nice audible and tactile click to let you know you have actuated the controls. The brake and accelerator paddles are spring loaded and pressure sensitive and allow for very precise control in trained hands. The close proximity of the rear paddles means you won't find yourself contorting your hands or searching for the various controls. The SteelSeries SRW-S1 Steering Wheel is available right now for $119.99 (Amazon) or directly from the SteelSeries web store. At this price point there are some contenders but nothing with this level of customization. I personally think the price is just a little too high and $100 might be a better price point. Pros:
+ Very sensitive to movement Cons:
- Only fully functional in Simraceway Ratings:
Final Score: 8.40 out of 10.Benchmark Reviews invites you to leave constructive feedback below, or ask questions in our Discussion Forum.
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Comments
Did you try pressing your elbows just forward of your ribcage, for stability, and using it like that?
I for one hope there is a mount made as it will turn this fun wheel into a serious bit of kit. Thank you.
So, I sold it and continued to use my joysticks. Just this year a buddy moved in and he owned a nice Logitech FFB wheel. He was enjoying himself so much I decided to purchase one. Again, my scores went down. I got the Logitech Force GT for about $160. I have to admit it's more fun to play with this steering wheel than with a joystick, and if both of us are using our wheels we have a great time. However, if one of us pulls out a stick so will the other. Sticks are just superior for racing because of the movement times involved.
This Steel Series controller is something I have considered but I passed it by. For that price you can still get a pretty good wheel, and I would prefer a wheel over that...controller...any day if I'm playing for fun. If we're competing against each other, out comes the joysticks.
Of course, a big advantage to the Force GT is that you can use it on the PS3 as well.
I think your score was very generous.
Just out of curiosity, what games are you playing where you are better with analogue sticks than with a wheel? And how can you knock this wheel without at least giving it a go.
As for which game I can play better with a joystick, name one. NFS, Dirt, Test Drive, Blur. It's in the reaction time, and that's better with a stick, (I'm not referring to the little stick on a console type controller, but a real PC joystick). It's simple enough just to time how long it takes to move a joystick from one side to the other and compare that to how long it takes to move a wheel from one side of its full turn radius all the way to the other side. Joystick wins every time.
My point exactly, they are the sort of driving games I have always loved to play, with a controller.
When it comes to racing sims though it's a different story bud. The SRW-S1 and your Joystick are at different ends of the spectrum to each other with regards to realistic and arcade style driving.
Here's some remotes (both types):
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__82__190__Tx_Rx_Systems_Pa rts-Complete_systems.html
Here's a cheap toy with just sticks:
toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=11361547
When I was a kid all our remote controlled cars were using joysticks. I remember being surprised the first time I saw a wheel. Besides, in this type of control system, wheel or joystick really doesn't matter. They're both just variable resistors or coils anyway, what difference does the shape make?
Here is a real car being controlled by a joystick
The problem is that the range of steering which even in Ferraris will require more than 720 degrees of rotation is compressed to a very small arc in the joystick. This, combined with the lack of feedback you get with a wheel mechanically connected to the wheels, makes fine control very difficult for most people.
And, personally, I don't think compressing an arc of movement to the size of a joystick is a problem. As I said, there are lots of RC vehicles out there that use joysticks. I had no trouble at all controlling the digital proportional steering on my RC toys when I was a kid, and I highly doubt their arc for steering is any different than that of a real vehicle.
Here's another one:
#ntho.posterous.com/future-mercedes-concept-car-wi-1
Here's one using an xbox controller:
youtube.com/watch?v=7-39URz4vL8
You can get vehicles today that use a joystick:
vti.se/en/publications/pdf/joystick-controlled-cars-for-drivers-with-severe-disabilities.pdf
Although it is likely custom modified by a speciality shop.
I guess if a disabled guy can drive a car with a joystick, you and I could too.
Here's a wiki article on it:
#en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_by_wire
I think all this proves you can control a real car with a joystick.
However there is an advantage that NO mounted wheel can hope to achieve, and something that no one has addressed. Since the wheel relies on an artificial horizon for its orientation, you can move the wheel laterally in small sweeps or jerks as you rotate to add an extra layer of control.
So to me, being unmounted, is now the way to go.
Yes there are drawbacks, no force feedback, must have control if it at all times during a race, but if you can live with these small quibbles, I highly recommend it.