Logitech G25 Racing Wheel And Pedals Set
- Platform: PC
- PC Gaming Device Type: Wheel And Pedals Set Gear Shift Lever
- Exterior Color: Gray Black
- Connectivity: Cable
- Buttons Qty.: 2
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Finally! A Full-featured Racing Peripheral for the Armchair Racer
Pros
Great craftsmanship, premium finish, responsive pedals, six-speed transmission
Cons
$300 MSRP, lackluster support for older games
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Playing driving games without a G25 is like racing in Le Mans with a slush box daily driver
Armchair racers rejoice! The finest and most engrossing racing peripheral graces our tabletops/computer desks/custom rigs.
Logitech G25
At a Glance
Features = 5.0
High-strength motor for the wheel, a six-speed shifter plus console, and a clutch pedal!
Build Quality = 5.0
Leather-stitched wheel, stainless steel pedals, and clean black plastic.
Gaming Support = 4.0
Only a few racing games take advantage of all the features, but those that do are some of the best games on the market.
Tech Support = 4.0
Logitech has always been good to me.
Ease of Use = 5.0
Very easy to install and set up. The software gives great customizability for all games.
Logitech or Thrustmaster?
This was a really tough choice. One one hand, you have the world-renown Thrustmaster company whose years of experience in the gaming industry has let it put out countless of excellent products. On the other hand is Logitech, more known for their keyboards and mice. But after the Momo wheel and the GT4 Driving Force wheel, they've become a credible threat.
Even though the hardcore sim market has been languishing lately, Logitech didn't abandon the market like most other makers. Instead, they ponied up this amazing piece of gadgetry known as the Logitech G25 Limited Edition Racing Wheel.
The closest competitor to the G25 is the Thrustmaster RGT. It's not as full-featured or robust as the G25, meaning it's not as expensive. Features that it lacks include 900-degree rotation, a 6-speed shifter, dual-motor feedback mechanism, and premium finish.
What Makes the G25 Unique?
The first thing you noticed about the G25 was the weight of the box. It's like moving a desktop computer. Weighing in at 19 pounds, the whole package screams durability and build quality.
The wheel rotates at 900 degrees and features dual motors that provide powerful force feedback. Measuring at 11 inches, it is wrapped in black leather for exceptional grip. Though the wheel only has two buttons (usually used for hand brake and boost), it is not an issue since most of the buttons can be found on the shifter console. The wheel also has metal shifting paddles in the back that are very easy to manipulate.
The console and the pedals are what separate the G25 from the rest. The console features 8 separate function buttons and a 4-way D-pad. Ho hum, what about the shifter? The shifter is similar ball-type used for the GT4 wheel, but it can act as a 6-speed shifter or a sequential shifter. You can change shifting modes by pressing down on the shifter and turning the dial to the desired mode. Everyone knows what the sequential shifter does, but the 6-speed is very much like the 6-speed of a real car. It is an H-type with six detents and a reverse (or seventh) gear. You engage the reverse gear by (like a real car) pressing down on the shift knob and moving it to the 6th gear position.
What's an H-type shifter without a clutch? The pedals not only have realistic resistance, but it also has a clutch pedal. Each pedal has its own axis, so maneuvers such as heel-and-toe shifting and left foot braking can be performed. Oh, did I mention that the heavy pedals are made of stainless steel? What more can you ask from a premium wheel?
Setup and Installation
All three components come with connectors that plug into the wheel. The wheel acts as a central hub for all the plugs and connectors so if you see a web of wires, it'll come from the wheel. The wheel can either clamp on to a desk using the two large plastic screws or by using custom screw holes. The clamps will fit most standard desk sizes and it comes with an adapter for smaller desks. Similar clamps are used on the shifter console. The pedal base can be secured using either screws, rubber pads, or carpet grips. The base is heavy and you'd have to be a stomping maniac to move it.
The G25 connects via a USB 2.0 connector from the wheel. Installation is easy. Just install the Game Device Profiler and follow the prompts. When the wheel initializes, it rotates the wheel and sets the forces. Once that's done, you're ready to play. The software is completely optional; most games that are made for this wheel come configured to best use this wheel.
One tip: I recommend going into the gaming control panel and, under properties, clicking the "Separate Axis" tab for the pedals. This allows you to perform the advanced pedaling techniques in games that support multi-axis. Otherwise, the gas and brake become part of the same axis and cannot be pressed at the same time.
The G25 in Action
I have a whole bunch of racing games in my library that support the G25: GTR 2, xPand Rally, Richard Burns Rally, and TOCA Race Driver 2.
GTR 2 came bundled with my G25. The game is a simulation of the FIA Grand Touring series that features high-performance versions of today's great sports cars. Bundling this game is a great choice because the two are perfect together. The game is already customized to take advantage of the 6-speed shifter and clutch. When you shift, you need to use the clutch properly or the car will bog into neutral. While you're doing that, you're also working hard to keep the wheel steady as it fights you while barreling down Monza's front straight at 160 mph. Because GT races can become close and hairy, you will feel every bump from your competitor and grind from the wall you just hit.
Okay, tarmac races are great with this wheel. What about rallies? For that, we go to Richard Burns Rally, the most realistic rally simulation on the market. Richard Burns is another game that takes advantage of the shifter and clutch combo. Here's one game where you're glad to use a full feedback wheel and not a gamepad or the keyboard, because rally driving is all about the feel of the car as you whip it sideways on bumpy roads. If you thought the feedback on GTR 2 was harsh, it seems sedate compared to Richard Burns Rally. I recorded a video of me playing this game that you should check out to see how much fun it is to rally with the G25.
xPand Rally is pretty much the same thing as Richard Burns, but its open gameplay makes it more of a fun ride than the quick-thinking chaos fest that Richard Burns is. The feedback on xPand is actually a bit harsher than Richard Burns and it has better support for the G25, but because of the arcady nature of the game, it's not quite as hectic as Richard Burns. Still, it's a fun game to play with the G25 if you want to play around for kicks.
As far as games that don't natively support the G25, it's okay but you'll miss the extra features that makes the G25 fun. The G25 software comes with features that still takes advantage of the wheel's inherent strengths (such as the auto steering center and custom button mapping) but it'll take some work on your part to have the wheel set-up for those older games.
What Makes the G25 Experience Unique?
What separates the G25 from other wheels, like the GT4 Driving Force or the Thrustmaster RGT? For one thing, the unique motor in the G25 eliminates the need for a center dead-band. On other wheels, the initial turn-in was a bit too "fast" causing the car to turn more than the driver intended. Because of the nature of the steering motor, resistance is felt at the onset, so there's no more need for a dead-band.
The stronger motor also allows stronger forces to be felt. The feel of the controller is similar to the feel of the old SEGA Daytona arcade setup. That arcade setup had a tough wheel that you had to wrench in order to suppress the strong forces it put out.
Finally, driving the games the same way you drive your Subaru WRX STI is such a therapeutic experience. Even if it takes you a long time to adapt to the controller, it is still such a complete experience from the typical paddle shifting affair from other controllers.
I can't really explain the experience to you. It's just something you have to feel for yourself. Here's a video of me and my setup:
http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/?action=view¤t=g25009.flv
Conclusions
The G25 is the complete racing solution for the hard core sim fan. Casual racers will be intimidated at first, but give it a shot, get used to it, and you'll appreciate how well the system works. It will improve your driving technique; that's how realistic it is. If you can plunk down $220-300 for a good controller, invest it on the G25. Logitech only sells this in limited editions, and (in the face of a dwindling hard-core gaming market) it is very likely that no company will invest in the hard core sim market like this for a long, long time.
Media
Video:
Me, the G25, and Richard Burns Rally.
http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/?action=view¤t=g25009.flv
Photos:
All three peripherals as setup on my desk.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/g25003.jpg
My gaming laptop and the G25 wheel and shifter combo.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/g25002.jpg
The G25 in action.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/g25008.jpg
Logitech G25
At a Glance
Features = 5.0
High-strength motor for the wheel, a six-speed shifter plus console, and a clutch pedal!
Build Quality = 5.0
Leather-stitched wheel, stainless steel pedals, and clean black plastic.
Gaming Support = 4.0
Only a few racing games take advantage of all the features, but those that do are some of the best games on the market.
Tech Support = 4.0
Logitech has always been good to me.
Ease of Use = 5.0
Very easy to install and set up. The software gives great customizability for all games.
Logitech or Thrustmaster?
This was a really tough choice. One one hand, you have the world-renown Thrustmaster company whose years of experience in the gaming industry has let it put out countless of excellent products. On the other hand is Logitech, more known for their keyboards and mice. But after the Momo wheel and the GT4 Driving Force wheel, they've become a credible threat.
Even though the hardcore sim market has been languishing lately, Logitech didn't abandon the market like most other makers. Instead, they ponied up this amazing piece of gadgetry known as the Logitech G25 Limited Edition Racing Wheel.
The closest competitor to the G25 is the Thrustmaster RGT. It's not as full-featured or robust as the G25, meaning it's not as expensive. Features that it lacks include 900-degree rotation, a 6-speed shifter, dual-motor feedback mechanism, and premium finish.
What Makes the G25 Unique?
The first thing you noticed about the G25 was the weight of the box. It's like moving a desktop computer. Weighing in at 19 pounds, the whole package screams durability and build quality.
The wheel rotates at 900 degrees and features dual motors that provide powerful force feedback. Measuring at 11 inches, it is wrapped in black leather for exceptional grip. Though the wheel only has two buttons (usually used for hand brake and boost), it is not an issue since most of the buttons can be found on the shifter console. The wheel also has metal shifting paddles in the back that are very easy to manipulate.
The console and the pedals are what separate the G25 from the rest. The console features 8 separate function buttons and a 4-way D-pad. Ho hum, what about the shifter? The shifter is similar ball-type used for the GT4 wheel, but it can act as a 6-speed shifter or a sequential shifter. You can change shifting modes by pressing down on the shifter and turning the dial to the desired mode. Everyone knows what the sequential shifter does, but the 6-speed is very much like the 6-speed of a real car. It is an H-type with six detents and a reverse (or seventh) gear. You engage the reverse gear by (like a real car) pressing down on the shift knob and moving it to the 6th gear position.
What's an H-type shifter without a clutch? The pedals not only have realistic resistance, but it also has a clutch pedal. Each pedal has its own axis, so maneuvers such as heel-and-toe shifting and left foot braking can be performed. Oh, did I mention that the heavy pedals are made of stainless steel? What more can you ask from a premium wheel?
Setup and Installation
All three components come with connectors that plug into the wheel. The wheel acts as a central hub for all the plugs and connectors so if you see a web of wires, it'll come from the wheel. The wheel can either clamp on to a desk using the two large plastic screws or by using custom screw holes. The clamps will fit most standard desk sizes and it comes with an adapter for smaller desks. Similar clamps are used on the shifter console. The pedal base can be secured using either screws, rubber pads, or carpet grips. The base is heavy and you'd have to be a stomping maniac to move it.
The G25 connects via a USB 2.0 connector from the wheel. Installation is easy. Just install the Game Device Profiler and follow the prompts. When the wheel initializes, it rotates the wheel and sets the forces. Once that's done, you're ready to play. The software is completely optional; most games that are made for this wheel come configured to best use this wheel.
One tip: I recommend going into the gaming control panel and, under properties, clicking the "Separate Axis" tab for the pedals. This allows you to perform the advanced pedaling techniques in games that support multi-axis. Otherwise, the gas and brake become part of the same axis and cannot be pressed at the same time.
The G25 in Action
I have a whole bunch of racing games in my library that support the G25: GTR 2, xPand Rally, Richard Burns Rally, and TOCA Race Driver 2.
GTR 2 came bundled with my G25. The game is a simulation of the FIA Grand Touring series that features high-performance versions of today's great sports cars. Bundling this game is a great choice because the two are perfect together. The game is already customized to take advantage of the 6-speed shifter and clutch. When you shift, you need to use the clutch properly or the car will bog into neutral. While you're doing that, you're also working hard to keep the wheel steady as it fights you while barreling down Monza's front straight at 160 mph. Because GT races can become close and hairy, you will feel every bump from your competitor and grind from the wall you just hit.
Okay, tarmac races are great with this wheel. What about rallies? For that, we go to Richard Burns Rally, the most realistic rally simulation on the market. Richard Burns is another game that takes advantage of the shifter and clutch combo. Here's one game where you're glad to use a full feedback wheel and not a gamepad or the keyboard, because rally driving is all about the feel of the car as you whip it sideways on bumpy roads. If you thought the feedback on GTR 2 was harsh, it seems sedate compared to Richard Burns Rally. I recorded a video of me playing this game that you should check out to see how much fun it is to rally with the G25.
xPand Rally is pretty much the same thing as Richard Burns, but its open gameplay makes it more of a fun ride than the quick-thinking chaos fest that Richard Burns is. The feedback on xPand is actually a bit harsher than Richard Burns and it has better support for the G25, but because of the arcady nature of the game, it's not quite as hectic as Richard Burns. Still, it's a fun game to play with the G25 if you want to play around for kicks.
As far as games that don't natively support the G25, it's okay but you'll miss the extra features that makes the G25 fun. The G25 software comes with features that still takes advantage of the wheel's inherent strengths (such as the auto steering center and custom button mapping) but it'll take some work on your part to have the wheel set-up for those older games.
What Makes the G25 Experience Unique?
What separates the G25 from other wheels, like the GT4 Driving Force or the Thrustmaster RGT? For one thing, the unique motor in the G25 eliminates the need for a center dead-band. On other wheels, the initial turn-in was a bit too "fast" causing the car to turn more than the driver intended. Because of the nature of the steering motor, resistance is felt at the onset, so there's no more need for a dead-band.
The stronger motor also allows stronger forces to be felt. The feel of the controller is similar to the feel of the old SEGA Daytona arcade setup. That arcade setup had a tough wheel that you had to wrench in order to suppress the strong forces it put out.
Finally, driving the games the same way you drive your Subaru WRX STI is such a therapeutic experience. Even if it takes you a long time to adapt to the controller, it is still such a complete experience from the typical paddle shifting affair from other controllers.
I can't really explain the experience to you. It's just something you have to feel for yourself. Here's a video of me and my setup:
http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/?action=view¤t=g25009.flv
Conclusions
The G25 is the complete racing solution for the hard core sim fan. Casual racers will be intimidated at first, but give it a shot, get used to it, and you'll appreciate how well the system works. It will improve your driving technique; that's how realistic it is. If you can plunk down $220-300 for a good controller, invest it on the G25. Logitech only sells this in limited editions, and (in the face of a dwindling hard-core gaming market) it is very likely that no company will invest in the hard core sim market like this for a long, long time.
Media
Video:
Me, the G25, and Richard Burns Rally.
http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/?action=view¤t=g25009.flv
Photos:
All three peripherals as setup on my desk.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/g25003.jpg
My gaming laptop and the G25 wheel and shifter combo.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/g25002.jpg
The G25 in action.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/cerberus435/g25/g25008.jpg
