BUTTONS

There are enough buttons on the Force RS to satisfy almost anyone! Technically, there are 10 buttons on the wheel including the paddles. However, there is a button on the center of the wheel that is more like a game pad as it can be programmed as 4 separate buttons. IE… up, down, left, and right. So there could be as many as 13 different buttons to be programmed for use. If you need more than 13 buttons while driving, I am not sure I want to be on a track with you .


PADDLES

This is one item that could be slightly improved upon. I use the paddles on the wheel for shifting. The Force RS does not currently have a gearshift (More on this later in the Upgrade ability section). The paddles are a tad short for the diameter of the wheel and have an oval shape at the end. They could improve this with just a little more length and a "T" shape instead of the oval. The paddles work in both directions. You can push or pull on the paddle to shift gears or whatever functions you have assigned to the them.


FORCE FEEDBACK PERFORMANCE

Of the three Force Feedback wheels I have personally used, the ACT LABS Force RS has the strongest and most pronounced feedback. It's a bit stronger than the Logitech Force Feedback wheel and seems to be quite a bit more forceful than the Microsoft wheel. I personally believe that you want a strong, forceful unit so that you have options in customizing for each characteristic you desire based on the game/simulation you are using. I personally like a strong "spring", which is a centering action. IE.. It works just like the spring in an analog wheel to return the wheel to the center position. However, if you like a relatively weaker effect, you can model that as well. You will need to spend a little time experimenting to get the effects "just right". The overall performance of this wheel is very good. There is a slight "notchy" feeling to the wheel, but its not overbearing. It seems to be more noticeable when using non-FF titles, but again it is not so much that it detracts from the precision control of this device. One of the big things I noticed when using this wheel is that I am a much smoother driver in terms of maintaining my line on the track. Above and beyond all, this wheel is just a joy and a lot of fun to use! It is easy enough to use for all the gamers out there, yet it is a "serious" enough wheel to meet the needs and expectations of the most dedicated sim racer.


UPGRADEABILITY

One thing many of you out there might like is that the ACT LABS Force RS is a very versatile unit! For around $20, you add a new cartridge that will allow you to enjoy this wheel on your Sony Playstation or Nintendo 64! That is a great value added into this wheel for gamers who switch between consoles and their PCs for gaming, excuse me, simulator racing . Also, as I mentioned earlier, some of you might be disappointed that the Force RS does not come with a gearshift. Well, worry no more! The crew at ACT LABS will soon be releasing the RS Shifter! The suggested retail price is $59.99, but as always you will most likely find it on the net for less.

Click here for RS Shifter Review.


QUALITY

Sometimes it is hard to judge quality because I define quality in terms of long-term usage. Thus, I am not really able to judge the long-term durability of the unit until the actual time frame passes. So, what I can do is judge the unit on how it feels in regards to sound manufacturing. I have been using the wheel quite extensively lately and can tell you it is still as solid as the day I received it. The casing and wheel itself are very solid and there is not a lot of "slack" like you would expect to find if you had purchased an inexpensive analog wheel such as the Thrustmaster NASCAR Pro. The wheel casing itself is plastic, but the way it is put together gives it a very solid feel. The bottom of the wheel unit and the clamping system are made of a sturdy metal. I would say that based on the feel of the unit, this wheel was built with quality and durability in mind. Time will tell the final outcome, as it is the only true method of review.


CONCLUSION

PROS:

• Solid build
  
• Comfortable grip
  
• Above average pedal unit
  
• Strong Force Feedback
  
• Precise input
  
• Many programmable buttons
  
• Great value for the price
  

• Paddle levers could be longer and with a "T" shape at the end
  
• Clamping mechanism does not come down far enough for some desks with "lips" on the front
  
• Just a bit "notchy" with the turning of the wheel in non-force feedback enabled use