OPERATION

Having experience in racing simulations, I was really interested in seeing what the RS has in store for me. I have practically tried every driving device that is manufactured out there for the PC. So I should have a sense and feel about the wheels that are out there. I tried the following racing simulations with the RS: Viper Racing, NASCAR Racing 1999, and Grand Prix Legends. As with all new equipment you install onto your PC, it does take sometime to get used them, and the same thing goes for the RS. The major problem I was having with the RS was its wheel diameter and light tension at the near center setting. The wheel diameter was a bit bigger than I am accustomed to. The wheel tension near center was a bit of problem when you need to use make precise adjustments; I would just move the wheel a little more then I wanted. Only when you move 10� past the center, some tension starts playing with the wheel, and obviously it should've been tensioned equally throughout the range in a linear fashion. For me it seemed like the tension stays the same moving through all the angles, never increasing after the initial resistance.

The pedals on the other hand, didn't move whatsoever, regardless on what surface they were. I just wish there was a clutch pedal add-on in the future.

All buttons were reachable depending how far the wheel was turned. As turn past the 45� either left or right, it was a bit strenuous to reach the buttons. As for the shifting chores, the paddles worked perfectly. But I didn't like that the paddles were a bit loose. I would like to see a second spring on the opposing side to maintain tension onto the paddles. This would take away the flimsiness.

When doing laptimes in the simulations I was a bit off the pace in times. But I didn't loose that much time as you would think, I actually lost a couple of tenths at the various tracks.


GAME COMPATIBILITY

No problems were encountered with the wheel setup during playing games.


BOTTOMLINE

With a price of $69.99, being programmable and the ability to be used on either consoles or PCs, this wheel is worth every penny for those of you who would like to use a one-stop solution. I recommend this wheel despite its glitches.