Submit News
Submit File
Submit Mod
Submit Movie
Submit Screenshots
Submit Link
Join Our Team
 

  Title: Guillemont Race Leader Feedback Racing Wheel
User's Article Rating: 5.37
Number of views: 14412
Users's Comments / Reviews: 3 		Article Author: Julian Data
Date posted: 01-08-2002
Pages: 1 / 1
Print This Article

 
Guillemont Race Leader Feedback Racing Wheel

Guillemot has been known for their spectacular multimedia hardware, and now seems to have ventured into the game controller arena. Since I am a hardcore racing advocate, I was really excited to try out the Race Leader Feedback racing wheel system. This futuristic looking racing system just happens to use my favorite bus, USB, so let's take it for a spin, shall we?.

By its looks alone, black and silver/gray, the Race Leader Force Feedback system really reminded me of those old Buck Rogers movies due to its spaceship-like appearance. The Race Leader Force Feedback's construction and feel however is more similar to the AVB Tech Force Feedback wheel I reviewed earlier this year - That one got top marks btw.


CONTENT

Features:


  • Force Feedback steering wheel
  • Pedal board
  • User manual
  • Installation CD
  • IBM compatible Windows 95 and Windows 98 compatible
  • I-Force 2.0 hardware compatible (Immersion Corporation)
  • "Digital" technology (Direct X 5.0 and higher compatible)
  • Windows 95B and Windows 98 drivers
  • Feedback Racer programming interface
  • 20 programmable Rapid Action Buttons
  • 2 authentic F1 racing car gear-change levers
  • Programmable 8-directional D-PAD Robust, spring reinforced pedals (innovative concept)
  • Powerful, long-life motor
  • Wide, non-skid base
  • Adjustable base champ system
  • Plugs into computer USB port
  • *Notice Windows 95 is listed as "95B", since this version has implementation of USB.

SETUP

Remember the Race Leader uses USB so the K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) Principle applies. Just plugg the device into an available USB port and pop in the drivers CD provided. A simple install program runs and from there you test the feedback responses and tweak them to your liking. If you like, you can also program the 20 available buttons for those special features you would love to use during your heated-racing action.

But before doing all that you need to physically mount and connect the product onto your desk, which was a fairly simple task in this case. Mount the steering unit onto your desk with the excellent clamp design and plug the telephone-like cable into the pedals and the steering. Done. Deja-vu. I've done this before. I came to the conclusion that the Race Leader Force Feedback is identical to the AVB Tech Force Feedback in the mounting, connection, and installation procedures, so the installation process was problem free.


THE SHAKEDOWN

I used several racing games to test how well the force feedback felt. These games were: Monster Truck Madness 2, TOCA 2, Grand Prix Legends, Need for Speed IV, and Viper Racing. The overall feedback of the device is on par with the ACT Labs RS Force and the AVB Tech Force Feedback Wheel, which means the Race is an exceptional force feedback performer. With that in mind, be prepared to hold the wheel tightly as the electronic motor is very strong! You might even loose some weight and tone your arms up a bit. I am very impressed so far.

As for non-FF situations, it is well known that the majority of FF wheels lack in this area, however the Race Leader came through with flying colors, since if you found the tension in the wheel to be too loose you could simply adjust it to your liking.


CONCLUSION

Guillemot Race Leader Force Feedback USB is probably one of the best force feedback units on the market today! I highly recommend this product to any racing enthusiast to get that immersive feeling of being-right-there action.

1 |
  Once you rated this article,
you can post your comments.
 
Author: 14-10-2002
im really satisfied with this wheel i have had it almost for 2 years. driven a lot of racing games,, still works fine. good grip on wheel and good force feedback feeling have testet several wheel but this is my favorite.
Author: 19-10-2002
I've had this wheel for 6 months. GREAT. Installs easily over and over. I've raced Grnd Pri Legends, GP-3, Colin McRae 2, F1-2001, F1-2002 and had NO PROBLEMS. Very little adjustment has to be made from game to game. The settings are always spot on and the feed back works way better than expected. The programmability is a wonderful featur and very easy to use. Install, plug in, load up game file, start game, drive. Could it be easier or more fun. I think not
Author: 04-02-2006
very good

ABOUT US | CONTACT | ADVERTISING | LINK US | RSS Blackhole Motorsports Copyright © 2005. Hosted by Isolcom Interactive Ltd.