NASCAR Racing

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. NASCAR Racing
PC Steering Wheel Roundup
Part 12: Act Labs Force RS
 More of this Feature
• Part 1:Introduction
• Part 2:About The Tests
• Part 3:About Me
• Part 4:Categories
• Part 5:Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger
• Part 6:Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger 2
• Part 7:Logitech Wingman Formula GP
• Part 8:Act Labs RS
• Part 9:Thrustmaster Super Sport
• Part 10:Thrustmaster Formula T2
• Part 11:Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback Wheel
• Part 12:Act Labs Force RS
• Part 13:Logitech Wingman Formula Force
• Part 14:TSW2 Stock
• Part 15:TSW2 Cup 13
• Part 16:Hyper Stimulator
• Part 17:ECCI CDS4000
• Part 18:Complete List By Overall Score
 
  Related Resources
• PC Simulations
 
 From Other Guides
• Computer Simulations
• Video Games
 
 Elsewhere on the Web
• Thrustmaster
• Act Labs
• Logitech
• Microsoft
• Thomas Enterprises
• Desktop Sims
• Extreme Competition Controls
 
 

Website:http://www.act-labs.com
List Price:$139
Category:$100 - $250
Force Feedback

The Force RS is the Force Feedback sibling of the Force RS.

The Looks

Like the non-Force version, the extra thick brown leather-like steering wheel with good looking pedals made this unit one of the most attractive in the review.

Convenience

Again, getting this wheel clamped to my thicker-than-average desk was a struggle. The two clamps just don't open wide enough to fit my desk. With a little creativity I got it in place for some serious racing but be forewarned, if your desk is extra thick you may have trouble with this wheel.

Installation was a snap with the included software. Plug everything in, plug in the engine (more on this in a minute) run the installation routine and away we go.

The Feel

The extra thick leather-like wheel was far and away the most comfortable wheel to hold. The pedals were also at a nice angle.

But this wheel just didn't feel right to me. The force feedback effects just didn't enhance my racing experience and turning this wheel quickly makes a very distracting grinding noise that had me worried about breaking it.

Update: Like the pedals on the RS, after a few hours of use the belts that cause this "grinding" loosen up and the noise stops. This is considered basic "breaking in" by ACT Labs and is not a concern.

The variable spring tension makes up for one of the weaknesses in the non-force version of this wheel but I just couldn't enjoy myself while racing with his wheel.

Other Features

Act-Labs racing products have one very unique feature. They can be used with nearly any gaming product. Want to race on your PC? Plug in the PC interface cartridge and away you go. Have a PlayStation or Nintendo N64? Just swap the interface cartridge (sold separately) and you can use the same steering wheel and pedal unit with multiple gaming systems!

Overall

Although the Force RS shares the styling, comfort and interoperability of it's non-force feedback sibling, the force effects just turn me off.

Pros

  • Most Comfortable Force Feedback Wheel
  • Works with N64 and PlayStation too!

Cons

  • Does not work on thick desks
  • Force Effects not as good as Logitech

Rating: 74/100

Next page > Wingman Formula Force
> Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

Previous Features

Explore NASCAR Racing

About.com Special Features

NASCAR Racing

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. NASCAR Racing

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.