1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. NASCAR Racing

More from About.com

PC Steering Wheel Roundup
Part 15: TSW2 Cup 13
 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 Trackstar 6000
• 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
• Extreme Competition Controls
 
 

Website:http://www.thomas-superwheel.com
List Price:$415
Category:Over $250

The older brother to the TSW2 Stock this wheel sports a 13 inch full size Winston Cup style wheel (15 inch model also available) with two wheel mounted buttons and a ball bearing steering shaft.

The Looks

The TSW2 family is not intended to be beautiful. In fact, the look of this wheel is better described as "industrial." Black PVC housing covers solid wood and steel components. The TSW2 is obviously built to last.

This large wheel mounted to the front of your desk tells anyone who sees it that you take your sim racing seriously.

Convenience

The clamping system will accommodate any thickness desk. Put the wheel in place, slide the "L" shaped steel bracket into the bottom of the wheel and tighten the thumb screw. On my computer desk this proved to be the most convenient wheel to hook and unhook.

Installation was a breeze as well (other than the hernia I received carrying the box :) ) No fancy software to install or proprietary configuration to deal with. You put the wheel in place, plug the pedals into the wheel and plug the wheel into the game port of your PC. Then go into Windows game controllers setup and add the wheel (step-by-step instructions are included but unnecessary for most folks).

The Feel

After racing the TSW2 Stock I was prepared for the precision and feel of the TSW2 family. The TSW2 Cup does not disappoint. Lock-to-lock there are no jerks or jumps in the calibration. On the track it's smooth as glass.

The biggest adjustment that you have to make with this unit is to the much larger steering wheel. It definitely takes some time to get used to racing with the larger movements required to drive with this wheel.

I have no doubt that the TSW2 Cup wheel is more realistic but personally I am more comfortable with the smaller wheel that comes with the TSW2 Stock.

Update: Now that I've spent some time with a larger diameter steering wheel I am hooked! The larger movements required give you the ability to be smoother. This will give you faster lap times and better tire wear. This wheel can actually improve your skills.

The pedal unit for this wheel is the same as the Stock version. Solid and steady in the heat of the moment.

Other Features

This wheel is also easily upgradable with a number of additional features including a clutch pedal and a number of different pedal pads for comfort and style.

Overall

I'm converted. The large diameter wheel is a worthwhile investment for the hardcore racer. I had to send this one back but I'm missing it more and more every day.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty wheel and pedals are built to last
  • Clamping system works for every desk
  • Largest diameter steering wheel

Cons

  • Won't win any beauty contest
  • Wheel unit takes up more desk space than most
  • Expensive

Rating: 95/100

Next page > Hyper Stimulator
> 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

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. NASCAR Racing

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.