Logitech Driving Force GT steering wheel: overview, settings, specifications and reviews

Games are divided into many genres. There are "rpg", adventure and role-playing, strategy, etc. Many like simulators, especially racing, requiring the player of exceptional skill and self-control. The keys to victory in them are discipline, stamina and accuracy. And, of course, good equipment, an example of which can serve as Logitech Driving Force GT. The model features a 900-degree steering wheel rotation, feedback, full-size gas and brake pedals, and many other functions. Debuted as the official game steering wheel Gran Turismo 5. Although the manipulator was specially created for the PS3 platform, it can also be used with a PC.

Characteristics and system requirements

The functionality of the model is as follows:

• 24-position adjustment in real time, which allows you to adjust the balance of brakes, traction, etc.;
• Feedback, imitating excessive and insufficient steering of the wheels and traction losses;
• 900-degree rotation of the steering wheel simulating the capabilities of real cars;
• Pedals of gas and brakes, providing realism and instant response;
• 11-inch rubber-covered steering wheel with horn-light;
• Compatible with most games for PlayStation 3 and 2;
• 3-year hardware warranty.

System requirements

• Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP;
• 20 MB of free hard disk space;
• Availability of CD-ROM;
• Free USB port.

Unpacking and bundling

Logitech Driving Force GT is tightly packed inside a huge stylish box with the new Logitech Gaming logo. A huge image of the device with the names of the model and the manufacturer is placed at the front. Also here you can see the icon of the company Polyphony Digital. This means that the rudder is made specifically for the game Gran Turismo 5. In addition, the device is compatible with the PC. On the back of the box there is a multilingual list of functionalities, and on top for ease of transportation a handle is provided. Driving Force GT comes with a standard set of booklets and a universal network adapter. Obviously, the rudder needs more power to provide powerful feedback.

Design

The Logitech Driving Force GT's steering wheel looks great, although the device is almost entirely made of plastic, even the base, gear lever and pedals. But one should not worry about this, because they used high-quality materials. The manipulator looks great and provides the same sensations. The steering wheel is quite heavy and its assembly does not cause any complaints. The exterior of the back of the dashboard is inspired by the design of racing cars. It is streamlined and has ventilation holes for cooling the motor, providing feedback.

Under the steering base, there are 2 adjustable clamps, which must ensure a good and tight attachment during the long hours of the gaming session. You can see that the manufacturer did not even bother to indent. This is puzzling for many. It's good that the base is flat, and its texture does not have abrasive qualities. At the bottom is the connector for the AC adapter and the serial port for the pedals. To ensure additional grip of the manipulator with the surface of the table, it is better to put a mouse pad under it.

Under the dashboard, you can see the Logitech logo and a pair of knobs for tightening the clamps. They are made of plastic, but they do their job very reliably. The gear lever can be tilted forward and backward. It does not have great gaming capabilities, but it still works as it should. Although the lever looks like real, except for the rod it is made of textured plastic. Fixed in the desired position by a deviation to the right. The 11-inch rudder is almost entirely made of molded rubber. It is strong enough and massive, and can rotate within 900 degrees, very resembling the G25. Its surface is textured and has contours simulating a real racing wheel. To the touch it seems firm and durable, capable of withstanding long hours of non-stop racing.

Perhaps the most loaded part of the steering wheel is its center, where, along with a standard set of controls are buttons Play Station, as well as some useful additions. The latter include: a horn with the GT logo, which glows with a soft white radiance, and right under it the setting button in real time. For those who prefer an alternative mode of gear shifting, Logitech has provided 2 buttons on the rear surface of the steering wheel. They function well, but are aesthetically and ergonomically not so successful because of their small size. For games on weekends, they fit, but for those who want to have the best, the G27 with full-sized shift buttons is more suitable. The USB cable is long, which is very convenient if the manipulator is installed at a distance from the console or PC.

Pedal stand Logitech Driving Force GT complies with the standard of floor mounting. It is stable and its assembly is reliable, but the pedals themselves seem more supple than they should be. If it is necessary to add additional rigidity, then it can be provided with small balls or a sponge. On the lower surface of the structure are 4 rubber feet, ballast and a rug for the carpet, which pops up when you press the button that keeps it hidden. Mounting holes for those who want to change the layout of the pedals and install them vertically, no. They comply with the ALA standard, so this is not possible. The cable for connecting the pedals is of sufficient length, and it is not difficult to hold it under the table.

How to configure Logitech Driving Force GT?

According to user feedback, the installation of the helm does not represent labor. You just need to find a table ready to be tortured. Installation is to securely tighten the two clamps. Windows automatically detects the steering wheel when connected, and the manipulator is calibrated automatically. Another option is to install the Logitech Profiler software, which allows you to make many game settings. Driving Force GT is released long enough, so it is supported by a huge number of games, including Race Driver: GRID, DiRT3, GRiD 2, F1 2012, GTR Evolution, Shift 2: Unleashed and many others.

Game experience

DFGT users are very impressed by its performance, especially from the feedback action, which is the most powerful functional feature of the manipulator. Borders, apexes, each roughness on the road is well modeled by the built-in engine and accurately transferred to the steering wheel. The game can be felt when the car demonstrates excessive or insufficient handling, or loss of traction. In the end, it provides the best racing experience and a good time.

According to the owners, who used the manipulator on a variety of routes, they did not encounter delays or dead zones. The steering is precise, the steering wheel lies naturally in the hands and provides good resistance thanks to the adjustable center spring. The noise level of the drive mechanism is acceptable, so that to distract the player from enjoying the races will not be anything. The 900 ° rotation function works fine, but it is too tiring for daily use. The buttons work instantly, but they will not have to be used frequently during races, in addition to setting in real time. Some games, such as Shift 2: Unleashed, support additional controls, increasing the realism of the ride and the pleasure it gives. In this case, you will need to manually adjust the steering wheel Logitech Driving Force GT.

Advantages and disadvantages

According to the feedback from users, the advantages of the model are: powerful feedback engine, convenient and accurate steering wheel, rugged reliable assembly, good value for money, 3-year warranty and easy installation. At the same time, the game manipulator is still not devoid of shortcomings. Pedals, although they work exactly, do not provide sufficient resistance, as if they are already worn out. The gearshift buttons on the steering wheel are too small to be convenient to use, and can be a problem if the race is held at the semi-automatic settings of the Logitech Driving Force GT and the track is very complicated. Owners would prefer something similar to the implementation of MOMO or G27.

Conclusion

At a cost of 100 pounds, the advantages of the model easily outweigh the disadvantages. For a relatively small fee, the user is given the opportunity to get an exciting racing experience. The game steering wheel suits those who are looking for an inexpensive manipulator to begin immersion in the world of racing simulators. Logitech Driving Force GT will provide them with everything you need.