bit-tech Shopping: Logitech Driving Force PS2

Rating: 8

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Strong force feedback (24 volt electric motor), good form factor and design, well-made

Weaknesses: motor sometimes smells of burning rubber, not so good for on-lap use, d-pad sometimes inaccurate

Summary: The Logitech Driving Force is my first force-feedback input device. It gives me a good impression of the industry as a whole. I use the wheel with both NASCAR Thunder 2002 and Gran Turismo: A-Spec, both solid titles for the PS2. I've had a few friends test/evaluate it, including one former backyard racing ("Redneck Racing") enthusiast who, for a couple of years, owned, drove and maintained his own racing vehicle. They all glowed with positive responses about the unit's design and reaction. My only reservations about the wheel are specific to my own set-up. I would have liked a longer cord connecting the wheel to the PS2 (though I'm not sure what the standard is for USB devices). I also would have liked better grips on the bottom of the pedal unit -- it tends to slide with realistic use even on carpet -- though you can also brace it against things like table legs, back panels, etc. Finally, though the unit comes with a brace for holding between one's legs (in lieu of clamping it to a table), that brace is not sufficient for securing the unit -- it would be better designed if it had flange to sit on; the brace supplied only fits between the legs, not under them. All of these are minor points, though. The unit works as advertised, performing beautifully and really fighting men and women who work physical labor jobs when it should. The pedals are also analog, and the whole package, especially when set up and secured properly, works like a charm.

Rating: 2

Time with product: 14 Days

Strengths: An excellent wheel for the PS2, with good force feedback, well placed shifters, and good pedals.

Weaknesses: Buggy drivers - in GT3, when turning full lock to the left or right, the wheel won't shift. The wheel also occasionally stops working during play, and must be unplugged and plugged back in.

Summary: Would be an excellent wheel but for the shifting problem. Unfortunately, during competetive driving you have to shift during extreme turns; this makes the wheel unusable in many cases. I got a replacement wheel with the same issues, and have heard of at least 5 other people with the same problem. I eventually returned mine for a refund.