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When diving into Gran Turismo 7, a quality racing wheel is essential for an immersive driving experience. While the market offers numerous options, finding the best budget wheels can be challenging. However, we've compiled a list of top-tier budget-friendly devices that excel in delivering true-to-life force feedback and precise control, enhancing your gameplay without breaking the bank.
Focusing on some of the best racing wheels on a budget from renowned sim racing brands, our carefully selected picks offer exceptional performance and immersion. These budget-friendly options not only provide a realistic racing feel but can also help improve your lap times with superior precision and control. Fasten your seatbelt then, as we run through what we believe are the best budget wheels for Gran Turismo 7.
Best budget wheels for Gran Turismo 7
- Logitech G29 - the best choice for any platform
- Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition - a great option from Thrustmaster
- Hori Racing Wheel Apex - an inexpensive pick from Hori
- MOZA R5 Bundle - one of the cheapest direct drive options out there
1. Logitech G29
Best budget wheel for Gran Turismo 7 overall
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Logitech G29
The Logitech G29 may not be the cheapest option out there, but when it comes to sim racing gear, it offers excellent value for its price. Compared to some of the more expensive racing wheels on the market, the G29 stands out as one of the best budget-friendly choices. It's a versatile option, compatible with all major consoles and PC, making it ideal no matter what platform you use for Gran Turismo 7.
One of the G29's standout features is its force feedback technology, which enhances realism by replicating the feel of driving a real car under in-game conditions. The dual-motor feedback system delivers an incredibly lifelike experience, with smooth and quiet steering that deepens your immersion in the game. The wheel also boasts a 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation, allowing you to turn it two and a half times to tackle even the widest corners in Gran Turismo 7 with ease.
In short, the Logitech G29 is a top-notch choice from one of the leading manufacturers of racing gear. If you're lucky enough to find it during a sim racing sale, you can snag this impressive wheel for an even better deal.
Reasons to buy:
- Compatible with a range of platforms, including most major consoles
- Features a dual-motor force feedback system
Read More: Best sim racing handbrakes
2. Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition
Best budget Thrustmaster wheel for Gran Turismo 7
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T80
The Thrustmaster T80, an 8:10 scale replica of the Ferrari 488 GTB wheel, offers an affordable yet authentic experience for Gran Turismo enthusiasts. Officially licensed by Ferrari and PlayStation, itās a great option if youāre looking for a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality. The wheel features a 28cm diameter with textured rubber cladding, providing a comfortable grip and precise control, while the official PlayStation buttons on the center console make navigating menus a breeze. Additionally, the adjustable pedal set enhances comfort and accuracy during gameplay.
In terms of performance, the T80 is equipped with a āBungee Cordā mechanism that delivers consistent linear resistance, ensuring a more realistic driving experience, even though itās not force feedback. This feature helps keep costs down while still offering an added layer of immersion. With a 240-degree rotation angle, 11 action buttons, a D-pad, and automatic recentering, the Thrustmaster T80 packs a lot of value into an inexpensive package, making it a solid choice for any Gran Turismo fan.
Reasons to buy:
- Textured diameter makes it easy to grip tight
- Has a unique āBungee Cordā resistance system
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
3. Hori Racing Wheel Apex
Best budget Hori wheel for Gran Turismo 7
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Hori Racing Wheel Apex
The Hori Racing Wheel Apex is an outstanding budget-friendly option for PS5 gamers and Gran Turismo 7 enthusiasts on the PS4, offering one of the most affordable price tags in the market. Despite its low cost, it delivers a solid racing experience, starting with its 270-degree rotation mechanism that makes handling wide corners a breeze. Plus, with the companion app, you can customize the steering dead zones to match your preferences, ensuring the wheel responds exactly how you like. The app also lets you save up to four unique profiles, allowing for easy transitions between different driving setups without the hassle of manual adjustments.
In addition to the wheelās impressive features, it includes paddle shifters, a dedicated D-pad, and customizable buttons that can be tailored to your favorite in-game commands via the app. The package is rounded off with a full-size pedal set and a robust clamping system, making it versatile and easy to use in various gaming setups. If you're on the hunt for an affordable and reliable wheel for your Gran Turismo sessions, the Hori Racing Wheel Apex is definitely worth considering.
Reasons to buy:
- Incredibly cheap compared to some of its rivals
- Accompanying app allows for customisation
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
4. MOZA R5 Bundle
Best budget direct drive wheel for Gran Turismo 7
- Amazon - $519.99
- MOZA Racing - Ā£459.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the MOZA R5 Bundle
Finding a budget-friendly direct drive wheel in the sim racing world can feel almost impossible, given how costly this advanced technology tends to be. However, the MOZA R5 Bundle breaks the mold by offering an affordable entry point into the world of direct drive. With its powerful 5.5 Nm torque, this wheel base delivers every detail of the road in Gran Turismo, ensuring an immersive and responsive driving experience.
The bundle doesn't just stop at the wheel base. It includes a premium aluminum and steel wheel, wrapped in leather for a comfortable grip, and loaded with extra buttons on the center console for easy access to key functions. The MOZA Pit House software further enhances your setup, allowing you to fine-tune settings and quickly switch between game presets. To complete the package, you also get a set of pedals and a table clamp, giving you everything needed to jump into direct drive racingāall at a surprisingly affordable price.
Reasons to buy:
- Relatively inexpensive as far as direct drive goes
- Made from premium materials like aluminium and leather
Read More: Best deals on sim racing equipment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying a racing wheel can often lead to a ton of questions, especially if it is your first time. Don't worry, we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
What is force feedback?
Force Feedback is a simulation technique employed in racing wheels to deliver a highly immersive racing experience. This sensation of Force Feedback is brought to life through a synergy of in-game coding tailored to the specific racing title, a configuration of the settings, and the deployment of multiple electric motors housed within the wheel itself.
These electric motors function in harmony with the on-screen visuals, making dynamic adjustments in real-time to faithfully replicate the driving conditions. They generate resistance, adding depth and realism to the gameplay experience, much in the same way some of the best direct drive wheels can.
It's important to mention that not all racing wheels are equipped with force feedback capabilities. However, for those seeking an enhanced and more realistic gaming experience, then you can buy wheel base upgrades. This upgrade isn't always readily available for every racing wheel, but the investment can significantly enhance your immersion and enjoyment while gaming.
What is direct drive?
Direct drive refers to a configuration where the steering wheel is mounted directly onto the motor. This design contrasts with traditional force feedback systems that utilize belts or gears alongside the motor to augment the realism of the driving simulation.
The primary advantage of this direct drive setup is the delivery of unadulterated feedback from the motor This ensures a more immediate and pure connection between you, the steering wheel, and the simulator's mechanical framework, with minimal loss of fidelity due to the absence of intermediary mechanical components.
It's more expensive in most cases though, so you're unlikely to find a budget-friendly racing wheel with this kind of technology built into it.
Are racing wheels adjustable?
Racing wheels often come with a range of adjustable settings that let you tailor your gaming experience. For instance, you can tweak the steering sensitivity, dictating how much your in-game wheel turns in response to your physical movements on the racing wheel.
Moreover, some wheels allow you to modify the virtual steering wheel's rotation angle, affecting how much you need to turn the physical wheel for a full turn in the game.
Models with feedback settings enable adjustments to feedback effects like vibration, resistance, and movement intensity. These settings are customizable more often than not, allowing you to fine-tune them for a more realistic and immersive experience.
Additionally, most racing wheels feature buttons and controls that can be altered to suit your preferences or match the controls of the game you're playing. However, the adjustability options might differ across various models, so checking the product specifications and user manuals is wise to understand the specific adjustable features of the model you're interested in.
Is playing Gran Turismo 7 easier with a racing wheel?
Although both a wheel and controller can achieve identical lap times in Gran Turismo, a wheel holds distinct advantages worth considering.
Firstly, the inclusion of force feedback or direct drive provides enhanced feedback, aiding in subtle adjustments to your racing line. Additionally, racing with a wheel often instills more confidence as it allows for easier corrections to steering, encouraging a more aggressive driving style that might just push you into first place.
However, for a more casual Gran Turismo player seeking versatility beyond racing, a top gamepad might be a more suitable choice. For serious racers though, a wheel is almost a must-have.
Is a racing wheel suitable for beginners to Gran Turismo 7?
Yes, sim racing wheels are ideal for beginners and may just enhance your skills playing Gran Turismo what's you've adjusted to the switch.
The main advantage of a sim racing wheel is its ability to provide a more intuitive and immersive control system compared to traditional gamepads or keyboards. The setup, which includes a steering wheel and pedals, closely mimics the layout of real car controls, which is familiar to anyone who can drive and relatively easy to get the hang of.
As touched on before, racing wheels usually incorporate feedback technology, which plays a crucial role in simulating real driving conditions. This technology delivers physical feedback through the wheel, allowing players to feel the car's responses, such as traction loss or the onset of understeer or oversteer. This tactile response is invaluable for beginners, as it helps them develop a nuanced understanding of vehicle dynamics.
Having transitioned from using a traditional controller to a wheel in the past, I've noticed a marked improvement in precision. Adjusting steering inputs is smoother and more natural with a wheel than with the thumbsticks of a gamepad. This makes the sim racing wheel a superior choice for newcomers aiming to refine their driving technique.
Can a racing wheel be used without a dedicated racing seat or stand?
A racing wheel can be used without a dedicated racing seat or stand. Many racing wheels come with desk or table clamps, offering a stable and secure setup for gaming. This approach is particularly suitable for casual gamers or those with limited space, providing an immersive racing experience without the need for additional furniture. By mounting the wheel on a desk, players can enjoy the thrill of racing games with minimal setup and expense.
However, using a dedicated racing seat or stand significantly enhances both stability and comfort, particularly during extended gaming sessions. These setups prevent the wheel from moving during intense gameplay and often provide a more realistic driving position.
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