Logitech Wingman Formula Force Wheel - Game Hardware

Based on Logitech's I-Force technology, the WingMan Formula Force doesn't feel gimmicky like other force-feedback wheels. Where other devices add effects that are strong but unrealistic or inappropriate, the forces experienced with the Formula Force are decidedly subtle and apropos. And herein lies the difference. As it stands, it's impossible to perfectly simulate the experience of driving a car while sitting in front of a computer. You get the feeling that Logitech was less interested in making us think that we were actually driving a car and more concerned with enhancing the experience of playing a driving simulation.

We tested the Formula Force with two games that support force feedback: Electronic Arts' Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed and Colin McRae Rally from English developer Codemasters. We played both games with and without the feature turned on. Driving on Need for Speed's varied courses, the Formula Force did a good job of giving us the sensation of driving on cobblestones or across wooden bridges. Likewise, driving on gravel in Colin McRae Rally caused consistent vibrations that really gave us the feeling we were driving on the rough surface we saw onscreen.

Most force-feedback wheels are absolutely horrible with games that don't support force feedback--but not the Formula Force. With the force feedback turned off, the Formula Force was a great, standard driving system.

The Formula Force boasts two European-style paddle shifters and four buttons, all six of which are customizable. The Formula Force also has a shift button, thereby doubling the number of programmable buttons to 12. The wheel itself is rubberized and sturdy as hell, and the mounting system locks on tight. This all came in handy while sliding off the course in Colin McRae Rally and holding on for virtual dear life.

If you're in the market for a racing wheel, Logitech's WingMan Formula Force is great. With its easy-to-use USB interface, getting the wheel up and running takes a matter of minutes. There's one caveat however: while the Formula Force is decidedly one of the best wheels we've tested, force feedback is nowhere near a perfect simulation of real driving. --Julian Strate

Pros:
USB interface eliminates need for a game port Rubberized wheel is sturdy Pedals feel realistic Mounting system is intuitive

Cons:
Footrest is bulky Requires power supply

Amazon.com Product Description
With WingMan Formula Force, the most realistic PC racing system available, you can drive onscreen like you really drive a car. In a car, the first place you feel a patch of ice on the road or your tires losing traction (slipping as you turn a corner) is in the steering wheel. But with most PC racing sytems, you don't realize what's happening until you crash. WingMan Formula Force lets you feel the road in time to make a difference.

Immersion's revolutionary I-Force feedback steel cable-drive technology is based on the same exacting technology used for medical and military simulators. You feel the bumps, the grass, the water, and the gravel. You're able to cut your reaction time because WingMan Formula Force responds immediately, smoothly, without slop or jerkiness.

The gas and brake pedal give you the realism you need for fast driving. A dead pedal footrest keeps your left foot near the brake for fast corners and emergency stops. This pedal system is designed to be comfortable while you sit in your normal desk chair.

Race like a pro with two wheel-mounted European-style paddle shifters. They're in easy reach of your fingers at all times, so you can change gears without slowing down. If you prefer to drive in automatic, the paddles are programmable as buttons.