Momo Forceful fun By Logitech

I have been a racing and automotive enthusiast longer than anything else I have had an interest in. Driving has been a long time passion for me.

Driving anything to a basic Honda to a Detomaso Pantera, cars have always fascinated me. Computers are another fun and at times vexxing thing for me. I love Computer Sims, of the driving and flying type. For light fun I bought Need for Speed High Pursuit 2 just to unwind. My Controller that had served me very well was the Thrustmaster T2.

The T2 has a standard game port interface or USB interface. While for a many a year it served me well. The realism factor was on the low end. Also, no Force Feedback was on this wheel.

Also, being so old, it wouldn't function well with the Need for Speed. What to do??

I have a very capable computer based on the AMD 2100+ processor, and a High end graphics card with 128megs of ramm on board. This is a home built job that I put together. Running Windows XP Professional. I hope to network more systems here and allow buddies to race with me here at my place. I would need more controllers to of course. My next upgrade will be more ramm on the system board. I have only 1 gig of ramm now.

Anyway, back to the controller, the T2 was out. I decided with much research to jump up to the Logitech Momo Force feedback wheel. This is Logitechs top of the line. I didn't want to pay the retail on this controller, so I bought a reconditioned unit for $65.00. To give you an idea, the next one down by logitech sells for around $100.00. So I think I scored pretty well here.

Construction is based on a ball bearing steering race with a motor mechanism for the Force Feedback. A db 25 cable with a mini pin plug on the other end, interfaces the pedals with the wheel. Power must be supplied externally for the Force Feedback to work. Power supply wart included. The surface and controls of the wheel are very good, with the leather wrapping around the entire circumference of the wheel.

In Formula one fashion, the lowest part of the wheel is squared off. Six color keyed function programmable buttons are on the hub. Blue,red,yellow,green and 2 white ones.
The paddle shifters on the column are aluminum, and are well finished. No sharp edges thank you. The red wheel body is well finished and underneath the requisite dual clamps reside. On my computer/studio table, the wheel clamps on with no problems at all. The pedals on the diamond plate aluminum foot plate are well done too. I would have liked to have a carpet lock like on the lower Logitech model, as this pedal base likes to move around more than I like.

Also the wheel I think could have been a bit bigger in diameter, but I suppose real F1 cars have wheels this small. Programming the function buttons on NFs2 was no problem and function flawlessly.

May the "Force be with me", I have some concerns with the Force Feedback though in that it really doesn't show a true progressive heaviness in feel the way a real car would when pushed hard into a corner at maybe slightly than higher or prudent speeds. It transitions almost fully on or off. Crashes are fine though. Maybe the game is the limiting factor and the wheel is not at fault.

Time will tell, since I will get other Automotive sims to see just where the Force Feedback is.

Shifting is quick and precise and makes me feel a better driver than maybe I really am. I can't wait to try a Rally game or Formula 1 race game to find the paddles true potential. In any case paddles are it, and shifter sticks are stupid. Anytime your hand is off the wheel is control reduced on your car.

The pedals feel linear and positive though I would like to see someone better simulate more progressive brake pedal feel than here.

All in all, when everything is said and done with the few concerns I have, the Logitech is very credible at what it does. And at the Internet pricing out there, it is a terrific bargain. Shop carefully please. I give it 5 stars for what is does, and 4 stars on realism against a real car. The Force Feedback and progressive, or lack of progressive brake feel when applied. Really the brake pedal deserves a 3 now that I think about it.

By the way the software bundle that came with, that is the driver and game profile indices is nicely done. I like the idea of it being update ready using the internet.

So, avoiding my direct comparisons to a real car here I like this wheel allot and would recommend to all my friends and family. I will buy at least 2 more when my network and computers are done.

Logitech reliability is very good based on my other mouse like devices I still use from almost 10 years or more ago. So you can't go wrong here. Go out and buy one and put that car in a 4 wheel drift, and have some fun!!