Gamepad Logitech Driving Force GT: review, settings, features 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 to exceptional skill and self-control. The key to victory in them is discipline, stamina and accuracy. And, of course, good equipment, an example of which can serve as Logitech Driving Force GT. The model differs by 900-degree rotation of the steering wheel, the presence of feedback, full-size pedals of gas and brake, as well as support for 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 helm rotation, 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 tightly packed insideA huge stylish box with a 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 handlebar needs more power to provide powerful feedback.

Design

Gamepad Logitech Driving Force GT looksExcellent, 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 adjustableclamps, which should provide a good and tight attachment for long hours of the game 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 connecting 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 logoLogitech 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 nevertheless works as it should. Although the lever looks like real, except for the rod it is made of textured plastic. It is fixed in the desired position by a deviation to the right. The 11-inch rudder is almost entirely made of molded rubber. It is solid 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 busiest part of the rudder isits center, where along with the standard set of controls are located buttons Play Station, as well as some useful add-ons. The latter include: a horn with a GT logo that glows with a soft white radiance, and right under it is a setting button in real time. For those who prefer an alternative mode of gear shifting, Logitech has provided two 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.

Stand for pedals Logitech Driving Force GTcomplies 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 do I configure the Logitech Driving Force GT?

According to users, the installation of the helm is notis. 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 produced long enough, therefore 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 under a largean impression of his work, 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 transmitted to the steering wheel. The game can be felt when the car demonstrates excessive or insufficient handling, or loss of traction. Ultimately this provides the best racing experience and a good time.

According to the owners who usedmanipulator on a variety of routes, with delays or dead zones they have not encountered. 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 there will be nothing. 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 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 user feedback, the advantages of the modelare: 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 working exactly, do not provide sufficient resistance, as if they are already worn out. The shift knobs on the steering wheel are too small to be comfortable 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 modeleasily 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 start immersing in the world of racing simulators. Logitech Driving Force GT will provide them with everything you need.