Read our in-depth guide to the new Logitech G PRO Direct Drive Wheel Review and first impressions.
Logitech have FINALLY abandoned gear-based force feedback in favor of direct drive technology in their new Logitech G Pro wheelbase.
The Logitech G pro features 11Nm torque, a significant improvement on Fanatec’s 8Nm CSL DD with Boost Kit. It also offers many new features that were not available on other sim racing wheels from the Swiss company such as the G29 or G923.
Logitech has launched a new quick release system for the first time ever. This is a hint at future multi-wheel options – very exciting! The standard Pro wheelrim features two jog wheels as well as a multitude of buttons.
New model features an on-the fly wheelbase adjustment, which allows for settings to be modified mid-race, like a real racer.
Two analogue clutch paddles are included with the rim, as well as standard flappy gear-changing paddles. This can be used as an accelerator/brake direction. It is an inclusive option for young sim racers and disabled people.
Logitech has also introduced new pedals to accompany this new wheel – the Logitech Pro Racing Pedals – which, for the first time ever in Logitech’s history, come standard with a load cell brake.
However, with an eye-watering price tag of $1,348 USD for the combined package, can this new wheel from Logitech really compete with other entry-level direct drive options from Fanatec and Moza?
G PRO Racing Wheel $999 USD
G PRO Racing Pedals $349 USD (sold separately)
Force Feedback
The G PRO Racing Wheel has a direct-drive motor producing a staggering 11 Newton-meters of torque, as you would expect for a wheel at this price point. Comparatively, the Logitech G29 had a feeble two Newton-meters and the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro, a similar wheel, produces up to eight thanks to it’s “Boost Kit”.
The torque is generated by a direct-drive motor, with strong, smooth, responsive, and yet very powerful force-feedback. I’m very impressed with how this wheel delivers it’s range of power.
Logitech’s proprietary TRUEFORCE Feedback Technology is what really makes this wheel stand apart. “TRUEFORCE”, which is essentially high frequency vibrations, simulates the delicate sensations of driving a car. Hitting an apex or stepping out the rear tyres gives a great sensation and a truly realistic dimension. For example, if the car’s right side wheels are placed on a curb, the vibrations will come through the right side of the wheel only. It is convincing, well-engineered and bloody brilliant!
TrueForce technology was actually introduced with the Logitech G923 in 2020. However, becuase it was just a refresh of the G29, it didn’t take off as well as Logitech first hoped. The G PRO’s direct-drive motor offers a wide range of sensations that even the strongest direct-drive wheels cannot match. These higher-frequency vibrations can be adjusted to make them as strong or as subtle as you wish.
TrueForce compatibility is not available for all games, but the majority of popular titles support TrueForce technology, including Gran Turismo 7 and Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Gran Turismo 7 is transformed completely by TrueForce using the G PRO wheel. Many GT7 players found the force-feedback to be lacking even when using officialy licensed Gran Turismo wheels from Fanatec and Thrustmaster.
The G PRO makes Gran Turismo7 feel like an entirely new game. You can feel the tracks and hidden undulations, the edges of the track, the RPMs increasing, and you will hear the transmission shifting gears. I found myself returning to many tracks and cars in the game to experience the G PRO.
I didn’t see the same dramatic jump in performance with Assetto Corsa Competizione or IRacing. However, the G PRO/TrueForce adds more detail to these games that already have exceptional force-feedback.
Features
The build quality is second to none as you would expect when paying at this price point.
The steering wheel is a metal frame wrapped in a lovely black leather. It is extremely comfortable to touch and has a gunmetal gray finish with blue accents making it look realistic. With a diameter of 300mm, it’s also larger than most sim racing wheel alternatives.
Mounted on the top edge of the wheel, the buttons are made of smooth plastic and provide tactile feedback.
The control stick is very easy to use. making menu navigation much faster using this wheel rather than the DualSense controller.
The control knobs are another nice feature. They can be programmed for a variety tasks in supported games such as Gran Turismo 7. The left knob helps with the Multi-Function Display, viewing weather, maps of the track, timings, and adjusting traction control, fuel and brake balance as you drive. The knob to the right lets you adjust these values as you like.
The wheel’s back features metal, dual clutch paddles, and magnetic gear shift paddles. The shift paddles make a satisfying click when you pull them. The analog clutch paddles have a smooth feel and a wide range of motion. We’ll discuss programming the clutch paddles in the next section.
The back of the wheel has an all-metal quick release system that allows you remove the rim from its base. Logitech clearly thought about this mechanism and I’m sure it was well-engineered. This suggests that Logitech is working on a larger ecosystem of wheel rims.
Customizable Settings
You can adjust the advanced settings of your wheel by using the OLED display on the base.
To access the settings menu press the small button at the front of your wheel base. Next, turn the left knob until you see the option you wish to adjust. You can also use the knob as a button by pressing it in to select an option and then again to return to it.
You can store five configuration profiles in the wheel’s memory. This allows you to quickly switch between different cars and games.
It’s worth mentioning that you can adjust all settings while playing the game. Your left hand naturally curves to reach the left adjustment knob. This makes it simple to see how the settings affect your game experience.
The compatibility option is important because it allows the wheel to be used with games that may not have official support for G PRO. G923 mode allows the wheel to work with all games that support TrueForce feedback. This mode won’t allow you to customize your vehicle as much, but it is a great workaround.
The Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals
Connected to the wheel base via USB, these pedals look fantastic and have all the features you would expect at this price, including a load cell brake sensor. The pedals are modular, meaning you can place each one exactly where you need it. You can also reposition the face plates. You can make each pedal firmer or more flexible by changing the gas, clutch, or brake cylinder elastomers.
The load cell brake is the most interesting and important pedal. You can make it stiff with just 18mm of pedal travel or soft with 41mm. The pedals are 33mm wide out of the box.
They feel very similar to a standard “positional” pedal from other brands. There is rubber backing at the base of the pedal’s travel. You will see mainly positional input up to approximately 50% of the braking force. From there, you can apply pressure input until you reach 100%.
Overall, Logitech have produced by far their best pedals, with features and spec to rival their nearest competitiors alternatives.
Conclusion
The G PRO Wheel is simply amazing, I cannot imagine using any other sim wheel at this time. Even though the higher-end, direct-drive wheels are more expensive, they won’t have the TrueForce effects and are not compatible with consoles. It’s simply the best wheel I have ever used.
Logitech has upped the ante against their rivals Fanatec and Thrustmaster for sure, making it even more exciting for future product releases from these manufacturers.
What an exciting time to be a sim racer! We hope you enjoyed our Logitech G PRO Direct Drive Wheel Review.