Design
The Logitech G29 is a solid piece of kit. Even the most skeptical of people would be impressed by its appearance. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, steel base, and abundance of buttons give it the look and feel of a professional racing wheel.
The steering wheel itself is clearly designed for sports cars and reminds me most of the Audi R8 steering wheel. The lower rim is angled for easy grip, while the upper metal ring, which denotes the center, will keep those who enjoy drifting entertained.
The large steel paddle shifters are attached to the same axis as the steering wheel and tilt with it, allowing you to shift gears without taking your hands off the wheel. The LED RPM indicator located directly above the logo is an additional aid in this regard.
Of course, the most interesting part, which we will discuss later, is hidden inside the massive plastic housing, which resembles the hood and grille of a rare sports car. There is no ventilation on the bottom, the grille is just a design element, but closer to the steering wheel you can see a series of slots for cooling, next to which are two “nuts” for table mounting.
A Multitude of Buttons
It’s no secret that this steering wheel is a whole gamepad in itself. It has a D-pad, four standard buttons, a pair of additional blue switches instead of triggers, +/– keys, and a 24-position rotary wheel with another button inside.
For Sony console owners (PS3/PS4), there are three additional buttons: share/option/playstation and a corresponding switch to toggle between the two console generations.
Pedals and Shifter
The pedal unit is also well-equipped. It includes a clutch, brake, and accelerator. Naturally, each pedal has its own unique travel characteristics. The clutch is stiff throughout its range, the brake is non-linear, with pressure concentrated towards the end of the travel, and the accelerator is the lightest pedal with the fastest return speed. The pedal unit itself is made of plastic, while the pedals are made of steel. There is a non-slip plate with spikes. It is also worth noting the large footrest area.
The G-shifter is not included in the standard package. It has 6 gears + a reverse gear, which can be activated by pushing the lever down and engaging 6th gear. The shift gate and the round knob cover are made of leather, while the gear map puck is made of plastic. The throw cannot be called short, it is quite precise and will require you to use at least three fingers. Also, unlike the G27, there are no buttons left on the shifter, but there are enough of them on the steering wheel itself. Additionally, the shifter is not compatible with the PlayStation 3.
What’s Under the Hood?
My impressions were based on two powerful motors working in tandem with a gear transmission, the prototype for which was a real car transmission. A magnetic field is used to determine the angle of inclination, which does not interfere with the operation of the feedback system. The result is a fairly strong and reliable system that provides operation in the range of 900 degrees, or two and a half turns of the steering wheel.
Logitech g29 software and Capabilities
Unlike its predecessor, Logitech software has moved away from manual user configuration of the device and implemented presets that are written into the games compatible with the steering wheel. So all we have to do is enjoy the ability to change the sensitivity of the steering wheel/pedals, assign a macro, change the maximum angle of rotation, or download a ready-made set with button assignments.
The downside of this approach is a couple of previously unavailable steering wheel features. Let me explain, now there is no need, and no possibility, to puzzle over a number of feedback parameters. Everything is configured for you. And you will get individual sensations from each car. Starting from precise imitation of the power steering operation, suspension stiffness and up to the overall “density” of the car. The feedback sensations become one with the image on the screen. The steering wheel gets heavier, weaker, jerks, vibrates and is exactly synchronous with its virtual counterpart.
It is worth mentioning that in addition to the standard table mount, which involves holding the steering wheel on the edge of the table with a series of clamps, there is also the possibility to mount the device on a special stand in order to accurately simulate the position of the steering wheel and pedals.
As Close to Reality as Possible
Of course, you won’t feel the exact g-forces, but your back might remind you of a few hours behind the wheel after an intense session, thanks to the hand-stitched leather providing a realistic grip. While the gamepad in the center of the wheel looks a bit out of place, the overall impression is no less than that of a real car. You can control the steering angle in almost every way you can imagine, from using your knees to the center of the wheel with your hand, and the abundance of buttons doesn’t hinder your grip.
For experienced drivers, the G29 can significantly improve their skills by mastering challenges like drifting, aquaplaning, and handling powerful cars. Beginners will find it an exciting way to learn the basics of driving. The key is to choose the right game to unlock the full potential of the wheel. In this regard, Project Cars stands out as the best option. Owning a flagship steering wheel without the best (at the time of writing) racing simulator is simply unthinkable, as I discussed in my review.
Once you get tired of one project, you can explore the full arsenal of 12 games supported by the wheel, including: Assetto Corsa, Driveclub, F1 2015, Project Cars, Dirt Rally, iRacing, Eurotruck Simulator 2, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, rFactor 2, Grid Autosport, Shift 2 Unleashed, and American Truck Simulator.
We will cover these games in more detail, as well as discuss ways to configure the wheel for unsupported games, in a separate, comprehensive article. Yes, writing it will require some effort, but for now, please finish reading this one, good boy!
Conclusion
The Logitech G29 is more than just a toy; it’s a complete solution that can be the foundation for entire racing simulator setups, offering the chance to virtually experience the world’s most advanced hypercars. Compared to its predecessor, I can confidently say that this wheel will remain relevant for many years to come, with its potential limited only by the capabilities of modern simulators.
The G29 is definitely worth its price, but only if you are an avid motorsport fan or want to hone your driving skills from the comfort of your home, getting the most immersive experience and feedback comparable to the reactions of a real car.