Joysticks and Wheels: The Winter 2002 Collection

Conclusion: Four Products Together

The New Wheels Against The Competition

To cut things short and get to the point, the first Momo has not been toppled from its throne. It outclasses its rivals in practically every respect, and, at its current price of US$199.95 (200 euros), it is a really attractive buy. It has classy looks with its leather and aluminum, and ergonomics to match. The oval leather-clad wheel is comfortable to hold and, when you are used to it, is efficient in all games. The pedal set is equally outstanding and ergonomic. A slight criticism could be the gas travel, which is a bit short. No matter that the Momo has a good old-fashioned potentiometer, it is absolutely precise and, housed in its ball-bearing mechanism, does not shift at all off its axis. The only point where it loses the lead is its clamping, which, though strong, is not exactly convenient. The Momo Racing perhaps has better force feedback.

Microsoft And Ergonomics

Microsoft, of course, takes the prize for the best clamping system with a self-locking clamp that you can fit and remove in a flash without affecting its hold on the desktop. The Force Feedback has had a light facelift and is now dressed in red rubber. The ergonomics are as first-rate as ever with good-quality finish and precision. At the reasonable price of US$90 (140 euros), this is a wheel that does everything and does it well. Its downside is the software, which still tells you that it is not designed for installation with XP. What does Microsoft think it is doing? After all, they did invent XP, so you'd think they would at least have universal software programmed for it. That said, all the parameters, including displacement, neutral and centering, can be set in the joystick properties via easy-to-understand tabs.

Ratings

The Momo comes first, followed by the Momo Racing, which, in spite of its unfathomable clamping system, is an excellent wheel with just about the best precision and force feedback. Its price of US$100 (150 euros) makes it especially attractive. The Microsoft wheel, now at US$90 (140 euros), carries on as a first-rate wheel for all situations and, above all, is unbeatable for its ergonomics and clamping system. As for the Thrustmaster F1, this can only interest lovers of Formula 1 and similar games. Its peculiar ergonomics mean it can't take rough treatment. The play in the axis does not inspire confidence even though the precision is truly outstanding and as good as the Momo's. This rather expensive wheel could also appeal to Ferrari fans, and there is no shortage of them.