PC Racing: Much Easier With A Steering Wheel!

Logitech MOMO Force

When Logitech, the reputable maker of PC peripheral devices, announced its association with MOMO at a press conference, I first thought it was a joke. But I got the message when I saw the logo. We've all seen the name time and time again, if only in F1 Grand Prix broadcasts, via the Ferrari's built-in cameras. MOMO has been the racing wheel manufacturer since the 60s. Gianpiero Moretti, a car racer himself, started out by making a leather wheel for his own car. It was also adopted by the Ferrari driver John Surtess, who used it when he won the world championship. So Ferrari had it fitted to all its racing cars and the legend was born. MOMO still makes the Ferrari F1 wheel, but also supplies many other makes with all sorts of motoring needs. Apart from wheels for professional racing, MOMO sells racing wheels throughout the world to the happy owners of race cars, such as the Subaru Impreza, or to those who want to customize their cars with a final touch, you might say.

Logitech has not been very conspicuous in top-grade wheels recently, so they made a deal with the Italian manufacturer to design the ultimate wheel for the truly passionate. The result is called MOMO Force.

Like an F1

Let's start with the wheel. The shell is still plastic but emanates an aura of strength. It is attached to the desk with two classic clamps - it requires some time to tighten them, but on the other hand, they ensure utter stability. For the more aggressive racers, Logitech even suggests drilling a hole in the desk for a third anchorage point. That's perhaps pushing it a bit and doesn't really improve the looks of the desk. And besides, stability is perfectly ensured by the two clamps. The aluminum wheel is sheathed in real hand-stitched leather. Logitech claims that the process takes thirty minutes per wheel! The shape is taken from the Formula 1. The wheel is round at the top and angular at the bottom. It is also very thick, and a bit disconcerting to hold at first compared to the usual wheels, but it turns out to be perfect when you use it; your hands find their place naturally, and you can make the most abrupt movements without ever slipping. The six buttons are colored for easier identification, as on a Formula 1. There are two aluminum shift levers behind the wheel, which are also ergonomically perfect. The wheel is mounted on ball bearings. There is no play, which is good for precision.