Racing games, racing sims, and Vehicle simulation games have taken off in popularity in recent years with more Filipino gamers wanting to try it out for a spin. However, it can be quite an investment as you not only need a PC or Console that can handle the racing game you like but also a good wheel and rig that can handle all the high speed action. With the upcoming 5.5 sales on Lazada and Shopee, let’s take a look at 5 wheels you might want to consider. These may not be the best wheels and would still need other accessories such as stands and shifters but they’re good starting points for those who want to take a practice lap first.
For this list, we’ve chosen the ones that you can find by just typing their name on the search bar on Lazada and Shopee to get from a legitimate seller, usually from the manufacturers themselves!
Pros
- Low price; perfect for those who aren’t looking to play simulators.
- Pick-up and play nature makes it easier for beginners to try out.
Cons
- No Force Feedback, only has a rumble feature.
- Not for those looking for realism when racing.
Let’s start with a simple wheel and pedal package. You may know Hori as the developers of various third-party controllers, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they’ve made racing wheels. What is a surprise is that they’ve made a perfectly serviceable budget wheel with the Hori Apex. It can still work with the most popular racing games, but it’s very much an arcade wheel built for fun. At only PHP 6,750 – 6,995, it’s a very simple entry point for those who just want to drive.
Pros
- Easy on the wallet for all the features that’s in the package.
- The “HYBRID DRIVE” technology gives its force feedback a more immersive feel.
Cons
- Build quality is on the lower end.
- Lacks a clutch pedal, so look into other options if you’re buying a shifter as well.
The Thrustmaster T128 is one the best budget options, holding all the essentials such as its “HYBRID DRIVE” technology in the Force Feedback system and Magnetic Paddle Shifters, while still keeping it in an affordable price range of PHP 13,250 – 13,995. A good option for those looking to buy their first wheel for more casual play.
Pros
- Good build quality and has a clutch pedal included.
- Ergonomic and comfortable design that’s easy to set up and play.
Cons
- Force feedback is not as accurate and responsive as other brands.
- PC and Playstation only. Xbox players must get its Xbox -compatible brother, the Logitech G920, which may not be available on Philippine eCommerce stores.
Another common starting point is the Logitech G29. This was built for a more casual audience in mind, those who just want to race in their off time and maybe try a few competitive online matches. Packaged with a 3 pedal set-up, this provides a comfortable start for any aspiring sim racer at the average price of ₱14,995. Hey, we started with it, why don’t you?
Pros
- Wheel features are more than capable for competitive play.
- A perfect middle ground between the purely budget and competitive wheels.
Cons
- Build quality is on the lighter side.
- Force Feedback is not as strong as a Direct Drive wheel.
The Thrustmaster T248 is the bigger, mid-range brother of the Thrustmaster T128. With its dynamic Force Feedback system allowing you to adjust the level of resistance you want to feel, programmable Thrustmaster Race Dashboard featuring more than 20 different displays in a built-in screen, and a clutch pedal, this wheel is with you for the long haul for whatever level you want to play at. At a price around PHP 20,995, you couldn’t ask for a better package.
Pros
- Direct Drive Wheel, the best kind of wheel.
- Price point and package that gives you what you need to truly be the fastest.
Cons
- PC only
- Clutch sold separately.
There’s an old saying that tends to apply when you want to get into sim racing: “Go big or go home!” Meaning if you really want to start, you might as well go for the top tier equipment. Luckily, the Moza R5 Bundle comes with the Direct Drive Wheel Base, ES steering wheel, and a 2-pedal SR-P Lite Pedals set. This not only serves as an excellent racing bundle by itself, but a great entry point for newbies looking to see the appeal of sim racing and people who want to upgrade their equipment. It being direct drive will not only give you powerful force feedback that accurately simulates the little bumps on the road but also give you the competitive edge. At PHP 32,495.00, it’s much more costly than all the others on this list but seeing how the other wheelbases alone can cost that much, it’s very worth it.
