Logitech is a major player in the sim-racing industry, and has been for years. The Swiss brand represents the Go To for those looking for inexpensive sim-racing peripherals that will give them a better experience than that offered by controllers.

With bundles like the G923, Logitech has shown the world that it is capable of producing racing products at low prices, while still offering a dose of immersion. Admittedly, the sensations will be different from those found on a Direct Drive base, but ordinary Xbox and Playstation gamers who want to pass the time on a Forza Horizon or Need For Speed are clearly not going to be picky. A G923 is more than sufficient in such situations, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg either.

However, the Swiss brand is keen to expand its customer portfolio, as well as compete with premium manufacturers such as Fanatec and Simagic. And to do this, Logitech had to get down to work developing competitive, high-performance products. Say hello to the G Pro Racing Wheel, Logitech’s all-new, and first-ever, Direct Drive-based racing wheel.

Main and technical features of the bundle

• Direct Drive base delivers 11 nm of constant torque
• Brushed aluminum steering wheel with 30 cm diameter
• Premium materials
• Load Cell crankset sold separately
• Compatible with Xbox, Playstation and PC as a pair
• Weight 8.5 kg for steering wheel (1.5) and base (7kg)
• 4 steering wheel-mounted paddles
• 14 orders in all
• Small display on base providing telemetry

G Pro Racing Wheel design

The design of the G Pro Racing Wheel is sober, but follows the brand’s stylistic code established by the G923. The wheel features two colors: gray and black. The former is found on the brushed aluminum faceplate, with a band at the top and center of the wheel. The second is found all around the steering wheel.

The design of this bundle is truly beautiful, highlighting the use of premium materials. The base is minimalist, all black, but still imposing for the power of the engine. The shapes are gently curved, a welcome change from the edgy lines found on some Moza Racing bases, for example.

Customized assembly

By default, the G Pro Racing Wheel base is mounted using a Logitech-style clamp. The clamp is anchored to the front of the base, and can be placed on furniture or even cockpits with horizontal support. On a metal structure, the fixing is quite good, without too much bending or movement of the base. However, on furniture (a wooden table or desk), I’d only use it on solid wood if I were you. The motor still spits out 11 nm of torque, and that’s enough to do some damage.

The steering wheel uses a solid D1-Spec-style Quick Release, eliminating any play with the drive shaft. And as for the Load Cell crankset, it’s more than advisable to attach it to a stand or frame to prevent it from going on vacation far away from you.

Manufacturing and finishing

The G Pro Racing Wheel uses brushed aluminum for its faceplate, with an all-metal structure. What’s more, we have well-made leather all around, which is perforated in certain places (the sides) and with black stitching. It’s very handsome, and premium too.

Basically, it’s a combination of metal and plastic for its structure. Plastic looks a bit cheap, but it’s not too bad. And it’s the same story with the G Pro Racing Wheel crankset: plastic and metal for the structure.

On the other hand, the bundle’s finish is exemplary. I didn’t notice any defects, poorly assembled parts or gaps between them. Logitech has over 20 years’ experience in the gaming industry and peripherals in general.

Getting started with the bundle

With its 30 cm diameter and flat bottom, the G Pro Racing Wheel is ideal for use in various sim-racing events: rally, GT, endurance and even F1. You’ll be able to do it all with no problem at all.

The steering wheel controls are located all around the faceplate, and are easily accessible on the fly. We have a combination of buttons, paddles, joystick and switches spread across the entire steering wheel. The buttons are slim and require little force to activate. As for the paddles, 2 are magnetic (shifters) and 2 are analog for lunch control and everything else. What’s more, the base incorporates a small screen for telemetry and a RevLED just above it. It’s handy, but when you’re in the middle of a curve, you can lose sight of them.

Sensations during play

We’ve just seen that the G Pro Racing Wheel is a fine product from Logitech. But what about its sim-racing performance? Well, I’d say it’s not bad for a first release from the Swiss brand. The DD motor is powerful, torquey and also very fine. Force feedback is superbly well proportioned, and you’ll hardly need to spend any time at all on G Hub to set up the base, as the default settings are so good.

On Assetto Corsa, the G Pro Racing Wheel is a joy to use, especially on PC. On consoles, there are limitations to the use of the engine’s power, especially on Microsoft products. Sony and its Playstations fare better than Xboxes, from what I’ve been able to test.

Feedback is well dosed, as I said above, and the motor is smooth, perfect for light effects, but equally powerful when it comes to heavy effects. What’s more, the 11 nm of torque have no problem with the weight of the flywheel, which is not exactly skinny either (1.5 kg), allowing clipping to be put aside in most cases.

However, True Force proved far too intrusive in my opinion, especially on simulation titles. The added vibrations were too light, poorly calibrated and above all unnecessary in most cases. I can understand its usefulness on arcade titles like Forza Horizon, but on simulation, it blurs the experience too much.

G Pro Racing Wheel compatibility

The G Pro Racing Wheel is available in 3 bundles: PC, PC/Xbox and PC/Playstation. In terms of design and functionality, they’re virtually identical, with only changes to the buttons.

As far as sim-racing titles are concerned, the G Pro Racing Wheel integrates easily with all those currently available on the market, whether on consoles or Windows PCs.

Value for money

The G Pro Racing Wheel is a fine bundle, high-performing and competitive with the other players in the segment. However, its value for money doesn’t keep up. The steering wheel and base can be purchased for €1,100, and the crankset alone costs €389. Compared to the competition, I find this really expensive, and it’s a detriment to the G Pro Racing Wheel.

My verdict on Logitech’s G Pro Racing Wheel bundle

Logitech’s first Direct Drive bundle turned out to be excellent, both on paper and on the track, apart from some turbulence with the True Force. The base is perfect for mid-range sim-racing, and will delight amateur and semi-pro virtual racing drivers alike.

From a technical point of view, the G Pro Racing Wheel has only a few shortcomings, such as the True Force, which is not yet perfected, the screen, which would be much better on the steering wheel, the size of the base, which is just too big for 11 nm of torque, and a non-existent ecosystem. But all this will be resolved over time.

Its Achilles heel remains Logitech’s asking price. If you can afford it, go for it and get set up with the G Pro Racing Wheel. If not, either wait for the special offers, or take another route.

The best alternative to the G Pro Racing Wheel

For those looking for an alternative to the G Pro Racing Wheel, I highly recommend the combination of the GT DD Extreme and CSL Pedals LC Pedals from Fanatec. This bundle offers exceptional performance at a competitive price, making it a very attractive option for sim-racing enthusiasts.

Fanatec’s GT DD Extreme is renowned for its power and precision, with a constant torque of 15nm. In comparison, the G Pro Racing Wheel’s 11nm may seem limited. The GT DD Extreme offers a more immersive and realistic driving experience thanks to its precise and responsive force feedback. What’s more, Fanatec’s renowned robustness and build quality ensure outstanding durability and reliability.

CSL Pedals LC are the perfect complement to the GT DD Extreme steering wheel. Featuring a Load Cell for the brake pedal, these pedals offer the realistic, progressive feel essential for racing simulations. The sensitivity and precision of Fanatec’s pedals surpass those offered by Logitech, delivering a superior driving experience.

In terms of price, the GT DD Extreme is available at €1299.95, while the CSL Pedals LC are priced at around €199.95, for a total of around €1500. Compared with Logitech’s full bundle price of €1489 (€1100 for the steering wheel and base, plus €389 for the pedals), Fanatec offers an option at the same price with superior performance.