Steering Wheels for PC?

[[AK]Nuts]

I'm thinking about trying out a few driving games for my PC (and my big screen media PC). Best Buy had two Logitech wheels ($99 and $299). I'd rather not spend $100 to see if it's something that I'm going to enjoy. I'm not looking for leather wrapped or tons of bells and whistles but I did want someone's opinion from AK because I know that we've got a couple of die hard iRacing folks here.

I think I'm going to focus on rally and off-road. Xpand Rally Xtreme looked fun for both me and Nuts Jr. I'd rather not use a clutch. Again, I'm not looking for racing simulation, just casual car fun.

Any recommendations for a decent entry level wheel that doesn't cost $100? Or maybe you want to mail me your old one?

[[AK]Ozzred]

I'm currently running the G25 and loving every second of it. I got mine off ebay for 220.

My decision was made when I was watching films all the iRacing footage, and saw most of the elite setups running it. I've been pretty happy with the pedals so far. Long term - if I keep racing near the amount I am now, I'll upgrade to CST's. No time soon on those though..

And I can't stop talking about iRacing. Even to people that really don't care.. So far I've run with Marcos Ambrose, Michael McDonald (who I should have beaten) and tons of other cool folks. Not to mention AK getting some practice time in together with Hylander and I.

[[AK]Hylander]

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with "cheap" wheels under $100. Most of them will fall in the console category and will work well enough, perhaps ones by Saitek, etc.

Hey Bill, I was running the DP at Barber Motorsports Park and Junior entered the race. I was following him for quite awhile but he ended up spinning 2 or 3 times and retired from the race with about 12 to go. I think he was getting frustrated. I wonder if he called Tony Eury, Jr. to complain about his setup.

I didn't do too well either... but at least finished the race. I think I was like 17th or 18th out of like 25 (All those damn European road race aces!).

[[AK]Ozzred]

Nuts, This site has lots of reviews about the various wheels out there. There are definitely some in the 80-110 range that should do for a good time.

Scott, I still haven't made any attempts on the road races yet. I want to, but want to be good at least one car before I start learning the next. So far late models have been the ticket. I was actually a good tenth faster the McDowell yesterday morning, but couldn't cleanly get inside to make the pass. Then lappers split us up... twice. I've also been running with David Akers pretty often. He's a nice guy.

Speaking of Eury Jr, did you see he was running the other day? Turns out he has an account also. Wonder if Jr sponsors it to have him do the setups. Good driver / Chief training.