TOTAL PACKAGE:

The Force RS system is both affordable for the arcade sim-racer and beefy enough for the hardcore guys as well. There are a couple of changes I would suggest with the RS, but all in all it is a great product and one that will be usable for a long time. One of my suggestions is a module so that the shifter can be used with other wheels and not exclusively with the RS units. The modules are a bit bulky and the cord for the power pack is not as long as it needs to be. On the other hand, the modules will keep this product upgradeable, so I feel this more than makes up for the bulkyness of the modules.

The readme is very clear and concise. The drivers on the CD install nicely, and if you want the latest in driver-wear, Act-Labs has drivers that you can download from their site, either in a self-installing or manual format. The "Immersion Studio" pops up upon reboot so you know that the system is online. You even get a nice "Start-up" sequence that sounds as if you just put the key in the ignition of your family car. We do need to work on that particular wav file though because it sounds like you're starting a Yugo. I want it to sound like I just fired up a 800hp methanol burning race motor, not a little four-banger. ;-)

Act-Labs has a great product here, and I highly recommend it to anyone that has an interest in Sim-racing. I'm looking forward to testing and hopefully applying a little of my backyard ingenuity to their newest professional pedal upgrade. The Force-Feedback implementation is an essential element in Sim-Racing these days. For titles like GPL that have a good code written for the feedback, it is simply the greatest thing you can get to enhance your immersion of the game. For titles that don't yet support the Force-Feedback, you'll still get great performance, longevity and precise input. Accessories and upgrades are easily installed with a phillips screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Most importantly, if you ever have trouble with their products, they have good and thorough tech support people.

This one is a must have. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not going to throw my wheel set out the window because I worked too hard to figure it out. But I can't do the FF yet, so I may have to order some more of Act-Labs nifty modular components and go back to the work-shop.

: 9

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