The Logitech G29 is undoubtedly one of the most commercially successful PS4 and PC steering wheels. Released in 2015, two years after the brand decided to withdraw from the simracing market, the Logitech G29 is positioned in the mid-range. This steering wheel is an evolution of the Logitech G27, which was also successful, so the brand wasn’t starting from scratch.
So will this Logitech steering wheel benefit from its manufacturer’s experience? You’re about to find out.
The Logitech G29 from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: PC, PS3, PS4
- Force feedback: Yes
- Wheel diameter: 28cm
- Pedals: 3
- Customizable buttons: 14
- Gear change: Fixed paddles, ( Logitech Driving Force Shifter optional)
- Turning range: 900
- Sensor(s) :
- Motor: Dual force feedback motor
- Connections: 1 outgoing USB to console, 1 incoming power supply, 1 pedalboard connection to base, 1 manual box connection to base
- Weight: 5.2 Kg
Design and ergonomics
The first thing that comes to mind when I take the steering wheel out of its box is its weight. It’s light, 2.2 Kg for the base and 3Kg for the pedals. That’s quite a change from the 16.5 Kg of the T500RS! This weight is good news for occasional players, as you won’t have the excuse of backache to get your steering wheel out of the cupboard.
The finish also makes a fine first impression, with a 28cm genuine leather steering wheel. The colors are harmonious, and its 14 customizable buttons will let you do just about everything you need to do in a race. The base itself is made of unadorned plastic and is relatively small.
As for the paddles, there’s not much to report except that they rotate with the steering wheel. F1 enthusiasts, you’re in luck!
Surprisingly, Logitech has decided to stick with old technology for its force feedback. Instead of opting for a belt drive like Thrustmaster or Fanatec, the G29 uses two motors (1 master and 1 slave). We’ll see if this was a wise choice during the road test!
The pedalboard
Logitech has opted for a standard pedalboard. In fact, I’m not quite sure how to describe this one. On the one hand, Logitech has made the effort to design a 3-pedal pedalset. And that’s a very good thing if you want to add realism to your gaming experience.
In terms of design, we’re left with the standard plastic look. This is light years ahead of what Thrustmaster offers with the T3PA Pro. Having said that, its metal plates are a real eye-catcher.
You won’t be able to adjust pedal travel or inclination. But let’s face it, the Logitech G29 is designed more for occasional Sim racers, and this type of adjustment is of little interest to them. What you can do, however, is adjust the distance between the pedals.
Fixings include a carpet grip bar and traditional rubber pads. You can also fix it, but not against a wall, because of the connecting cable.
A simulator of simulators
Logitech has attempted to innovate with this pedalboard by simulating a Load Cell brake pedal.
For those wondering: standard simracing brake pedals use potentiometers to calculate what you’re doing with your feet. It’s the position of the pedal that gives your console the force you apply to the brakes. Of course, this has nothing to do with a real car, where it’s the pressure you exert on the pedal that determines the braking force. The Load Cell is a pressure sensor that replaces the brake pedal potentiometer, so you can touch perfection with your finger (or foot) in your simulation.
To simulate a Load Cell pedal, Logitech has added rubber to harden the last centimetre of the brake pedal stroke. In addition, the braking curve is not linear. In other words, the steering wheel software assigns a higher braking percentage to that last centimetre.
The result? Hardly conclusive. We’re light years away from the sensations provided by a Load Cell, but it was a good try!
Installing the Logitech G29
Fixing the base is simple: Logitech reuses the system that worked so well on the G27. There are two plastic hooks which can be tightened without the need for tools, and which hold the base in place on a table.
Those who want to mount their Logitech G29 in a fixed position will be able to do so easily thanks to the 2 M6 screw bases which, coupled with the hook fasteners, ensure a titanic hold.
As is very often the case, the base of the steering wheel is molded with a tilt, so consider a tilt mount if you’re mounting your Logitech G29 in an F1 cockpit configuration.
If you have a cockpit with a tilt bracket for the pedalboard, you’ll be delighted to find that you can secure the pedalboard with M6 screws.
Connections
As far as connections are concerned, under the base of the steering wheel you’ll find :
- USB out to your PS4 or PC
- Power cord
- Pedalboard connection
- Connection for Logitech Driving Force Shifter H-box (not supplied with the steering wheel)
And for those of you who are always too short on cables, Logitech has been more than generous with the lengths of its USB, pedalboard and power supply cables.
Console compatibility
The Logitech G29 is fully PS3 and PS4 compatible, thanks to a small switch located just above the steering wheel hub.
X Box One fans haven’t been forgotten, of course: simply opt for the Logitech G920 version with identical features.
Comfort and feel
As soon as I start riding, I go through the force feedback adjustment menu. An essential step if you really want to enjoy the ride.
I was pleasantly surprised by the G29‘s force feedback. Many comments had been made by users complaining, among other things, of a dead zone of several degrees. Personally, I had no such problem.
I remind you that we’re on a dual motor and not on belts, so it’s normal for there to be a small degree of play in the worst case. But I didn’t feel it.
The force feedback is more direct than a belt-driven system, in a crude sort of way. Generally speaking, it’s less precise than the Thrustmaster T300RS or T500RS, but the pleasure is there.
You’ll know what your car is doing, recognize the limits of grip, feel the vibrators and bumps. It’s a steering wheel that does its job!
The point that worries me most is the famous brake pedal. I know that Logitech wanted to innovate by offering an ersatz Load Cell at a low price, but frankly it’s a bad point for the G29.
But I’d also like to put myself in your shoes as a user. This steering wheel will probably be the only one you’ll have for a few years, and the hour or so it takes to get used to the brake pedal will be quickly forgotten.
The Logitech G29 with a Shifter
With the Logitech G29, the brand has come up with a brilliant idea. Why supply an H-box with the steering wheel when you can charge the customer for it? Okay, I’m being disingenuous, they’re just keeping up with the competition.
To take full advantage of your pedals, you’ll need to order the Logitech Driving Force Shifter separately.
A pretty 6-speed gearbox plus reverse that attaches to your table in the same way as the steering wheel base.
In terms of customization, Logitech’s choice is limited. You can ride with or without an H-box. That’s it. No detachable steering wheel, no handbrake. In any case, Logitech’s target audience isn’t into over-the-top customization.
Durability
Logitech is renowned for the build quality of its products. The G29 is no exception to this rule, and it would be surprising if you were to have a mechanical problem with this steering wheel.
However, don’t forget to update your steering wheel by connecting it to a PC from time to time. It takes 5 minutes – I know we’ve all got other things to do, but it’s important to make the most of the best possible settings for your force feedback.
