Logitech G29
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Superb value for money
✅ Good, precise force feedback
✅ Excellent availability
❌ Motors sometimes provide jerks
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As I’m sure you’re aware, simulations (in all disciplines) first saw the light of day over 20 years ago, thanks to players like Thrustmaster and Logitech. These two brands revolutionized the field and took different approaches in their business plans: Thrustmaster focused on simulations (racing, driving, etc.), and Logitech on peripherals in general (keyboard, mouse, steering wheel, etc.).
Logitech was founded in Switzerland in 1981 and quickly grew to become the peripherals company for PCs and consoles, with innovative products in the computer world, such as the first infrared sensors for mice.
But the Swiss brand didn’t just excel in computer peripherals but also innovated in the field of sim-racing peripherals, notably with its range of steering wheels and bases. In what follows, I’ll introduce you to the Logitech G29a mid-range bundle with the steering wheel, floor, and pedals. I’m going to tell you about its features, strengths and weaknesses.
Main and technical features of the steering wheel
- 28 cm diameter wheel
- 14 customizable buttons
- Compatible with Playstation and PC
- 900° rotation angle
- Force feedback with two motors
- Pedals with three pedals in the bundle
- USB connectivity with platforms
Design
Just like other brands in the field, Logitech Once again, Logitech offers us a steering wheel that’s both minimalist and beautiful and has been for some time. Even if the wheel is a little small for my taste (28 cm in diameter), there’s no denying it’s a success in design.
The Logitech G29 is a steering wheel for Playstation, featuring the console’s buttons on virtually the entire reel. Black dominates the wheel, with a red selector, a few blue controls, and a band at the top.
All around the steering wheel is genuine leather, with a perforated section on the sides. It’s very handsome and gives the device a premium touch, worthy of its place in the range of steering wheels.
As for the base, there’s not much to say. It’s made of plastic, with a relatively sober design. As for the pedalboard, it, too, is in plastic with metal pedals that give it a sublime look. Overall, the Logitech G29 is beautiful for its segment.
Custom mounting
The Logitech G29 is taken from the G27 with two hooks on the underside of the base. These hooks slide under the table or desk and provide excellent support for the steering wheel.
If you have a cockpit, the Logitech G29 also features an M6 screw slot on the underside, allowing it to be permanently attached to the chassis. No matter how hard you tug on it or how much you tear at it on your errands, the G29 won’t move a muscle.
Regarding the pedalboard, there’s a grip bar/pad underneath that ensures it stays in place on most surfaces. And on a chassis, it’s the same story as the base: Logitech has provided fixing points with M6 screws for its crankset. Details like these distinguish between a brand-new sim-racing and one with decades of experience.
Manufacture and finish
The Logitech G29 is aimed at the mid-range of sim-racing peripherals. As a result, you get a predominantly plastic construction, as this is the only material capable of providing good resistance and a very aggressive selling price.
The steering wheel is metal, with leather all around. As for the finish, I have nothing to say. The G29 is a superbly well-made steering wheel with an excellent finish worthy of Logitech peripherals. After all, when you’ve decades of experience, it shows in your products.
As for the base and pedalboard, these two peripherals are also very well made, even if they use plastic. There’s no protruding edge or anything. The only thing I didn’t like was the front pedalboard cable. As a result, you won’t be able to put it up against a wall if you don’t have too much space in your setup. I’d have preferred a cable on the side or underneath so it wouldn’t get in the way during use.
Handling the steering wheel
I must admit that the Logitech G29 has a wheel that, at 28 cm in diameter, is a little small for my taste, which can sometimes be a problem in specific motorsport disciplines. However, it’s still an excellent wheel with a well-thought-out design.
With its flat bottom, the G29 is compact and gives you the impression of driving a latest-generation Peugeot. With a small steering wheel like the Logitech G29is, it is excellent, and the buttons are very close to your hands, allowing them to be used with fingers only, which is sometimes difficult to do with competitors at this price.
Another thing I like about this steering wheel is its paddles. They’re metal, a good size, and, above all, close to the wheel. Using them is very easy, without the slightest effort. They’re attached to the wheel, and some sim-racers might find this problematic. As for me, I prefer this design because I can shift gears in the middle of a bend without letting go of my grip on the steering wheel.
Sensations during play
Once the steering wheel has been installed on your setup, it’s time to turn the key and start the machine. At first glance, I immediately felt that the steering wheel was a little small for my preferences. The truth is, I’m used to steering wheels 30 cm in diameter, and it took me a while to get the hang of it. G29.
Regarding the force feedback, I was pleasantly surprised by its smoothness in quiet mode and its strength in a gruff manner. Admittedly, it’s not on the same level as a Direct Drive, but it’s still better than a belt-driven motor, in my opinion. Another famous point about this steering wheel is the dead zone in the middle. Personally, the play was so minimal that most of the time, I didn’t even notice it.
The motors provide powerful and precise force feedback, producing a veritable flood of sensations non-stop. During my sim-racing sessions, I could feel everything the car was doing; frankly, it was breathtaking. I love it. The only weak point of the base that comes to mind is the intermittent jerking of the engines. I think the system must be getting carried away with the sinus data and doesn’t know what to do with it. A software update should sort it all out.
As far as the pedalboard is concerned, it’s OK as far as I’m concerned. It’s not at the same level as a CSL Pedals from Fanatec (which you can discover right here), but it’s more than a match for amateurs and pros alike. If you’re interested, here’s my review of the 4 Best Cranksets for Sim Racing in 2023.
Compatibility
The G29 is a Playstation-licensed steering wheel and will, therefore, work with PS4 and PS5, as well as PC. As for sim-racing titles, they all support it, too, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. For those of you looking for an Xbox-compatible steering wheel, I’d advise you to go to my opinion on the Logitech G920.
If you have a cockpit, you should know that virtually all chassis manufacturers provide mounting points for the G29This is a trendy bundle on the sim-racing market. This is an intelligent bundle on the sim-racing peripherals market.
Value for money
Displayed at €419 on the Logitech, the G29 can easily be found for around €250, €270 elsewhere. It’s an excellent wheel for sim-racing as an amateur or pro at this price. Even at €420, it’s worth it because the G29 outperforms the competition, especially with the Logitech very well established in the segment.
My verdict
Whether you’re a novice or a pro rider, the Logitech G29 remains an excellent choice for low-cost sim racing. It’s a steering wheel that’s a little dated but very popular with sim racers the world over. If you can afford it, I suggest the G923, which is more recent, which you can buy by clicking here. If not, the G29 is still excellent, with superb value for money. For me, it’s a no-brainer.
