Folks

I think we've discussed this before. I'm sure that many of you have considered this, so I thought that I would see what the current consensus is for the best driving simulator. With the release of GT5 and 2010 F1 for the PS3, I'm wondering if it approaches the experience of iRacing on a good PC.

The PS3 has many other features that are attractive (blu-ray, media player, movie rental, etc.). However, my PC is getting outdated and I want the best driving simulator to help me through the winter. Decisions, decisions...

As Ian Pearce would say, "please discuss".

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Jay Barthelotte

If you want a real "sim", PC is the only way to go, period.
I have been a sim guy a long time, as good as the PS3 is, its not on the same level.
Iracing pretty much obliterates anything else as far as realism goes.

I went to Mosport last year, right around when they released it for iracing, it is laser mapped and EXACT, every bump is the same, how you hit the bump changes the cars behavior, etc. Its crazy to be honest.

The damage, tire models are very very good.

If you want a real sim experience, just forget the rest and go with iracing, if you want a more arcade (easy) type go with a ps3/xbox.
Come over and try iracing if you want. I have a ps3 too, so we can load up gt5 as well.
Yes iracing is expensive, but its well worth it.

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Paul

There are no console games that match the realism of the sims available for the PC. If you truly want the best driving simulator, then it's PC hands down.

That said, a PS3 console is much cheaper / plays Blu-Ray / has NetFlix / 3DTV capability / works as a media player / etc.

Really, the only solution is to get both.

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

Just get iracing.

Great response, Paul...awesome. I think I'll take you up on your offer...we'll talk.

Off the top of your head, what are you running for PC hardware? I'm thinking that if I 'dedicate' my old PC as a simulator, use my work laptop for email/web browsing, and buy a PS3...that would be a win-win-win situation, like Scott is suggesting.

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Jay Barthelotte

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

Thanks, Scott.

Wow...just noticed this website:
http://playseat.com/shop/ca/

One of these would look nice under the tree...then in front of my PC....

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Jay Barthelotte

i only subscribe to iracing during the winter

hands down the best sim out there....and the gameplay is great because there aren't any idiots crashing on purpose

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"The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed."-William Gibson
1989 Van Diemen - Formula 2000 Continental

Thanks everyone. I'm now a member of iRacing. I just need to purchase some additional RAM and dust off my tiny bag of driving 'talent'.

Next step: driving game seat

I see that some of you guys are building them. Has anyone actually bought one? The 'playseat' looks like it's good value. Currently, I don't have a seat laying around the garage. I could design and fab one with the purchase of a race seat. Hmmm...maybe Santa will bring me a playseat...

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Jay Barthelotte

I was tempted to buy a Playseat, but cheaped-out and built my own for $30.

There are TONS of different commercial sim rigs out there. Here are some options: http://www.thewayiplay.com/mainforum/in ... board=20.0

Also, for product reviews and sim racing in general, I recommend this online show: http://www.insidesimracing.tv/

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

Yea I see why you like http://www.insidesimracing.tv/ ... hehe

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"The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed."-William Gibson
1989 Van Diemen - Formula 2000 Continental

Guys

I just thought that I would share with you how much I really enjoy iRacing. The physics and realisms are fantastic, and the frame rate is really good.

I've enjoyed it so much that I've just ordered a Playseat. I gave up on the vendor in the US (www.playseat.com)...no stock, no email reply. I checked eBay and found a Canadian vendor selling them...viola!

Cheers,

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Jay Barthelotte

Since we're on the topic of iRacing, I thought I'd show off my truck

can someone set up a local server? or does that require an extra subscription or fee?

I've never hosted a race but I'm pretty sure you need iRacing credits, which you can buy from iRacing...someone else can probably give a better answer though

We could just meet up in a practice session, run around together, maybe have a couple short informal races. I'm in the miata most evenings...look me up and say hi

i'll be renewing my sub in january. looking forward to some arms races!

iRacing has a promo on now... $12 for a 3-month membership, 60% savings.
http://www.iracing.com/buy-1-get-2/

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

So...Santa left a PS3 and GT5 underneath the Christmas tree! I was surprised!

Unfortunately, my Logitech Wingman Formula GP wheel doesn't seem to work. An internet search suggested that it should, but...that's the internet. Doh!

I've been looking for a Logitech G27...hard to find one in Halifax...well, at least the Future Shops and one EB Games store.

Anyone have any suggestions? I might have to purchase one online...

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Jay Barthelotte

You can order one direct from Logitech Canada. Free shipping!
http://www.logitech.com/en-ca/gaming/wh ... vices/5184

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

Hmmm...looks like Logitech Canada is out of stock too...

Maybe I'll have a look at some other online vendors.

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Jay Barthelotte

I called Logitech and the G27 wheels should be in stock (Canada) around 11 January.

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Jay Barthelotte

You could get the cheaper and readily available Driving Force GT, but I suspect you'd find the G27 to be worth the wait.

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

Dealz!! http://forums.redflagdeals.com/td-logit ... -a-985052/
$317.91 all told.

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

Damn, nice price. Too bad I just ordered a set of springs for my REAL car last night otherwise I'd buy one.

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2005 Forester XT (Daily/B2Tuned), 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS P4WD Class Rally Car, 2006 WRX RallyCross Car (Sponsors: Rally-Tech, Great North Performance, ISI Automotive)
Check out: Rally East, The Ledwidge Lookoff Rally

Yeah...I considered Tiger Direct, but the delivery was '7 to 21 days', which tells me they don't have it in stock, and suggests that their fiscal year ends this month.

Good price though...tempting...thanks for the heads up!

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Jay Barthelotte

This wheel looks pretty kickass, for both PC and PS3, but it had better for the price. Its very tunable though which seems slick. I like the proper pressure-sensitive brake rather than just a potentiometer setup.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/fana ... ls-review/

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2005 Forester XT (Daily/B2Tuned), 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS P4WD Class Rally Car, 2006 WRX RallyCross Car (Sponsors: Rally-Tech, Great North Performance, ISI Automotive)
Check out: Rally East, The Ledwidge Lookoff Rally

I modified my G25 brake pedal with the apelectrix load cell, making it pressure sensitive. However, the ClubSport pedals even have vibration built into its brake pedal. Pretty cool!

If you had all three systems (PC, PS3, XBOX), then the Fanatec setup is the way to go for it's cross-platform compatibility.

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1997 Talon TSi AWD
2008 EVO X MR

I ordered my Logitech G27 from Logitech (weeks ago now) and still haven't received it. Now they're saying 'mid February'...

I'd jump ship and consider the Fanatec Porsche wheel, but it's not available 'til May!

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Jay Barthelotte