The Logitech G920 Driving Force's arrival just weeks after Forza Motorsport 6 is no coincidence. Turn 10 Studios' latest iteration of Forza is a stellar game, and it's been evident since the studio began showcasing what it had in store for its sixth release. With a huge opportunity present, Logitech prepared its greatest racing wheel yet.
Upon taking the G920 out of its box it becomes immediately clear that it looks and acts the part of its $399 price tag. This begins at the wheel where a ton of attention has been given to build quality. Composed of anodized aluminum with brushed stainless steel shifters and wrapped in hand-stitched leather, it feels better than most real-world car wheels. The quality of materials extends beyond being superficial by making it easier to become immersed when in cockpit view of the world's greatest exotics such as the Aston Martin V12 Vantage or McLaren 570S.
Inside the base is a helical gear system very similar to what was in the five-year-old G27. The system provides a highly variable force-feedback experience. In Forza 6, hitting sweeping turns like that of Monza's Variante Ascari produces balanced vibrations that give you a sense that there are tires underneath you fighting for traction. In the event that you find it too pronounced, you can tone the force feedback down in the settings until you find a happy medium that doesn't send shockwaves rippling through your body.
Due to the G920 being a gear-driven system, there is a deadzone present that is most noticeable when flying down long straights at high speeds. In these circumstances, you won't feel any force feedback unless you turn the wheel a few degrees, which is an issue remedied by competitors transitioning to belt-driven systems. While this may seem to give belt-driven systems the upper hand, the G920 produces far less kinetic energy and doesn't annoy users with persistent buzzing noises. Which is better is subjective.
The driving experience is made better by a similarly balanced floor pedal unit. The unit is equipped with rubber for heel traction, as well as a carpet grip and rubber feet to keep it planted in environments where it isn't mounted. All three pedals are crafted from brushed stainless steel with high-quality pistons providing action. All three can be tuned for more resistance, and by default the brake is non-linear providing a responsive and life-like experience that not even the most expensive competitors can match without adjustment or post-purchase mods.
The Xbox licensing of the G920 has resulted in an outstanding OS experience. Each of the carefully placed buttons on the face of the wheel is easy to access without removing the palm of your hands from the nine-and-three position. Input is intuitive and fast, replicating the user-friendly experience of the Xbox One controller. There's even an Xbox button for quick access to the snap menu or turning the console off.
This positive user-input experience extends to software. For playing games like Project CARS and Forza Horizon 2, you will never need to plug in a controller to navigate menus or interact with gameplay. Rewinding in Forza, changing your viewpoint, and looking behind your car are always just a finger press away. The shape of the wheel ensures that no matter the size of your hands, you'll never have to give up wheel control to press a button.
As with its G29 brother (which we reviewed here), the G920 is compatible with PC titles. After a quick install of the Logitech Gaming Software, you can begin using the wheel in a variety of titles. Many racing games that are older will recognize it as a G27, allowing you to use it without native support. In these cases, the wheel can sometimes not be well-optimized by default, so some tweaking is recommended. However, in the case of Project CARS and many other modern titles the support is extraordinary. There are dozens of options to be found in the controller menu that allow you to fine-tune your experience, from brake actuation range, to wheel lock-to-lock rotation of up to 900 degrees.
The G920 is built to last, a trait uncommon in the world of peripherals. There are simulator enthusiasts on the market using its predecessor, the G27, five years later without any signs of wear. The G920 follows in its footsteps with remarkable construction. The ownership experience is at a very high standard, and you pay for it as the package is an unfriendly $399. This hefty price tag will keep many potential customers at bay, but in its defense the materials used and Xbox licensing are expensive. As they say, you get what you pay for.
It's worth noting that the Logitech G29 (compatible with PC, PS4, and PS3) is already on the market. While it's a near duplicate of the G920, and therefore an outstanding hardware package, it doesn't have the benefit of a phenomenal racing game like Forza 6 to enjoy it with. There are a few decent racing games out there to play on PC and PS4, but for an unforgettable experience buyers are going to wait for the long-overdue Gran Turismo 7.
Pairing the G920 with Forza 6 is one of the best experiences you can have as a car enthusiast. Going for record laps around Nürburgring Nordschleife with the two together, or hitting Circuit De Spa-Franchorchamps for a high-speed Le Mans race is something to be remembered. In races where Forza 6's revolutionary rain effects with puddles are employed, the tight mechanics of the wheel and pedals will serve you well as you fight for first place. Great hardware has finally met excellent software.
In the event that you're on the market for a wheel to use with Forza 6, the G920 is the top-shelf solution. Other wheels can be had for cheaper, some may excel in one area, but the G920 offers a balanced and reliable package out of the box that makes no compromises to be exciting.
