As a general rule, I’ve always avoided racing games like the plague. But that all changed when the guys from Pagnian Imports sent us one of their Next Level Racing simulators to review.
The GTExtreme V2 is a $649 racing controller frame that is designed to suit Logitech and Fanatech controllers. Featuring secure steering wheel, pedal and gear shift connections, plus a quality leather seat with reclining and adjustable settings, the GTExtreme is designed to give you the sensation of sitting in a car while you play the latest racing simulator.
Like some Ikea furniture for racing game fans, the seat requires some basic installation. Armed with the included Allan key and a bit of free time, putting the GTExtreme together was like a savoury entree to a delicious meal of high speed racing. It wasn’t difficult to put together by any stretch of the imagination, but did require regular glances at the instructions.
Attaching a Logitech G27 racing controller package, it’s obvious to see that the GTExtreme is designed with racing gamers in mind. There are some simple and effective cable management solutions (although I did find the G27′s power cable lacking in the length department), which are nicely hidden behind the front name plate.
But it’s when you actually sit down to game that you really enjoy the benefits of having a dedicated frame for enjoying racing games. Plugged into the PS3 and playing Gran Turismo 5, even a cynical gamer without a care for racing games like myself can appreciate the joy of nailing a tight corner, or slipping up the inside on the final bend to take out the race.
At $649, the GTExtreme feels like a bargain. Sure it doesn’t include the racing controls, which are an essential part of the enjoyment, but it feels like something like this should be more expensive. The only downside with the whole rig is that it’s quite large – as it needs to be – and storage could be difficult.
But if you spend time enjoying racing simulators and space isn’t an issue, this is a fantastic body for your wheel controls.
bc
Friday, March 11, 2011 at 5:20 PMLooks like a good product but if you want something a lot cheaper that you can use sitting on a couch while being able to quickly fold and store away I’d recommend getting this:
http://www.wheelstandpro.com
Alex Wu
Friday, March 11, 2011 at 5:52 PMboo, I disagree with this….I found the build quality on this simulator GTEXTREMELY poor.
Even with the revised design in V2 (not shown)with the better steering wheel mount and predrillered for the shifter, I was extremely disappointed with the end-product. Also if your area isn’t carpeted, this will scratch your floor.
That being said, the customer service was second to none.
Andrew
Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10:07 PMI had one of the earlier g25 Logitech Wheels. They work well but the potentiometers fail very early and Logitech’s answer is to buy a new wheel. I’d look somewhere else for a racing wheel.
Google g25 potentiometers and you’ll see what I mean. It looks like the problem isn’t fixed with the g27.
Derek (@OzDJ)
Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10:31 PMThe “Extreme” is the more ‘gut-hugging’ version of the “Pro” which I put together late last year. http://clubduh.com/blog/2010/12/31/gt5-heaven
Great piece of kit and, as you say, makes the G5 experience vs a standard controller like proverbial chalk & cheese. Just don’t tell the significant other that the setup costs 2-3 times that of the PS3 console itself :-o
Shane
Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:08 AMPurchased the same simulator about 2 weeks ago and haven’t got off it. Quality was much better than i expected and going to buy another one soon to setup 2 next to each other to race my mates (hope the missus doesn’t read this!!)
Chris
Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 4:21 PMAwesome, where can I buy this?
Nick Broughall
Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 7:36 PMThe link at the bottom of the article…
Mohammed Alzaabi
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 8:34 PMwe bought the playseat with the recaro seat. the wheel wasn’t stable as the GTextream one at all.. didn’t have stabilizers on both sides like the GTextream. being a racer, i like the feel of recaro seats, but surely think that the seats on GTextream are not bad at all.. they are confortable , not stiff like recaro seats.