Saitek R100 Wheel Review

Ever driven your car with a joystick? Didn’t think so. So why are you still trying to get through games like Need for Speed using that old joystick? I know, it’s not worth the $100+ investment to get a wheel. But Saitek might have what you’re looking for: a decent wheel for part-time motorheads that comes in under $50. Their new R100 wheel is a no-frills wheel that installs easily, handles well, and surprisingly, has pedals that don’t suck – a hallmark of nearly all “budget-oriented” wheels.

The R100 has a single screw-peg that attaches the wheel to your desk, and you can mount/dismount it quickly and easily. I took the R100 for a rip through NFS, and the R100 was well-heeled, though the wheel itself has a somewhat springy feel. But it tracked evenly from hard-left to hard-right, and the pedals even allowed for somewhat subtle acceleration and braking. The wheel has two front buttons, and two shifter paddles, and all worked without a hitch.

For the part-time wheelman, the R100 will get the job done without walloping your wallet. Better pedals would be a welcome addition, but for under $50, they’ll do.