Logitech MOMO Force Wheel Review

Manufacturer: Logitech
Price: $199
www.logitech.com

Never in my wildest dreams have I ever imagined myself quoting Vin Diesel from The Fast and the Furious. But the moment I unpacked the Logitech MOMO Force, I was immediately reminded of cheesy guys who street-race souped up imports. Then it occurred to me that maybe I’m just jealous.

You see, before I got my pick-up truck last year, I test drove a 1.8-liter Volkswagen Golf Turbo. As I raced it around the suburbs of western Contra Costa County, the dealer informed me that – while he’s not supposed to advertise this – I could buy a mod chip on the internet that would give me an extra 40 hp. For once in my life, I made a practical decision and didn’t buy the Wolkswagen. Had I, you can guarantee that I would have bought the mod chip, some new rims, an aftermarket muffler, and yes, a MOMO steering wheel.

This latest wheel from Logitech serves multiple purposes. Designed by MOMO, with force feedback based on immersion’s TouchSense technology, the Logitech MOMO Force has both given new life to Codemasters’ Colin McRae Rally 2.0 and managed to keep me on the right side of the law. The wheel itself is covered in hand-stitched leather (which feels great when driving), boasts a centerplate made of brushed and anodized aluminum, and even has steel paddle shifters. Wheel manufacturers often skimp on the floorboard, but because MOMO had a hand in designing this wheel, I’m sure they’re to thank for the fact that the MOMO Force’s floorboard ain’t going anywhere.

The MOMO Force connects to your computer via the USB port, so setting it up is super easy. (We’s also been told that it works with the PlayStation 2, but you didn’t hear that from us.) The wheel sports six programmable buttons, so you can tweak your configuration however you like. You can even do things like make the paddle shifters act as accelerator and brake, eliminating the need for the floor unit.

It’s not very often that we get this excited about a game controller, but the MOMO Force is just that cool.

Verdict: Sturdy, stylish, and easy to use, the MOMO Force is easily one of the best all-around racing setups that we’ve seen.