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Adrenalin Pedal Free Wheel

Name:  Saitek - Adrenalin Pedal Free Wheel

Xbox

Saitek Description:

  • Pedal-free wheel for complete hands-on control
  • Feel every sensation with the vibration funtion - from the crunch of the gravel to a high-speed shunt
  • Play anywhere with the solid clamping mechanism and comfortable lap support
Features:
  • 6 easy-to-reach fire buttons
  • 8-way D-Pad
  • 2 optimally positioned, progressive paddles for gas and brake
  • 10ft (3m) cable with in-line release

LAZ 6/29/2002  - Saitek Wheel Are you one of those guys that spent all of your green backs on your console and don't only want to spend money on your games? If so, you need to reconsider.

LEW, KOGGS, and myself have all spent multiple hours and sessions getting to know the Saitek wheels. We put them through the paces on NASCAR Heat, F1 2001, RalliSport Challenge, and Burnout.

Check out the picture of me and KOGGS gettin' it on! Don't tell me some of you guys haven't done this one! Those helmets were only for the photo… we could barely breath under there and they came off as soon as we got the pictures snapped. Click the picture to see it big, and use your browser's back button to come back.

89.4
First Impression It's a wheel for the console! And it cost how much? How much? You have got to be kidding? What other impression can I have, except… let's get it on!!! 9.6
Game(s) Included None. As usual, I would like to see a game with the controller. 5.0
Looks Saitek gets a high score again for a great looking design. The guys that Saitek got to do their Xbox designs flat out deserve a raise, because they have a great eye. And can you imagine the task of trying to make something look good, while still selling for under $30?

Excellent effort!		 9.2
Comfort You have two options of gripping:

Attach to Desk or Table
You simply pull out the adapter, and clamp it onto a table top. One twisting knob and your off to the races. It is plenty solid enough and I didn't experience and loosening problems while I was it putting it through the extremes.

Put it on Your Lap
Just put the whole unit between knees. I tried this with my feet on the floor and my feet up on a foot rest (like a coffee table), and I preferred having my feet on a foot rest. This might sound awkward, and when I was doing PS2 with Robsta, I never really 'got into the groove'. But if after spending some time with it, I didn't notice it between my legs and it was stable enough.		 8.6
Construction The quality has been very good, and we haven't experienced any problems so far (and our test units have experienced a ton of laps with a variety of racing games).

The only place I am a bit skeptical - is the paddles. We haven't experienced ANY problems yet… but it sure appears that if a guy gets REAL excited and starts getting extra SQUEZZY - that the paddles might break. This isn't just a knock on the Saitek wheels, but a flaw we have noticed on all wheels under the $200 price range.

One of the things you have to note about this category and controller, is the price… again it is simply amazing that they can put out a good unit for this kind of price.		 13.0
Playability The controller simply SHINES in this category. How important is it for you to be able to get good lap times? Did you buy that racing game to have all of your friends say 'you suck'?

This is the deal, if you master the game with a gamepad - and someone else masters it with a controller, you are likely going to get your but kicked when that guy comes over to your house with his Saitek wheel.

The boyz all turned good consistent lap times on the Xbox racing games, but this wheel helped all of us blow our old lap times away! We had the same experiences with NASCAR Heat, F1 2001, RalliSport Challenge, and Burnout. The only game I have struggled with (so far) is Gotham Racing, and it is because I haven't got used to the sensitivity. RalliSport Challenge was very sensitive at first, and as soon as we got used to it - we were absolutely sold.

All of the buttons were easy to get to, and the paddles were remarkably easy to use and in some cases preferable to using pedals! That is a pretty bold statement, but we each said that.		 14.0
Value (price for what you get) You will get more for your $30 than anything else you buy for your Xbox! Bold statement? Yes, but what do you get for that kind of money? Not much. You will save wear and tear on your gamepad, and you will get TEN TIMES the enjoyment out of most every racing game than you currently get from your gamepad. 15.0
Recommend to Others If you like your racing game, but are still playing it with a gamepad… do yourself a HUGE favor and go spend the $30 and get this wheel. The most difficult part of your decision will be trying to find one to buy (don't ask us, ask Saitek).

For those of you that bared reading this whole review - you should note that this controller didn't get the highest Xbox controller Total Score, but it scored a 15 on the recommendation category. Don't assume that our total scores reflect how good the controller is… always read the entire reviews or see the charts to compare the numbers. Thanks for reading!		 15.0

RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor

LAZ

  • You have a tough challenge, trying to resolve the mounting issue for the guy who uses these things in the living room. You may want to consider adding a piece to it that goes between your legs and rests under your legs - that way the weight of your legs can give it additional support.
  • Give gamers who want to spend more another option (like a $100-$200 unit that provides full force, rubber grips, and aluminum paddles).