After spinning out for the bazillionth time on the second Rain Master's race in GT6 (The Sarthe track), I've decided to take the plunge and get a racing wheel with pedals for better throttle control. I heard Fanatec and Thrustmaster wheels were great, but I'm not willing to spend that much on my first wheel. I see the G27 is selling at a good price on Amazon today ($227), so I just want to know if anyone has used it before and if it's a good wheel to start with. How close is it to a real wheel? I've driven many fast cars really fast in my time, so I know it won't be the same mind you. Thanks in advance.

The G27 is the perfect mid-range wheel. It's good as a first wheel, that's for sure. I've used it quite a big and it's quite good especially when you consider that price. The force feedback is ok, but it pales in comparison to the likes of the Thrustmaster T500RS. 

I don't think you can go wrong with that purchase. Good quality parts, good pedals, good shifter... At that price, it's a no brainer.

Thanks for the feedback (pun intended). Do you know how long the cord is? I'm assuming only the steering column needs to be connected to my PS3, while the pedals and shifter connect to the column?

The cords are long enough. You have to connect it via an USB port (duh!) and it has its own power supply as well. The rest (pedals and shifer) connects directly to the wheel.

Id go a head a spring for the fanatech as the pedals are the most important part. And you cant beat their load cell pedals for 150. I think you can get one of their cheaper wheels for the same price.

i had both, Fanatec CSR and Logitech G27. the CSR has definitely the smoother and stronger FFB. the Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 Wheel works for PS3 too and is less expensive than the CSR, because it dont work on Xbox 360 (it has exactly the same technology though). i would either get the Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 Wheel or the G27 (since pedals and a shifter is included in the package).

be aware that the logitech products - even though being good - will feel like a toy compared to the fanatec products.

I decided to go with the G27. The S&H for the Fanatec bundle wouldn't brought the price up to $304. I also had a $40.00 Amazon gift card, so it only ended up costing me $189.99 with free 2 day shipping. And considering I was going to buy a new K&N CAI for my car, I saved myself a little money today (don't question my logic).

the G27 is a good choice anyway. its not that super smooth and strong as the fanatec products, but the FFB effects have about the same reaction-time which is very important. its my main wheel for PC atm because my CSR is broken. too bad i cant use it for Forza 5 on X1 =(. but i think controller is faster anyway =) (i am #2 at catalunya a class atm ^^).