Is G920 a direct drive?

As an avid sim racer and content creator focused on racing peripherals, this is a question I‘ve been asked a lot recently – and the answer is no. The Logitech G920 utilizes a helical gear-driven force feedback system, not a direct drive solution.

What Makes Direct Drive Wheels Superior?

Direct drive (DD) wheels connect the steering wheel directly to the shaft of a high-torque motor. This allows much stronger and detailed force feedback compared to gear or belt-driven alternatives. DD wheels aim to mimic the realistic forces felt driving an actual racecar.

Without mechanical linkages or elastic belts absorbing some force effects, DD wheels display superior:

• Peak torque – commercial DD wheels generate 8-20+ Nm compared to 2-3 Nm for gear wheels
• Latency – no mechanical lag so forces are felt instantly
• Smoothness – no notchy gears or cogging from motor poles
• Detail – subtle tire slip, curbs, bumps are translated accurately

This level of realism does come at a steep price – DD wheel bases cost $1000+!

The Logitech G920 Uses a Helical Gear Drive System

Instead of direct drive, the G920 provides force feedback through helical gears connected to dual motors. This is mechanism is smoother than belt drives but cannot match the fidelity of DD wheels.

[table] | Feature | Direct Drive | Logitech G920 |
|-|-|-|
| Peak Torque | 8-25 Nm | 2.2 Nm |
| Force Feedback | Extremely detailed with instant response | Smoother than belts but still some notchy feeling |
| Cost | $1000+ | $299 |
[/table]

The gear-driven system places the G920 firmly as a mid-range sim racing wheel. It‘s not in the same league as DD options, but provides decent force feedback at an accessible sub-$300 price point.

Expert Reviews on G920 Performance

In their G920 review, respected racing portal GTPlanet summarized its force feedback:

Ultimately, the G920’s force feedback is pretty good for a gear-driven wheel. It can be fairly smooth when tuned properly in games, but still retains a little of that notchy geared feel. The dual motor system allows strong effects for understeer, oversteer along with rumble strips and collision impacts.

So in expert opinion, the G920 delivers very capable force feedback with some inherent imperfections still noticeable from the gear mechanisms.

How Does The G920 Compare to True Direct Drives?

Let‘s compare the G920 to leading mid-range direct drive wheels like the Thrustmaster T-GT II and Fanatec Podium DD1.

[table] | Wheel | Peak Torque | Features | Price |
|-|-|-|-|
| Logitech G920 | 2.2 Nm | Helical gear driven, dual motor force feedback | $299 |
| Thrustmater T-GT II | 7 Nm | Direct drive, brushless motor, belt driven power supply | $799 |
| Fanatec Podium DD1 | 20 Nm | Direct drive, industry leading fidelity | $1199 |
[/table]

For under $300, the G920 provides great value with quality force effects considering its gear mechanisms. But direct drives like the T-GT II and DD1 are clearly more capable racing solutions without compromised internals.

Is a Direct Drive Upgrade Worthwhile for G920 Users?

Upgrading from a G920 setup to direct drive is a significant investment – typically $700+ for just a new wheel base. As a long-time sim racer myself, here is when I would recommend DD upgrades for different drivers:

Casual Racers

• Enjoy racing occasionally or against AIs
• More for fun than outright realism
• Upgrade not worthwhile currently

Enthusiasts

• Race online frequently
• Want added realism, consistency
• DD offers edge to be more competitive
• Worth considering T-GT II or saving up for DD1

Elite & Professionals

• Racing is central hobby or career
• Demand highest fidelity setups
• DD is a no-brainer for added realism
• Aim for 20Nm+ wheel bases

So while direct drive can benefit all experience levels, drivers racing occasionally for fun likely won‘t justify the 5x cost premium over a G920 setup yet to go DD.

Logitech Does Offer a Pro Direct Drive Wheel

Logitech has added direct drive options to its racing lineup with the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel intended for professional use.

This wheel base outputs over 8Nm of peak torque by directly integrating the shaft of its force feedback motor to the steering wheel. Combined with a forged carbon fiber wheel, the G Pro Wheel provides DD-levels of performance for elite racers. It rings in at a cool $1099 – a very premium DD option.

So direct drive technology has definitely landed at Logitech. But their consumer G920 uses a proven geared force model keeping costs reasonable for home sim racers.

To recap, direct drive racing wheels offer unmatched realism by removing mechanical components attaching motors directly to steering shafts. This high-fidelity precision comes at a steep price though.

As a popular mid-range option, Logitech‘s G920 utilizes helical gearing systems to deliver capable and smooth force feedback at a palatable $299 cost point. But the gear mechanisms mean it does not provide the same pinpoint detail performance as direct drives.

For drivers on a budget, the G920 hits a sweet spot marrying strong feedback with accessibility. And Logitech does have a direct drive in the G Pro Racing Wheel – but prepared to spend big bucks for DD performance!

So in closing, if you come across a smoking deal on a G920, bite confidently. It may not be direct drive but still outputs quality, smooth force effects during intense races for hours of adrenaline-filled fun. Let the virtual checkered flags fly!