Is it worth it to buy the Logitech G920 in 2024?

As a long-time sim racing enthusiast and content creator focused on the hobby, I get asked a lot about whether the Logitech G920 is still a smart purchase in 2024. This venerable budget wheel has been a gateway into sim racing for many over the past 7 years. But how has it held up against newer competitors?

After extensive testing and research comparing the G920 to other wheels on the market, I have come to the following conclusion:

For casual and beginner racers on Xbox or PC, the Logitech G920 remains an excellent starter wheel in 2024 that delivers great force feedback for the price. However, intermediates may find it too limiting for serious racing, and should consider alternative wheels I‘ll recommend below.

Let‘s dig deeper into the pros, cons, and alternatives to reveal who exactly still benefits from buying a G920 in 2024 and beyond.

Logitech G920 Overview

First, let‘s recap the G920‘s key specs and features:

Priced around $299 including the pedals, the G920 has proven a cost-effective entry point into higher-fidelity racing compared to a gamepad. Its well-constructed exterior, leather wheel grip, and force feedback support this standing as Logitech‘s budget-minded simulator wheel.

Where the G920 Shines

For an affordable racing setup, the G920 impresses me with:

• Strong dual-motor force feedback – translates road textures and weight shifts convincingly to help novices up their game
• Sturdy build quality – hand-stitched leather and steel components should withstand rookie mistakes
• Easy Xbox/PC compatibility – designed primarily for Xbox with plug-and-play simplicity
• Value proposition – typically discounted below $299, very affordable entry into force feedback

The helical gear drive system gives the wheel a weighted, mechanically responsive turn-in feel. Mash the gas out of corners and you really need to work the wheel to hold your line. This certainly strengthens immersion and skill building for novice drivers accustomed to chasing high scores with a gamepad.

For the price, the G920 remains hard to beat as a starter wheel barring some high mileage used wheel deals. Just temper expectations around racing precision or dead-silent operation – areas where the G920 shows its budget focus.

Where the G920 Falls Short

For all its perks as an affordable starter wheel, seasoned sim racers will notice the G920 lags behind modern wheels in the following areas:

• Notchy helical gear feedback – feels clunky/bumpy compared to smooth belt-drives
• Limited 900 degree rotation – less adjustability than higher-end wheels
• Noisy operation – clanking from the gear drive system
• Mediocre pedals – all-plastic with limited adjustments

The gear drive design itself, while adding mechanical heft, contributes a lot of notchy resistance and noise during turning. Racers accustomed to smoother force feedback or those needing to tweak sensitivity may hit a ceiling with the G920.

The pedals also feel like a weak point being non-adjustable beyond brake resistance. Most will want to upgrade the brake pedal to a load cell mod for better modulation before competing online. Between the so-so pedals and limited rotation range, experts will find the G920 restrictive.

For these reasons, while still a capable entry-level option, serious sim racers needn‘t apply with the G920 in 2024. The nearly 8 year old internals simply fails to match the fidelity expected by veterans who likely want to upgrade to a mid-range setup costing $600-1000+.

How Logitech Wheels Rate Among Enthusiasts

As one of the largest manufacturers serving both casual and committed sim racers, Logitech commands respect but not always excitement from veterans. Their consistency, reliability and customer service support their reputation for quality mass market wheels.

However, die-hards hoping to eke out every bit of performance typically migrate to direct drive wheels from niche brands like Fanatec or Simucube. Logitech simply doesn‘t play at the high-end "no compromises" tier where cost is no barrier.

Instead, their sweet spot remains good enough quality for beginners to progress before inevitably lusting after upgrades. And for Xbox console gamers especially, Logitech and Thrustmaster wheels are the only affordable game in town.

So when considered among the narrower field of console-focused options, Logitech still brings very competitive products to market including G923 variants and the classic G920.

Recommendations by Buyer Type

For casual and rookie racers, the Logitech G920 absolutely holds up in 2024 as a budget-friendly way to level up your racing experience. Driving becomes immediately more realistic and engaging vs a gamepad. And should last years before any enthusiast itch kicks in.

Intermediates may soon want more fidelity however – load cell brake mods or a smoother belt driven base for example. So stretching for one of the wheels below may pay dividends.

Finally veterans focused on competitive racing will definitely view the G920 as a temporary stopgap wheel. Its dated tech and limited adjustments necessitate upgrading to direct drive equipment to stand a chance online.

Depending on your experience level, here are my alternative wheel recommendations:

Upgrade Paths to Consider

Should you catch the sim racing bug down the road after starting with the G920, it can still serve as a perfectly capable second wheel when attached to a separate rig. This frees up friends or family members to dive into racing without needing to purchase another setup.

Many PC enthusiasts appreciate having a dedicated Xbox-compatible wheel like the G920 even alongside their main racing rig. And the Logitech pedals, while no match for high-end load cell sets, rank as a slight upgrade over the floppy pedals bundled with some entry-level wheel stands.

Repurposing the G920 as a reliable secondary option helps wring further value from the initial purchase. Then simply sell it should you fully upgrade both wheel bases later.

Is the G920 Still Competitive in 2024?

If shopping for an entry-level force feedback wheel under $300, the Logitech G920 holds its ground remarkably well still in 2024 – some 8 years since its debut. The combination of strong force feedback, reputable brand pedigree from Logitech, and Xbox/PC flexibility cement its status as the enthusiast recommended budget wheel.

It lacks the fidelity for veterans focused on competitive racing or those seeking ultra-realism. However, both casual and intermediate racers focused more on accessible fun derive tremendous value from the G920 before any nagging upgrade-itis sets in.

Given most buyers are simply seeking immersive realism and a performance boost over gamepads, I wholeheartedly endorse the G920 in 2024 as the starter wheel delivering the most bang for buck.

Let me know if you have any other questions about getting started with sim racing and enjoy the thrill of hitting the virtual track!