GGG new Mini Racer

[squirrellydw]

WOW Randy, the new mini Racer wheels look really nice.  Thanks

[patrickl]

I was wondering about this wheel. That it looks nice is fine, does it really work?

I just see so many things go wrong with it that I'm afraid to buy it and then never use it. It's a pretty expensive thing just to try. Guess I should look for a review.

Biggest concerns for me would be that it's in the wrong orientation for use as a steering wheel (when installed to also work as a spinner). I wonder if it stays well enough on and still comes off easily  when you want to use the spinner. I wonder how much beating it will take seeing how the steering wheel will put more load on the bearings.

[squirrellydw]

It pops on and off very easy.  The "wheel it self" can take a big beating, very well built.  However it is not designed to hang on or anything like that.  All you are doing is playing a racing game with a spinner but with a much bigger top.  If you search for TT2 you will fine the release thread that Randy posted, might answer some of your questions better.

[RandyT]

I was wondering about this wheel. That it looks nice is fine, does it really work?

I just see so many things go wrong with it that I'm afraid to buy it and then never use it. It's a pretty expensive thing just to try. Guess I should look for a review.

Biggest concerns for me would be that it's in the wrong orientation for use as a steering wheel (when installed to also work as a spinner). I wonder if it stays well enough on and still comes off easily  when you want to use the spinner. I wonder how much beating it will take seeing how the steering wheel will put more load on the bearings.

Patrick,

I think you've brought this up before. 

A:) If it didn't "really work", I wouldn't be offering them.  The difference in feel between using a spinner knob and a wheel (even a small one) in a game like Turbo is huge.

B:) It stays on fine during use.  It is because of the normal spinner orientation that this is true. If you are the type who pulls straight-up on the wheel while playing (not sure why you would) then move along, nothing to see here.  But if not, and you have a little extra space around your TT2 installation, you will really enjoy using it.  I can guarantee it

and

C:)  The TT2 has 1/4" solid stainless steel shaft held by 2 independent sealed ball bearing units.  Whatever extra "wear" the wheel puts on them, will be minuscule compared to what the bearings are designed to handle.  The smaller diameter of the wheel prevents too much leverage from being applied.  You can't (and shouldn't try to) "lean" on it like you can a 12" Pole Position wheel, so you can't think about them in the same way.

This being said, I also have 2 more sizes that will be hitting the store soon.  Shortly, there will be a 5" (current), 6" and 7" version (approx. sizes.)  The prices are based on size at $29.95, $34.95 and $44.95 respectively.  I actually have larger ones available to me, but didn't feel comfortable offering them because they do start getting large enough to exert more force on the TT2.  Even then, I'm not worried about the TT2 as much as the panel.

RandyT

[Donkey_Kong]

I actually have larger ones available to me, but didn't feel comfortable offering them because they do start getting large enough to exert more force on the TT2.  Even then, I'm not worried about the TT2 as much as the panel.

RandyT

Don't worry about my panel bro...it is a man sized one! 


Oh and congrats on the news sizes...

[patrickl]

I was wondering about this wheel. That it looks nice is fine, does it really work?

I just see so many things go wrong with it that I'm afraid to buy it and then never use it. It's a pretty expensive thing just to try. Guess I should look for a review.

Biggest concerns for me would be that it's in the wrong orientation for use as a steering wheel (when installed to also work as a spinner). I wonder if it stays well enough on and still comes off easily  when you want to use the spinner. I wonder how much beating it will take seeing how the steering wheel will put more load on the bearings.

I think you've brought this up before. 

Well I brought up the point of durability considering the extra loads yes, but I was hoping someone else had something to say on the issue. Not that I'm doubting you, but it's good to see squirrellydw confirm your claims

I guess my first point wasn't entirely clear though. I was wondering how comfortable it is to use a wheel that's almost horizontal (as it will be in the same orientation as the spinner knob).

[Donkey_Kong]

I was wondering about this wheel. That it looks nice is fine, does it really work?

I just see so many things go wrong with it that I'm afraid to buy it and then never use it. It's a pretty expensive thing just to try. Guess I should look for a review.

Biggest concerns for me would be that it's in the wrong orientation for use as a steering wheel (when installed to also work as a spinner). I wonder if it stays well enough on and still comes off easily  when you want to use the spinner. I wonder how much beating it will take seeing how the steering wheel will put more load on the bearings.

I think you've brought this up before. 

Well I brought up the point of durability considering the extra loads yes, but I was hoping someone else had something to say on the issue. Not that I'm doubting you, but it's good to see squirrellydw confirm your claims

I guess my first point wasn't entirely clear though. I was wondering how comfortable it is to use a wheel that's almost horizontal (as it will be in the same orientation as the spinner knob).

It isn't a bad feel at all. The flat or horizontal look is kinda blah in my opinion though. This is why I mounted my TT2 on my test panel at just the slightest angle to give it a slight pitch forward. It turned out pretty cool for look and function. I will be doing this again on my actual CP.


As far as cost...$30 for a cool mini steering wheel seems like a pretty good deal to me.  The thing is built very well. It feels  about like $30 in the hand. The TT2 with mini racer wheel and Token Knob are still my favorite additions to my mame project.

[FrizzleFried]

I have one on the way (thank you Squirl...did  you buy two?)....

I'll post a review when I get my mits on it.

[squirrellydw]

I have one on the way (thank you Squirl...did  you buy two?)....

I'll post a review when I get my mits on it.

yes, I bought two.  The one I sold you is the first version Randy came out with and I wanted them to both match.

[patrickl]

As far as cost...$30 for a cool mini steering wheel seems like a pretty good deal to me. 

Indeed, that's why I'm interested and because it would be easily removable. On the other hand if it's something I would never use then it would still be a waste. I have so much arcade stuff laying around already that in the end I just bought to try out and don't feel like using or something better came along

[Havok]

I have so much arcade stuff laying around already that in the end I just bought to try out and don't feel like using or something better came along

Why don't you sell it? There's a great place to do that right here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/board,2.0.html

 

[patrickl]

LOL, yeah. I keep thinking about selling parts, but then maybe I will rethink and need it in the future anyway ...