Yesterday I had the luck to attend one of those events that makes you think, “why didn’t I bring a bigger notebook?” Logitech unveiled its new toys right in the center of Madrid, and they didn’t just show them… they let us try them!
Spoiler: there were pleasant surprises, a couple of “meh” moments, and plenty of chances to draw fast conclusions between throttle stabs and heavy braking.
The Papaya Mirage of McLaren
Let’s start with what had me most hyped: the collaboration with McLaren.
Front and center was the RS Fórmula Wheel McLaren Racing Edition. A name that sounds like the sequel to a sci-fi saga, but in the end it’s “just” a rim you connect to the RS hub to build your Formula-style wheel.
I saw it, touched it, but couldn’t test it. And yes, I was secretly hoping for a full-blown F1 replica: a dashboard, a galaxy of buttons, blinking lights the whole cockpit vibe. Not this time. It looks good, the grips have that magic rubber feel, but no fireworks.
They do round it out with a special-edition headset and even a Formula-style playseat/cockpit in that unmistakable papaya color. Just the shade alone makes you crave a smoothie.
The Pedals That Think They’re Powerlifters
Here’s where things got interesting: the pedals.
For €150, Logitech steps into the ring with the big mid-range names, offering load cell pedals rated at 75 kg. In other words, you can train leg day while braking.
What I liked: they’re steel, feel robust, and they have a clever trick you can brace them vertically against a wall for those playing at a desk. Brilliant, because we’ve all suffered that moment when the pedal decides to go on a field trip under the table.
Now, first impression: a bit soft for my taste. To be fair, we’re talking quick demo runs ten minutes of Forza Motorsport at an event, no time to deep-dive into software tuning. I do wish for more elastomers with different hardness levels; beyond shortening travel with the included hard stops, having varied firmness would be awesome.
Fingers crossed for optional kits or community mods.
Main Course: The RS50 Direct Drive
Hat tip time: the new RS50 Direct Drive.
An 8 Nm motor that jumps straight into the ring with the fan favorites and at a price that makes you go, “wait, is this real?”
- PC version: €300
- PC + PlayStation version: €400
- Xbox: use a compatible rim and you’re set
Short test, solid first impression. There’s a front display for quick adjustments, you can see pedal inputs, and the best part: it’s compatible with the existing ecosystem thanks to the Racing Adapter.
If you already own Logitech gear, you won’t be staring into the void.
The move to launch an 8 Nm base instead of a lighter 5 Nm “pure entry level” surprised me. I half expected a spiritual successor to the classic belt-drive era, but nope they went bigger. And honestly, I’m here for it.
Takeaways
- The McLaren rim, while handsome, left me wanting a bit more “wow factor”.
- The pedals look promising but would benefit from more elastomer options to fine-tune feel.
- The RS50 base might be the product that shakes up the market given its price-to-performance promise.
In the end, the pricing is so compelling that if it’s even moderately good, it’ll be a hit. And yes, I’m itching to put it through its paces at home with my own sims and settings without a queue forming behind me.
See you on the track!
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