Although the SRW-S1 and Simraceway has a steep learning curve, it works very well once you have become accustomed to it. The motion detection is perfect and there is zero lag. The accelerator and brake paddles work very well however the gear change paddles require a 'long throw' and are hardly what you would describe as quick shift due to the actuation points which should be a lot shorter.

My major complaint of the SteelSeries SRW-S1 is that it simply feels unnatural holding it 'freehand'. With no fixed stand to attach it to a desk of other solid surface the wheel soon becomes tiresome to hold. For quick races it is great but competing in a 70 lap F1 race is out of the question as the pain that ensues becomes very uncomfortable. While the wheel itself if ergonomically sound, the manner with which is controlled is anything but because expecting someone to hold their arms out for such a lengthy period with no support can be troublesome. Indeed my shoulders initially ached after just 30 laps of F1 and both my shoulders and forearms ached the next day from trying to master my skills on Simraceway for a few hours the night previous. It would have perhaps been better to have the option of a stand with which to fix the wheel to, especially as there is a screw hole in the back seemingly for this purpose.



The SteelSeries SRW-S1 does however give the consumer the option of a very good, space conscious, affordable steering wheel and in that they should be applauded because having to hold the wheel freehand aside, the wheel is an excellent product and one which will certainly improve your track times and perception of realism. Perfect it isn't but it's certainly a viable option for those who want a steering wheel that doesn't cost the Earth nor require masses of desktop real estate and in that, SteelSeries have fulfilled their mission statement. They have created a very unique product which fills a gap in the market so if you are looking for a very good steering wheel, you will not get a better one for the price and thus the SteelSeries SRW-S1 comes highly commended with both our Silver and Creative awards.

Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to SteelSeries for providing today’s review sample.