GranTurgismo DPS-200 Carbon Fiber Decal Paddles
When we first reviewed the Logitech Driving Force GT, we thought it to be a fantastic bit of Tech. However there were some minor issues that affected the overall rating of the wheel. For example the pedals felt cheap and the lack of paddles sometimes made it hard to select the right gear. Well we needn’t worry any more, as accessory company GranTurgismo have got us covered. They make a range of different paddles that are meant to make it easier to change gear, as well as other accessories that improve the overall look of the wheel. We were lucky enough to receive a pair of DPS-200 Carbon Fibre Decals and are going to see what they’re like in this review.
Included in the DPS-200 paddle kit are 3 different items. As well as some information that will help later on in the installation process. Those 3 items are as follows: The two paddles, one for shifting upwards and one for shifting downwards. Some alcohol wipes, used for removing all the oil and grease off of the wheel. And some clear tape, used to stick on the existing paddles so that the plastic does not wear away. On the piece of paper that the kit comes with is a link to a video explaining and taking you through the installation process. (Here’s the link to that video http://granturgismo.com/vids_install.html) We do recommend watching it once before attempting to fit the paddles, then playing it again throughout the process.
First impressions of the paddles are very good. There are no sharp edges and the overall finish has been completed at a good standard. This means they feel comfortable in your hand and are not awkward or difficult to keep hold of. The DHB tape also means that the paddles are secure and very unlikely to ever fall off, however if you ever need to take them off, it is possible and no marks will be left on the wheel.
Granted when first fitted the paddles feel slightly odd, especially if you’ve been using the little buttons on the rear of the wheel for some time. We found it particularly strange on the F1 games as you have to press buttons on the wheel during races. However within 10-15 minutes you really start to get the hang of it, and eventually it becomes natural and instinctive.
But, if you’re still not convinced let me give you some facts that are sure to change your mind. In F1 2012, at the British Grand Prix I was predicted to qualify in 19th in the Williams, however with the addition of the paddles I managed 10th. My final result of the 25% race was 2nd. The following weekend at Germany I dominated the whole weekend. 1st in Practice, getting pole position and then winning the race. This was the same story for the next couple of races.
However it’s not just F1 that saw an improvement in results. Average times on GT5 decreased by around 3 seconds. This was very much the same with the PC sim rFactor, and even rally games such as WRC 3 and Dirt 3. We’ve yet to try it on other games such as Nascar and iRacing however we imagine that it won’t vary too much. They’re proven to decrease lap times, and increase consistency throughout races.
Let’s go over to the Pros and Cons. We’ll start with Cons, as little as there may be.
Cost: The paddles, as good as they may be, might be slightly on the expensive side for some people, especially if you live in Europe. However this is a small price to pay for the long term effectiveness that you’re buying into. If you’re a person who enters many iRacing championships, or just wants to impress/annihilate their friends these paddles are for you.
That’s all we could really think of. So let’s go over to the Pros
Effectiveness: These paddles are proven to decrease your lap times and increase your consistency throughout a race. They are also great during online championships, especially if you started without them, and then added them throughout the season. Your competitors won’t know what hit them!
Design: These paddles look and feel great. Possibly better existing paddles on other wheels, such as the G27. They’re just so comfortable, you don’t really notice them. Even after 44 laps at the legendary Belgium track Spa.
Installation: The guys at GranTurgismo really have made sure that the installation process is as easy as pie. The video is clear, as are the instructions. This really eliminates the chance of getting stuck.
Conclusion
The DPS-200 paddles are a fantastic accessory to a fantastic wheel. They are guaranteed to improve lap times and therefore increase your success rate. They may be a little on the exspensive side, however they are completely worth it if you’re looking for the extra lap time. Much research has gone into getting them perfect and that shows in the overall finish. These paddles are perfect for anyone who is looking to generally improve lap times, to start online racing or want to extract all that is possible from their wheel. They’re not really ideal for anyone who just wants a casual driving experience, prefers using automatic gears or the sequential shifter. Otherwise they are a must buy.
Here's a little more info, on how to find these fantastic products
Included in the DPS-200 paddle kit are 3 different items. As well as some information that will help later on in the installation process. Those 3 items are as follows: The two paddles, one for shifting upwards and one for shifting downwards. Some alcohol wipes, used for removing all the oil and grease off of the wheel. And some clear tape, used to stick on the existing paddles so that the plastic does not wear away. On the piece of paper that the kit comes with is a link to a video explaining and taking you through the installation process. (Here’s the link to that video http://granturgismo.com/vids_install.html) We do recommend watching it once before attempting to fit the paddles, then playing it again throughout the process.
First impressions of the paddles are very good. There are no sharp edges and the overall finish has been completed at a good standard. This means they feel comfortable in your hand and are not awkward or difficult to keep hold of. The DHB tape also means that the paddles are secure and very unlikely to ever fall off, however if you ever need to take them off, it is possible and no marks will be left on the wheel.
Granted when first fitted the paddles feel slightly odd, especially if you’ve been using the little buttons on the rear of the wheel for some time. We found it particularly strange on the F1 games as you have to press buttons on the wheel during races. However within 10-15 minutes you really start to get the hang of it, and eventually it becomes natural and instinctive.
But, if you’re still not convinced let me give you some facts that are sure to change your mind. In F1 2012, at the British Grand Prix I was predicted to qualify in 19th in the Williams, however with the addition of the paddles I managed 10th. My final result of the 25% race was 2nd. The following weekend at Germany I dominated the whole weekend. 1st in Practice, getting pole position and then winning the race. This was the same story for the next couple of races.
However it’s not just F1 that saw an improvement in results. Average times on GT5 decreased by around 3 seconds. This was very much the same with the PC sim rFactor, and even rally games such as WRC 3 and Dirt 3. We’ve yet to try it on other games such as Nascar and iRacing however we imagine that it won’t vary too much. They’re proven to decrease lap times, and increase consistency throughout races.
Let’s go over to the Pros and Cons. We’ll start with Cons, as little as there may be.
Cost: The paddles, as good as they may be, might be slightly on the expensive side for some people, especially if you live in Europe. However this is a small price to pay for the long term effectiveness that you’re buying into. If you’re a person who enters many iRacing championships, or just wants to impress/annihilate their friends these paddles are for you.
That’s all we could really think of. So let’s go over to the Pros
Effectiveness: These paddles are proven to decrease your lap times and increase your consistency throughout a race. They are also great during online championships, especially if you started without them, and then added them throughout the season. Your competitors won’t know what hit them!
Design: These paddles look and feel great. Possibly better existing paddles on other wheels, such as the G27. They’re just so comfortable, you don’t really notice them. Even after 44 laps at the legendary Belgium track Spa.
Installation: The guys at GranTurgismo really have made sure that the installation process is as easy as pie. The video is clear, as are the instructions. This really eliminates the chance of getting stuck.
Conclusion
The DPS-200 paddles are a fantastic accessory to a fantastic wheel. They are guaranteed to improve lap times and therefore increase your success rate. They may be a little on the exspensive side, however they are completely worth it if you’re looking for the extra lap time. Much research has gone into getting them perfect and that shows in the overall finish. These paddles are perfect for anyone who is looking to generally improve lap times, to start online racing or want to extract all that is possible from their wheel. They’re not really ideal for anyone who just wants a casual driving experience, prefers using automatic gears or the sequential shifter. Otherwise they are a must buy.
Here's a little more info, on how to find these fantastic products
|
|