32 replies to this topic

[fotostars]

I am using a 310mm diameter (Sparco 310) and it is too small. My thumbs hurt after the race...

What do you use? diameter / brand / model ?

Thanks!

[Jim Boemler]

I found I like the stock diameter best, mostly because I glance at the gauges habitually, and having them covered by a smaller wheel was a distraction.

[davew]

Of all the wheels I sell, the most popular size is either 320 mm (12.6 inches) or a 13 inch wheel. If your thumbs hurt, it is not the wheel being too small. You are probably to close or too far from the wheel. Or pushing the wheel, rather than pulling it. i.e. left hand does most of the work in left hand corners. Thumbs should not be stressed at all.

The most comfortable wheel I have found is a Personal brand 320mm. They are also the most expensive.

Dave

[Doug007]

Stock gauges? What are those good for? I use a shift light and have oil press and water temp in the center console so no need to look through the wheel.

If your thumbs are sore you are probably hooking them over the spokes and using them too much. Try placing your thumbs on the wheel itself (vertically) rather than hooking them and using your fingers and palms to apply the grip to the wheel.

[Gatoratty]

Change how you are holding the wheel. If you take a hard impact you will break your thumb or your wrist.

(null)

[Jim Boemler]

It doesn't take a hard impact -- even a rut at the edge of the track can jerk the wheel enough to wrench your thumb. Mine didn't break, but it was in pain for a month.

[Alberto]

Regarding size, I've used the small wheels and don't like them. I like the 13" / 350mm wheels. Personal preference.

As for brands, I prefer the various Momo wheels that I have tried since they tend to be thicker than the the various Sparco wheels that I have tried. I'm currently using a Momo Commando which I bought for $50 w/ a Momo hub used.

The next steering wheel I get for the race car will be a suede one. The leather wheels can be a little slippery when wearing gloves.

Regarding positioning, I have changed the steering wheel hub and used steering wheel spacers to get the wheel at the proper distance/location to my arms and body. Took about 6 races driving the car at various tracks to figure out what worked best for me. DaveW at Advanced-Autosports carries the steering wheel spacers and such.

[Keith Novak]

I bought a NRG that is a knock-off of the Personal suede to try out a smaller size. I get better hand to thigh clearance with a smaller wheel and it helps my right shoulder which has some mobility issues due to past injuries but I do notice the additional steering effort. I like horizontal spokes also since I put my AIM display where the cluster was.

[Alberto]

I do like, no make that love, the NRG quick release. It's awesome. Nice and tight feeling w/ no perceptible slop.

[cpdenis]

I have the MOMO Mod 07 350mm its got a 70mm dish so it clears my knees and brings it closer to me. R1905/35S
Alberto, the replacement for the Commando is the Mod.88 in 350. R1988/35S. Its the same but just in Suede. I believe that's the one Drago has in one of his cars.
CP

[DrDomm]

I ordered a Momo Mod 80...but they sent a Momo Mod 78. Still a nice wheel. Momo lists it as 350mm, but I measured it at 340mm. Suede.

[Jim Drago]

I do like, no make that love, the NRG quick release. It's awesome. Nice and tight feeling w/ no perceptible slop.

That is all we use now for awhile, they are really nice!

[dstevens]

Change how you are holding the wheel. If you take a hard impact you will break your thumb or your wrist.

(null)

Yep, one of the first things they teach in racing school like Skippy or Russell and to let go of the wheel just prior to a hard front end impact. I've got a Sparco 310 from the shifter and a Sweet Mfg quick release. Pit Fit gave me a series of hand exercises to do to minimized joint pain and build hand muscle endurance. They are garden variety hand exercises, nothing special but they work.

[Dave Lewis]

Personal 320mm.

[trimless]

That is all we use now for awhile, they are really nice!

Jim, do you have a part number for the NRG quick release? I got dizzy looking at all of the variety they offer on the web site.

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Jim, do you have a part number for the NRG quick release? I got dizzy looking at all of the variety they offer on the web site.

I have been using this one "NRG Quick Release Gen 2.5 SRK250". It seems well made and I haven't had any issues.

This is the QR here: http://new.getnrg.co...ts/gen-2.5/feed. I use it with a MOMO hub adapter and a 1" space for me. Shorter drivers might want a smaller extension...

[Alberto]

I got the NRG 2.5 also. I got mine on Amazon with credit card points.

http://www.amazon.co...29945208&sr=8-1

I also used a regular Momo hub adaptor. The NRG short hub put the wheel too far away for my seating position. Its in the garage gathering dust if anyone is looking for a used one. I have pics somewhere....

[Ernie Jr.]

We all use the MOMO Mod 78, but in my new B-Spec we are going to use the OMP Targa.

[Bighec]

We all use the MOMO Mod 78.

 

Momo 78 is where it's at in my opinion. Comfortable, big, and ergo...

[Cy Peake]

Momo Mod 78 here.