Logitech G RS50 Review: Direct Drive Without the PRO Price
Buy it if you want Logitech direct drive and console support for $370 less than the PRO and can live with 8 Nm peak instead of 11. Skip it if pedals are not already budgeted, because like the PRO this is a base, a hub and a rim with nothing to press.
Eight newton metres peak, console support, and a rim you may want to swap.
Logitech G RS50 Direct Drive Racing Wheel, Hub and Base
Around $630
An 8 Nm peak direct drive base with TRUEFORCE, a 13-button RS hub with integrated quick release and an 11-inch round rim.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Torque | 8 Nm peak |
|---|---|
| Feedback | TRUEFORCE |
| Hub | 13 console-specific buttons, adjustable paddle shifters up to 12mm rim width, integrated quick release |
| Rim | 11-inch round, high-performance silicone leather |
| In the box | Base, hub, round wheel, power supply, USB cable, table clamp, desk and rig mounting hardware |
| Platforms | PS5, PS4 and Windows 10 or 11 |
| Rim compatibility | Racing Series, PRO Series and Logitech G x MOMO wheels |
Specifications above come from Logitech's published product specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- Direct drive with PlayStation support at a price that is not a stretch from a mid-range belt wheel.
- The integrated quick release makes rim swapping a genuine option rather than a chore.
- A table clamp and rig hardware are both in the box, which is not always true at this price.
- TRUEFORCE carries over from the PRO, so supported titles feel the same.
- An 11-inch round rim is the right shape for rally and drift, where quick hand-over-hand rotation matters.
Where it falls short
- Eight newton metres is a peak figure, not a constant one. Sustained torque under load is lower, which is normal and worth knowing before you compare it against a base quoting constant torque.
- No pedals. Budget $150 to $370 more for something with a load cell brake.
- The round rim is a poor shape for formula cars, so a second rim is likely if you race open wheel.
- The rim ecosystem is Logitech only, which is narrower than Fanatec or MOZA.
- At $630 the PC-only competition offers 9 to 12 Nm for less, so this price is buying console support as much as torque.
What owners report
Owners moving up from a G923 describe the difference as immediate and larger than the torque numbers suggest, which is what direct drive usually does. The quick release and the in-box mounting hardware are repeatedly named as things that made setup painless. The recurring criticisms are the round rim shape for formula racing and the total cost once pedals are added.
The comparison to read is Logitech RS50 vs G PRO Racing Wheel, and if you are cross-shopping brands, Logitech vs Thrustmaster covers the ecosystem question. Check the mounting your desk or rig can actually support with the wheelbase torque calculator.
Who it suits
- PlayStation racers upgrading from a G29 or G923.
- Drivers who want direct drive without a $1,000 base.
- Rally and drift players, where the round rim suits the driving.
- Buyers who want a clamp option because a full rig is not yet in the plan.
Who should skip it
- Formula racers, who will want a different rim shape immediately.
- PC only racers, who get more torque per dollar from MOZA or Fanatec.
- Anyone whose total budget stops at the wheel, since pedals are extra.
Alternatives worth considering
Logitech G PRO Racing Direct Drive Wheel, Hub and Base
Around $1,000
11 Nm instead of 8, magnetic hall-effect paddles, dual analog clutches and an OLED settings display. The same ecosystem with more of everything.
Check price on AmazonThrustmaster T598 Direct Drive Racing Wheel and Pedal Set
Around $466
Less torque at 5 Nm constant, and it includes pedals, which makes the complete setup cheaper than the RS50 alone.
Check price on AmazonLogitech G RS Sim Racing Pedals with 75 kg Load Cell Brake
Around $150
The matching pedal set with a load cell brake, which is the upgrade that finds lap time rather than the one that feels good in the hands.
Check price on AmazonKeep reading
- Logitech RS50 vs G PRO Racing Wheel
- Direct drive vs belt drive
- Wheelbase torque calculator
- Best direct drive wheelbases
- Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel review
- Logitech G923 review
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RS50 or the G PRO the better buy?
The RS50 for most people. Eight peak newton metres against eleven is a smaller difference in feel than $370 is in money, and the pedals you still need cost about the same either way. The PRO earns its price on the paddles, clutches and OLED rather than on torque alone.
Does the Logitech RS50 come with pedals?
No. The box includes the base, hub, round wheel, power supply, USB cable, clamp and mounting hardware. Pedals are a separate purchase, and a load cell brake is the version worth buying.
What does 8 Nm peak actually mean?
Peak torque is the maximum the motor produces briefly, not what it holds continuously. Some manufacturers quote constant torque instead, so comparing a peak figure against a constant one flatters the peak. Judge bases by feel and by reviews rather than by the headline number alone.
Can you use other wheels with the RS50?
Yes, within Logitech's own ecosystem. Logitech lists compatibility with its Racing Series, PRO Series and Logitech G x MOMO wheels through the integrated quick release. Rims from other brands are not part of that list.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, documented torque and travel figures, and verified owner reviews. We do not test gear in person. Everything here is researched guidance, not professional installation advice. Direct drive wheelbases produce enough torque to injure a wrist, and rig hardware carries real weight, so follow the manufacturer's mounting and torque limits.
Planning your own rig on paper first? The Sim Rig Build Planner is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.