Despite often being overlooked by beginner drivers, the steering wheel dish is essential to your driving experience. A deep dish steering wheel is suitable for drifting or racing cars since it keeps drivers’ fingers far from signal stalks. However, while driving a road car, one may find it annoying to reach the blinkers constantly. A deep dish steering wheel also makes getting in and out of a vehicle inconvenient as it is close to the driver. Yet, these drawbacks can be mitigated using spacers or features like a quick release.
Nardi
Nardi is widely known for its guaranteed Italian quality and utmost attention to detail. Enzo Ferrari himself preferred Nardi’s products over all other competitors! The company provides a wide range of stylish steering wheels, some of which are made of mahogany wood and reference classic racing cars. Others are designed specifically for motorsports and provide a revolutionary strong grip to drivers. Those are made of black perforated leather, with an all-time Nardi logo on the horn button.
NRG
A steering wheel cannot make your vehicle faster, of course, but its impact on racing cannot be underestimated. NRG’s deep-dish steering wheels are designed for racing, and racing is where they shine most. And their aggressive appearance, which would make any car look sports-oriented, is not the critical element here. What is of primary importance when it comes to NRG’s wheels is their unprecedented grip, guaranteed by top-quality leather. Their spokes are made of aluminium to ensure maximum performance and stylish looks.
Momo
Momo possesses over 50 years of experience in the automobile industry. The company’s steering wheels are widely used in NASCAR and European and Asian GP2 Championships. Momo provides a deep-dish suede steering wheel to guarantee its customers the utmost level of comfort. However, do not think that comfort comes at the cost of losing grip – Momo’s wheels are among the best for racing and keep proving their efficiency in multiple championships across the globe. The company’s deep dish racing steering wheel arrives at a minimalistic design, providing excellent quality and grip.
Sparco
Sparco is well known for its wide range of racing products, yet the company also offers some street decisions. Driving precision is the primary focus of the company, which has set a task for its engineers to develop steering wheels that ensure incredible grip and comfort. Sparco also guarantees a variety of customization possibilities for its products, such as depth regulation, multiple diameters and material choices. If you are searching for an ultimate solution for a racing track, consider a Sparco deep-dish steering wheel!
Deep-Dish Steering Wheel Buying Guide
Road transport handling is highly dependent on many factors. The main ones are the rubber’s condition and quality, the steering system’s serviceability, and the chassis configuration. Experienced drivers know that even accessories and driving attributes can significantly affect the driving experience, and the deep-dish steering wheel is no exception. The standard steering wheels of many cars are not so convenient in contrast to the advanced models. The latter has many additional features, an excellent design, and provides a light and secure grip. So, what should you pay attention to when selecting the best deep-dish steering wheel?
The main advantage of the dish steering wheels is that they minimize contact with blinkers during racing. Yet, they are complemented with a comfortable position for driving and spokes kept away from your fingers. However, many beginner drivers need help choosing and installing such wheels into their vehicles. And that’s no wonder – finding a perfect choice suitable for your automobile is not easy. Multiple options and technical details might be overlooked while searching for the steering wheel of your dreams. However, remembering the information from the paragraphs below would help you make a calculated decision and a purchase you will not regret!
Tuning or New Dish Steering Wheel?
Sometimes, you do not have to purchase a new deep-dish steering wheel; you can quickly go with the tuning. Buying the best deep-dish steering wheel is strictly necessary only when the old one seems too uncomfortable and does not provide clear “contact” with the vehicle.
The car’s steering wheel does not have to be too large – it should not be right on the driver’s knees or require maximum reach if there is an adjustment mechanism. If you have not encountered all of the above problems, replacing the steering wheel is not critical. Otherwise, having a new wheel for your vehicle is highly recommended. It is worth understanding its main characteristics before you start selecting the best deep-dish steering wheel.
So, you should pay attention to the following:
- Size (diameter);
- Fastener type;
- Form;
- Distance from the rim to the central fastener;
- Material;
- Additional functions.
Particular attention should be paid to the latter. Wheels with additional functions are called multi-steering wheels. They have a set of buttons allowing you to control various car mechanisms and devices, such as a radio tape recorder, mobile communications, and many others. There are even steering wheels with a touch control system. Let’s dive into detail to give you an idea of the best deep-dish steering wheel to pick.
Importance of the Diameter
Steering wheel size, also known as the diameter of the deep-dish steering wheel, directly affects steering comfort. The smaller the wheel diameter, the more effort you need to apply to it when driving. This is a particularly relevant parameter for vehicles without power steering. We do not recommend choosing too large a steering wheel. It can impair visibility or create an uncomfortable position for a driver who is right against his knees.
There are many sizes of handlebars, and it is customary to refer them to separate categories based on the standard sizes of the braids:
- S – The diameter is 310-370 mm. This is the size of many sports steering wheels.
- M – The diameter is 370-380 mm. This is the standard steering wheel size for a passenger car.
- L – The diameter is 380-420 mm. It is a non-standard steering wheel size for serial light vehicles.
- XL – The diameter is 420-430 mm. It is quite a standard size of the steering wheel of many crossovers and SUVs.
- XXL and XXXL – The diameter is 470 and 490 mm, respectively. It is a truck option.
Remember that this is only one of the categories accepted by sellers and motorists. There are many sizes, so it is worth focusing on the diameter. For example, you can find sports models with a steering wheel diameter of just 280 mm, and this does not even fit into the S category. As practice shows, S and M steering wheels are well-suited for passenger cars. If the vehicle has a hydraulic booster, the max steering wheel diameter can be 320-330 mm.
Most steering wheels arrive at a range between 300 and 400 mm in diameter if we are speaking of racing/road cars. There are, of course, exceptions, but these are the numbers you would typically encounter on the market. They are essential to the driving experience since you will have to carefully adjust the steering wheel size to your vehicle’s size and consider whether you prefer to look through the wheel or above it. Remember that getting in and out of the automobile can be uncomfortable if the wheel’s diameter is inappropriate.
Steering Wheel Form
A separate parameter of the steering wheel (related to its size) is the steering wheel shape. Of course, you have at least once seen the steering wheel of a sports car. It is either round or cut off. The classic shape of the handlebars is a circle, but the following wheels are also distinguished:
- Round with a flattened bottom, less often also the top;
- Top cut.
We recommend that you give preference to the classic round steering wheel. All motorists are used to it, and handling such a handlebar will not require adaptation. A cut-off steering wheel requires the abandonment of some steering techniques. A compromise solution is a flattened wheel, i.e. flat lower, sometimes lower, and upper sector. Otherwise, it is called a D-shaped wheel. Such a model will not be positioned right on the knees of the driver and limit visibility even if its diameter is close to the L or XL type.
Depth of the Dish
Once you’ve decided on the shape and diameter of your steering wheel, it’s time to consider the distance from the rim to the centre fastener – the depth of the dish. The dish is A distance from the wheel’s grip’s centre line to its mounting surface. The dish becomes particularly important when choosing between race/road driving since you need significantly different dish depths. The dish also determines how convenient it is to reach blinkers and other controls. And do not forget that a steering wheel overly close to a driver might prevent you from seeing the road and getting in and out of the car comfortably.
The considerable depth of the dish makes it more difficult for a driver to reach the paddles mounted on the steering column. Ideally, the petals should be directly behind the steering wheel so the driver does not have to pull the palm with the fingers open. Of course, the arrangement of petals can be solved by installing spacers and special adapters, but there is no need to do so if you can purchase a fitting steering wheel. As a rule, the minimal depth of the steering wheel is 370 mm. The main advantage of a dish steering wheel is that you can alter its position and install an airbag.
The Number of Spokes
Another critical parameter of a deep-dish steering wheel is the number of spokes. You can find 2-, 3- and 4-spoke steering wheels on the market. The classic version is a 3-spoke steering wheel. The number of spokes does not significantly affect your driving comfort and experience (although there is a dependence on your technique). Instead, it involves the aesthetics of the product. If this is your case, you should consider their shape, position, and thickness.
Grip Material
Material choice also depends on how you will be using the car. If you concentrate on its racing capabilities, Alcantara or similar material is for you since they guarantee a maximum grip. However, they get dirty rather quickly, so for casual driving, a leather/wooden grip would suit since they require less attention to cleaning. If you plan to use the car for racing, consider getting a pair of driving gloves to ensure a better grip and less dirt on the wheel.
Lost Functionality
Any car requires a horn to be driven on common roads, but racing steering wheels often do not include one. Choosing a deep-dish wheel over a usual one may also mean losing the comfort of a heated wheel, multiple buttons for volume/traction control, and other functions.
Highly Rated Brands
A steering wheel is one of the most essential elements of your driving experience, both at racing tracks and on familiar roads. Therefore, getting the best deep-dish steering wheel from a reliable company with a wide range of products and many satisfied clients is highly recommended. Consider such giants as Momo, NRG, Sparco, or Nardi. Additionally, pairing a quality steering wheel with a BMW scan tool for BMW enthusiasts ensures optimal vehicle performance and monitoring.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the best drifting solution, a deep-dish steering wheel is exactly what you need. It is also quite suitable for racing, yet not perfect for ordinary roads. If you are about to choose one, pay attention to its diameter, grip material, dish depth, and producing company.
FAQs
What is a Deep Dish Steering Wheel?
A Deep-Dish Steering Wheel features a deeper concave design, with the centre or “hub” set farther back from the outer rim. This style is famous for its ergonomic benefits and is commonly used in racing and performance vehicles. It provides a better grip and enhanced control during fast manoeuvres.
Why should I choose a Deep Dish Steering Wheel?
A Deep Dish Steering Wheel offers enhanced comfort and control, especially for performance drivers. Its deep-set design helps improve hand positioning and allows quicker, more precise steering inputs. It’s also a popular aesthetic choice for those looking to give their vehicle a more aggressive, sporty look.
Is a Deep Dish Steering Wheel compatible with my car?
Compatibility depends on your vehicle’s steering column. You will likely need an adapter or hub kit to install a Deep Dish Steering Wheel, as most steering wheels require specific fittings to match your car’s steering column. Always check with the manufacturer or a professional installer to ensure proper fitment.
Can I use a Deep Dish Steering Wheel for daily driving?
You can use a Deep Dish Steering Wheel for daily driving, but it is more suited for performance or track-oriented vehicles. Its design enhances control during aggressive driving, which may feel different from stock wheels in regular road conditions. Ensure it is properly installed and road-legal in your region before using it daily.
What materials are Deep Dish Steering Wheels made from?
Deep Dish Steering Wheels are typically made from high-quality materials like aluminium, carbon fibre, or steel for the frame. The rim can be covered with leather, suede, or synthetic materials, providing durability and comfort for the driver.