To Suede or Not to Suede, That is the Question.
#1
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To Suede or Not to Suede, That is the Question.
I have been on the fence as to what steering wheel I should get. I really want a suede wheel because well, I just want it. But am I being silly? Does it make the driving experience that much better? If I occasionally drive the car without gloves, is that a problem?
As you may know, I spend a lot of my time at the drag strip where suede is not really necessary. However, I am building the car so I can do as many track days as I can afford. My track day friends list is growing.
The car is in no way a street car. However, I think I will register the car and drive it on occasion to various car gatherings.
As you may know, I spend a lot of my time at the drag strip where suede is not really necessary. However, I am building the car so I can do as many track days as I can afford. My track day friends list is growing.
The car is in no way a street car. However, I think I will register the car and drive it on occasion to various car gatherings.
#4
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My current wheel is suede. Wasn't a problem when new but over time is gradually accumulates dirt and grime - to the point that when I drive without gloves (to/from the track) my hands get dirty from the wheel now. There's probably some sort of cleaning product for suede that would solve this issue for me, but there's just been 100 other things on the list above that...
Feel-wise though, it's the ****.
-Ryan
Feel-wise though, it's the ****.
-Ryan
#11
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The perforated leather on my Momo is fine with and without gloves. Grip has never been an issue. And your grip strength is arguably stronger than mine due to the amount of physical labor you do with your hands. So either would probably work fine.
I store my wheel in the house and out of the humidity.
I store my wheel in the house and out of the humidity.
#12
echo what sixshooter said. I have a perforated leather momo competition in my track car that gets street driven to the track. If my car were track (glove use) only I'd have a momo mod 78 in it.
I've had m sport wheels in previous bimmer street cars. The secret to keeping the suede in good condition and not matted down/shiney is a sweater lint shaver and a metal wife brush.
I've had m sport wheels in previous bimmer street cars. The secret to keeping the suede in good condition and not matted down/shiney is a sweater lint shaver and a metal wife brush.
#14
I've used a Momo team in my car many a hot-humid-summers without AC and never had issues with grip.
For taller miata owners, it's hard to beat this wheel as the size and slight off-center steering axis frees up TONS of room around the knees.
This said, I do love the look/feel of a brand new suede wheel.
-Zach
For taller miata owners, it's hard to beat this wheel as the size and slight off-center steering axis frees up TONS of room around the knees.
This said, I do love the look/feel of a brand new suede wheel.
-Zach
#15
I wonder why no aftermarket steering wheels are made with a product such as Ultrasuede or Alcantara? I have sat in a seat that had some custom Ultrasuede sections sewn in to the leather, it has amazing grip, doesn't deteriorate like suede, and it was years old and didn't show any signs of age, except he said it used to be a little darker.
#16
The only time I drove a car with a suede wheel the owner noted its "always dirty", but it makes more sense that it is the actual leather coming off.
I wonder why no aftermarket steering wheels are made with a product such as Ultrasuede or Alcantara? I have sat in a seat that had some custom Ultrasuede sections sewn in to the leather, it has amazing grip, doesn't deteriorate like suede, and it was years old and didn't show any signs of age, except he said it used to be a little darker.
I wonder why no aftermarket steering wheels are made with a product such as Ultrasuede or Alcantara? I have sat in a seat that had some custom Ultrasuede sections sewn in to the leather, it has amazing grip, doesn't deteriorate like suede, and it was years old and didn't show any signs of age, except he said it used to be a little darker.