Choosing a sim racing wheel is the single most important investment you can make in the quality of your sim-racing experience. This is the definitive 2026 reference guide, condensing the findings of 4,020 Picar Channel videos. I map out 27 models, from the ¥16,000 HORI Racing Wheel Apex to the ¥400,000-plus Simucube 2 Ultimate, across five key criteria: budget, platform, major titles, FFB type, and expandability.
I built this guide so that everyone—from beginners who simply want to try a wheel to serious drivers who want to fully recreate F3-level steering—can find their answer here.
- I just want to try one as cheaply as possible (up to ¥20,000) → HORI Racing Wheel Apex (no FFB)
- I want the cheapest possible FFB (¥30,000–¥50,000) → Thrustmaster T150 / Logitech G29 shifter bundle
- A serious wheel in the ¥50,000 range → Thrustmaster T300RS (sometimes in the ¥30,000 range on sale)
- My first DD wheel (¥100,000–¥150,000) → Fanatec DD Pro (PS5) / CSL DD (PC-only, ¥47,000)
- The ultimate experience (¥200,000+) → DD Extreme / DD1 / DD2 / Simucube 2 Ultimate
- 1. The five key criteria for choosing a wheel
- 2. Quick recommendations by budget
- 3. Recommendations by platform
- 4. Recommendations by major title
- 5. How to choose an FFB system
- 6. What each manufacturer does best
- 7. Upgrade-path map
- 8. Important gear beyond the wheel
- 9. Seven common regrets and pitfalls
- 10. The principles Picar keeps returning to
- 11. FAQ
- 12. Related-article map (27 individual products + 3 games + 3 comparisons)
- 1. The verdict in 30 seconds
- 2. 1. The five key criteria for choosing a sim racing wheel
- 3. 2. Quick recommendations by budget
- 4. 3. Recommendations by platform
- 5. 4. Recommendations by major title
- 6. 5. How to choose an FFB system
- 7. 6. What each manufacturer does best
- 8. 7. Upgrade-path map
- 9. 8. Important gear beyond the wheel
- 10. 9. Seven common regrets and pitfalls
- 11. 10. The principles Picar keeps returning to
- 12. 11. FAQ
- 13. 12. Related-article map
- 14. Related videos (sources for this entire guide)
- 15. In closing: where this guide fits
- 16. Read next
The verdict in 30 seconds
Do not choose your first wheel on price alone. Factor in whether it has FFB, platform compatibility, your mounting environment, pedal configuration, and your future upgrade path. Narrow the field by budget first, then make the final call based on the games you play and how you plan to install it.
1. The five key criteria for choosing a sim racing wheel
Think through these five criteria and choosing a wheel becomes far less confusing.
To explore the options more broadly, also see my Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) review: Ver. 1.70, FFB, and VR and iRacing review: Is PC sim racing’s benchmark as close as it gets to real racing?.
| Criterion | Options | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Budget | ¥16,000 to ¥300,000+ | ★★★★★ (most important) |
| 2. Platform | PS5, PS4, PC. Xbox depends on the product or compatible wheel. | ★★★★★ (if you need PS5, DD2 / Simucube are out) |
| 3. Main titles | GT7 / iRacing / ACC / Forza / GT Sport | ★★★★ (the optimal wheel differs) |
| 4. FFB system | None / gear / belt / DD / DD + TRUEFORCE | ★★★★ (a qualitative difference in feel) |
| 5. Expandability and shifter | Bundled shifter / interchangeable rims / future V3 pedals, etc. | ★★★ (a long-term-investment consideration) |
2. Quick recommendations by budget
Up to ¥20,000 (graduating from a controller)
| Model | Price | FFB | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORI Racing Wheel Apex | Approx. ¥16,000 | None | The lowest-cost PS5 option—the first step beyond a controller |
The HORI Apex is a rare entry-level wheel that I have found to be usable even without FFB. It is practical for GT7, WRC10, ACC, and F1 2021. For more, see HORI Racing Wheel Apex review: Can your first step beyond a controller really cost just ¥16,000?.
¥20,000–¥50,000 (entry-level FFB)
| Model | Price | FFB | Shifter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T150 | Approx. ¥32,000 | Belt | — |
| Logitech G29 | Approx. ¥40,000 | Gear, 2.2 N·m | Sold separately / ¥60,000 bundle |
| Logitech G923 | Approx. ¥50,000 | Gear + TRUEFORCE | Sold separately (compatible with the G29 shifter) |
If you want to experience FFB at the lowest cost, choose the T150. For H-pattern driving with a shifter, get the G29 bundle (¥60,000). For Logitech’s newer generation, choose the G923. For more, see Entry-level wheel comparison: Choose your first wheel from the HORI Apex, T150, G29, G923, and T248.
¥50,000–¥100,000 (intermediate, and the gateway to serious hardware)
| Model | Price | FFB | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T248 | Approx. ¥55,000 | Hybrid | Built-in display and excellent FFB tuning |
| Thrustmaster T300RS | Approx. ¥50,000 (¥30,000 range on sale) | Belt | The standard model in this price range; also a staple for iRacing |
| Fanatec CSL DD | From approx. ¥47,000 (PC-only) | DD, 5/8 N·m | A DD revolution: “Ginza sushi at conveyor-belt-sushi prices” |
| Fanatec DD Pro | Approx. ¥90,000–¥120,000 | DD, 8 N·m | The standard entry-level PS5-compatible DD |
This is the range to cross the “for a little more, I could get DD” barrier. The modern answers are the CSL DD for PC-only use or the DD Pro for PS5 compatibility. For more, see All six Fanatec DD wheels compared: CSL DD, DD Pro, ClubSport DD, DD1, DD2, or DD Extreme?.
¥100,000–¥200,000 (mid-range and upper-tier DD)
| Model | Price | FFB | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T-GT II | Approx. ¥120,000 | Belt | Designed to produce fast GT7 lap times |
| Fanatec ClubSport DD | From ¥133,000 | DD, 12 N·m | Between the DD Pro and DD1 |
| Logicool G PRO Racing Wheel | Current official price ¥119,900 (regular ¥141,900; checked 2026/07/26) | DD + TRUEFORCE | Surpasses the DD Pro in GT7’s realism |
| MOZA R16 | — | DD, 16 N·m | MOZA’s high-end staple (a wheel I use) |
¥200,000+ (the ultimate tier)
| Model | Price | FFB | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fanatec DD Extreme | ¥178,790 (wheel-base bundle) | DD, 18 N·m | Fanatec’s strongest model officially distributed in Japan |
| MOZA R21 | — | DD, 21 N·m | MOZA flagship |
| Fanatec Podium DD1 | Approx. ¥220,000 | DD, 20 N·m | The strongest PS5-compatible option (watch availability) |
| Fanatec Podium DD2 | ¥200,000+ | DD, 25 N·m | The strongest PC-only option |
| Simucube 2 Sport / Pro / Ultimate | Approx. ¥200,000–¥400,000 | DD, 17/25/32 N·m | Professional-grade quality and F3-level reproduction |
| Cube Controls Formula Pro | — | — (rim) | A rim derived from an F1-team-approved simulator |
3. Recommendations by platform
| Platform | Lowest cost | Standard choice | Ultimate choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | HORI Apex (¥16,000) | DD Pro (¥100,000) | DD Extreme / DD1 (¥210,000–¥220,000) |
| PC-only | — | CSL DD (¥47,000) | DD2 / Simucube 2 Ultimate |
| Xbox | — | DD Pro (Xbox-compatible rim required) / MOZA R3 | DD Extreme / G PRO RW |
Important notes:
- PS5: The Fanatec DD Pro, DD Extreme, and PlayStation version of the Logicool G PRO Racing Wheel have official compatibility. Since the T-GT II is belt-driven, I do not include it in DD comparisons.
- PC-only wheels: CSL DD / DD2 / all Simucube models / all MOZA models (none work on PS5).
- Xbox: Many cases require a compatible rim. The MOZA R3 is available in an Xbox-compatible bundle.
4. Recommendations by major title
Gran Turismo 7 (GT7)
For richness of feeling, expressiveness, and compatibility with GT7, the Logicool G PRO Racing Wheel takes the win.
— From Picar Channel’s Which is GT7’s best DD wheel?
- 🥇 Logicool G PRO Racing Wheel (the peak of GT7 expression)
- 🥈 Fanatec DD Extreme (official GT collaboration, 18 N·m)
- 🥉 Thrustmaster T-GT II (easy to set fast times with)
- Standard choice: Fanatec DD Pro (best value)
iRacing
- 🥇 Fanatec CSL DD (the best PC-only value: “pro-spec for ¥68,000”)
- 🥈 Fanatec DD Pro / DD Extreme
- 🥉 Simucube 2 series (if you want the ultimate)
Gran Turismo SPORT
- 🥇 Thrustmaster T-GT II (GT Sport is optimized for Thrustmaster)
- Note: GT Sport supports PSVR, but moving to GT7 is the modern direction.
Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2025
Genki’s official test-environment hardware:
- Logicool G29 / G923 / G PRO
- Thrustmaster T300RS (used by Picar)
Forza Motorsport (PC version)
⚠️ The MOZA R21 has compatibility problems with the PC version. I recommend the Fanatec DD Pro (Xbox requires a Fanatec steering wheel with an Xbox license or a compatible hub).
Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC)
- 🥇 Fanatec CSL DD / DD Pro (serious GT3 racing on PC)
- The HORI Apex has also been found to be usable.
5. How to choose an FFB system
| System | Representative models | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| No FFB | HORI Apex | ¥16,000; your first step beyond a controller |
| Gear drive | G29 | 2.2 N·m; good value, but with gear noise |
| Belt drive | T300RS / T-GT II | Smooth, quiet, and expandable |
| Gear + TRUEFORCE | G923 / G PRO RW | Vibration detail and a highly game-focused feel |
| Direct drive | CSL DD / DD Pro / DD Extreme / R series / Simucube | Best response; direct road-surface information |
The direction of progress is clear: no FFB → gear → belt → DD. My consistent view is that once you experience DD, you cannot go back to a lower-drive system.
Because a DD (direct-drive) wheel has a motor driving the steering wheel directly, feedback from the road surface comes through with remarkable realism. Tamapocchi-san also seemed to feel the impact firsthand: after switching to DD, changes in the road surface became easier to understand and his amount of driving rose by 1.5 to two times.
— From Picar Channel’s What wheels and pedals do fast drivers use?
6. What each manufacturer does best
Fanatec (Germany) — king of the ecosystem
- Strength: A complete ecosystem of rims, pedals, shifters, and handbrakes
- Lineup: CSL DD / DD Pro / ClubSport DD / DD1 / DD2 / DD Extreme
- Philosophy: Started a DD revolution with “Ginza sushi at conveyor-belt-sushi prices”
- Caution: Availability of some models, including the DD1, can be unstable in Japan depending on the period.
Logitech G (United States) — established classics and a new generation
- Strength: The entry-level staples G29 / G923 and the high-end DD G PRO Racing Wheel
- Proprietary technology: TRUEFORCE, which directly connects to the game physics engine through high-frequency vibration
- Philosophy: Prioritizes “fun as a game”
Thrustmaster (France) — masters of FFB tuning
- Strength: Longstanding FFB-programming expertise and a shared pedal standard
- Lineup: T150 / T248 / T300RS / T-GT II / T818 / T598
- Philosophy: Wins not through raw hardware specifications but through the quality of its tuning
MOZA Racing (China) — professional-grade quality at exceptional value
- Strength: Precise motor-control technology originating in camera gimbals, plus value
- Lineup: R3 / R5 / R9 / R12 / R16 / R21 (a full six-model lineup)
- Philosophy: Recreates the car; even a light steering wheel can feel real
- Caution: Compatibility problems with the PC version of Forza Motorsport.
Simucube (Finland) — the peak of sim bases
- Strength: The OpenSimwheel system, professional-grade quality, and F3-level torque reproduction
- Lineup: 2 Sport / 2 Pro / 2 Ultimate / Tahko GT-21
- Philosophy: The ultimate option for setup enthusiasts
- Caution: I cannot recommend it as a first wheel.
HORI (Japan) — the entry-level standard
- Strength: The lowest-cost PS5 option and officially licensed by PlayStation
- Philosophy: The first step beyond a controller
Cube Controls (Italy) — approved by F1 teams
- Strength: The Formula Pro rim, made by a simulator developer for F1 teams
- Philosophy: So realistic that it is almost difficult to drive; aimed at serious users
7. Upgrade-path map
A sim racing wheel is gear you grow with. Here is the classic upgrade path:
| Stage | Models | Decision point |
|---|---|---|
| 0. Controller | DualSense (PS5) | For GT7, it can actually feel more like a real car |
| 1. ¥16,000 | HORI Apex | Learn wheel control without FFB |
| 2. ¥30,000–¥50,000 | T150 / G29 / G923 | Your entry point to FFB |
| 3. ¥50,000–¥100,000 | T300RS / CSL DD / DD Pro | Gateway to serious hardware; DD is another world |
| 4. ¥100,000–¥200,000 | G PRO RW / ClubSport DD / T-GT II / R16 | The optimal answer in each direction |
| 5. ¥200,000+ | DD Extreme / DD1 / DD2 / R21 / Simucube | The ultimate experience |
| 6. ¥400,000+ | Simucube 2 Ultimate | A world of full F3-level reproduction |
My recommendation is not to buy high-end hardware immediately; move up in stages. The jump to a DD wheel changes your whole perspective, making stages four and five the major fork in the road.
8. Important gear beyond the wheel
Pedals
- Position-sensing (potentiometer): Standard on the T150 / T300RS / DD Pro
- Load-cell: V3 Pedals / CSL Elite Pedals LC / Heusinkveld Sprint / TLCM
- Hydraulic: The very top tier (Asetek SimSports, etc.)
Moving to a load-cell pedal can sometimes make a bigger felt difference than moving to a DD wheel. The CSL Elite Pedals LC (around ¥30,000) are a staple among fast sim racers.
Shifters
- H-pattern: Driving Force Shifter for G29 / Fanatec ClubSport SQ / Thrustmaster TH8A / MOZA HGP
- Sequential: Available from each manufacturer; simple forward-and-back operation
- Paddles: Standard on the wheel itself
Rims (steering wheels)
- Road-car and GT3 styles: Fanatec BMW / Porsche / Ferrari rims, MOZA round rims
- F1 / formula styles: Fanatec McLaren / Cube Controls Formula Pro / GT-specific steering wheels
- Quick Release 2 (QR2): Standard on the DD Extreme; its added rigidity raises the car-like quality by one or two levels
Rigs and cockpits
- Aluminum-profile (8020-type): Sim-Lab / Trak Racer / GT Omega, etc.
- Motion-compatible: Next Level Racing, etc.
9. Seven common regrets and pitfalls
- Missing the “for a little more, I could get DD” threshold — The gap between a T248 (¥55,000) or G923 (¥50,000) and a CSL DD Pro (¥90,000) is about ¥35,000. Cross that line and the experience changes dramatically.
- The G29 pedal is too light — Its brake pedal is light enough that modification, such as adding rubber, is practically assumed.
- MOZA R21 + PC Forza Motorsport incompatibility — The FFB is a mess. Check game compatibility before buying.
- Simucube’s setup is highly technical — I cannot recommend it as your first wheel.
- Quick release sold separately for DD2 / DD1 — There have been cases of people receiving their product and discovering no quick release was included.
- Logitech G923 price inflation — It started at ¥32,000 and is now around ¥50,000. Compare it with a sale-priced T300RS.
- Mistaking “the strongest” for “the fastest” — Even against the DD1 / DD Extreme, the T-GT II can produce easier GT7 lap times.
10. The principles Picar keeps returning to
“It is important to adapt to the differences between simulators.”
Rather than fixating on whether something is close to reality, it is important to adapt to the behavioral differences between simulators. For example, Gran Turismo and another simulator such as iRacing differ in car behavior and driving feel, and each simulator has its own characteristics.
— From Picar Channel’s Can Gran Turismo 7 be enjoyed with a controller?
“5–8 N·m is enough torque for actual driving.”
Even when using a Simucube 2 Sport (around 17 N·m), I feel that around 7 N·m—and sometimes around 5 N·m—is sufficient torque while actually playing. In a real car with power steering, you almost never need as much as 5 N·m of force.
— From Picar Channel’s A high-performance, low-cost CSL DD wheel is launching
“Strongest” does not mean “fastest.”
Conclusion: The Thrustmaster T-GT II has the advantage if you want lap times. “It is easier to set a time with the Thrustmaster T-GT II than with the Fanatec Podium DD1.” Fanatec wins for realistic operation and material quality, but as a man-machine interface—at the task of driving a car quickly—the T-GT II is superior.
— From Picar Channel’s GT7’s fastest wheel: National Sports Festival time attack
11. FAQ
Q1. What should a complete beginner buy?
A. There are three choices by budget: HORI Apex at ¥16,000; T150 or a sale-priced T300RS in the ¥30,000 range; or DD Pro if you can spend ¥90,000. Whether you want FFB is the first fork in the road.
Q2. I want a DD wheel for PS5.
A. Your candidates are the Fanatec DD Pro / DD Extreme / PlayStation version of the Logicool G PRO Racing Wheel. See PS5-compatible DD wheels compared: How to choose between the DD Pro, DD Extreme, and G PRO RW.
Q3. What is best for PC-only use?
A. The CSL DD below ¥50,000; the DD2 or Simucube 2 Ultimate above ¥200,000. Following my “5–8 N·m is enough for actual driving” principle, the CSL DD covers most needs.
Q4. Is no FFB really okay?
A. Yes. Following my view that you do not feel strong FFB even in real power-steering cars, the HORI Apex is fully playable in GT7, WRC10, and ACC. Upgrade to the T150 or T300RS when you decide you want FFB.
Q5. I want an H-pattern shifter bundle.
A. The Logitech G29 shifter bundle (¥60,000) is the cheapest route. The Fanatec ClubSport SQ and MOZA HGP are for more serious users.
Q6. Can I buy pedals separately?
A. Yes. The CSL Elite Pedals LC (around ¥30,000, load-cell) are a standard upgrade for fast sim racers. Keeping your wheel base, such as a T300RS or G29, while improving the pedals is a valid strategy.
Q7. I want to fully recreate F1 / F2 / F3.
A. F3 requires around 30 N·m of torque, and the Simucube 2 Ultimate (32 N·m) is the answer. Even the Fanatec DD2 / DD1 (20–25 N·m) do not reach that territory.
Q8. What should I buy if I simply cannot decide?
A. If I have to name one, it is the Fanatec DD Pro. It is a full set for ¥100,000–¥150,000, compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC, and it is the gateway to the Fanatec ecosystem. Xbox requires a Fanatec steering wheel with an Xbox license or a compatible hub. Its value, performance, and expandability are all well balanced, making it the leading choice that is least likely to disappoint.
12. Related-article map
From this guide, you can move on to individual reviews and comparison articles.
📦 Individual device reviews (27 models)
Fanatec DD family (6 models)
- Fanatec CSL DD review: Is ¥47,000 enough to enter DD for PC users? (PC-only, ¥47,000)
- Fanatec GT DD Pro assessed through past videos: 8 N·m and PS5 compatibility (PS5-compatible, ¥90,000–¥120,000; standard model)
- Fanatec ClubSport DD / DD+ explained: The difference between 12 N·m and 18 N·m (mid-range, ¥133,000)
- Fanatec GT DD Extreme assessed through past videos: The current 18 N·m model (¥178,790; the strongest officially distributed option in Japan)
- Fanatec Podium DD1 review: Is the strongest PS5-compatible DD worth a ¥270,000 investment? (approx. ¥220,000)
- Fanatec Podium DD2 review: Does the PC-only 25 N·m DD deliver the ultimate experience? (the strongest PC-only option)
Fanatec other (1 model)
- Fanatec CSL Elite review: The base has been replaced, but are its load-cell pedals still among the best? (previous generation; LC pedals are still a key option)
Logitech G family (3 models)
- Logitech G29 review: At ¥60,000 with a shifter, is the classic wheel still worth buying? (the established classic)
- Logitech G923 review: Did the G29 successor evolve with TRUEFORCE? (G29 successor; TRUEFORCE)
- Logicool G PRO Racing Wheel assessed through past videos: 11 N·m (the peak of GT7 expression)
Thrustmaster family (5 models)
- Thrustmaster T150 review: Is the ¥32,000 entry-level FFB wheel still worth buying? (lowest-cost FFB)
- Thrustmaster T248 review: Should you buy this higher-tier entry FFB wheel before stepping up to a CSL DD Pro? (built-in display)
- Thrustmaster T300RS review: Is the standard wheel in the ¥50,000 range still worth buying? (the ¥50,000-range standard)
- Thrustmaster T-GT II review: The ultimate belt-drive wheel that is faster than the DD1 in GT7? (best GT7 lap times)
- Thrustmaster T818 review: Is the brand’s first PC-only DD wheel the answer to a real-car-like feel? (PC-only DD)
MOZA Racing family (6 models)
- MOZA R3 review: Is MOZA’s Xbox-compatible entry DD valuable with an F1 steering wheel? (Xbox-compatible entry model)
- MOZA R5 review: An entry DD sold as a set that delivers professional quality at a very low price (exceptional set value)
- MOZA R9 review: Can MOZA’s mid-range model win a same-price contest with the Logitech G PRO? (a same-price G PRO showdown)
- MOZA R12 review: The true evolution of the R9, delivering realism even with a light wheel through the KS Steering Wheel (KS Steering Wheel combination)
- MOZA R16 review: Does MOZA’s high-end staple retain its value after the R21? (the high-end model Picar uses)
- MOZA R21 review: Does MOZA’s flagship 21 N·m DD reproduce the rubbery feel of a real car? (flagship 21 N·m)
Simucube family (4 models)
- Simucube 2 Sport review: Does Simucube’s 17 N·m entry model fully cover the practical range? (17 N·m entry model)
- Simucube 2 Pro review: Is this 25 N·m-class middle ground between Sport and Ultimate the mid-tier sweet spot? (25 N·m mid-range)
- Simucube 2 Ultimate review: Can the ¥400,000 sim-base pinnacle reproduce all the way to F3 level? (32 N·m flagship)
- Simucube Tahko GT-21 review: Where this Simucube expansion model fits
Other (2 models)
- HORI Racing Wheel Apex review: Can your first step beyond a controller really cost just ¥16,000? (lowest-cost PS5 option)
- Cube Controls Formula Pro review: The pinnacle of F1 rims from an F1-team-approved simulator (top-tier F1 rim)
🎮 Game reviews (3 titles)
- Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) review: Ver. 1.70, FFB, and VR (the peak of simcade)
- Gran Turismo SPORT review: Is GT7’s predecessor still worth playing? (GT7’s predecessor; PSVR compatible)
- iRacing review: Is PC sim racing’s benchmark as close as it gets to real racing? (the peak of serious PC sim racing)
🆚 Comparison articles (3)
- PS5-compatible DD wheels compared: How to choose between the DD Pro, DD Extreme, and G PRO RW (DD Pro / DD Extreme / G PRO RW)
- Entry-level wheel comparison: Choose your first wheel from the HORI Apex, T150, G29, G923, and T248 (HORI Apex / T150 / G29 / G923 / T248)
- All six Fanatec DD wheels compared: CSL DD, DD Pro, ClubSport DD, DD1, DD2, or DD Extreme?
📚 Picar Channel Blog sim racing wheel article library
This guide is the gateway to all 33 articles. For detailed reviews and comparisons of individual models, please see the respective articles.
Related videos (sources for this entire guide)
- [Gran Turismo 7] Reviewing all nine compatible sim racing wheels
- This is the sim racing wheel to buy (CSL DD Pro arrives)
- Which is GT7’s best DD wheel?
- A high-performance, low-cost CSL DD wheel is launching
- GT7’s fastest wheel: National Sports Festival time attack
- Recommended: The complete sim racing wheel guide for GT7, PC, and real cars
- New DDPRO wheel review roundup
In closing: where this guide fits
This guide is the big picture of sim racing wheel selection, based on the findings of 4,020 Picar Channel videos. Detailed individual reviews and comparisons are covered in their own articles; this article is designed to be your entry point for finding the one wheel that suits you best.
A sim racing wheel is an expensive purchase that you will use for a long time. That is why I want you to make a choice you will not regret. I hope this guide helps, even a little.
Your sim-racing experience starts with choosing your gear. Whether you are buying your first wheel or making your fifth upgrade, use this guide as one source for your decision.
May 8, 2026 edition / Picar Channel Blog definitive reference
