{"id":1487,"date":"2025-05-10T23:28:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T23:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/braketrace.com\/?p=1487"},"modified":"2025-05-16T21:22:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T21:22:20","slug":"thrustmaster-buyers-guide-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/braketrace.com\/?p=1487","title":{"rendered":"Thrustmaster Buyers Guide 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thrustmaster was a force to be reckoned with in the budget and mid-range sim wheel market back in the early 2010s.<\/h1>\n

Thrustmaster was a force to be reckoned with in the budget and mid-range sim wheel market back in the early 2010s. They were almost the de facto choice for anyone who didn\u2019t want to spend the money on Fanatec\u2019s high-end CSW wheels and wanted something with a bit more oomph than the Logitech G29.<\/p>\n

\"Thurstmaster<\/a>
Thurstmaster T150<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Their T150 was a great budget choice with smoother force feedback than the G29. The T300 produced around 4 Nm of torque; for the time, this was an exceptionally respectable figure, and the dual-belt motor made it feel very responsive. Due to also being a belt-drive motor, it felt responsive and was leagues ahead of something like the G29, while still being close enough to offerings like the Fanatec CSL wheelbase.<\/p>\n

But in 2021, Fanatec released the CSL DD and turned the sim racing hardware market on its head. No longer was a reasonably priced belt wheel what you could expect at a budget-oriented price tag. Fanatec had brought high-end direct drive technology down to a more consumer-friendly price tag at $350 for the base.<\/p>\n

Overnight, the T300 and all of Thrustmaster\u2019s higher-end wheel bases became essentially outdated, and that trend only got worse over the years with companies such as Moza entering the budget direct drive world.<\/p>\n

But in 2023, Thrustmaster launched their first direct drive, and near the end of 2024, they released their second. This catapulted them into contention for many budget and mid-range buyers again. However, they still carry many of their legacy products; so, in 2025, what do we think of Thrustmaster\u2019s ecosystem, and what should you buy?<\/p>\n

1. Thrustmaster T598 \u2013 $499<\/h2>\n
\"Thustmaster<\/a>
Thustmaster T598<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By far Thrustmaster’s most convincing offering in 2025 is the T598. This is their first PlayStation-compatible direct drive wheel, featuring a 5 Nm axial flux motor.<\/p>\n

The axial design helps eliminate cogging, offering smoother feedback. It also supports Thrustmaster\u2019s new ecosystem of DD-compatible rims and existing accessories. Bonus points for the included Raceline Pedals LTE pedal set, which can be upgraded with a load cell brake mod\u2014no need to replace the entire set to upgrade later.<\/p>\n

One advantage Thrustmaster still holds is retail availability. Their products are often found in big-box stores, and discounts are common during sales.<\/p>\n

2. Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition \u2013 $329 (on sale)<\/h2>\n

The T300 RS GT Edition remains a solid choice for those seeking a belt-driven wheel. It features a brushless motor with 25W of\u00a0 power, providing smooth and responsive force feedback. The dual-belt system ensures quiet operation, and the magnetic technology offers unlimited lifespan and optimal precision. The T300 RS GT Edition is compatible with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.<\/p>\n

3. Thrustmaster T818 \u2013 $649 (on sale)<\/h2>\n

The T818 is Thrustmaster’s high-end direct drive wheel base, delivering constant torque of up to 10 Nm with no saturation. It features unfiltered power, allowing game effects to be rendered without any filters for an incredibly detailed experience. The T818 is compatible with Thrustmaster wheels, pedal sets, shifters, and handbrakes.<\/p>\n

4. Thrustmaster T128 \u2013 $199<\/h2>\n

The T128 is Thrustmaster’s entry-level racing wheel, offering a hybrid drive system that combines gear and belt mechanisms. It features a 900\u00b0 rotation angle and comes with the T2PM pedal set. The T128 is compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.<\/p>\n\t\t

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