Long time Fanatec user, time for a new wheel. But what?

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I've had the lower end wheels from Fanatec. Started off with Porsche Turbo, Turbo S, and now on my second CSR. Lately I've been having some issues with my current CSR and thinking it's about time to shop for a new wheel. I've loved my experience with Fanatec but have been turned off with the difficulty of getting support. For example anytime you want to ask the tech dept a question regarding problems, you have to send a video. Sometimes you can't show the problem in a video. That's what I'm dealing with now. I also don't like a limited selection. Right now you either go for their low end wheels or the most expensive one, which is gonna run close to $1000 just for the base and rim. I don't want to buy another CSR as I'm losing confidence in their reliability. I treat my wheels with a lot of care and never abuse them during game play but now it's starting to malfunction.
So I'm thinking I'd like to go with a new wheel in the $500 range. I guess I have to give up the ability of multiplatform, unless I go with another Fanatec. I currently have a Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4. Might go with a Xbox One in the future if Forza 6 is worth it and maybe a PC later.
Currently I'm playing Project Cars. Can anyone give me your opinions on Thrustmaster wheels? I don't know much about them. But how is the feel overall? Such as the FFB effects, responsiveness, button location, do you feel connected with the car, quality of wheel, etc. A wheel has to have compatibility with other peripherals because a H shifter and clutch is a must. I have the CSR Elite pedals and it would be nice to be able to use those. Also opinions of people who have not just tried, but, extensively used both wheels. Also people who have opinions for other wheels would be nice. Thanks.
 
1) Buy a CSW V2
2) Buy a T300/T500/TX + adapter - http://www.basherboards.com/CPX
3) Buy a pc + any wheel you want

The issue with the enticing looking option two, is whether or not you could sort something out shifter wise *. Any of those Thrustmaster wheels will easily out perform what you've owned previously though.

*If you are still using an old Fanatec shifter, that's probably due for an upgrade anyway really.
 
The G29 by Logitech leaked. May want to consider it as well.
You do have a PS4. It appears to be compatible with the PS4.
 
LeMansAid
1) Buy a CSW V2
2) Buy a T300/T500/TX + adapter - http://www.basherboards.com/CPX
3) Buy a pc + any wheel you want

The issue with the enticing looking option two, is whether or not you could sort something out shifter wise *. Any of those Thrustmaster wheels will easily out perform what you've owned previously though.

*If you are still using an old Fanatec shifter, that's probably due for an upgrade anyway really.
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Is the T300/500 in the same class as the CSR? I know the TX is in the same class as the CSW, though the CSW has more to offer when it comes to rims. But also more money. And yes I am due for an upgrade on the shifter
 
Linx
Is the T300/500 in the same class as the CSR? I know the TX is in the same class as the CSW, though the CSW has more to offer when it comes to rims. But also more money. And yes I am due for an upgrade on the shifter
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The brushless motor of the T300/TX or the powerful motor of the T500 would both be a huge step up over the older Fanatec wheels. T300/TX are pretty much the same wheel. The Thrustmaster shifters aren't cheap though.

Thing is, if you were going pc, you could just buy the best you can afford, regardless of brand. Each component would be standalone. I'd say that if you could get your CSR sorted out, that would keep you happy for a while yet, while you save for a new wheel..... any wheel, and new shifter..... any shifter.
 
Linx
...anytime you want to ask the tech dept a question regarding problems, you have to send a video. Sometimes you can't show the problem in a video. That's what I'm dealing with now...Can anyone give me your opinions on Thrustmaster wheels? I don't know much about them.
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I've heard that Thrustmaster customer service is really bad, & they make you send in videos of everything too.
 
Linx
I was just looking at the T500 and it said it's for the PS3. Is this correct?
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From what I understand, it works in game, but not in navigating the xmb. Some others will weigh in, but I wouldn't be surprised if the T300/TX gets the nod over the T500, and if you can use your Elite pedals......
 
Having had a CSR with elite pedals for the 360/PS3 I held off a while before deciding what to do for my PS4.

It was initially very disappointing that my CSR wouldn't work with next generation consoles but I bit the bullet and bought the t300rs and I'm very impressed by it so far.

Much better than the CSR and using a cpx adapter I've still got my great pedals to use.

I had to decide that I wasn't buying Xbox and PS4 this gen but really my bank and life balance will thank me for that in the long run...
 
Difficult choice.... The CPX adapter is the crucial element in switching to Thrustmaster, and since that is a one-man show you really do need to check on likely availability before assuming you can have one immediately.

Based on your specifications, the T300, TH8A and CPX sounds like the most likely combo, but that comes in at around €500, rather more than your $500 stated budget. I assume you have the CSR shifter set, which would mean a pretty huge upgrade both in wheel FFB and in shifter feel moving over to Thrustmaster, but it's over budget and you are just as likely to have support issues with Thrustmaster as with Fanatec (both are tiny niche players who sometimes struggle with demand).

If you want to go PS4 and can hold on another few months, the rumored G29 might provide an alternate option and might also shake up pricing of the competition.
 
VBR
I've heard that Thrustmaster customer service is really bad, & they make you send in videos of everything too.
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It's so ridiculous. The problem I'm having now isn't visible to the eye but only to feel. And creating an email through Fanatec's site, it can't be sent unless a video is attached. And you're limited on how big of a video by your email.
 
Linx
But isn't the Logitech G series in the same class as the CSR?
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Yes the old G series, G25 & G27. However, the G29 may be an entirely new beast on the inside (if it's even real that is).
 
You should keep an eye on what your ultimate goal would be, and work out the path that gives you the least detours along the way, but also keeps you on the virtual road for most of that time.

To that end, it may make a lot of sense to get your CSR to a properly working state. What is actually going on with it? Having had four of their quite similar wheels, it stands to reason that you'd know how it should feel using it.
 
About a month before Pcars release while playing Forza, the wheel started its issue. Anytime the FFB goes into effect, the feel would be as if the rumble motors are active. So going through curves you would feel as if you're driving through gravel or over the rumble straps. It would happen randomly and then go back to normal. Sometimes within the same race and other times a few days later. Rebooting the wheel never fixed the problem and I have the latest firmware, 756,from when I got the wheel. Now the problem seems it's here for good as it hasn't gone back to functioning normal since about 2 days before Pcars. And I've been using it everyday. Turning down ABS and Shock is only masking the problem and it can still be felt lightly. I have a feeling this wheels days are numbered. My last CSR had a belt that shredded on its edge and took out a sensor in the process. Thought I could take it apart to fix it but found out you can't. Sent Fanatec an email about it and their response was it's a total loss and they can offer me free shipping if I wanted to order a new wheel. It was originally bought used off of Ebay and lasted me over 1 1/2 years so I felt I got my money out of it. The current one I have was also bought used from Ebay but got extremely lucky and paid $55 for it. Seller had no reserve and only one other person tried bidding. Right before that auction came to its end I had sold something on eBay and got a lot more money then what I expected so I felt like I won over all. Again this wheel I've had for about a year now and feel I got my money's worth. And like I said earlier I take very good care of my wheel so these problems are not due to abuse. But you can see now why I'm losing faith in the CSR and would like to upgrade.
 

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