Need Advice, USD 850 T-GT vs USD 1,330 CSL Elite PS4 with Load Cell

[Im_Collsaur]

Hello everyone,

I live in Indonesia and mainly play GT sport, and of course, Assetto Corsa and Project Cars 2 occasionally (wanna try Richard burns rally and GTR2 in PC later on)

I have bit complicated case to upgrade my T300 wheel

i currently use T300 RS GT Edition and it was great, until i tried to increase my FFB about 70% for one hour race in GT Sport, so fast to overheat and fading

it is a shame because i like that much FFB power, that's why i decided to upgrade my wheel,


yes there is many ways to deal with the heat problem, but i always heard of short live T300, and it is too much to me =w=

so i decided to upgrade my wheel from consumer level into enthusiast level wheel (as per John Sabol's category from Inside Sim Racing)


The main things i am look for the upgrade is the a wheel base i can use for many many years (and service in case of go wrong) + strong FFB + smooth enough, at least as smooth as T300, and Load cell (if i can), and reasonable price, and PS4 Compatible.

With that things in mind, CSL Elite PS4 comes to mind at first, but since Indonesia is out of Fanatec shipment region and of course it means out of their service area, i got to find alternative shipment method, ebay, amazon, any other local forwarder that ships from USA and Australia (Japan doesn't have CSL elite ps4),
and the best price i could get is about USD. 1,330 with disc deal starter pack and LC acc, more than doubled from normal price

meanwhile, in my place, there is a some gaming store distributed Thrustmaster product, which i can get CSL elite competitor, T-GT with quite close with USA retail price, which about USD 850

CSL Elite PS4
what i liked :
- clubsport acc usable and perfect V3 pedal later on
- strong and nice FFB
- Load cell and Mclaren GT3 wheel is cool!
- FFB customization and setting in wheel

what i hate :
- total price
- total price !
- total price !!

T-GT
what i like :
- TS PC level FFB which nice (i know it will recognized as T300 in ps4, but FFB power and smoothness may remain as TS-PC level as per many reviews)
- long live wheel base, i guess.....?

Buttkicker/ T-DFB? i consider it as bonus, since GT sport is currently my main racing sim

what i hate :
- pedal, no LC
- Pedal, no LC, weak spring

i want to ask, for everyone have CSL elite PS4 and also play GT sport (i know in AC and PC2 it will great and i am also plan for PC to iracing+Rfactor2+ACC)

if you are in region that make youto pick such a choice,
will it still worth if you have to buy CSL elite PS4 with such a price and no customer service which if it dies, it is dead?
or you will consider to T-GT with more decent price IMO?

I asked some Sim racing Reviewer and i got 0 response (they must be busy *positive*), that's why i need opinion from you guys..

Thanks before, i really appreciate it

 

[super_gt]

if you are in region that make youto pick such a choice,
will it still worth if you have to buy CSL elite PS4 with such a price and no customer service which if it dies, it is dead?
or you will consider to T-GT with more decent price IMO?

Under these circumstances, I would not recommend you CSL Elite.

yes there is many ways to deal with the heat problem, but i always heard of short live T300, and it is too much to me =w=

The problems with T300 come mainly from overheating so if you correct this, the wheel can last long enough.

 

[MrDavid5465]

There is a load cell mod for the Thrustmaster pedals by ricmotech, You'd likely have the same issue with service area but at least you're not completely out of luck for a load cell if you do get the T-GT

 

[Im_Collsaur]

Under these circumstances, I would not recommend you CSL Elite.

The problems with T300 come mainly from overheating so if you correct this, the wheel can last long enough.

i start to wonder if i can correct the overheating problem well, will it possible to use 100% FFB as long as i want

There is a load cell mod for the Thrustmaster pedals by ricmotech, You'd likely have the same issue with service area but at least you're not completely out of luck for a load cell if you do get the T-GT

yeah i just saw the load cell from ricmotech, that was interesting one, i will consider it after i brought T-GT to home~

 

[super_gt]

i start to wonder if i can correct the overheating problem well, will it possible to use 100% FFB as long as i want

You can do a very simple test: remove the top cover of the base and play without it. If the motor does not overheat then the answer is yes.

 

[PocketZeven]

Hello everyone,

I live in Indonesia and mainly play GT sport, and of course, Assetto Corsa and Project Cars 2 occasionally (wanna try Richard burns rally and GTR2 in PC later on)

I have bit complicated case to upgrade my T300 wheel

i currently use T300 RS GT Edition and it was great, until i tried to increase my FFB about 70% for one hour race in GT Sport, so fast to overheat and fading

it is a shame because i like that much FFB power, that's why i decided to upgrade my wheel,


yes there is many ways to deal with the heat problem, but i always heard of short live T300, and it is too much to me =w=

so i decided to upgrade my wheel from consumer level into enthusiast level wheel (as per John Sabol's category from Inside Sim Racing)


The main things i am look for the upgrade is the a wheel base i can use for many many years (and service in case of go wrong) + strong FFB + smooth enough, at least as smooth as T300, and Load cell (if i can), and reasonable price, and PS4 Compatible.

With that things in mind, CSL Elite PS4 comes to mind at first, but since Indonesia is out of Fanatec shipment region and of course it means out of their service area, i got to find alternative shipment method, ebay, amazon, any other local forwarder that ships from USA and Australia (Japan doesn't have CSL elite ps4),
and the best price i could get is about USD. 1,330 with disc deal starter pack and LC acc, more than doubled from normal price

meanwhile, in my place, there is a some gaming store distributed Thrustmaster product, which i can get CSL elite competitor, T-GT with quite close with USA retail price, which about USD 850

CSL Elite PS4
what i liked :
- clubsport acc usable and perfect V3 pedal later on
- strong and nice FFB
- Load cell and Mclaren GT3 wheel is cool!
- FFB customization and setting in wheel

what i hate :
- total price
- total price !
- total price !!

T-GT
what i like :
- TS PC level FFB which nice (i know it will recognized as T300 in ps4, but FFB power and smoothness may remain as TS-PC level as per many reviews)
- long live wheel base, i guess.....?

Buttkicker/ T-DFB? i consider it as bonus, since GT sport is currently my main racing sim

what i hate :
- pedal, no LC
- Pedal, no LC, weak spring

i want to ask, for everyone have CSL elite PS4 and also play GT sport (i know in AC and PC2 it will great and i am also plan for PC to iracing+Rfactor2+ACC)

if you are in region that make youto pick such a choice,
will it still worth if you have to buy CSL elite PS4 with such a price and no customer service which if it dies, it is dead?
or you will consider to T-GT with more decent price IMO?

I asked some Sim racing Reviewer and i got 0 response (they must be busy *positive*), that's why i need opinion from you guys..

Thanks before, i really appreciate it

I also do not recommend buying electronic gear without warranty or in a service region. Also the price seems more then double it is here in europe.

Alternatively you can get a TS-PC racer if you dont mind losing the T-DFB in GT sport. Which is cheaper then the T-GT, but the same motor and torque and a Open wheel rim if you like that kind of thing. You just need to buy a drivehub to make it compatible with console. There are various Loadcell mods available for the T3PA and Pro version pedalsets that cost around $ 99,- and are quite good. Ricmotech, loadcellmod.com and simracingsolutions.co.uk that should ship worldwide.

But if you really want Fanatec, I would wait and save for he Podium DD. Allthough more expensive, it has less complicated design, higher quality materials and therefor less risk of failure.

 

[super_gt]

But if you really want Fanatec, I would wait and save for he Podium DD. Allthough more expensive,

If the CSL Elite cost 1,330 USD then the Podium PS4 DD wheel will probably cost around 2,400 USD.

 

[PocketZeven]

If the CSL Elite cost 1,330 USD then the Podium PS4 DD wheel will probably cost around 2,400 USD.

Depends on re-shipping I guess. but if you are buying something out of service region then might as well get something durable and futureproof.

 

[Im_Collsaur]

I also do not recommend buying electronic gear without warranty or in a service region. Also the price seems more then double it is here in europe.

Alternatively you can get a TS-PC racer if you dont mind losing the T-DFB in GT sport. Which is cheaper then the T-GT, but the same motor and torque and a Open wheel rim if you like that kind of thing. You just need to buy a drivehub to make it compatible with console. There are various Loadcell mods available for the T3PA and Pro version pedalsets that cost around $ 99,- and are quite good. Ricmotech, loadcellmod.com and simracingsolutions.co.uk that should ship worldwide.

But if you really want Fanatec, I would wait and save for he Podium DD. Allthough more expensive, it has less complicated design, higher quality materials and therefor less risk of failure.

Really?? even in europe?? i thought europe is the only continent you should worry less for shipping fanatec, since it's where they came from

i haven't really check thoroughly, but how drive hub help for wheel base like TS-PC or any other bases that compatible, does they may compatible as much as they able to compatible(for example TS-PC as T300), or they all will be regconized as G29?
and do we able to do something like connect base directly and use drivehub only for pedal/shifter and vise versa?

if TS-PC with drivehub will regconized as G29, i personally think T-GT still a bet to go

Depends on re-shipping I guess. but if you are buying something out of service region then might as well get something durable and futureproof.

shame thought i was hoping fanatec can just do things literary worldwide for at least service

 

[PocketZeven]

Really?? even in europe?? i thought europe is the only continent you should worry less for shipping fanatec, since it's where they came from

i haven't really check thoroughly, but how drive hub help for wheel base like TS-PC or any other bases that compatible, does they may compatible as much as they able to compatible(for example TS-PC as T300), or they all will be regconized as G29?
and do we able to do something like connect base directly and use drivehub only for pedal/shifter and vise versa?

if TS-PC with drivehub will regconized as G29, i personally think T-GT still a bet to go


shame thought i was hoping fanatec can just do things literary worldwide for at least service

To clear a misunderstanding the price you were quoting is almost half the price for me in europe. I am not sure, but it will probably emulate a T300. Which is a good thing. You have to connect the wheelbase and peripherals to the drivehub. Then you connect the hub to your console.
Visit: https://shop.cronusmax.com/drivehub.html or https://collectiveminds.ca/shop/allconsoles/drivehub/

 

[Im_Collsaur]

You can do a very simple test: remove the top cover of the base and play without it. If the motor does not overheat then the answer is yes.

Okay i tried the test
In result it work better but hearing the belt spinning with open cover was so uncomfortable lol

So in order to make T300 well fr a long time.. i need to mend the cover so the fan can directly shoot from above of the motor... which i may prefer sell it and buy T-GT or CSL PS4(if its price for its starter kit was under 850 dollar)

To clear a misunderstanding the price you were quoting is almost half the price for me in europe. I am not sure, but it will probably emulate a T300. Which is a good thing. You have to connect the wheelbase and peripherals to the drivehub. Then you connect the hub to your console.
Visit: https://shop.cronusmax.com/drivehub.html or https://collectiveminds.ca/shop/allconsoles/drivehub/

Okay i did try the information and it seems they are still in development for T GT and i need ask more question directly for the emulation... thanks a lot for the info!

Or if drivehub doesnt really work.. i've been informed that GIMX is okay as well but they only able to emulate as G29 for now but it's cheaper (international shipping in here was bit a mess) =w=

 

[PocketZeven]

Okay i tried the test
In result it work better but hearing the belt spinning with open cover was so uncomfortable lol

So in order to make T300 well fr a long time.. i need to mend the cover so the fan can directly shoot from above of the motor... which i may prefer sell it and buy T-GT or CSL PS4(if its price for its starter kit was under 850 dollar)


Okay i did try the information and it seems they are still in development for T GT and i need ask more question directly for the emulation... thanks a lot for the info!

Or if drivehub doesnt really work.. i've been informed that GIMX is okay as well but they only able to emulate as G29 for now but it's cheaper (international shipping in here was bit a mess) =w=

The T-DFB feature cant be emulated, because it is a seperate sound channel I was told. Dont know if they can reverse engineer that.

 

[Twstcrv]

If the CSL Elite cost 1,330 USD then the Podium PS4 DD wheel will probably cost around 2,400 USD.

I assume he means w v3 inverted pedals, decent wheel-like McLaren w QR, and shifter. That figure is correct, without shipping. I’ve been using that exact setup for las 6 mo and wouldn’t recommend anything less for an “enthusiast”. Esp if you want to eventually leave the Ps4 for pc and VR like I did. Also highly recommended. Having stuff thats close to, but not completely plug and play requires patience for sure, but so worth it w games like ACC which looks to be amazing from what we are seeing in the beta.

 

[super_gt]

I assume he means w v3 inverted pedals, decent wheel-like McLaren w QR, and shifter.

He meant CSL Elite PS4 Starter Kit for PC and PS4 for 1,330 USD.

 

[Twstcrv]

He meant CSL Elite PS4 Starter Kit for PC and PS4 for 1,330 USD.

Yeah I read it again its somewhere in between. Shipping, handling, etc. Unfortunate it would cost that much. Amazons Fanatec stuff is way inflated so add shipping to far away and you end up w prices like that. Sucks. I feel bad for them

 

[Im_Collsaur]

He meant CSL Elite PS4 Starter Kit for PC and PS4 for 1,330 USD.

Yeah I read it again its somewhere in between. Shipping, handling, etc. Unfortunate it would cost that much. Amazons Fanatec stuff is way inflated so add shipping to far away and you end up w prices like that. Sucks. I feel bad for them

To be precise it's CSL elite PS4 with starter pack along with it's load cell kit that cost USD 1,330

For CSL Elite starter pack only was already at USD 970 (yep the load cell kit cost about USD 350)...

Yeah it sucks..but that's the best choice i got here

Take it or take T-GT..

But hoping the shipment and custom regulation wil be better later on
I'm still need to sell my T300 GT out before i pick either of them

 

[Twstcrv]

I was in your exact position exactly a year ago. I bought a TGT, drove it prob 30 hrs in three weeks in three different games, fiddled with the pedals to try to make them “feel” like a load cell (lol), realized a load cell mod was not available anywhere including thrustmaster, and sent it back. I then bought a CSL Elite PS4 w load cell mod that came to about 730 usd w shipping and tax. At that time the CSL Elite was relatively new and there was much debate on how much support it would have. Within months developers were supporting it (including Polyphony, to their credit bc they were so hooked up w TM they practically launched the TGT on their own with advertising!). The build quality, adjustability, and overall feel and control in the wheel was immediately apparent to me. The pedals were worlds apart in build, performance, and adjustability. I am not affiliated, nor am I a fanboy of Fanatec. Last spring I ranted for weeks in these forums about Fanatecs advertising omissions with the complete lack of support for the (proper) function of the rotary switches on the McLaren rim. But as many here predicted, support came just last month in ACC. It is now very gratifying to see them work as designed, and in a sim that has the potential to be the best yet. The disappointments I have had with Fanatec have been temporary and or fixable and that is key difference if you plan on staying in this hobby. The extra cost is actually an investment in future upgrade and compatibility. If you can get the money by November, you can save hundreds in fanatecs black friday sale. I saved 300 on the McLaren and v3 inv alone last yr, both have turned out to be well worth even their full price. Good luck!

To be precise it's CSL elite PS4 with starter pack along with it's load cell kit that cost USD 1,330

For CSL Elite starter pack only was already at USD 970 (yep the load cell kit cost about USD 350)...

Yeah it sucks..but that's the best choice i got here

Take it or take T-GT..

But hoping the shipment and custom regulation wil be better later on
I'm still need to sell my T300 GT out before i pick either of them

 

[Im_Collsaur]

I was in your exact position exactly a year ago. I bought a TGT, drove it prob 30 hrs in three weeks in three different games, fiddled with the pedals to try to make them “feel” like a load cell (lol), realized a load cell mod was not available anywhere including thrustmaster, and sent it back. I then bought a CSL Elite PS4 w load cell mod that came to about 730 usd w shipping and tax. At that time the CSL Elite was relatively new and there was much debate on how much support it would have. Within months developers were supporting it (including Polyphony, to their credit bc they were so hooked up w TM they practically launched the TGT on their own with advertising!). The build quality, adjustability, and overall feel and control in the wheel was immediately apparent to me. The pedals were worlds apart in build, performance, and adjustability. I am not affiliated, nor am I a fanboy of Fanatec. Last spring I ranted for weeks in these forums about Fanatecs advertising omissions with the complete lack of support for the (proper) function of the rotary switches on the McLaren rim. But as many here predicted, support came just last month in ACC. It is now very gratifying to see them work as designed, and in a sim that has the potential to be the best yet. The disappointments I have had with Fanatec have been temporary and or fixable and that is key difference if you plan on staying in this hobby. The extra cost is actually an investment in future upgrade and compatibility. If you can get the money by November, you can save hundreds in fanatecs black friday sale. I saved 300 on the McLaren and v3 inv alone last yr, both have turned out to be well worth even their full price. Good luck!

That was absolutely helpful information to consider it

Yeah i did actually follow the fanatec compability issue to GT sport esspecially and it takes almost a year to finally get it done

I do worry about the reliability issue in CSL elite as i heard about the calibration problem and it is electronic product which warranty might nessecary

But i do personally prefer fanafec and i will see if i can get it with nice price to bring it home and hoping nothing weird would happen

I never really follow black friday.. because we(indonesia) dont have one

When black friday will happened exactly?

 

[Twstcrv]

That was absolutely helpful information to consider it

Yeah i did actually follow the fanatec compability issue to GT sport esspecially and it takes almost a year to finally get it done

I do worry about the reliability issue in CSL elite as i heard about the calibration problem and it is electronic product which warranty might nessecary

But i do personally prefer fanafec and i will see if i can get it with nice price to bring it home and hoping nothing weird would happen

I never really follow black friday.. because we(indonesia) dont have one

When black friday will happened exactly?

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, which this yr will be Nov 23. Details will be on their website in the Community section.

 

[Zipperface]

About heat problem with thrustmaster wheels. Even the t-gt overheat when you drive it one hour on the limit. There is a need to replace the cooling fan and/or modding the case by yourself. After that no more ffb fading.
Today, just 2 months before the fanatec dd´s will be released, i would wait and save some more money for the dd1. Direct drive is the next level and the future.

 

[super_gt]

Even the t-gt overheat when you drive it one hour on the limit. There is a need to replace the cooling fan and/or modding the case by yourself. After that no more ffb fading.

The CSL Elite also overheats in such a situation and I had to do a much more serious cooling modification to eliminate the overheating.

 

[Im_Collsaur]

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, which this yr will be Nov 23. Details will be on their website in the Community section.

Thank you very much..
I will get in touch in that date and hopefully my T300 will sold before that lol

About heat problem with thrustmaster wheels. Even the t-gt overheat when you drive it one hour on the limit. There is a need to replace the cooling fan and/or modding the case by yourself. After that no more ffb fading.
Today, just 2 months before the fanatec dd´s will be released, i would wait and save some more money for the dd1. Direct drive is the next level and the future.

The CSL Elite also overheats in such a situation and I had to do a much more serious cooling modification to eliminate the overheating.

So.. perhaps i can conclude that even every single enthusiast level wheel also got heat issue after run with certain power for long time..sounds like T500 RS has upperhand on this case since i never heard heat issue and according to gamermuscle, TS-PC also able to take full power for long time.

At least i will know that even i use less power.. T-GT and CSL Elite PS4 will still stronger FFB than my T300 wheel with less worry about heat issue in same in game level lol

Speaking of DD... i have yet reach financial level that can get me direct drive level wheel base so i wont even think about it... to be honest not even clubsport wheelbase...
I will still see it and be my information for future

 

[super_gt]

So.. perhaps i can conclude that even every single enthusiast level wheel also got heat issue after run with certain power for long time..

100% strength and all other settings in wheel control panel and 100% FFB in the game for a long period and almost every wheel will overheat.

.sounds like T500 RS has upperhand on this case

No.

according to gamermuscle, TS-PC also able to take full power for a long time.

TS-PC is the same as T-GT.GamerMuscle just does not use 100% in game FFB.

 

[PocketZeven]

That was absolutely helpful information to consider it

Yeah i did actually follow the fanatec compability issue to GT sport esspecially and it takes almost a year to finally get it done

I do worry about the reliability issue in CSL elite as i heard about the calibration problem and it is electronic product which warranty might nessecary

But i do personally prefer fanafec and i will see if i can get it with nice price to bring it home and hoping nothing weird would happen

I never really follow black friday.. because we(indonesia) dont have one

When black friday will happened exactly?

If you are on a budget:
Ask Fanatec if they will ship to your country in the future. In your situation without warranty locally, I would not spend 1k+ USD on anything. Just get a TM product and hopefully eventually Fanatec will ship to your country.

If you have loads of money then just go for it. Its only money

 

[Twstcrv]

It seems there are some who are turning up the torque just for torques sake. I have realistic torque/feedback set on my CSL and it never overheats. And were talking 45 min races in iracing.

 

[super_gt]

It seems there are some who are turning up the torque just for torques sake. I have realistic torque/feedback set on my CSL and it never overheats. And were talking 45 min races in iracing.

I like the steering wheel to be heavy and it gives me the fastest lap time(about 0.3 seconds per lap). That's why I use 100% in game FFB,100% strength FFB in the wheel and FOR, SPR, DPR set to 120. After the cooling modification, my wheel can withstand this abuse for hours without a problem, but the modification is ugly.

 

[PocketZeven]

I like the steering wheel to be heavy and it gives me the fastest lap time(about 0.3 seconds per lap). That's why I use 100% in game FFB,100% strength FFB in the wheel and FOR, SPR, DPR set to 120. After the cooling modification, my wheel can withstand this abuse for hours without a problem, but the modification is ugly.

How much degrees cooler does your mod get? Do you think for the non modders running the wheel at lower then 80% would keep the wheel out of the dangerzone for long sessions?

 

[Twstcrv]

I like the steering wheel to be heavy and it gives me the fastest lap time(about 0.3 seconds per lap). That's why I use 100% in game FFB,100% strength FFB in the wheel and FOR, SPR, DPR set to 120. After the cooling modification, my wheel can withstand this abuse for hours without a problem, but the modification is ugly.

If extra work makes you faster then thats good for you. In longer races though, arm fatigue is real, not simulated, which is why I personally find realistic control forces more like fun and less like work, not to mention more.. realistic. Im active enough outside of gaming that I dont need my sim to be a workout machine. As far is your mod is concerned, if it gets enough air to the right places I would never call it ugly! I mod stuff all the time and a well thought out and well constructed mod is a beautiful thing!

 

[super_gt]

How much degrees cooler does your mod get?

I did not measure the temperature and I did not have to, because before it was quite clear when the electronics reduced the power of the electric motor in order to prevent it from overheating, after the mod this is no longer happening.

Do you think for the non modders running the wheel at lower then 80% would keep the wheel out of the dangerzone for long sessions?

It depends on many settings and people prefer different settings so it's difficult to set an exact limit.

 

[PocketZeven]

I did not measure the temperature and I did not have to, because before it was quite clear when the electronics reduced the power of the electric motor in order to prevent it from overheating, after the mod this is no longer happening.

It depends on many settings and people prefer different settings so it's difficult to set an exact limit.

Do you think its is possible to "overclock" these motors?