New lease on GT5 with Thrustmaster T500RS

  • Thread starter Thread starter scca_ziptie
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robulus
I'm glad you're happy with your new wheel, but the gate shifter works perfectly smoothly with the clutch pedal on the G27.

I couldn't get used to those fixed paddles, even if I could get the AUD$800 price tag past the wife...

You're not alone though, from the bulk of reviews it sounds like the wheel itself is pretty amazing.
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Mine seemed to be very on/off with the timing of the clutch and shifter engagement... I had 2 different G27's and it was the same with both so maybe it was just me. From a DFP to a DFGT to a G27 to a T500RS, it was really cool to feel the progression and quality go up with each model.

The fixed paddles were a big concern for me also, especially since my road car(e46 M3) has paddle shifters and they are mounted to the wheel as well - but with about 6 hours now logged on the T500, I am all but used to it now and I'm sure others would take to it as quick or quicker. I'll give it 👍 👍
 
scca_ziptie
I had 2 different G27's and it was the same with both so maybe it was just me.
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Its not just you, I've heard it a couple of times. Someone mentioned there may have been an improvement after a GT5 patch, I only just got my G27 so I wouldn't know any different. But it works fine for me.
 
Indeed the latest patch has improved shifting with the g27 and probably any other shifters.

Used to get a lot of miss shifts. Especially in second gear. Seemed to have to make sure the clutch was fully pressed and a clean shift made.

The update has made this situation better and a more realistic shifting is now allowed.
A positive for PD there.
 
Good to hear how well the T500RS works and especially the comparison for a G27 user.

I'm surprised to hear that the T500 clutch doesn't work in GT5 as it works fine for me on a G27 when I use heel-toe shifting, even though GT5 has the most picky clutch shifting, I was hoping it would be better with an "officially" supported wheel, it sounds like that's not the case so I hope someday they will patch the clutch for the T500 and it will also make it less picky for the G27.

I'm in the market for a cross platform wheel, and would be all over this if it supported XBOX360 as well for Forza4, I'd almost be tempted even without that if it came with a decent shifter.
 
Try the Clubsport pedals! ISR even said it's like cheating in GT5 ;)

It's easy to drive with no ABS and no TCS with Clubsports.
 
Like other owners I agree that the T500 feels much more pleasing to use. So much smoother and in many corners were you may be making small corrections steering to and fro past the usual dead zone on other wheels with T500 thier is none at the centre so no interruption or blip.

Some of the more difficult corners now in GT5 become easier to navigate, holding a line or increasing your amount of turn in again just becomes much more satisfying with this wheel.
The paddles shifters for me did take a few hours to accustom too. Just like the wheel the feel from them is solid and more satisfying to use. You will find situations were you need to change gear but can't reach the paddle. So I've adapted now to remove whatever hand holding the wheel with one hand when needing to change gear but maintain in control for the corner. Its no different really to what needs done for a H Shift requiring one hand off the wheel. It adds a new skill to be practiced and perfected to those that are so used to paddle shifting only on fixed paddles.

FFB and RUMBLE on this wheel also clearly set it apart, Kerbs come more to life as does some variation in Tarmac surfaces on some tracks. Of course compared to the other wheels they just don't offer this additional immersion and torque in the feedback of the wheel.

The thing is when the shifter is released and personally I believe their is a strong possibility of a "Pedal Tuning Kit" arriving for this wheel. Then this wheel will only improve further just as firmware updates make refinements.

If you want the best wheel for GT5, that's what this wheel is about it is the one to get. If you what the best for FM then you also need a Fanatec, stop whinging and deal with it or buy a Fanatec and just enjoy what it offers.
 
So is this wheel worth the double the price of the G27?

Do you really get the extra benefits of it to warrant spending the extra £200 over a G27?

Just asking as I'm looking at getting the T500 for £379 or the G27 for £189.
 
GR00F
So is this wheel worth the double the price of the G27?

Do you really get the extra benefits of it to warrant spending the extra £200 over a G27?

Just asking as I'm looking at getting the T500 for £379 or the G27 for £189.
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Do take into account that the G27 will work with almost all, if not all prior released games.
I'm not sure what your library of games consist of but that is a factor.

I'm not sure if the upcoming shift2 will support the thrustmaster on ps3?
There's a thread with supported wheels for that game and I've not seen it on there.

All games from then on should be good to go though.
 
I had a quick go on a practice lap around Deep Forest in the LP 670-4 SuperVeloce as I'd done quite a few laps round this track testing cars out. I improved on my laptime (using a DFGT) on my 1st flying lap, including catching a slide which would have had be facing the wrong way with the DFP.

Doing each of the FF, 4WD, & FR challenges with the T500 was amazing, you acn feel the weight of the cars more, you can feel the front end slipping when understeering in FWD cars and less so in 4WD cars. The speed the wheel spins makes for saves in rwd cars not possible with my old wheel and makes drifting magnificent fun.
 
scca_ziptie could you give me the dimensions of the T500 wheel base? I need to find out if I will need a wider base of 12 inches if I go and buy one. THX!
 
Radracing
scca_ziptie could you give me the dimensions of the T500 wheel base? I need to find out if I will need a wider base of 12 inches if I go and buy one. THX!
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Yes, I can go get the measurements for you. Also note that when I removed my G27 and replaced it with the T500 - the angle and height of the wheel changed significantly. Where the G27 was actually angled more "flat" - the T500 is now approx 2 inches higher(center) and angled with the bottom of the steering wheel closer to you than the top.
 
scca_ziptie
Yes, I can go get the measurements for you. Also note that when I removed my G27 and replaced it with the T500 - the angle and height of the wheel changed significantly. Where the G27 was actually angled more "flat" - the T500 is now approx 2 inches higher(center) and angled with the bottom of the steering wheel closer to you than the top.
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Thanks, height won't be a problem since it is adjustable 4 inches up or down for me. :)

Side Comment: I can understand the price being too steep for kids on a budget, but for people who spend real money with their real cars and especially those who take it to the track. It's a no brainner, $600 is cheaper than a set of tires you would spend on a day at a track and you can get infinite hours of getting seat time in your sim racing rig and actually get better with your racing skills.
 
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BlacqueJacques
That is my beef with the new wheel too; maybe when my G25 breaks down for good I'll consider it; maybe then it will include a shifter :dopey:
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I don't miss it at all - personally. I thought I would, after I got used to not reaching over where it used to be when I wanted to look left/right or behind - I am so happy with the improvement in the wheel and pedals, it's an even "trade.". Plus the lifetime warranty is a huge kicker.

For sure "rad" - I spent 1100 on a set of michelin's and they were done after 2 track days. If budget was an issue, I wouldn't see myself purchasing the T500.

ADDITION: Rad - 11 inches wide, 9 1/2 inches deep. There is a "raised" section that accounts for just shy of 3" of that depth measurement. So approx. 6 1/2 of "flat surface."
 
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Radracing
I can understand the price being too steep for kids on a budget,
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Or parents of kids on a budget, thanks mate....

Radracing
but for people who spend real money with their real cars and especially those who take it to the track. It's a no brainner, $600 is cheaper than a set of tires you would spend on a day at a track and you can get infinite hours of getting seat time in your sim racing rig and actually get better with your racing skills.
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Well, yeah sure. But shouldn't you be driving your triple screen iRacing rig with your Frex, in that case?
 
i think the t500rs really worth the money if you dont have any wheel, but i also think that all the G27 vs T500RS is a big joke for gt5 players ... you can compare the two wheel on gt5 as the g27 is not fully support ... what i mean by that is that you can't adjust anything on the G27 with GT5. they did that on purpose that way all racer who only play gt5 will go buy the t500rs wheel because its 100% better for this game. take your g27 for a spin on iracing and you wont have all the problem you mention on your first post ... in term of quality the t500rs is better then g27 i agree and most reviewer will say the same but i won't take seriously the review from someone who compare those two wheel on gt5. the missing shifter is really a big minus when you think about the price of this wheel and how much do you think the shifter will cost ... so for the moment you have a really good wheel, a set of 3 pedal with a useless clutch and you dont have the shifter and don't know when it will come out for near 2 time the price of a g27.
 
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renagade
i think the t500rs really worth the money if you dont have any wheel, but i also think that all the G27 vs T500RS is a big joke for gt5 players ... you can compare the two wheel on gt5 as the g27 is not fully support ... what i mean by that is that you can't adjust anything on the G27 with GT5. they did that on purpose that way all racer who only play gt5 will go buy the t500rs wheel because its 100% better for this game. take your g27 for a spin on iracing and you wont have all the problem you mention on your first post ... in term of quality the t500rs is better then g27 i agree and most reviewer will say the same but i won't take seriously the review from someone who compare those two wheel on gt5. the missing shifter is really a big minus when you think about the price of this wheel and how much do you think the shifter will cost ... so for the moment you have a really good wheel, a set of 3 pedal with a useless clutch and you dont have the shifter and don't know when it will come out for near 2 time the price of a g27.
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And nothing is "adjustable" with the T500 other than being able to set buttons. Shifter is truly pointless on GT5, only something to "change it up." They talk about games fully supporting the T500 if they use their DL'able software - I'd bet most games worth the time will support the T500 without a lengthy wait. I had my G27 since prologue and PD obviously haven't cared to attempt an support for it. Still zero regrets, loving every minute of it.

Oh ya, the clutch pedal isn't "useless" as when you want to change to orientation of the pedals - after you change the pedal "faces" if you choose. So you get some use out of it ;)
 
robulus
Or parents of kids on a budget, thanks mate....



Well, yeah sure. But shouldn't you be driving your triple screen iRacing rig with your Frex, in that case?
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Sure if you are a techy person. Why not go all the way if budget is of no concern, but most people like me just want the plug and playbility of a console. I use to be a PC sim gamer but I got teird of the compatibility issues with drivers and hardware upgrades. I don't want to spend my time fiddling with my PC. I want to be able to stick the disc in and drive my rig without hassle. Even setting the calibration for each game you play in your PC is a hassle. With GT5 you have your basic settings and the rest the game takes care of it since the wheel was built for it.
 
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Radracing
I can understand the price being too steep for kids on a budget...
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I don't think kids on a budget are the only people who would think spending $600 on a wheel is too much. There's also a factor of quality of product for the price. I can afford a Thrustmaster, but I don't think it's worth $300 more than a G27 ($360 difference if you factor in 20% off coupons available through Logitech.com that can be used to buy a G27).

The G27 is essentially unbeatable when it comes to good performance at a reasonable price. The Thrustmaster may give better performance, but the price is not nearly as reasonable.
 
Radracing
I use to be a PC sim gamer but I got teird of the compatibility issues with drivers and hardware upgrades. I don't want to spend my time fiddling with my PC.
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Yeah I hear that. I spend all day on a PC and made a decision years ago to keep the work on the PC and the fun on the console. There's a guy on another thread who's got the triple screen setup for GT5. Best of both worlds, plug and play plus ZOMG.
 
TangoAlphaLima
I don't think kids on a budget are the only people who would think spending $600 on a wheel is too much. There's also a factor of quality of product for the price. I can afford a Thrustmaster, but I don't think it's worth $300 more than a G27 ($360 difference if you factor in 20% off coupons available through Logitech.com that can be used to buy a G27).

The G27 is essentially unbeatable when it comes to good performance at a reasonable price. The Thrustmaster may give better performance, but the price is not nearly as reasonable.
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Depends how you look at it, $360 divided by the hours you are likely to use it means that really over say a 2 year period and even down to per hour it is very small amount to pay for what currently is the best product. Thats the warrenty period it could last much longer and be good for several years.

Or consider to possibly wait. TM may well follow up the T500 with a wheel that is in the G27 and between T500 price point. Featuring some of the T500 tech. They are a big enough company to have another such wheel out within the year but of course maybe T500 prices will drop if/when they do the T500 Ferrari Edition.
 
Mr Latte
Depends how you look at it, $360 divided by the hours you are likely to use it means that really over say a 2 year period and even down to per hour it is very small amount to pay for what currently is the best product. Thats the warrenty period it could last much longer and be good for several years.
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Oh yeah. Let me try that one on the wife. "but honey, with all the time I'm going to be spending using this thing, the difference expressed as an hourly rate amortized over two years is hardly noticeable!"
 
Well your aware the price of it, that it has no shifter included, so why do people like you continue to moan about it. If you don't agree spending such a some of money is warranted that is fine. However the vast majority of owners seem pleased with their purchases.

The point of trying to break it down into time used or hours is to express that even at its price it could work out to be good value for money in the entertainment or enjoyment it will give you.

If you have wife issues that's your dilema, perhaps buy it on finance if your wife will let you.
 
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Personally, I have no interest in a wheel that doesn't have a gated shifter, as I really enjoy the shifting part & find running cars with paddle-shifters a bit sterile (except dedicated race cars). I might take a look at the Thrustmaster when the shifter is available, but by then Fanatec may have a CS shifter available & Logitech may have a new wheel.

I think that as with many things in life, there is a diminishing return as you move up the levels. A DFP is a big step up from a pad, a DFGT a smaller step up from the DFP, a G27 a smaller step up from a DFGT etc. etc.

Pursuing the "ultimate" in tech stuff is always a bit of a mug's game, since it will always be demoted to "pen-ultimate" by the next gadget to come along. Those who feel the need to always have the "latest-&-greatest", fair enough - you are the people who will help lift the world economy out of recession. ;), but I think there's a strong argument to be made for making the best of what you've got rather than always hankering after something "better".

I bought a Fanatec GT3 with CSPs, but found, while it was undeniably better than my G25 in some respects, in other respects it was not as good. Obviously, this also applies to the T500RS, since it does not even include a shifter at this point.
 
Mr Latte
Well your aware the price of it, that it has no shifter included, so why do people like you continue to moan about it. If you don't agree spending such a some of money is warranted that is fine. However the vast majority of owners seem pleased with their purchases.

The point of trying to break it down into time used or hours is to express that even at its price it could work out to be good value for money in the entertainment or enjoyment it will give you.

If you have wife issues that's your dilema, perhaps buy it on finance if your wife will let you.
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Actually I wasn't moaning, I was just making a light hearted joke. No need to be a dick about it.
 
Biggles
Personally, I have no interest in a wheel that doesn't have a gated shifter, as I really enjoy the shifting part & find running cars with paddle-shifters a bit sterile (except dedicated race cars). I might take a look at the Thrustmaster when the shifter is available, but by then Fanatec may have a CS shifter available & Logitech may have a new wheel.

I think that as with many things in life, there is a diminishing return as you move up the levels. A DFP is a big step up from a pad, a DFGT a smaller step up from the DFP, a G27 a smaller step up from a DFGT etc. etc.

Pursuing the "ultimate" in tech stuff is always a bit of a mug's game, since it will always be demoted to "pen-ultimate" by the next gadget to come along. Those who feel the need to always have the "latest-&-greatest", fair enough - you are the people who will help lift the world economy out of recession. ;), but I think there's a strong argument to be made for making the best of what you've got rather than always hankering after something "better".

I bought a Fanatec GT3 with CSPs, but found, while it was undeniably better than my G25 in some respects, in other respects it was not as good. Obviously, this also applies to the T500RS, since it does not even include a shifter at this point.
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Well said. I think the point is that different people will have different priorities, and choose a solution that suits their situation. Trying to make an argument that a certain specific wheel is the best choice for everyone, and that if you think different you just aren't listening hard enough, is kind of silly.
 
robulus
Well said. I think the point is that different people will have different priorities, and choose a solution that suits their situation. Trying to make an argument that a certain specific wheel is the best choice for everyone, and that if you think different you just aren't listening hard enough, is kind of silly.
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Bloody Aussies... always so bloody practical. :lol: Another fair dinkum assessment from Doun Unda, right?
 
Ha, an Aussie that doesnt detect sarcasm.
To be fair the price in AUS is a bit of a joke but this is a mans toy at a mans pricepoint.

I dont recall anyone saying its the best wheel for everyones circumstances but like the thread is titled it has hardware performance that elevates the enjoyment of the games inc GT5.

People seem to forget it bridges the gap from G27 - ECCI giving performance close to specialist wheels and in price comparison terms to those it is a bargin. Is it worth the extra, well is an ECCI worth 3x more. T500 is therefore looked upon in different ways by dfferent people.
 
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