So I'm either buying the Thrustmaster T500 or the Fanatec GT2 - but which one?

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So I've decided that I want a premium steering wheel setup for playing GT5 and some other games with.

I want to either get the Thrustmaster T500 or the Fanatec GT2 with the full pedals and carbon paddles, the most expensive package they offer.

So what do you guys think is the right choice?

The hanging pedals on the Thrustmaster are a plus but I've also heard that the GT2 pedals are the best on the market right now.

I don't know much about the internals and belt drive vs. other systems but what do you guys think? Will the thrustmaster be THE premium setup or is the Fanatec the way to go?

The fact that the Fanatec works on 360 as well is a bit of a plus for me.
 
Wait for reviews. Should be anytime now. Right now Im using a GT3RSv2 with the Clubsport pedals and the new thrustmaster would have to be something incredibly special to get me to upgrade. The CSP's are phenominal especially inverted.
 
The Thrustmaster T500 is to expensive, won't come with the shifter and as it's writen on their site, the break is just a potentiometer.
You can pay less for te GT2 Clubsport edition and you will have a load-cell break, 6 speed shifter and sequential shifter.

I think the fanatec is the way to go.
 
MeLLo
The Thrustmaster T500 is to expensive, won't come with the shifter and as it's writen on their site, the break is just a potentiometer.
You can pay less for te GT2 Clubsport edition and you will have a load-cell brake, 6 speed shifter and sequential shifter.

I think the fanatec is the way to go.
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If thats the case, such disappointment :( . I was really hoping for some sort of haptic feedback + load cell brake on those pedals. With that said, your choice of Fanatec GT wheel + CSP all the way. Do get the CSP tuning kit.
 
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To be fair: If we would have to sell the GT2 through normal distribution channels we would have to charge about 800 to 900 for it. We can only offer it at that price due to our direct sales strategy. Therefore it is not really fair to expect the same amount of features what we have in other wheels at the same price level.

Reading the specs, I don't see that the Thrustmaster is overpriced if you compare it to the Logitech wheels.
 
The inverted pedals can be done on the CSP's, the mod Delphic Reason has done a guide for it.

The ClubSports are a better pedal set if the T500RS's pedals are potentometer. The wheel, 1080degrees is more than 900degrees, but do you really need it?

As for Force Feedback, I'm sure both will be comparable.

The GT2 is adjustable on the fly, and it works for X360.

Shifters: We haven't seen the T500RS shifter yet so cannot judge. Fanatec are coming with a CSS & CSH, which if in the same standard of the pedals, will be great.

In other words, get the Fanatec :)
 
Thanks guys.

Seeing as how the fact that you can break on 0 ABS without locking up on the Fanatec pedals was HUGE for me.

I was hoping the thrustmaster's would have a comparible break pedal but it looks like it won't.

Settings on the fly and 360 compatibility... I guess it's Fanatec all the way for me!
 
The Thrustmaster wheel doesn't even work on the 360 and the pedals are so ugly the base looks like the running board off billy-bob's tow truck.
 
Bit early to be writing of the Thrustmaster isn't it? Jeez louise guys, in about 2-4 weeks there will be loads of reviews flying about the place, at least wait till then and make an informed decision

The Thrustmaster T500 is to expensive, won't come with the shifter and as it's writen on their site, the break is just a potentiometer.
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Can you link? I have seen in the promo vid that it's 157N pressure (though that doesn't mean a lot to me, presumably just means a lot of pressure but anyone that can shed light on that compared to other pedals please pipe up) but I can't remember seeing anywhere on the promo material it saying 'just a pot, not a load cell or anything special'

As Fanatec themselves have graciously pointed out the spec on the Thrustmaster does (on paper) match the price, so at least wait for the reviews.

Or don't and then a couple of months down the line you could be kicking yourself for having more money than patience
 
Theirs little to fault with the Fanatec GT2 and Fanatec have brought some excellent updates to the firmware of their products and the tuning kit to the CSP.

You get a great package allowing the highest levels of user adjustability.
Ive personally always championed that about their products. The only drawback I see in Fanatec is how their wheels seem to combine the power of FFB/Rumble on PS3 together.

An example of this is setting the wheel menu for FFB to Zero will result in also having Zero Rumble.
In GT5 menus and using a DF-GT or G25 which I tested the Rumble strength isnt adjustable but has no effect to the FFB setting being used in the games menus. Currently on a Fanatec wheel (not tested with X360 game) you cannot have say FFB at 5 and still get maximium kerb rumble from the rumble motors. Both seem to be linked together which is a bit of a drawback for people that would like lower FFB but maximium kerb rumble.

Getting back to the T500 its too early to drop the ball on the T500 yet to expect it not to be quite special either.

It is described as offering more precission and upto1080 degrees. They also mention that it has adjustable turning degrees via a motorised stop. The FFB motor at 65watt is much stronger. No mention to the power output of the Fanatec Mabuchi motor but if like RC cars they often have about 40 watts output (Thomas can verify). The pedals seem to be quite substantial with lots of adjustability so its foolish at this point to determine how good they are in comparison to the feel of the CSP but we should expect them to be pretty decent.

The T500 could indeed bring a unique and possible superior GT5 experience and become a higher graded PS3 fully licensced product something the Fanatec range is not. Furthermore if anything the price wont be that big of an issue if the performance is high and this wheel could be more competition to the Fanatec range than the G27 ever was.

People will pay for performance and quality Fanatec themselves are proof of that.


* If Thomas wants to forward me a GT2 wheel for an unbiased photo/review comparison and being a past yet privledged PWTS beta tester I would consider buying this T500 wheel in the interest of such a comparison mainly based on it being a hobby/interest.
 
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Fair enough, the GT2 is out of stock as it is so it's not as if I'm in any rush.

I'll wait for the reviews of the T500 to come out and see if the pedals can stack up. I'm not worried about the wheel so much as being able to brake without locking the wheels.
 
Booey
So I've decided that I want a premium steering wheel setup for playing GT5 and some other games with.

I want to either get the Thrustmaster T500 or the Fanatec GT2 with the full pedals and carbon paddles, the most expensive package they offer.

So what do you guys think is the right choice?

The hanging pedals on the Thrustmaster are a plus but I've also heard that the GT2 pedals are the best on the market right now.

I don't know much about the internals and belt drive vs. other systems but what do you guys think? Will the thrustmaster be THE premium setup or is the Fanatec the way to go?

The fact that the Fanatec works on 360 as well is a bit of a plus for me.
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I am in the same boat and I, too, am leaning towards the Fanatec Porsche GT2 + CSP because of the PC/PS3/Xbox360 compatability. I will wait for reviews on the Thrustmaster and make a decision at the end of next month.
:)
 
MeLLo
The Thrustmaster T500 is to expensive, won't come with the shifter and as it's writen on their site, the break is just a potentiometer.
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How do you know that. Thrustmaster didn't mention anything about a potmeter. And they said that the brake pedal will be as innovating as their wheel, which has the H.E.A.R.T. thechnology. So I assume that there will be no potmeter but something new and innovating. ;)

Fanatec...
To be fair: If we would have to sell the GT2 through normal distribution channels we would have to charge about 800 to 900 for it. We can only offer it at that price due to our direct sales strategy. Therefore it is not really fair to expect the same amount of features what we have in other wheels at the same price level.

Reading the specs, I don't see that the Thrustmaster is overpriced if you compare it to the Logitech wheels.
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Perfect post!

That's how you earn trust from potetional buyers.
 
kikie
How do you know that. Thrustmaster didn't mention anything about a potmeter. And they said that the brake pedal will be as innovating as their wheel, which has the H.E.A.R.T. thechnology. So I assume that there will be no potmeter but something new and innovating. ;)

Perfect post!

That's how you earn trust from potetional buyers.
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The H.E.A.R.T technology is just like the Hall-Mag Potentiometers that FREX uses. And it is no more than a contact-less magnetic potentiometer.
 
I am also interested in the GT3RSV2 or the GT2 but I got a question. Is everything I need in the package? Or do I have to oder some cables extra? I´ve read in an other forum that the member get his GT2 CE but he has no PS2 cable so he can´t play GT5?? He can connect the pedals only on his PC with USB??
 
stega
The H.E.A.R.T technology is just like the Hall-Mag Potentiometers that FREX uses. And it is no more than a contact-less magnetic potentiometer.
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Right, the HEART tech is the wheel. Not the pedals?? I still have yet to see anything that describes the exact tech used in the pedals besides that pressure figure. Someone like it if they've seen it, but I've not seen anything
 
Fanatec...
To be fair: If we would have to sell the GT2 through normal distribution channels we would have to charge about 800 to 900 for it. We can only offer it at that price due to our direct sales strategy. Therefore it is not really fair to expect the same amount of features what we have in other wheels at the same price level.

Reading the specs, I don't see that the Thrustmaster is overpriced if you compare it to the Logitech wheels.
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👍

Great to get little "behind the scenes" info. As said.. being honest of your competitors products is a great thing to see. (might be just playing wise though.. :D )
 
Patrocles
I am in the same boat and I, too, am leaning towards the Fanatec Porsche GT2 + CSP because of the PC/PS3/Xbox360 compatability. I will wait for reviews on the Thrustmaster and make a decision at the end of next month.
:)
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In the UK the difference between a GT3V2 and GT2 offering pretty much the same features other than the X360 support is 180 Euro. Thats quite a lot for buttons that light up and the X360 compatibility. The question is will FM4 be worth it as its likely the main reason for people to go for the X360 features?

When you compare the GT3V2 to this T500 as then neither are X360 compatible thats when the price difference is much different in Fanatec's favour. Features wise Fanatec is very much in command but the question is still out on wheel/pedal performance lads.

I just get a feeling this product although excellent could be flawed in ways even though Im optomistic about its features. Its going to be close I reckon.
 
stega
The H.E.A.R.T technology is just like the Hall-Mag Potentiometers that FREX uses. And it is no more than a contact-less magnetic potentiometer.
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We use contactless magnetic sensors even in our CSPs. And of course we also have a contactless high resolution sensor (optical) in the wheel as well.

The resolution of the sensor is not so important than the position of the sensor. If it is mounted on the motor you will get some small tolerances in the belt/gear drive which destroy the hyper precision.

It is similar to the megapixel hype in cameras. Not the amount of pixels count but the lens and hardware around it.
 
Fanatec...
It is similar to the megapixel hype in cameras. Not the amount of pixels count but the lens and hardware around it.
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It's the same in everything.. seeing the specs doesn't mean it will deliver really good...
 
Fanatec...
To be fair: If we would have to sell the GT2 through normal distribution channels we would have to charge about 800 to 900 for it. We can only offer it at that price due to our direct sales strategy. Therefore it is not really fair to expect the same amount of features what we have in other wheels at the same price level.

Reading the specs, I don't see that the Thrustmaster is overpriced if you compare it to the Logitech wheels.
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This find hard to believe, the sheer volume of sales a retail marketing strategy would bring to the table would surely keep your unit costs down. This strategy may require you guys get some serious investment behind you to meet 15 and 20,000 unit delivery deadlines, but this attitude may end up allowing the Thrustmasster to dominate the high-end space by shelf presence alone. You can't sell what is not on the stores shelves.

For every 10 walkup sales of a Thrustmaster T500 at a big box store, probably only 2 will even know the Fanatec wheel exists.

Remember the Betamax VHS wars? The better product didnt win ;)
 
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Really, you missing the bit that the largest profit margins go to the retailers. Whatever Fanatec would sell at to wholesalers they will want their cut then the retailer also theirs. So the Fanatec wholesale price would easily be half of the retail price point. Oh and thats roughly around the 800 - 900 amount he stated.

I wast aware the T500 was a big box walk up to store item?
Currently their own website has not been updated to where it will be available and you seem to not realise production of this may also be restricted to initial batches to see how it fares in sales.

While I cannot relate this to everwhere the information for the UK press release states it is only available via HMV and Amazon.co.uk

So far it is avaiilable to pre order on Amazon UK but not yet on HMV's systems nor their website and hasnt been confirmed if available online only or also at select stores.

If anything it looks like they are carefully selecting where to sell these and that more than likely allows those etailers / retailers to avoid any pricing wars meaning high discounts are unlikely unless coming direct from the Manufacturer.
 
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I think Thomas is pretty dead on in his estimates. I distribute products in medical capital equipment and I can assure you the prices would go up dramatically. Also, I can't think of a single retailer Best Buy included that will stock the Thrustmaster at $600/unit. Why would they? It's not like that type of potential customer walks through the door everyday. They are enthusiasts that are very well aware of other products in the market.

Heck Best Buy has stopped carrying the G27s at $300 each for the same reason. They certainly won't carry them at $600. That's what the DFGT is for. Really the only viable retail store product I could see for Fanatec is the Carrera. All of the other wheels and pedals are just a bit too high end to carry at the retail level.
 
Timppaq
It's the same in everything.. seeing the specs doesn't mean it will deliver really good...
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Yes but also seeing how their flight stick turned out they do seem quite capable of making high end quality products.

In a way I bet you Thomas is a bit nervous over this and understandably so with a new competitor arriving with a big advertising budget and fully licensced to Sony / GT5. Besides Fanatec too have used the "Spec List" trick themselves if we are honest. Err the 1024 steps to the CSP which means what exactly to console owners?

However before we all start applauding Fanatec on how great their products are, well no more than we should (sorry yet not an attack Thomas) lets keep things fair as they themselves arent perfect. "German Engineering thats made in China". They also need to sort out their issues in 2011 regards customer support and we still are awaiting the new website they announced a year or so ago?

Ive had CSP pedals go through 3x sets of faults in a year with little usage and know these faults have happened to others. Theyve sat as past two months now with no throttle response and yet I still ordered the CSP tuning kit which Ive yet to put on.

So having great products that fail from time to time but take ages to have fixed is also not a great thing neither. True to Fanatecs defense you wont find the CEO of Thrustmaster or Logitech on forums trying to help and thats all part of the personal service from smaller companies and something I do commend Thomas on.

Lets not write off this wheels chances yet but at the same time be reasonable.
 
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You know what I don´t understand?? I´m thinking about this since the GT2 came out.

GT2

Force Feedback Racing Wheel GT2 250€
ClubSport shifter paddles carbon 40€
ClubSport Pedals 200€
6+1 H-shifter,Sequentiel Shifter 50€
-----
540€

GT2 Clubsport Edition Price 500€


GT3RSV2

Force Feedback Wheel GT3RSV2 180€
Schwarze Shifter Paddles Metall 20€
ClubSport Shifter Paddles Aluminium 20€
ClubSport Pedals 200€
-----
420€

GT3RSV2 Clubsport Edition Price 320€


That´s a difference from 180€ between the 2 Clubsport Edition prices, ok so far? Now the difference between the wheels is only 70€ when you buy them alone!

GT3RSV2 - 180€
GT2 - 250€

If you add the shifters to the GT3RSV2 Clubsport Edition set, you are at 370€. Still an difference from 130€.

I´ve thought about it to buy the GT3RSV2 CE for 320€, sell the wheel for 160-180€ on ebay (new unused and people pay it) and then I´m at ~150€ for the pedals and the shifter paddles. If I buy the GT2 alone now I pay 400€ for the package... Even if I buy the shifter set for 50€ I´m at 450€...

I hope you understand what I mean?? Ok Its too much work and I don´t want to buy it that way but you get what I mean? You pay 50€ more for nothing...
 
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Mr Latte
In a way I bet you Thomas is a bit nervous over this and understandably so with a new competitor arriving with a big advertising budget and fully licensced to Sony / GT5. Besides Fanatec too have used the "Spec List" trick themselves if we are honest. Err the 1024 steps to the CSP which means what exactly to console owners?
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Well, I knew about this wheel since June (E3) so it is not so much a suprise to me. I believe that it will be a very good wheel but I did not see anything which makes me really nervous as most of the features sounded very familiar to me. We will see how useful innovations like the 1080 turning angle really are when we get the feedback from the first testers.

Can you tell me where we advertised the resolution of 1024 steps on the CSPs?

It is true that the resolution is higher on PC but you will notice that we did not mention that in our feature list as the resolution of a peripheral is always only as good as what the system can handle.
 
The T500RS looks nice, but if it doesn't have a load cell brake then it shouldn't even be considered IMO.

Seeing as Thrustmaster hasn't once mentioned load cell anywhere, I rather doubt the T500RS will have it.
 
crox
Seeing as Thrustmaster hasn't once mentioned load cell anywhere, I rather doubt the T500RS will have it.
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Yeah... they've only mentioned the pressure so it is unlikely :(

When Fanatec came out with the CSP's, the first thing they bragged about was the load cell... and why not, it is a first in the console industry and has been for years now.
 
Yeah Thomas I would of thought a new product like this would of had come under your radar long before being officially announced.

I do agree that the full 1080 may not be a greatly used feature and to be honest I very rarely personally even use 900 degrees on consoles with your own products. Yes its partial marketing hype of couse. Still that doesnt mean their product cant have the marketing blurb and also have very accurate precision something Kaz has went on about in the offical news release.

For me the most eyebrow rasing feature is the strength and speed of the FFB and their claims its 2x more powerful than other motors used in some products. This feature of the product could help distinguish it from the "Toy Aspect" and be more like the true sim wheels on the market. Those like Frex arnt able to play PS3 so Im curious to see where or if this bridges the gap between the G27 / Fanatec - Pro Sim wheels.

They seem quite seriours and certainly look to of done their homework after what was a rather disapointing upgrade for Logitech between G25 - G27. Something your own products with improved firmware have easily surpassed technically.

Regards the 1024 steps I believe it was more in your blog it was first mentioned. Early on I believe it was also on the website. It doesnt matter that much as the point I was making is your own products were recently quite the unkown regards quality/performance and many inc myself gave you the benefit of the doubt placing forward orders upto a year in advance.

I just think this product deserves the same benefit of the doubt and when it becomes clear as to its actual performance and if its an overdue oversized Christmas Turkey or not.

It just seems in various forums/threads people are putting in diggs or downplaying this product and I guess I get excited when new things arrive on the scene.

btw id appreciate if you can clear up the questions I have in the main Fanatec thread.
 
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