The Fantec shifter does exist and is a real product that thousands of people already possess, it is just back ordered at the moment. (As far astheir Clubsport shifter goes, who knows until we see it it is also just vapourware).
This TM shifter does not yet exist and its appearance could be impacted by any overnight change in market forces, market factors and the economy. Just because Thrustmaster
annouced it, doesnt mean they are
obligated to produce it - this is why I say that until it actually appears on the market it is just vapourware - the lack of concept sketch is very telling as if they are afraid of competition then that must mean the product is very early in its life cycle and competitors could beat them to market with a similar product. If it was very late in its development lifecycle they would know it was too late for any competitor to launch a counter-product before they went live.
So again, unless it is already ready for market and will be making a surprise entrance, this shofter is a ways off and subject to marker forces and factors may never make an apperance.
Thsi is reality, welcome to it.
A sample size of ONE when there is apparently only ONE in the city and that ONE is showing signs of some issues is sort of the only SAMPLE size you have at the moment isnt it?
Now, your sample size of ONE
also just
happens to have a frame that is tweaked so as to not allow the diamond plate to easily mount in the GT pedal mode,
also just
happens to have fastners of such poor QC that of the 5 (4 are needed 1 is spare) hex bolts to mount the "brake moe" 2 are so poorly moulded that the hex key barely fits into the hole,
also just
happens to have countersuck hex bolts that are of such poor material that after only a few very careful uses (you are encouraged to take the thing apart and reassemble in various ways) the hex holes in the faces are beginning to round out,
also just
happens to have hex keys of such poor quality that they are almost a 1/4 of a mm off in size and slop about in the hex bolts,
also just
happens to have a spring in the brake mod that is made of such poor material it is losing its spring pressure after only 7 hours of use??
These are symptoms of EVERY piece of consumer equipment that is made in China under cost and time pressures.
The T500RS is a well engineered product (this is reflected in how well it WORKS) with a very MINOR design and ergonic issue (the placement of the MODE button) that is sadly subject to the QC, material and workmanship of high discount mass manufacturers in China.
Even the AMAZING Fanatec wheel is subject to the woes of its Chinese mass manufacture.
Have you ever taken time to LOOK at the items returned to a major retailer a such as Fry's? The sheer number of well engineered and designed products that are poorly manufactured is insane.
The fact is that on this sample of ONE there is strong evidence of corners cut and quality issues... let's see, are you in the market for a T500RS?? I will sell you mine as-is for the price I paid, are you still confident this is just a sample of ONE?
