The Thrustmaster T500RS Thread

[BigYoSpeck]

Just watched it and fixed shifters? Are there any advantages (other than construction) to that? Doesn't it defeat the purpose of paddles if they aren't right there at your finger tips?

 

[Coxis]

This wheel looks so sick... I hope that it performs as solidly and that January goes by quickly to watch the full review!

 

[petalpusher6]

Pedals comparable to a g27 modified set + benchmark wheel ? Im sold when a full package with shifter is released. Again fixed paddles is actually a good thing.

Funny how all the "Thrustmaster just do garbage and things" are all about to be proven wrong..

 

[nick09]

whats the over under on days from release that someone gets a finger mangled between that wheel and shifter? i think that why companies do the shifteres attached to steering column.... wheel looks really nice though. i think it will be offered from $399.99-$449.99 from retailers like amazon almost immediately and have good success at that price. its just not going to do well at $599.99. my 2 cents. other than the last 6 weeks or so, the G27 is never $299.99. its usually like $209.99.

I agree with you. If the wheel was in that price range, it'd be selling like hotcakes. If you were to get the GT3($179), clubsport pedals($200), Shifter set($50), and optional metal shifter paddles($20). All of that brings it to $450, $430 without the metal shifter paddles, or change the clubsport pedals to regular fanatec pedals($50) and it at $299.95.

There are just better deals out there for the money.

 

[Muzaffar]

The fact that they said the T500 RS is comparable to a ECCI or a Frex GP is very good indeed. And those wheel cost more than 1000US$ or so? Well anyhow, I think from looking at the video this is definitely a step up compared to the G25 even if it doesn't come with a shifter as of yet. Also, I'm not sure how well the Fanatec CSP pedals are but the T500 RS pedals looks more customizable, and with more time I'm sure ISR will give better feedback regarding the pedals (and shifter hopefully).

 

[sonac]

From what I've seen so far, T500RS looks like a great wheel and I can't wait for reviews. However, I'd like to correct you.

Lets put prices into context:
A GT3 Fanatec wheel only is approx £175
CSP pedals with tuning kit and delivery is approx £230 (warrenty invalidated)
Approx Total £405 assuming its even in stock?

GT3 RS V2 clubsport edition is 320 EUR, so that's 275 GBP and I really don't think you need the tunning kit.
Of course we have to wait for reviews of T500RS to make conclusions. It looks like its worth the money, but the point I want to make is that its price puts it in a completely different niche than all other wheels currently on the market. I hope that retailers will discount it over time, because not many people will be willing to spend that much - at least not just yet.
This wheel is basically opening up a new niche of high performance wheels priced somewhere between Logitech, Fanatecs and the most expensive ones like Frex and ECCI (with pricing leaning towards cheaper ones).

 

[papaspurs]

I really don't understand all these comparisons people are making before we know about the wheel. Some people seem to be focussing on one comment from ISR that the pedals not being as good as the clubsports (but better than any other wheel).

These people seem to be completely ignoring the fact that that ISR have also said that the wheel itself makes the 'g25/g27 look and feel like a toy' and that it is 'a step above anything from fanatec or logitech'.

People are also complaining about the price, but ISR have just compared the wheel to some very very expensive hardware in the Frex and ECi stuff. This would seem to make it a bargain.

Seems strange to me that people focus on negatives before knowing the whole story.

I shall be reserving judgement until we know more, but I'm just really pleased that its looking like it's going to be a very good wheel and GT fans will have a host of, lets be honest, excellent wheels to choose from at a number of price points. I hope they show the shifter at CES - Anyone going?

 

[RC45]

Well, since Fry's is going to be carrying it, I will be buying this badboy and giving it a test run. Fry's return policy is the deciding factor for me - No Questions Asked Moneyback Return Policy FTW!

 

[Mr Latte]

These people seem to be completely ignoring the fact that that ISR have also said that the wheel itself makes the 'g25/g27 look and feel like a toy' and that it is 'a step above anything from fanatec or logitech'.

People are also complaining about the price, but ISR have just compared the wheel to some very very expensive hardware in the Frex and ECi stuff. This would seem to make it a bargain.

Seems strange to me that people focus on negatives before knowing the whole story.

You forget its GT Planet most people seem to prefer to moan and whinge, ignoring positives. Its clear this is not aimed at being a good value product but based on performance. Some have difficulty understanding that.

Would I rather buy a G27 and a £200+ "Perfect Pedal"
Hell no...

 

[Mr Latte]

From what I've seen so far, T500RS looks like a great wheel and I can't wait for reviews. However, I'd like to correct you.

GT3 RS V2 clubsport edition is 320 EUR, so that's 275 GBP and I really don't think you need the tunning kit.
Of course we have to wait for reviews of T500RS to make conclusions. It looks like its worth the money, but the point I want to make is that its price puts it in a completely different niche than all other wheels currently on the market. I hope that retailers will discount it over time, because not many people will be willing to spend that much - at least not just yet.
This wheel is basically opening up a new niche of high performance wheels priced somewhere between Logitech, Fanatecs and the most expensive ones like Frex and ECCI (with pricing leaning towards cheaper ones).

Okay yes £275 but add the shipping onto that.
Most people say the additional tuning kit makes the CSP much better. No perhaps they are not essiential to better the feel of the T500 pedals. If pedals are so so important then surely its worth the extra kit? However the T500 are more solid and have their own benefits.

Theirs no definative answer besides personal preference may differ from person to person on the feel of each. Is the ABS a big feature to some, maybe but altering the CSP pedals is a real PITA.

On a presonal basis my CSP have failed 3x times in a year and Ive had to use my G25 pedals more than the CSP since owning a Fanatec wheel. So my feelings are in respective of that.

Maybe Im unlucky in that respect but 3x times is quite annoying.

 

[kikie]

Well funny thing is I remember you recently said GT5 wasnt even worth buying IIRC as well.

You recall wrong because I said that Gt5 isn't worth €70 and I still mean that. I bought a PS3/GT5 combo which means that my GT5 copy is €30. A big difference. I still wouldn't buy GT5 for €70.


https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4163568#post4163568

 

[rebla47]

I don´t understand english spoke very well, but, why Darin do not invert the pedals in the video?.


I see two fails in this wheel to be the "ultimate" racing wheel:

- first, the rim diameter; still little. The manufacturer who gives users the real size rim will win the race for the best wheel.

- two, the base size; too big (more for that 30 cm only rim wheel).

 

[Coxis]

I don´t understand english spoke very well, but, why Darin do not invert the pedals in the video?.


I see two fails in this wheel to be the "ultimate" racing wheel:

- first, the rim diameter; still little. The manufacturer who gives users the real size rim will win the race for the best wheel.

- two, the base size; too big (more for that 30 cm only rim wheel).

Darin said that the pedals are too angled. They are mounted at almost 90 degrees from what I can see.

 

[lunarwolf]

nice preview by SRT. that thing is big. can't say i love the no leather on wheel, don't like those rubber coatings.

interesting it is put in same sentence as frexx rather than fanatec/logitech.

i like what they did to pedals, easily inverted if you prefer and that brake mod looks easy to put in

shame about the lack of ff on other games, surely they must patch this

doubt i will cancel my gt2/csp pre-order for this though

 

[Sarasti]

Kazunori Yamauchi, CEO of Polyphony Digital and Senior Vice President of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., explains: “The goal that I set for the Thrustmaster team was to design for me the most precise wheel ever developed, without any latency – to accurately reproduce the sensations of GT5, and let users truly feel the emotions experienced by drivers on real racing circuits.”

Mission accomplished!


What about pedals?

Who was talking about pedals!!??

 

[Mr Latte]

You recall wrong because I said that Gt5 isn't worth €70 and I still mean that. I bought a PS3/GT5 combo which means that my GT5 copy is €30. A big difference. I still wouldn't buy GT5 for €70.


https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4163568#post4163568

Oh catch a grip its not as if nowhere discounted the game on pre order or GT5 in some way is less value to other video games.
I was only winding you up man.

If this wheel isnt for you as youve made clear then you should have little interest in the rest of the thread...
Enjoy your G27 and pedal mod, nothing wrong with that if its what YOU want.

Darin said that the pedals are too angled. They are mounted at almost 90 degrees from what I can see.

Yes but the pedal arm can easily have an angled wedge bolted on to change that I'd assume.
The full review will give all the Pros and Cons.


Id like to see a nice Sparco or Momo 320mm wheel and pedal set attached to one...

 

[Gunstar]

Looks really good. I like the larger wheel size. The HUGE base looks like it'll support a full sized wheel too, maybe a later upgrade kit? Pedals look kinda gaudy, but sound like they work well. I like the idea of the included "mod" as it makes me think TM is taking user tuning pretty seriously. And it's all still too much $$ for me. Maybe an incredible shifter (or good sized price drop) will put it over the top. I'm still leaning towards the GT2 as my next wheel around Forza 4 release time unless something better for the 360 comes out.

 

[shirakawaa]

To me, the pedal angle in the "GT" position seems ideal for the typical user who hasn't a proper cockpit set-up but uses his desk instead. But maybe, that's just me.

 

[bryann]

Hi,

This is looking really good imho. i'm really debating to pre order one right now.
At chrismas i have got gt5 as a present from my wife, but i still dont have a wheel.
On the first run i almost ordered a fanatec gt3 rs clubsport but now i'm not so sure about anymore because i really like the t500:tup:. hmmmmmm decisions decisions.

Bryan

 

[Gunstar]

To me, the pedal angle in the "GT" position seems ideal for the typical user who hasn't a proper cockpit set-up but uses his desk instead. But maybe, that's just me.

Good point! Certainly a more "upright" seating position will be well served by those pedals in the "Rally" configuration.

 

[TomN]

Just watched it and fixed shifters? Are there any advantages (other than construction) to that?

Yes.

When racing with an angle of 90 degrees, your hands stay on the steering wheel and wheel-attached paddle shifters work best.
However, when you are spinning the wheel around, at 900 degrees lets say, you won't keep your hands sticked to the wheel, unless you are the elastic guy from Fantastic 4. So when cornering, turning the wheel a couple of times round will require you to think how many times you've turned the wheel and in turn on what side the shifter now is. You've no time for this as cornering can happen very fast.
Especially on this wheel, which has 1080 degrees of rotation, you don't want to miss out on fixed shifters! 👍

 

[kikie]

I need to find a wife so she can give me this wheel, as a present.

Oh catch a grip its not as if nowhere discounted the game on pre order or GT5 in some way is less value to other video games.
I was only winding you up man.

If this wheel isnt for you as youve made clear then you should have little interest in the rest of the thread...
Enjoy your G27 and pedal mod, nothing wrong with that if its what YOU want.

It seems that you are the one that's getting tensed up.

I was merely correcting your recollection.

 

[Japspecvr6]

Sounds like they weren't to enthused about the pedals. The FF seems like it would be a strong point of this wheel.

 

[Cheshyrkat]

Liked the initial impressions of the wheel. They didnt sound enthused about the pedals but even still I cant wait for the full review. Doubt Ill upgrade my GT3RS and clubsport pedals anytime soon but I have to admit now that the wheel is out there my interest has been piqued a bit.

 

[Booey]

Hmm...it sounds like it will be a strong wheel but something is just drawing me to the Fanatec at this point.

The clubsport pedals which have lived up to the test, and the fact that it's cheaper than the T500 AND includes a shifter and 360 compatibility.

I think I may just have to go for the GT2 even though the T500 does look very good.

 

[t.o.]

Hmm...it sounds like it will be a strong wheel but something is just drawing me to the Fanatec at this point.

The clubsport pedals which have lived up to the test, and the fact that it's cheaper than the T500 AND includes a shifter and 360 compatibility.

I think I may just have to go for the GT2 even though the T500 does look very good.

Ditto. I've already made some of those points concerning this wheel. Lack of 360 support automatically kills it for me. But I said I'd give the wheel it's props if it deserved it. Didn't know it was belt driven, HUGE props right there. Guys in video seem to like the wheel's feel. I still don't know how the pedals compare with the Clubsports, all he mentioned was some other Thrustmaster pedals which to me means nothing.

 

[Booey]

Ditto. I've already made some of those points concerning this wheel. Lack of 360 support automatically kills it for me. But I said I'd give the wheel it's props if it deserved it. Didn't know it was belt driven, HUGE props right there. Guys in video seem to like the wheel's feel. I still don't know how the pedals compare with the Clubsports, all he mentioned was some other Thrustmaster pedals which to me means nothing.

It's really unfortunate that we can't somehow use the clubsport pedals with the T500 wheel. Sounds like a great setup if it was possible.

 

[t.o.]

It's really unfortunate that we can't somehow use the clubsport pedals with the T500 wheel. Sounds like a great setup if it was possible.

Yeah that does seem like it would have been a "dream set-up". Maybe when the wheel gets PC drivers they could review it as such.

Well funny thing is I remember you recently said GT5 wasnt even worth buying IIRC as well.

Its simple everyone has their own preferences and whatever is best for you then go for that.

The way I look at it and this video has comfirmed is that this is a more precise wheel with better FFB. No deadzone, No chatter. That for me with the GT branding and the upcoming shifter means for GT5 even with its G27 level of quality pedals with Nixim mod (according to Darin) will be a more fun wheel to use. G25 or G27 owners dont seem to be getting a big drop in pedal performance at all, did you listen to what he said? T500 pedals are on par with what your considering so why all of a sudden are G27 quality pedals so bad? I think in your case Kikie its not so much the difference in pedals is what you should focus on but if the improvements the wheel brings are worth the cost of upgrading and if anything maybe the issue of losing the shifter at this moment in time.

People have moaned about the price, they seem to expect the benefits of this wheel in its features but also better than CSP pedals and moan that theirs no full metal shifter included as well all for £400-£450. I think that was always unrealistic. Additionally as its only about to release prices could get discounted further in time.

Lets put prices into context:
A GT3 Fanatec wheel only is approx £175
CSP pedals with tuning kit and delivery is approx £230 (warrenty invalidated)
Approx Total £405 assuming its even in stock?

That to me is a good alternative both with no shifters at very similar price points but with better wheel Vs better pedals. However losing the warrenty that some people may not want to do or not feel adequete in dismantling the pedals to update them.


Going by reports one seems to be a better wheel the other better pedals but Thomas himself said on these very forums it didnt seem overpriced for what it offered and I agree with his honesty in that.


Other Options:
Buying a G27 with PP can cost more....
Perfect Pedal £200+ (warrenty invalidated)

Affordable G27 mod:
AP electrix £60 (warrenty invalidated)

Dont for one moment assume that the T500 may not see 3rd party upgrades to improve its pedals just like the G25 got. Darin even hinted at that being likely. Also for PC users they can mix / match their pedals / wheels anyways and Id assume quite a few of the early buyers of these pedals already own a Logitech/Fanatec anyways.

One huge gap in your post, since it seems you want to cover ALL pluses and minuses in wheel setups, is the lack of support for 360 owners. This needed to be noted in your summary as it's very important to quite a few of us here. Flipping between two wheels is not practical for some and just a plain pain in the ass for all.

 

[Coxis]

Yes but the pedal arm can easily have an angled wedge bolted on to change that I'd assume.
The full review will give all the Pros and Cons.

I was just answering rebla's question, which was what did Darin say since he doesn't understand english very well.

Me, I actually like the pedals, angled or not... Like you said, it can be fixed by modifying your rig, but for people that don't have good setups like myself this makes things a lot easier.

Plus, having the pedals reverse mounted will make it harder for dust to get stuck in the pedal brackets.

 

[shirakawaa]

More info from Gilles:

Again, please no stress, we are here to satisfy most of you.
For anyone that had the chance to put their hands on the T500RS Wheel, or/and a Frex or and ECCI, the Racing wheel itself is already worth its 600USD. Additionnaly it has full metal set , fully adjustable to your convenience, in angle , height , pressure, position. You do not need to be a mechanical engineer to be able to adjust these settings. The pressure can be adjusted very easily to various level : 7 kg / 8.5kg/10kg/14kg/ and up to 16kg.
The pedal set structure has been conceived to easily leave place to Mods. Making mods is a business for the community. We are not here to steal community's business.
The 7 kg pedal set is full metal so it can be used , cockpit mounted for public event, without being damaged (whereas plastic pedals are braking in such event) - it is preferable to Mod a sturdy metal set than a weak plastic set that is not made for this in terms of durability.
Re Clutch pedals:
- Clutch pedals will be operational in GT5 once we launch the gear stick for gear stick driving fans.
- Game developpers of Future games on PS3 to support T500RS can decide whether they want to give access to clutch pedal with or without the presence of a gear stick in the configuration
- On PC, Clutch pedal is fully operational (gives us a few weeks to fine tune the look & feel of the driver & CPL for PC- already impressive ); it will also be possible to use existing separate gear stick for those who have one or for those who can wait for thrustmaster one.