Thrustmaster Ferrari 430 wireless.....

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seadog777

seadog777

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seadog777
I could have added this post to one I made earlier about the DFGT, but I thought it deserved its own thread, especially to help people doing a "search" for it.

I was lined up to get the DFGT for Father's Day.

I won't bore you with the details but today (no laughing please) I got the Thrustmaster 430 wireless (Scudeira Edition!). It was "on sale".

It will no doubt be derided for having no force feedback, and is probably considered a kiddies wheel!!

However... I set it up in about a minute. There's no need for coffee tables, ironing boards or room modifications. There is no power cable or USB cable laying across the floor to trip the kids up, and all I had to do was configure the "controller" in options of GT5 to get the pedals working.

It's very well built.... and feels very solid. The weight of the base keeps it firmly anchored to the floor, even when hurling the wheel around.

There doesn't seem to be any lag whatsoever in the wireless... it's on a par with the DS3 I have been using.

The bottom line is, although not considered a contender, I'm pretty impressed so far. It's way more fun than using the DS3.

Niggles so far.... my lap times around Indy in the Bentley are up to 6 seconds slower than what I can do with the DS3! I thought it was huge understeer, but I'm starting to think that it's simply a matter of getting used to a wheel. Most of the actual turning seems to be in the last 30 degrees of wheel movement.

I'm sure the DFGT is probably better, and more accurate. I'm hoping It's a matter of getting used to a wheel though.

But, it is really convenient. And it is a real joy to pilot the cars with a wheel instead of a joystick!

I have 29 days left to take it back to the store for "no reason". I just hope that it grows on me in that time.

Any thoughts or comments?
 
Do not be ashamed, I also thought of buying it before. It does not look bad at all, but no force feedback...
 
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Slower lap times are common when going from a controller to a wheel, its just takes some getting used to.

Just because there may be a better product out there does not mean that you wouldn't be very happy with the wheel you bought. The wireless connectivity sounds like it works better for your living situation anyway.
 
It's way more fun than using the DS3.
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Yep and that's what its all about .I am sure the family like a go on it too , and it wont rip their arms off like a lot of the new wheels with FFB.
 
Jose'
Do not be ashamed, I also thought of buying it before. I does not look bad, but no force feedback...
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I've never tried force feedback, so I don't really know what I'm missing. I know I don't miss the "vibration" from the DS3!

MoparMike
Slower lap times are common when going from a controller to a wheel, its just takes some getting used to.

Just because there may be a better product out there does not mean that you wouldn't be very happy with the wheel you bought. The wireless connectivity sounds like it works better for your living situation anyway.
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Very true. The PS3 is used by all of us, so I can't really "build in" a racing set.

blown540ci
Yep and that's what its all about .I am sure the family like a go on it too , and it wont rip their arms off like a lot of the new wheels with FFB.
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The kids have tried it and love it! They were having trouble with a DS3 (it's a co-ordination thing!). Another good thing about this wheel is it is ultra-adjustable in seconds. You can get a perfect fit for everyone, any size.

I'll give it a week and see how it goes. I hope my lap times improve, but I have read plenty of posts that say it is a DS3 to wheel thing.....
 
crispychicken49
I looked and mines the Sixaxis. How good is that compared to the DS3?
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I don't think you're missing much. It just sort of shakes a bit when you go over a curb, or you've set the suspension too low etc.

It's not realistic, and I thought it was a bit tacky, to be honest.
 
crispychicken49
I looked and mines the Sixaxis. How good is that compared to the DS3?
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As far as I know there are only two differences between the Sixaxis and the DS3. The Sixaxis does not have vibration and it is significantly lighter in weight. Other than that it works the same.
 
Well, I've had this wheel for just two and a bit days now, and put quite a few hours on it.

It won't be going back to the shop!

It has changed the whole game for me. It is much more fun now.

It is not a "pro" wheel. It doesn't have force feedback (but I've never used that so I don't know what I'm missing). But compared to the DS3 it's a whole different experience.

The wheel is aimed at people like me, and some other posters, who want the fun of a wheel without all the inconvenience a "rig" can cause to a household.

It is silent. There are no cables. It folds up easily and can be put in a cupboard (using the built in carry handle!). It can be adjusted to suit everyone from a 4 year old to a 6 foot plus adult. It works with every PS3 game. Children can use it easily.

I started off 6 seconds or so off my best laps set using a DS3... after just 2 days I'm almost on par. The twisty circuits are proving more difficult, but I'm getting there! I know that very soon I'll be beating my times set with the DS3... it's just very natural.

This will do me for now. I'd love to try the TM 500, but it's just not an option at $600!

Bottom line, if domestic issues are the only thing stopping you getting a wheel, you should consider this one. It's a whole lot of fun, and only $30 more than the DFGT (where I am anyway).

PS... I don't have anything to do with Thrustmaster!!
 
I am happy for you that you're enjoying the wheel, however,

Just as a note please don't think FFB in wheels is anything like vibration in controllers. FFB is feedback which you can feel much of what the car (tyres) is doing and drive occordingly, it's mostly about information and not a silly effect like on the DS3. Please don't think I am harping FFB on to you as that is not my intention. It only matters if you're happy with what you have and by the sounds of it your wheel suits your needs fully. :)
 
Jay
I am happy for you that you're enjoying the wheel, however,

Just as a note please don't think FFB in wheels is anything like vibration in controllers. FFB is feedback which you can feel much of what the car (tyres) is doing and drive occordingly, it's mostly about information and not a silly effect like on the DS3. Please don't think I am harping FFB on to you as that is not my intention. It only matters if you're happy with what you have and by the sounds of it your wheel suits your needs fully. :)
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Cheers! I'm sure that FFB adds yet another dimension to the game.... but it's all a matter of compromise for me, at the moment.

One day I will be able to afford, and set up, a TM 500. I hope!

All I'm saying is that players who want a better experience should consider these "amateur" wheels rather than stick with the DS3. They really do change the game, for the better.
 
Now I think about it I actually started out (if you exclude a crappy Sega Saturn wheel) with a Thrustmaster 360 Modena non FFB wheel on Nascar Racing 2002 Season and loved it, infact I still have the wheel around here somewhere.
 
Jay
Now I think about it I actually started out (if you exclude a crappy Sega Saturn wheel) with a Thrustmaster 360 Modena non FFB wheel on Nascar Racing 2002 Season and loved it, infact I still have the wheel around here somewhere.
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You could sell it as an antique!
 
Bah, humbug!

So, an update.

This wheel has been great... really fun to use and changed the whole game for me. My lap times are way quicker than using the DS3.

However.....! I think it's broken, and it's only 4 months old!

The wheel suddenly feels like it has a moving weight inside... it flops over to the side I'm steering. I think that auto centring springy thingy's bust!

I'm a bit peed off... I don't use it heavily, and for the price it should last more than 4 months!

I've emailed Support and am waiting for an answer.

I doubt that there are many of you with this wheel on this forum, but has anyone else experienced problems with Thrustmaster kit?
 
Well, I'm pretty impressed with Thrustmaster customer service! I got a reply back straight away and they're sending a replacement head. I haven't been asked to send the old one back.... that's pretty good service.
 

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