Wheel Buying Advice?

[AfraidRacer]

Hey all, 14-y/o driver looking for a wheel here! I've been checking out some stuff and I have a few questions.

->I’m pretty short, so would that be a problem?
->Same with weight, I heard somewhere that you need to give 65kg of braking force on a CSL Elite.
->Do I need to look into special wheel stands? I was thinking a desk-type arrangement. Would I need a strong table for the FFB?
->Never driven before, only karting, so I'm not really used to high steering lock or manual transmission. I can manage sequential but mainly drive auto.
->Gloves?(Y/N)

The one's I'm currently looking at are(all from Amazon):
->G29-281$ (shifter is 70$)
->T80-119$
->T300RS(2 pedal is 281$, GT edition is 352$)
Sorry for wonky $ measurements btw, I'm converting from INR.

Would really appreciate some help, thanks!

Edit- I don't want the T150 though, and I'll mainly be playing GTS.

 

[Shingo_civic]

Hey all, 14-y/o driver looking for a wheel here! I've been checking out some stuff and I have a few questions.

->I’m pretty short, so would that be a problem?
->Same with weight, I heard somewhere that you need to give 65kg of braking force on a CSL Elite.
->Do I need to look into special wheel stands? I was thinking a desk-type arrangement. Would I need a strong table for the FFB?
->Never driven before, only karting, so I'm not really used to high steering lock or manual transmission. I can manage sequential but mainly drive auto.
->Gloves?(Y/N)

The one's I'm currently looking at are(all from Amazon):
->G29-281$ (shifter is 70$)
->T80-119$
->T300RS(2 pedal is 281$, GT edition is 352$)
Sorry for wonky $ measurements btw, I'm converting from INR.

Would really appreciate some help, thanks!

Edit- I don't want the T150 though, and I'll mainly be playing GTS.

Go with the t300 GT edition,it's ffb and smoothnes is on another league compared to g29.

 

[Nuschel01]

Get a Playseat Challenge and the T300

 

[Riptide]

G29 is good and provide nice racing experience, but something is still missing and I regret not buying the T300GT or even the T-GT instead.

 

[kilesa4568]

->I’m pretty short, so would that be a problem?

Over 4 feet shouldn't be a problem.

->Same with weight, I heard somewhere that you need to give 65kg of braking force on a CSL Elite.

Sounds like a load cell. Regular sprung pedals are probably half that amount.

->Do I need to look into special wheel stands? I was thinking a desk-type arrangement. Would I need a strong table for the FFB?

The more solid the wheel is, the less feedback you'll lose through play in the mounting and you want to be as comfortable as you can possibly make it. A table mount will set a weird wheel angle so I'd look at a decent stand or cockpit for the extra adjustability.

->Never driven before, only karting, so I'm not really used to high steering lock or manual transmission. I can manage sequential but mainly drive auto.

I've got a G29 shifter but make do with the paddles as it's a bit too toy like with its tiny throw and plastic feel. The steering lock can take some getting used to but it's the same for everyone with their first wheel.

->Gloves?(Y/N)

Protecting an alcantara rim, having sweaty hands or running high torque settings make gloves a decent option. Expect a couple of insignificant thumb callouses if you don't wear them.

->G29-281$ (shifter is 70$)
->T80-119$
->T300RS(2 pedal is 281$, GT edition is 352$)

The T80 is bungee driven so I'd only look at the T300 and G29. I'm surprised they're the same price where you are and that would make me pick the T300 but I hear the pedals aren't very good. The GT edition comes with the pro pedals (someone correct me if I'm wrong) and likely worth the extra $70 to you.

 

[AfraidRacer]

@Shingo_civic @Nuschel01 and @Riptide Thanks! Whats the difference between the T300RS and T300 GT Edition? How much worse are the pedals?

@kilesa4568 Thanks for the comprehensive answers! I'm still worried about the brake weight though. I'm barely 46 myself! I'm looking at the T300 now without a shifter. What about feet though? Socks/shoes? And what do you mean about the pedals?

 

[Pigems]

I’d recommend the T300 GT Edition as well, great wheel, good price range. For stands, I built my own for really cheap, if you’re handy I still have my plans and will happily share them with you. It only required a single sheet of 3/4” MDF/plywood($40) and a used seat from a junkyard($20).

For shoes, get a pair of swimming shoes from Walmart, thin sole, rounded heel, slip on and off easily, and only $9. They work great!

 

[super_gt]

Whats the difference between the T300RS and T300 GT Edition?

The only difference are the pedals:
T300RS

T300 GT Edition

I heard somewhere that you need to give 65kg of braking force on a CSL Elite

You can adjust the desired pressure in the wheel tuning menu.
BRF (brake force)
BRF range: OFF 010 … 100 BRF default: 050 This brake force modifiers give you the ability to adjust the brake feeling according to your favour: Increasing the BRF to 100 means the user needs to press the brake with minimum force to achieve 100% brake signal. Reducing the BRF to OFF means the user needs to press the brake only with maximum force to achieve 100% brake signal.

 

[AfraidRacer]

@Pigems Thanks, but I'll look into some other arrangement.

@super_gt My question is, how are the pedals different from each other? Is the wheel any different? And how are the T3PA pedals better?

 

[super_gt]

Is the wheel any different?

No.

And how are the T3PA pedals better?

I only have experience with the two padel set and T3PA PRO, the only thing i can say about the T3PA is that they have a more solid construction than the two pedal set and conical brake mod.

 

[Groundfish]

T300 with the good pedals.

 

[Nelson Medway]

I have the T300 RS GT edition mounted on a Playseat Evolution, which I'm more than happy with.

I have tried a friends G29 on a Playseat Challenge and as others have mentioned is hasn't got the smoothness of the T300. It's worth noting that the G29 always crops up in Black Friday deals.

I wouldn't discount the T150, I ran one for 100's of hours on GT Sport alone fixed to a Wheelstand Pro which is adjustable to pretty any much chair you're in. Don't bother with the T80.

 

[breeminator]

Re desk mounting, you can see in this photo that I have two clamps holding the desk against the adjoining desks. Without those, it's a LOT less stable and rigid. The other thing I'd say is you ideally want somewhere you can leave it set up, it very quickly becomes tedious getting it out and putting it away again. Making wooden parts yourself can be done very cheaply, all the wood that the seat and pedals are on cost about £10 in total, it's structural timber like is used for joists.

 

[Pigems]

I have the T300 RS GT edition mounted on a Playseat Evolution, which I'm more than happy with.

I have tried a friends G29 on a Playseat Challenge and as others have mentioned is hasn't got the smoothness of the T300. It's worth noting that the G29 always crops up in Black Friday deals.

I wouldn't discount the T150, I ran one for 100's of hours on GT Sport alone fixed to a Wheelstand Pro which is adjustable to pretty any much chair you're in. Don't bother with the T80.

The Black Friday deals are a great thing if you can wait it out, I got my T300 GT last year after Xmas for less than what they wanted for a G29 or the Regular T300 at the time.

 

[Groundfish]

I also designed and built a simple setup with some threaded pipe and two pieces of wood.
No cutting required just a few solid wood screws with foot flanges.
Works great.
You need good solid mounting and seating.

 

[stpatty]

Are there any problems with compatibility and certain wheels with certain games? I'm assuming the big names (G29, T300, T-GT, CSL) all work with all the games you'd expect them to.

 

[kilesa4568]

I'm still worried about the brake weight though. I'm barely 46 myself!

Spring brakes don't need anywhere near the force (10-20KG's ish) that load cells do so you'll be fine.

What about feet though? Socks/shoes?

I tried socks but the polished plates on the G29's pedals are too slippy for my liking. Switched to thin rubber soled training shoes and get extra grip from them but it's a personal preference thing what you go with. The same with gloves.

If you're considering the Playseat Challenge, see if you can test it before you buy. I'm guessing you're around 5' tall so with the bucket/hammock style seat, you might not find it too comfortable to reach the pedals. GT Omega and Next Level do solid and very adjustable wheel stands (reasonably priced) that could grow with you plus you could bolt a seat onto them at a later date. I'd put as much thought into your seating position as you do with choosing a wheel though. You want something as comfortable and ergonomic as possible.

 

[AfraidRacer]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I'll try to get a T300GT around Black Friday.

 

[banckzy]

Thrustmaster does not have the greatest reputation for reliability at all, please bear this in mind when making your purchase.

 

[RappyThePro]

Hey man, I had the same questions when I first entered into sim-racing, so I will give you some advices.
It really depends on you. If you have a good budget, don't buy the T80 at all. I had it and it was terribly difficult to steer with it. Then it didn't have any FFB, which it sucks. I had it for three months, then the pedals stopped working, so I upgraded to a G29. I tried a simulator with a T300, and it is really cool, but after you played for some hours, if you aren't really experienced in sim-racing like myself, you get bored. Maybe it's just myself, but the G29 at my home didn't give me any type of bad feelings. You don't get bored or tired. You said you don't have much experience, so don't buy a Fanatec CSL Elite because of its high price. About the fact that you're pretty short, don't worry. I am short too and I never had any problems.
So:
->G29-281$ (shifter is 70$) - Buy it if you want to have fun, with a Playseat or a Gaming Seat to enjoy it more. The FFB is ok and suitable for every desk.
->T80-119$ - It isn't worth 119 dollars. Don't buy it.
->T300RS(2 pedal is 281$, GT edition is 352$) - Buy it if you want to simulate real life as much as possible. This doesn't mean the G29 doesn't simulate real life, buy it is a bit more like a toy compared to this one. Buy the GT edition if you plan to play with street cars/ old racing cars. Just a little bad thing, @banckzy is right: 1 T300 out of 5 is broken. This isn't a big issue if you can change it, but avoid buying it where you can't give it back if it's broken.
-> Fanatec CSL Elite - 650$ - Buy it if you want to be a pro, you want a sim-racing experience and you have a nice budget. But seeing you want to play just GT Sport, it isn't worth it.
-> T150 with T3PA - 320$ or less - You don't want to buy it, but if you want an average experience between the G29 and the T300 buy the T150 with the T3PA pedals and TH8 shifter. It's much easier than the T300 and not too much similiar to a toy like the G29 (again, I have it, and it isn't a toy itself, I'm comparing it with T300).
So it's your choice.

 

[AfraidRacer]

Thanks for all the replies again! A few more questions.

->How do I use wired headphones with a wheel? Can I connect it to the controller and drive?
->Will better sales be on Black Friday or Christmas?
->What other alternatives are there for seating apart from a real car seat or a dedicated gaming seat?(like a Playseat Evolution)
-> Is 2P possible, with one on the wheel and one on controller?
->How do I set up a Thrustmaster wheel for steering lock, brake force etc? Is there a configuration program I have to download or can it be done in GTS?
->How does a wheel connect to the PS4? USB?
->I’ve seen that the angle of the wheel is like a bus if placed on a flat surface. Is this true of all wheels?
->Lastly, how are the pedals on the T300GT different from the standard version?
->Any cheaper alternatives for the TH8A? Anyone here have a used one?

@kilesa4568 pls help lol

 

[Nuschel01]

How do I use wired headphones with a wheel? Can I connect it to the controller and drive?

Yes, just plug them in your controller.

Is 2P possible, with one on the wheel and one on controller?

Works fine.

How does a wheel connect to the PS4? USB?

Exactly.

 

[kilesa4568]

->What other alternatives are there for seating apart from a real car seat or a dedicated gaming seat?(like a Playseat Evolution)

You could get away with a saw horse and deck chair if need be but there's nothing worse than an uncomfortable driving position taking your mind off your driving.

Have you got the space for a permanent rig or do you have to pack it away after each session? If it's permanent, I wouldn't rule out a self build (Pigem's offered you his plans for one) as you can tailor it to exactly how you need it and even build in a bit of growing room. A decent car seat will probably be way more comfortable than any rig you buy as they're all mental, over the top racing bucket seats. Sure, they look great but they're a bit daft for sim racing. I've no idea why we pay extra for all those bolsters...

I've not owned a stand but I almost took the plunge on Next Level and GT Omega's offerings. Chuck a comfortable chair in front and you should get a good driving position but I chickened out as I'm probably too tall for them too. The Evo I've just bought is extended to the limit and I'm still a bit cramped but it's proving more comfy than the Challenge...with the added cushion for my lower back anyway.

The Challenge seat is a great design but I think there's a sweet spot for body size with them. Too tall or too short shows the faults with its scissor design seat but you can get around it (up to a point) with padding it out or releasing the velcro straps. There's a bit of padding in them already but you won't feel it after a couple of hours... The pedals mount flat too so I had to stick something under them to get a bit more comfortable. It's also a very snug seat with no fidget to get comfortable room. Too many compromises for me in the end.

It seems to be the more you pay, the more comfy you can get but it's easy to spend too much by spending too little in the first place. I've spent £400 on seats now and I'm still not happy. If I'd built one, I'd have a stupidly comfortable seat and an ideal driving position for half the price. No room till the kids leave though... (My hindsight is telling you to enjoy your sim racing till you're 35, then have kids.)

->I’ve seen that the angle of the wheel is like a bus if placed on a flat surface. Is this true of all wheels?

My Evo comes with a flat wheel plate and the fixed angle is driving me nuts. I'll get used to it eventually but it is like driving a bus as I have to have the wheel closer to fit my knees under it. The centre bar is an issue too, even though I persuaded myself it wouldn't be... Moved my pedals to the far left to have the brake in front of my left foot and I'm still touching the bar.

Jeez, I've rambled on. Long story short, driving position and comfort is everything. All your concentration will be on the screen.

 

[Sander 001]

Hey all, 14-y/o driver looking for a wheel here! I've been checking out some stuff and I have a few questions.

->I’m pretty short, so would that be a problem?
->Same with weight, I heard somewhere that you need to give 65kg of braking force on a CSL Elite.
->Do I need to look into special wheel stands? I was thinking a desk-type arrangement. Would I need a strong table for the FFB?
->Never driven before, only karting, so I'm not really used to high steering lock or manual transmission. I can manage sequential but mainly drive auto.
->Gloves?(Y/N)

The one's I'm currently looking at are(all from Amazon):
->G29-281$ (shifter is 70$)
->T80-119$
->T300RS(2 pedal is 281$, GT edition is 352$)
Sorry for wonky $ measurements btw, I'm converting from INR.

Would really appreciate some help, thanks!

Edit- I don't want the T150 though, and I'll mainly be playing GTS.

PlayStation 5 is coming next year and they haven't guaranteed any wheels will be forwards compatible so buyer beware!

 

[AfraidRacer]

So I was checking on Amazon, and the T300 Alcantara is now available in my country. I love the way it looks, so should I buy that? The T300 GT Edition has dropped by about 40 dollars, and the Alcantara one is same as the previous price of the GT Edition.

 

[Dimitri]

I had the G29. Now I have the TGT. The G29 is a lot of fun, TGT is better, as it should based on price. In other games, the TGT is generally considered to be a T300. It works very well that way as well. In fact, FFB with the TGT in Raceroom is much better than in GTS.
I didn’t regret the G29, and I didn’t regret upgrading to the TGT.

 

[VBR]

So I was checking on Amazon, and the T300 Alcantara is now available in my country. I love the way it looks, so should I buy that?

Not before viewing the results of this poll first, & having a read through the thread.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/poll-thrustmaster-t300rs-gte-reliability-poll.329969/


👍

 

[AfraidRacer]

Ok, any tips on wheel rigs/wheel setup? How high should it be? Should I tilt my pedals? Desk stand or T stand? I'll pick up my wheel in 2 days btw.

 

[kilesa4568]

What did you end up buying?

When it comes to adjusting for comfort, straighten your arms and your wrist/forearm should sit on top of the wheel but you want your elbow angle to be around 45 degrees (with nine and three wheel grip) so that you don't have to reach too far to do any turning. I've found having the wheel further away to be a bit more tiring (more shoulder use) and too close can restrict movement in the tightest turns.

The pedals need to be far enough away so that you don't have to stretch to reach full travel (it'll save your knees and ankles on long sessions) but the seat you've chosen will likely dictate whether you have to angle them or not.

Keep tinkering with the set up till you feel the most natural seating position for you.

 

[Pigems]

Ok, any tips on wheel rigs/wheel setup? How high should it be? Should I tilt my pedals? Desk stand or T stand? I'll pick up my wheel in 2 days btw.

I used these images to help me setup my rig for specs when I built it. Hopefully they can be helpful to you as well.

I went for a road car seating position(more upright) instead of a race car position(more laid back) because I found it more comfortable for long sessions. I ended up going with these specs(mostly, I did tweak them slightly), I’m 5’9” tall for reference.