The Thrustmaster T300RS, like the Logitech G29, have long been the two most affordable options for those who really want to drive their racing games with a wheel instead of a manual controller, all without having to order a ready-to-use controller. the bank. Both of these giants were late to the Direct Drive bandwagon, but after Logitech’s big release of the slightly oddly designed DD Pro, it’s time for Thrustmaster to jump on the bandwagon. The T818 is a direct drive steering wheel (Direct Drive technology), which means that the steering rod and the steering wheel are directly connected to an electric motor. This, unlike belt or chain drive, means the player gets more feedback, faster response with more detail and no lag.
Direct Drive is a superior technology in this regard, and the giants of Simracing like Fanatec, they have been producing steering wheel bases at different prices for several years depending on their technology. Thrustmaster has its own selection of steering wheels and steering wheel bases. Like Logitech, we all know it has always kept the price low in order to reach a larger, racing-focused target audience. I liked your steering wheels T300RS and TS-XW very much, they are very beautiful and their price is reasonable. We knew in advance that the T818 would be a competitor to the Fanatec CSL DD and the Logitech DD Pro rather than a revolutionary product like the Fanatec DD2 or the Simucube 2 Pro.
Maybe it’s not so good after all. The T818 costs 649.99 euros, and even if it doesn’t include the steering wheel, you are therefore obliged to shell out 120 euros more to get the cheapest steering wheel from Thrustmaster. Without realizing it, you have already spent around 760 euros for the base and the steering wheel. Also, you need to buy the special plate from Thrustmaster to mount the T818 on your sim-rig (the M6 hardware on the base of the steering wheel does not fit with Simlab, Trackracer, Swedish Rig Designs or Next Level Racing stuff, not even with the Fanatec Rennsport Cockpit). This simple assembly “adapter” costs about 24 euros more, with which one would speak of a price that is already around 784 euros basic only. So you are already shelling out money that other more impressive midfielders are vying for the throne for.
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The Logitech DD Pro costs a bit more, as does Fanatec’s DD1 and Simucube alternative. But the real question is whether Thrustmaster can compete with these impressive machines. Unfortunately, the answer is no. I will try to be as clear as possible. I’ll start by talking about design and functionality before discussing the quality of the force feedback system and software. First, I want to point out how sleek this model of mounting hardware is and how difficult it is to mount the T818. I didn’t want to drill more holes in my gear or pay more for the mounting plate. The fact that the base of the flywheel is hexagonal means that it is too high when mounted, which affects stability, as the plate it sits on is much narrower than the width of the crankcase. Once mounted with the Thrustmaster adapter, we are left with another disappointment: the new system allowing the steering wheel to be quickly removed (quick release). Thrustmaster has implemented this new system and, contrary to what happens with competition steering wheels, it is unfortunately not really good.
The biggest problem is the materials of manufacture. The new steering wheel quick-release system is made of plastic. It’s too soft a material and it doesn’t flex, which I consider one of the worst downsides of the T818. First, the steering wheel base coupling flexes and I think the plastic will wear out faster than Thrustmaster thinks. The three Thrustmaster wheels we tested alongside the T818 are also quite flexible. It’s at this point that they should have taken a closer look at the simple NRG technology that Logitech uses in its DD Pro.
Playing mostly Dirt Rally 2.0 with a Thrustmaster Sparco P310 mounted to the T818 causes wheel flex like no other I’ve ever tested with direct drive with torque set to max (100%). I think the quick release system is too “soft”, wrong way to go. There are sometimes rumors in sim racing circles that the 15 year old Fanatec quick release isn’t made for DD technology and has flex points it shouldn’t, and some of these criticisms are true. . However, Fanatec’s solution of using steel is, no matter how hard you think about it, 200% better than anything Thrustmaster has done in this regard. It is a penalty.
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When it comes to software that aims to “tweak” the experience in games like Automobilista 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Dirt Rally 2.0, Thrustmaster’s software and settings are woefully poor. It doesn’t offer enough customization options, and the software itself looks more like a 1997 Dos homebrew program than anything else. With Dirt Rally 2.0, I sat for several hours trying to tune it and find the “right” feel on the T818, but couldn’t quite get it. Either the force feedback part of the system feels too soft and slippery, like my car is sliding about 12 centimeters above the ground, or the feel of the steering wheel becomes rough, being very rough and making the steering wheel harder to drive. than it should be.
Compared to the smoothness of the steering wheel and the ease of turning right in rally with the Logitech DD Pro, the Thrustmaster is far behind. It’s even worse with the Assetto Corsa Competizione, with which I don’t get any logical ride feel, and there’s something I don’t like about that wheel’s force feedback system. The feeling is the same as a small speaker when you turn it on at maximum volume. As if the whole time was at its peak, not keeping a rhythm and trying to compensate by adding more effects.
In Automobilista 2 I was able to control it better, and despite the weird mounting system, clunky shape, and poor quality quick release system, that game’s force feedback system worked well with the T818. But I wouldn’t say this wheel is better than the CSL DD with the boost kit, and it’s half the price. I also think that especially the Fanatec DD1 (which currently costs around 1200 euros) and the Logitech DD Pro are much better than Thrustmaster’s first attempt. As a sim racing fan, I really like that more manufacturers are going all out, but they rushed with the T818 and I don’t recommend it at all.