Review of the Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition (Gran Turismo Edition) steering wheel
The Thrustmaster T300RS is a force feedback steering wheel released in 2014 and manufactured in China.
It comes with:
a T3PA – GT Edition pedal set
an accessory for adjusting the pedal depth
a mounting clamp for the steering wheel
assembly tools
a power cord
an instruction manual in French
This steering wheel has a brushless motor with a dual belt drive. The wheel is 28cm in diameter and offers a good grip. It is detachable from the motor unit and can, for example, be replaced with a larger diameter wheel.
In the center of the wheel, the "GT" logo reminds us that this is a special edition for the game Gran Turismo (PS3/PS4).
I mounted this steering wheel on a Deluxe Racing Wheel v2 stand (http://amzn.to/2lbcgh0) where it fit perfectly (two screw threads align with the wheel, but you can also use the included mounting clamp).
I can now compare the Thrustmaster T300RS with the Logitech G29, which I've been using for several months now.
STEERING WHEEL FINISH:
In terms of appearance, the T300RS is understated, except for the blue trim on the wheel. Compared to a G29, the T300RS has a less premium finish: the G29 features a leather-wrapped wheel, color-coded buttons for easier navigation, and well-designed aluminum paddle shifters. The T300RS, on the other hand, has a rubberized coating, and the buttons and paddle shifters are black.
WHEEL ERGONOMICS:
In terms of ergonomics, I find the L2, R2, Share, and Options buttons better positioned on the T300RS than on the G29; however, the T300RS's directional stick is stiffer and less pleasant. The L3 and R3 buttons are located on the right side behind the wheel, which isn't very convenient. Finally, the paddle shifters have a greater range of motion on the T300RS than on the G29: everyone will have their own preference.
PEDAL SET:
The T300RS GT Edition comes with the T3PA – GT Edition pedal set, the little brother of the T3PA-PRO, which is sold with the T500RS. On the T3PA – GT Edition, the base is plastic and the three pedals are metal; its finish is less refined than that of the T3PA-PRO, and slightly inferior to that of the G29. By default, the brake pedal on the T3PA – GT Edition has too much travel, but its depth and resistance can be adjusted using the included accessory, which screws onto the back of the pedal.
DRIVING FEEL:
I tested the T300RS on PC with Project CARS and Dirt Rally, and I was impressed by the driving feel, which I found excellent. The wheel responds perfectly to hand movements, it's precise, and I find the T300RS's motor more convincing than the G29's.
Ultimately, it all depends on what you're looking for: for pure driving feel, the T300RS is an excellent wheel, better than the G29. For overall build quality, the G29 is superior, while for the pedals, the GT Edition of the T300RS is almost on par with the Logitech. Finally, price isn't a deciding factor since, at the time of this review, they are both available for around €300.
It's regrettable, once again, that manufacturers don't include the shifter as standard. The Thrustmaster T300RS shifter, in particular, is offered at a price I find excessive: the TH8A sells for between €130 and €150, which is almost half the price of the wheel!
PRE-COMPANY INFORMATION FOR PC USE:
To operate on a PC, the selector on the base of the T300RS must be set to "PS3". After installing the "Force Feedback Drivers" available on the Thrustmaster website, the wheel is immediately recognized under Windows 10 x64; I also recommend updating the wheel's firmware to ensure you have the latest version.
Positive points:
High-quality finish
Excellent driving feel
Quiet motor
Good grip
Interchangeable steering wheel
Adjustable pedals
Easy assembly
Instructions in French
Negative points:
Gear shifter not included and expensive
Average wheel finish
D-pad too stiff
Excessive paddle shifter travel
Poorly positioned L3 and R3 buttons
USB cable a bit short (2m)
Climaxe
The Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition can be found here: http://amzn.to/2jRGiVe
And for those who prefer the Logitech G29, it is available here: http://amzn.to/2l8cKaX