Logitech G27 vs Thrustmaster T500 RS vs Fanatec GT3 RS (V2).

Who Wins?

  • Total voters
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@welda I did some testing and couldn't see much variation with the adjustment to the sensitivity control. It certainly does not limit wheel travel, I tested it driving in a circle and checking that the radius tightened as the wheel turned, the circle got tighter for the for travel of the wheel. Does it definitely do this for DFGT?
 
I'm a guy coming from a G25, and just stepped up to a T500RS. hands down, this wheel makes all of the competition feel like kiddies toys.
 
Hi,
I have both a Logitech G27 and a Thrustmaster T500 rs. My logitech wheel began drifting off center after about 20 hours of game play. I found Logitech's customer support to be good, since they offered to pay for shiiping and replace the wheel. But I live in Colombia so I opted to fix the wheel myself instead of waiting to ship the wheel back to te U.S. in order to get a new one. Seeing the mechanism inside, and the quality of worksmanship first hand. I must say I was a bit disapointed with the G27. I found on Logitech's web site forums that allot of people have issues with the wheel going off center and never coming back. The reason this happens is that the allingment censor is directly screwed on to one of the motors of the G27. The screws they use to attach the sensor to the motor are really small and cheap. This was really disapointing since the G27 is an expensive wheel at $300 us dollars.
I got the Thrustmaster about a week ago and acording to what I have read the centering mechanism in this wheel is magnetic. It seems to me that it is much more reliable than the centering mechanism of the G27.
I find The G27 to be a fun wheel. It is powerfull, the gears are good and the force feed back is good.
The Thrustmaster is a better wheel, it has a more powerfull motor, better pedals and supposedly the stick shifter is coming out soon. The forcefeed back is much more uniform than that of the G27. It seems more robust than the G27.
Thrustmaster also has less of a dead center feel than that of the G27.
If money is not an issue I would opt for the Thrustmaster. Taking into consideration that some G27 wheels are going to go off center eventually I would not buy the wheel again considering my personal experience. I have read that some thrustmaster users are experiencing issues of their own. Some fans seem to sound really loudly and some have failed. Also some Thrustmaster users say that this wheel is 5X's to 10X's better than the Logitech. I find that this is an exageration. It is a better wheel overall. The peddals are better, but you will have allot of fun with a non defective Logitech wheel.
P.S. I was going to sell my logitech, but now, I think i'm going to keep both. Reliability with both theese wheels is a concern to me.
 
I had the DFP for 6 years. I even bought it a year before GT4 came out. The DFP was a very good wheel for me. It even works well for GT5. The 900 degree and the FFB (when set at 10) is good. The dead zone wasn't really an issue for me. If you are used to GT5 and if you are use to your controls/wheel, I don't think it really matters what wheel you get.

However, I do agree that the TM T500 RS has raised the competition. This wheel is powerful and spins fast enough that it could injury someone. The FFB is also strong. I'd say a FFB setting of 5 for the T500 would feel like a 10 for the DFP (going to test this again). The wheel for the T500 also feel different than the DFP. I like how its bigger, giving you an impression of almost using a real wheel. The rubber grip is harder and thinner than the DFP and also scratches much easier. The rubber doesn't have as much grip as the DFP.

The logitech pedals are the worst pedals. I could never drive without setting ABS to 1. With the T500, I can now drive without ABS. And with the brake mod, breaking feels more progressive but you can only brake half-way. With this though, you'll realize that braking hard all those times before with the logitech pedals wasn't necessary.

The only think I don't like about the T500 is, its loud. I actually expected the wheel to feel super smooth. I don't like how I can feel the brushes and gears clicking against each other. There's also a fan and it comes on quickly. Its not that loud when you turn the volume up though.

After playing GT5 with the T500 and going back to try the DFP, the DFP does feel like a toy, especially the pedals. The T500 wheel is a lot heavier and it not loose like the DFP. The DFP can flex up and down while the T500 has no flex. It feels very sturdy. The metal T500 pedal are superior over the DFP.

To pay $600.00 for a wheel is a lot of money. You can do a lot of things with that money. But if you want the best experience for one of the best racing simulators, the T500 RS is the best. It really does make GT5 the Real Driving Simulator!
I don't think Forza and Need for Speed can compare anymore, not even their new titles will.
 
I've owned all the Logitech wheels, each was an improvement on the previous model.

However, the T500Rs wheel is on another level, not a fair comparison. The T500Rs has much greater accuracy and better force feedback. The Thrustmaster pedals are also an improvement, pedal location and height adjustment are good, however, braking feel while better that the G27 is significantly less than it could be, and the inability to adjust wheel rotation is disappointing.

Polyphony provides developer in game intervention for sixaxis sensitivity and adjustment in GT5, why not for wheels? They did provide rotation controls in GT5P.

The limited control available in the GT5 Settings area for the Thrustmaster wheel, while again better than the G27, is very poor given that the T500Rs is the official GT5 wheel.

Hopefully a game update will address these serious omissions in the near future.
 
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In regards to the main topic, I wonder what should constitute the best wheel? Sounds like T500RS is technically the best wheel but from what I could tell from my research it has major weaknesses.

a) Only fully usable with gt5 / dirt 3?
b) no h-shifter (and no one can confirm an exact date when it arrives)

That's a big handicap. I think within the next year or so t500rs will no doubt kill and mature into a truly amazing wheel. But for now, I remain unconvinced. I'd be more interested in seeing comments from t500rs users months down the road when they are still driving with no h-shifter + stuck with just gt5 :crazy: (pc sims aside in which I personally dont play)

How 'realistic' is that anyway? How many premium race cars in gt5 have stationary paddles???

Anyway I'm sure its an amazing wheel I've been tempted to try to get one myself and check it out. But I just cant see myself being just happy playing gt5 for months & months. PD has made too many questionable game design decisions lately and if you ask me- it's missing many features other racing games such as Forza had for many years (like a real marketplace to trade cars!). Edit- I should clarify I do plan to keep playing GT5 for a long time however that won't be the only racing game I play!

[edit] I did end up buying a T500RS and now I feel like a hypocrite lol! Before I had only driven a Logitech DFP. I actually adore these stationary paddles, etc on the T500RS. At the time of this post i was unaware many real life race cars use stationary paddles (like ferrari italia, etc)
 
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Given the wheel is preferred by PD the clarity of its faults indicate a bright future for improved wheels, but for now I reckon it's the best we have.

I haven't experienced a Fanetec GT2 and its fabled brake pedal. While good the T500Rs pedal does not provide anything like the required feedback - I do like that I can adjust the pedal itself so I can get toe grip over the top of the plate anytime I want total control of where that sucker is, but, unfortunately Thrustmaster technology is not yet up there with its ergonomics.

It is the best wheel for GT5 because it has been made that way and has everything I imagine a dedicated staffer needs, two pedals and two paddles, button on the wheel.

It will get better, but for now I'd rate it at better going over good.

I reckon I've got value for money, and this after only a month or so turning a G27 stopgap when my G25 expired.

FFB is clearly delivered in the T500Rs, but it is not always well communicated, particularly when a car is on the edge of adhesion, however, the excellent precision of the steering usually saves the day if the tyres give way, lol .... would be nice not to lose all that momentum though.

Enjoy the other corner of your Sandbox.
 
Gigantoad
The answer is easy: if you find force feedback more important than pedal feel, and money isn't an issue, then T500 is clearly the best choice. its FFB is smooth, detailed, no belt or tooth feel to it, and it's just a class above the rest. If you find pedal feel is more important, you might wanna get a Fanatec wheel for the Clubsport pedals.

All assuming you play GT5. If you're into PC sims, the best combo is T500 + Clubsport pedals. Best of both worlds. Also worth noting that the T500 is even more amazing with the more advanced physics and FFB from PC sims.
Click to expand...

^This is the best answer IMO. For what I have investigated on youtube and other sources, insidesimracing says even if the T500RS (just the wheel) would cost USD 400, it would be worthed to pay the extra USD 220.
I think I will get a T500RS later this year.
 
No Contest, Logitech and Fanatec were scared to show up for the showdown.

Best solution with all of these is T500 - CSP´s.
 
So, taking the Thrustmaster out of the equation, as it is too expensive for me.

Is the Fanatec wheel superior to the G27 (or vice versa)? For instance if you could have the GT3 RS connected to G27 pedals or the G27 connected to G27 pedals, which would you choose?
 
Out of the Fanatec and G27 wheels I'd go with Fanatec.

The wheel feels a lot better and smoother belt FF.
The one area G27 tops the fanatec is with the paddle shifters. G27 paddles are great IMHO and a fairly basic design too.
Great tactile feel and never miss a shift.

Fanatecs on board customisation is a great feature in this day and age of waiting for patches to fix games.
For example steering lock adjustability is a god send in an FGT in GT5.

I own both wheels and TBH you can't go wrong with either.
I do find going back onto my G27, to feel a bit more lighter and toyish in feel.
I blame that on the Fanatec, if I had never tried it I wouldn't notice any short comings as it too is a great wheel.
 
It's going to be interesting looking back at this thread in a few months. T500rs will most likely get a load cell mod from a 3rd party hopefully. Still on their own they are a great set of pedals. Very precise, nice resistance, etc. I can drive w/o ABS on my cars just fine. Not sure what else anyone could want but ofc I am clueless about all of these other fancy types of brakes.

so to get to the point- I wouldn't put too much weight into choosing 'the best brake pedal' to buy. Just look at Logitech wheels, plenty of brake mods to choose from. I can't see why T500rs won't be the same down the road.

So instead I'd look towards long term happiness. Things like load cell, shifter, platform compat, etc are all really short term downsides. So choose between short term vs long term
 
I guess I would say the T500rs is probably your best bet. My concern with it is price, pedals and game support. When it came out it seemed to have some game compatibility issues but those may have been resolved. The pedals arent as good as the fanatecs and it costs 200 more than the gt3rs with clubsports and shifters shipped. Other than that, the wheel its self is better on the t500rs.
 
Agree with sandboxgod, and besides rumours say that the T500RS shifter will be the same quality as the wheel, which is according to most in "another league"...
I think that in synthesis, this phrase applies here as in many other stuff: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
 
thbrewst
So, taking the Thrustmaster out of the equation, as it is too expensive for me.

Is the Fanatec wheel superior to the G27 (or vice versa)? For instance if you could have the GT3 RS connected to G27 pedals or the G27 connected to G27 pedals, which would you choose?
Click to expand...

I would choose a fanatec then add on the CSPs later
 
Let me paste what I gave my opinion on another Farum.
Originally Posted by Ticheese @
(Does anybody have any mid/long-term experience with FANATEC products?

I was going to buy a GT2 wheel because I race on both PC and XBOX360, but have since read all kinds of horror stories all over the internet about FANATEC's terrible customer service and the awful build quality and reliability of their products.
Things such as the G25 pedals not working with the wheel, over-heating of the wheel, the wheel 'dying' after only a few hours play, that you are not supposed to use the wheel for more than an hour at a time, '888' error messages, ignoring of customer emails by Fanatec etc, etc, etc.
There are so many of these stories that I am reluctant to spend over £200 on a new wheel if it's going to lead to such problems - not to mention the fact that people seem to have to wait for months for it to be delivered.)


zacharyPL @
Almost everything written here is true. I have, PWTS+CSP and both products have defects. Support from Fanatec is far from perfect. One man is helpful Redi. But he may provide assistance only as of the theoretical.
If I have to advise, buy T500RS much better. Or G27 supposedly less technical problems. Trustmaster support is first class, sent me a new steering wheel one week after notification of the problem.
 
Aye, there's the rub. I have a Xbox360, PS3, and PC. I want the Fanatec GT2 since it works on all platforms, but the availability and reliability is making me feel hesitant about ordering at this time. oh well...hopefully, these issues can be resolved by the end of summer.
 
I play on PC and PS3. G27 is the best for me; it works well, feels good to use & hasn't failed me yet. Plus I didn't have to buy additional parts for it (pedals) and it bolts in to my cockpit with a standard layout so I don't have to re-drill.

Yes, it could be better, but for my needs it is the total package :)
 
Almost in the same boat.
Choosing between G27 and GT3 RS CSE.
Almost decided on the GT3.
Don't really like the look of the G27.
 
"read all kinds of horror stories all over the internet about FANATEC's terrible customer service and the awful build quality and reliability of their products"

interesting ... i own a GT3 RS V2 and have used the hell out of it and still works like new. Maybe I'm just lucky ...

Sensitivity, linearity, and damper adjustments on the wheel are a godsend for GT5. I formerly used a G25 and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread until I used the GT3 with CSPs for the first time.
 
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Well, I see a lot of people are trying to decide between the G27 and the GT3 RS. I was like that earlier, but I recently made the move for the GT3 RS, its supposed to arrive on Friday, so I can't wait. If you guys want to hold out until then, I'd be more than happy to make a new topic for my impressions. It will also mark the beginning of my cockpit build.
 
Best FFB, wheel and paddles go to T500RS (at least until CSW comes out).
Best availability and the best all-round wheel must be G27. Great shifter, good FFB, great build quality, good pedals and very good price.
Best value for money and best pedals are on GT3 RS v2 CSE.

I voted for Fanatec because:
- T500RS is too expensive and it still doesn't have a shifter
- G27 is great but it doesn't win in any category (it has a great balance of great quality and affordable price)
- GT3 RS has built in on the fly tuning settings, comes with amazing pedals (CSP) and is a little bit expensive than G27 + it has a great feel to it (Alcantra leather and 30cm rim)


If you're just going for the best and not worrying about money - go for T500RS with ClubSport pedals and wait for the shifter or wait for Fanatec ClubSport wheel and shifter to combine them with CSP.
 
I have the G27, but would have gotten the Fanatec if it were less $$. The Thrustmaster is very over priced for a wheel where the shifter is an additional $150, with no load cell or vibration on the brake pedal (like the Fanatec Clubsports have).
The Thrustmaster also seems to have some severe break down issues.
The G27 can't compare to the feature set of the Fanatec, thus making it the winner (IMO).
 
I have used the DFGT in GT5 for over a year and love the nuggety feedback i get when driving the Ruf BTR/Yellowbird, the constant fidgeting of the steering as the light front end dances over the bumps and looses/gains traction out of a corner is just crucial to rendering a 911 correctly. Well i thought it was time for an upgrade and as i am a diehard 911 fan i instantly went with the great deal Fanatec has on the GT3 RS V2/CSR Elite pedals for $259 ($280 shipped to NYC) 3 days after ordering everything arrived, wow that was quick!

Opened up the wheel, wow what quality! DFGT looks and feels like toy by comparison. Ok time for the pedals, OMFG these bad boys are the bomb and by the feel of them bombproof (certainly no need for the CSP's all metal base).

Once all connected to the PS3 i turned on GT5 and jumped in my Yellowbird which is notoriously difficult to drive but also gives more feedback due to the above mentioned 911 characteristics (BTW i can set a 6:40sec lap on the Nordschleife on RS tires with the DFGT no aids, ABS1).

This is where things go down hill very quickly for me. I initially followed insidesimracing setup but no matter what i adjustments i made to the wheel settings all that detailed feedback was gone replaced by all most non-existent communication, like somebody whispering something at a volume just less than your natural capability to hear.

After another 1/2 hour i went through the disappointing task of finding all the twist-ties and putting it all back in the boxes. Fanatec pay the shipping back but i will have to pay a 15 percent restocking fee as it was not due to a manufactures defect.

I am just not willing to invest more than $300 in a gaming controller no mater how realistic as i have greater responsibilities and as i found out my DFGT which was purchased off Craigslist like new for $50 is for me the better of the two. FYI the buttons on the GT3 RS are not marked and make finding your way around GT5 a chore.
 
I'm a bit biased towards Logitech as I've never had a bad experience with one. I've had a Driving Force Pro since GT4, it survived 5-7 days a week of hardcore punishment (think 12-hour marathons of non-stop Dirt 2) even through the first month I had GT5. It still works as if it were brand new, so when it came time to upgrade to a more serious clutch/shifter setup Logitech was where I looked first.

The Fanatec GT3 RS is very nice (haven't tried the Thrustmaster) and it was a close decision between it and the G27, but at the end of the day I prefer simplistic durability and Logitech had a proven track record with me. I drive a strip-model pickup truck with manual windows/locks/seats/transmission/etc and I couldn't even tell you for sure if the A/C works, it's just my personality that I like things simple and rugged so the G27 suits my needs perfectly. I can deal with a few rough edges as long as its going to stand up to the punishment I throw at it, so far that G27 is as dead-nuts solid as that DFP and I have yet to find myself even once regretting it or wishing I had bought a different wheel.

You don't get all the bells and whistles with the G27, but now with full button layout support in GT5 it's arguably the best value on the market right now. Even though you might not have all the techno wizardry of the big-dollar wheels, you can pick up a G27 and an inexpensive seat/stand for the price of just the Thrustmaster. I just can't find anything with it to justify an extra $300+ over a G27, although I'm sure others here will disagree.
 
The G27 has a "great" shifter. Sorry but the G27 shifter is easily the weakest out of any shifter for any wheel ever. Its literally got no feel or action. I like the G27 wheel but the shifter is ridiculously bad, even making the CSR E shifter seem awesome.
 

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