Thrustmaster T598 Direct Axial Drive Discussion Thread

[Jordan]

Fair enough. So, when you aren't reviewing/testing, what wheel setup do you use/prefer?

I actually just finished reinstalling the GT DD Extreme back onto my rig tonight. 😅

The G Pro would be my preference because of the TrueForce effects and rim (though I've not actually used it since the GT7 'nerf'), but it's a massive hassle to swap wheels/pedals on my rig and I want to be ready to go immediately whenever FullForce finally drops.

Thanks for the review, @Jordan

Any additional comments/observations on the heat generated by this base unit?
If I'm not mistaken, the panels around the base are metal, right? Better at dissipating heat, I imagine, considering that it doesn't have a fan?
I live in warm climates, so this is something that could be an issue for me.

Yes, it gets hot, and no, it's all plastic except for that metal platform/adapter base.

I only used it in rather short bursts preparing for the review (longest session was maybe an hour or so), so I can't say how it would hold up for longer sessions. But, I did feel of the base and it was fairly warm. My room is air conditioned and was around 73F (22C) at the time.

 

[sinner]

Yes, it gets hot, and no, it's all plastic except for that metal platform/adapter base.

I only used it in rather short bursts preparing for the review (longest session was maybe an hour or so), so I can't say how it would hold up for longer sessions. But, I did feel of the base and it was fairly warm. My room is air conditioned and was around 73F (22C) at the time.

Thanks for the info. The ambient temps in my room during the summer months is usually around 26c-27c (I try to only turn on my AC when I sleep), so it'll be interesting to see how this base handles the heat durability-wise in the long run. 🤔🤔

 

[alectron010]

I want to be ready to go immediately whenever FullForce finally drops.

Here's hoping you already know more, and this being a not so subtle hint for the coming update

 

[GTRedman]

This might be a nice upgrade from the T300 and with VR the base height would be a non issue.

 

[ploppen]

I actually just finished reinstalling the GT DD Extreme back onto my rig tonight. 😅

The G Pro would be my preference because of the TrueForce effects and rim (though I've not actually used it since the GT7 'nerf'), but it's a massive hassle to swap wheels/pedals on my rig and I want to be ready to go immediately whenever FullForce finally drops.

I’m choosing between Fanatec 8nm DD Pro and this one, only for driving GT7 on PS5.
Took the G Pro out of race since its so much more expensive here in sweden and they never show up used on private sales.

I’ve read reviews that the Fanatec has good feelings cornering etc but its kind of ”dead” when going straight forward.

If you took the moneypart out, would you recommend Fanatec DD Pro over the T598?

Thanks in advance

 

[-RB-]

Does anyone know how this compares to the T818?

 

[Chaos Racing]

I’m choosing between Fanatec 8nm DD Pro and this one, only for driving GT7 on PS5.
Took the G Pro out of race since its so much more expensive here in sweden and they never show up used on private sales.

I’ve read reviews that the Fanatec has good feelings cornering etc but its kind of ”dead” when going straight forward.

If you took the moneypart out, would you recommend Fanatec DD Pro over the T598?

Thanks in advance

The biggest thing i hate is a dead wheel when going straight.

 

[WildRun]

 

[Jordan]

This might be a nice upgrade from the T300 and with VR the base height would be a non issue.

It would definitely be an upgrade from the T300.

I’m choosing between Fanatec 8nm DD Pro and this one, only for driving GT7 on PS5.
Took the G Pro out of race since its so much more expensive here in sweden and they never show up used on private sales.

I’ve read reviews that the Fanatec has good feelings cornering etc but its kind of ”dead” when going straight forward.

If you took the moneypart out, would you recommend Fanatec DD Pro over the T598?

Thanks in advance

It's been a while (over a year) since I've used the DD Pro 8Nm, so take that into consideration when reading my comments.

Having said that, I would go with the T598 because of its higher-frequency harmonics, and it sounds like we have similar preferences in regards to the high-frequency vibrations. The DD Pro will never receive a FullForce update, so that's probably not an area it will see any improvement in over the rest of its life span.

 

[ploppen]

It would definitely be an upgrade from the T300.

It's been a while (over a year) since I've used the DD Pro 8Nm, so take that into consideration when reading my comments.

Having said that, I would go with the T598 because of its higher-frequency harmonics, and it sounds like we have similar preferences in regards to the high-frequency vibrations. The DD Pro will never receive a FullForce update, so that's probably not an area it will see any improvement in over the rest of its life span.

Thanks for taking the time to respond both me and my wallet appreciate it.

 

[Fozzie]

Thanks @Jordan for an insightful review. The price might hit the sweet spot for making the jump to direct drive from my G923.

Question... I only race in VR, not being able to see the wheel while driving. How do you think the experience would be? I guess the button layout issue would be an even bigger gripe.

Second question... How heavy is it? I use the foldable Challenger playseat as I always have store it in the closet. I think a Fanatec or Logitech G Pro are too heavy for sucht setup.

Hope to meet up again in Amsterdam!

Thanks Jordan

 

[Haitauer]

Delete

 

[sonnyboychris]

I've tried to get (and give) a general sense of how the wheel performs — or would perform — with any game, now or in the future. These wheels are investments and I'm assuming people will be using them for years to come with a lot of different titles, so I think (and hope) that is the most useful feedback to provide.

I appreciate the response and the review!

 

[Haitauer]

It would definitely be an upgrade from the T300.

It's been a while (over a year) since I've used the DD Pro 8Nm, so take that into consideration when reading my comments.

Having said that, I would go with the T598 because of its higher-frequency harmonics, and it sounds like we have similar preferences in regards to the high-frequency vibrations. The DD Pro will never receive a FullForce update, so that's probably not an area it will see any improvement in over the rest of its life span.

The real question for Thrustmaster Gran Turismo ecosystem users remains. Is the T598 worth the upgrade for the T-GT users? First few comments from T-GT users seem to be luke warm at the best. A nice option, but some seem to miss the constant torque and t-dfb effects of the T-GT. Is this a hit and miss for T-GT users due to Gran Turismos Fanatec collaboration or is the Harmony -feature just not working in Gran Turismo yet?

To make a DD-wheel for Playstation without having Gran Turismo with you but to work against you just might kill this wheel.

Ps. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the Logitech FullForce -support - and we all know the reason.

 

[Chaos Racing]

Another review saying the same thing, Good on Playstation amazing on PC. Slightly worrying since im a PS gamer.

 

[Haitauer]

Another review saying the same thing, Good on Playstation amazing on PC. Slightly worrying since im a PS gamer.

Yes.. I'm affraid the Fanatec collaboration kills off any and every competitor. It is impossible to make a great new innovative product, when one company has the power to make it or break it with software support alone. Sadly PD doesnt seem to live as they preach to bring the racing and car culture for everyone equally. They have a very strong control how one is allowed to enjoy their games. Money talks.

 

[Jordan]

Thanks @Jordan for an insightful review. The price might hit the sweet spot for making the jump to direct drive from my G923.

Question... I only race in VR, not being able to see the wheel while driving. How do you think the experience would be? I guess the button layout issue would be an even bigger gripe.

Second question... How heavy is it? I use the foldable Challenger playseat as I always have store it in the closet. I think a Fanatec or Logitech G Pro are too heavy for sucht setup.

Hope to meet up again in Amsterdam!

Thanks Jordan

I think the buttons will be fine in VR. Honestly, most people will get used to them if they use the wheel exclusively for a week or two and the muscle memory gets locked in. It was just an odd placement that I wanted to point out.

It's not heavy, in my opinion. I didn't get an exact measurement, but Thrustmaster's specs list it at 6,400g. I wouldn't say it's "super-light", but it's also nothing like the super-dense Fanatec or Logitech direct drive bases.

The real question for Thrustmaster Gran Turismo ecosystem users remains. Is the T598 worth the upgrade for the T-GT users? First few comments from T-GT users seem to be luke warm at the best. A nice option, but some seem to miss the constant torque and t-dfb effects of the T-GT. Is this a hit and miss for T-GT users due to Gran Turismos Fanatec collaboration or is the Harmony -feature just not working in Gran Turismo yet?

To make a DD-wheel for Playstation without having Gran Turismo with you but to work against you just might kill this wheel.

Ps. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the Logitech FullForce -support - and we all know the reason.

It's a tough question. I used and loved the T-GT/2 for many years in the GT Sport era — it's one of my all-time favorites — but it's been a while now since I've used one that wasn't on a competition rig at a GTWS event.

I will say this, though: the T-GT/2 has a much better rim (and it's not even close). The T598 has better pedals (and it's not even close, especially when the load cell comes out). The T598 has more pronounced vibrations and stronger "overshoot", but it might be a bit too much and, if I recall correctly, the vibrations felt more nuanced on the T-GT/2, even if they were weaker. The T-GT/2 has a more ergonomic base that's less likely to cause visibility issues on your rig, but it's older technology and doesn't support Thrustmaster's direct drive quick release system.

So, I'm not sure what to say. If you're happy with a T-GT/2 I don't think you need to drop everything and get a T598 because there's some things you might not like about it — even though you're getting a wheel that is absolutely, objectively better in some key areas. I don't think you can necessarily go wrong with either wheel. One is excellent but aging, the other is new but has a few quirks of its own.

 

[Greycap]

So, I'm not sure what to say. If you're happy with a T-GT/2 I don't think you need to drop everything and get a T598 because there's some things you might not like about it — even though you're getting a wheel that is absolutely, objectively better in some key areas. I don't think you can necessarily go wrong with either wheel. One is excellent but aging, the other is new but has a few quirks of its own.

You wouldn't believe how refreshing it is to read something like that. The common, extremely elitist but common in any case, view nowadays is that the T-GT is only good for a landfill because it has belt drive and only hopeless dweebs use something else than 10+ Nm direct drive wheels. The fact that it was perhaps the best what could be called a consumer grade wheel at one point doesn't seem to matter anymore, it's automatically considered hopeless junk because it's not direct drive. Of course in reality it's still just as good as it ever was, people just tend to overlook it.

I guess I'll go on with my previous plan, which was to get an Evo Racing 32R rim for the T-GT II and happily keep playing. My only gripe after almost three years of daily use is that the stitching on the original rim is starting to let go and that's not really much of a surprise, or a fault. It's done more than 100.000 km of GT7 already after all.

 

[Watzlaw]

I have tested 5mn on a 30 and a 32 rim. On both it feels very weak. The miracle of "feeling and driving" a car starts at a minimum force of 9nm for 30cm rims and 11nm for 32cm rims.
9nm and less just feels toy'ish and dont deliver any force at all.

But as a beginner/entry level wheel it is a fantastic bundle. Anyone with old weak wheels like g29 and t 300 should upgrade to this one.

 

[Haitauer]

I have tested 5mn on a 30 and a 32 rim. On both it feels very weak. The miracle of "feeling and driving" a car starts at a minimum force of 9nm for 30cm rims and 11nm for 32cm rims.
9nm and less just feels toy'ish and dont deliver any force at all.

But as a beginner/entry level wheel it is a fantastic bundle. Anyone with old weak wheels like g29 and t 300 should upgrade to this one.

I can safely disagree on this. Seems like an elitist comment to be totally honest. First - T-GT for example is around 6nm and I have never used 100%. In a race car anything above 50% or 5/10 is just straining hands. Then again I'm not sure is your "minimum requirement" constant torque or peak. Secondly in a street car its very much a matter of taste, since in reality streetcars have had little to none steering wheel forces since 90s. I also think T300 is more than adequate for casual simracer. G29 is also a great wheel for a gamer if one doesnt mind the clunkyness. That said - T598 seems like a good deal if one is buying 500 buck wheel, but i'm not so sure about upgrading from a perfectly fine belt to an entry level DD. Very debatable atleast. One should also keep an eye out for used T300/T-GT. That is propably where the real value for casual gamer is.

I think the buttons will be fine in VR. Honestly, most people will get used to them if they use the wheel exclusively for a week or two and the muscle memory gets locked in. It was just an odd placement that I wanted to point out.

It's not heavy, in my opinion. I didn't get an exact measurement, but Thrustmaster's specs list it at 6,400g. I wouldn't say it's "super-light", but it's also nothing like the super-dense Fanatec or Logitech direct drive bases.

It's a tough question. I used and loved the T-GT/2 for many years in the GT Sport era — it's one of my all-time favorites — but it's been a while now since I've used one that wasn't on a competition rig at a GTWS event.

I will say this, though: the T-GT/2 has a much better rim (and it's not even close). The T598 has better pedals (and it's not even close, especially when the load cell comes out). The T598 has more pronounced vibrations and stronger "overshoot", but it might be a bit too much and, if I recall correctly, the vibrations felt more nuanced on the T-GT/2, even if they were weaker. The T-GT/2 has a more ergonomic base that's less likely to cause visibility issues on your rig, but it's older technology and doesn't support Thrustmaster's direct drive quick release system.

So, I'm not sure what to say. If you're happy with a T-GT/2 I don't think you need to drop everything and get a T598 because there's some things you might not like about it — even though you're getting a wheel that is absolutely, objectively better in some key areas. I don't think you can necessarily go wrong with either wheel. One is excellent but aging, the other is new but has a few quirks of its own.

Very refreshing opinion. Speaking of pedals, im really interested to compare T598 pedals to T-LCM. But I assume its a no contest until we get the load cell upgrade for the new ones.

I really hope they can utilize the Harmony to compete with t-dfb. Otherwise I really hope they would have bolted the t-dfb to T598. Or maybe there is a T7X8 in the horizon..

 

[super_gt]

Some people are just stronger and need more torque.

 

[Haitauer]

Some people are just stronger and need more torque.

Yes - and it is a matter of taste. Doesnt quite translate to truths like "9nm and less just feels toy'ish and dont deliver any force at all." 😉

For the sake of simracing as a sport and as a community, people really need to understand they dont "need" these expensive hightech gizmos to participate.

 

[xDriver69x]

Some people are just stronger and need more torque.

Not stronger, just desensitized, very different and has big drawbacks as more force means losing fidelity. Learning how to feel sensitively, like a nuerosurgeon, requires training and discipline to use the lowest amount of force needed. (or odd docs if you are in the MCU)

You won't see champion weight lifters going as slow and controlled as possible, they lift and jerk to get it done quickly just to say the weight moved. But Ninjas ( and maybe some Pirates ) know the grace of smooth control is far more effective, efficient, and able to go for hours.

 

[ploppen]

Hard to make a choice of hardware when the ffb in GT7 isn’t the best at the moment.
Only drive GT7 on PS5 :/

Was planning to buy a GT Pro 8nm bundle, people said it was missing ffb on straights.

Waited for this T598, people are complaining that it lacks strength and they feel no ffb.

Starting to look at the Logitech Pro which is way out of my initial budget, nearly convinced myself to take the plunge.
Then i read that much of the True Force was removed…

Started looking at the GT Extreme, read that FullForce isn’t implemented.

I now have doubled my initial budget and even then it feels impossible to make a decision based on peoples comments. A year from now i will probably still be sitting with my old G29.

 

[xDriver69x]

Hard to make a choice of hardware when the ffb in GT7 isn’t the best at the moment.
Only drive GT7 on PS5 :/

Was planning to buy a GT Pro 8nm bundle, people said it was missing ffb on straights.

Waited for this T598, people are complaining that it lacks strength and they feel no ffb.

Starting to look at the Logitech Pro which is way out of my initial budget, nearly convinced myself to take the plunge.
Then i read that much of the True Force was removed…

Started looking at the GT Extreme, read that FullForce isn’t implemented.

I now have doubled my initial budget and even then it feels impossible to make a decision based on peoples comments. A year from now i will probably still be sitting with my old G29.

You can purchase a GT Extreme, and if it doesn't meet your needs, return it. I would not put a lot of weight in random online comments. First hand experience and video reviews might help, but in the end it's you, and not any one else that matters.

 

[Haitauer]

Hard to make a choice of hardware when the ffb in GT7 isn’t the best at the moment.
Only drive GT7 on PS5 :/

Was planning to buy a GT Pro 8nm bundle, people said it was missing ffb on straights.

Waited for this T598, people are complaining that it lacks strength and they feel no ffb.

Starting to look at the Logitech Pro which is way out of my initial budget, nearly convinced myself to take the plunge.
Then i read that much of the True Force was removed…

Started looking at the GT Extreme, read that FullForce isn’t implemented.

I now have doubled my initial budget and even then it feels impossible to make a decision based on peoples comments. A year from now i will probably still be sitting with my old G29.

Buy a used T-GT - far better immersion than any of the "dead" DD-wheels. Can't beat the t-dfb in GT.

 

[super_gt]

people said it was missing ffb on straights.

I don't feel that FFB is missing on the straights.

 

[xDriver69x]

I don't feel that FFB is missing on the straights.

My FFB on Faantec DD+ ( Extreme but with V2.5X rim mostly) is always there with me by my side, well front. Not sure how it could go missing.

Posting a video of this might help to find "where it's going off to".