Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Thrustmaster T598: Affordable Direct Drive Sim Racing Wheel
For the ultimate sim racing experience, direct drive wheels are often regarded as the pinnacle of racing wheel technology. By directly connecting the wheel to a potent electric motor, racers gain access to immediate and incredibly detailed force feedback, simulating the sensations of piloting a real high-performance vehicle. However, direct drive systems traditionally come with a significant price tag. Thrustmaster, a long-established name in racing peripherals, known for delivering belt and hybrid-drive wheels at accessible price points, has now introduced the Thrustmaster T598. This direct drive racing wheel bundle aims to change the game, offering advanced technology at a surprisingly affordable price.
Unboxing the Value: Direct Drive at a Budget Price
Priced at $499/£450, the Thrustmaster T598 package includes a direct drive wheelbase, a racing wheel rim, and an all-metal pedal set. This comprehensive offering at this price point is truly remarkable, making direct drive technology more accessible to a wider audience. While still a considered purchase, the T598’s price is comparable to the Moza R5 bundle, which is highly recommended as a top budget direct drive racing wheel. The Moza R5, known for its robust build and premium feel, has been a benchmark in affordable direct drive, and the T598 aims to compete directly in this space.
Thrustmaster T598 Specifications
Thrustmaster T598 Specs
Force feedback: Direct-drive
Torque: 5 Nm (up to 10 Nm overshoot)
Buttons: 23, including paddle shifters
Shifters: Magnetic
Mounting: Desk clamps, sim rig-compatible attachment holes
Pedals: Included, accelerator and brake pedal with load cell
Pedal type: Magnetic
Price: $499/£450
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Axial Flux Motor: Enhanced Feedback Technology
The Thrustmaster T598 introduces a unique feature with its direct axial drive motor. Unlike the Moza R5 which delivers a maximum of 5 Nm of torque, the T598 utilizes this motor to provide a base 5 Nm of torque with the capability to overshoot to 10 Nm. This innovative design allows for brief bursts of increased torque, effectively simulating rapid changes in force feedback, such as the sudden wheel rotation experienced during oversteer.
Axial flux motors differ from radial flux motors, commonly found in other direct drive wheels, in their magnet alignment. In axial flux motors, magnets are parallel to the wheel axis, while radial flux motors have magnets parallel to the wheel shaft. Thrustmaster claims this axial flux design results in superior responsiveness and eliminates “cogging,” a minor jerky sensation sometimes present in radial flux motors, especially at lower speeds.
Size and Desk Mounting Considerations
One potential drawback of the T598’s technology is the size of its wheelbase unit. It is substantial and may dominate desk space in typical setups. Its bulky nature might make users hesitant to leave it permanently mounted. The T598 includes plastic desk clamps that attach to a lower metal frame. Mounting involves securing these clamps to the desk, and while they become reasonably firm once tightened, the plastic-on-plastic construction may raise questions about long-term durability, especially given the unit’s weight.
Compromises on Wheel Rim Quality
While cost-saving measures are understandable in budget-focused products, the wheel rim is an area where the T598 shows compromises. Despite initial positive impressions of the rubber grips, the rim itself is constructed from hollow plastic. Significant portions of the outer rim lack grips, exposing a less refined plastic material. Similarly, the plastic paddle shifters exhibit noticeable flex, and the buttons feel thin and somewhat loose.
Raceline Pedal Set: A Solid Inclusion
In contrast to the wheel rim, the T598’s Raceline Pedal set is a notable highlight. Constructed entirely from metal, this two-pedal system offers durability and a more premium feel. It includes three adjustment notches and additional springs to customize tension and pedal feel. Although the brake pedal does not incorporate a load cell piston, it features a polyurethane stopping ring and a firmer spring to simulate load cell behavior by providing progressive resistance and a distinct endpoint during braking.
The robust construction of the pedal set eliminates flex in the baseplate. Furthermore, saw-toothed grips are included to minimize movement on carpeted surfaces. While these grips may not entirely prevent pedal travel during intense use without a sim rig, they represent a commendable effort to address this common issue.
On-Track Performance and Force Feedback
Connecting the T598 is straightforward. Pedals link to the wheelbase via a dedicated cable, and the wheelbase connects to a PC using a high-quality USB Type-A cable. The My Thrustmaster Panel software automatically detects the wheel and updates firmware, simplifying initial setup. However, accessing advanced settings requires navigating an onboard menu on the wheel itself, as the software settings tab is marked “coming soon.”
Adjusting force feedback through the wheel’s onboard menu can be somewhat cumbersome due to small menus, basic controls, and a tiny display with abbreviated text. However, the default settings offer a good out-of-box experience. In game, the axial drive motor truly shines, delivering intricate and nuanced force feedback. Users can feel detailed road surface information, kerb vibrations, and distinct differences between tire types. The 5 Nm overshoot capability, while perhaps not overtly noticeable compared to similar systems in peak force, contributes to a powerful and detailed driving sensation.
Wheel Rim Imperfections Impact Immersion
The primary drawback impacting the overall experience is the budget-feeling wheel rim. While the rubber grips at the ten and two o’clock positions are acceptable, moving hands to other areas reveals hollow plastic, including noticeable screw holes. More significantly, a prominent seam runs along the inner rim circumference, creating discomfort and even chafing during extended use. This seam, located where thumbs and forefingers naturally rest, can lead to hand soreness after longer sim racing sessions.
Final Verdict: A Great Base Let Down by the Rim
Buy if…
- You want detailed feedback: The T598 provides substantial and nuanced force feedback, allowing users to feel intricate track details.
- You want a good pedal set: The all-metal pedals are a standout feature, exceeding expectations for the price range.
Don’t buy if…
- You’re not planning on upgrading the wheel rim: Replacing the stock rim with a higher-quality alternative is highly recommended to maximize the experience.
- You want something desk-friendly: The large wheelbase and somewhat basic plastic desk clamps may not be ideal for all desk setups.
The plastic shifter paddles are functional but do not deliver a premium feel. While the T598 aims to be a budget-friendly direct drive option, the wheel rim detracts from the overall immersion. Investing in a direct drive system implies a desire for maximum realism, and the low-quality rim feels out of place with the otherwise capable base and pedal set.
Thrustmaster offers a range of alternative wheel rims compatible with the T598 base, including Ferrari-themed and more traditional designs. However, purchasing a replacement rim adds to the overall cost. While the base unit and pedals offer excellent value for money, the inclusion of the subpar wheel rim makes it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend the T598 as a complete, ready-to-race direct drive bundle in its stock configuration.
Competitors like Moza and Fanatec offer budget direct drive bundles that feel more complete and refined straight out of the box, wheel rim included. While a brake load cell kit is often a worthwhile upgrade across budget direct drive systems, the T598’s primary limitation lies in its wheel rim quality.
In conclusion, the Thrustmaster T598 offers a compelling entry point into direct drive sim racing, particularly with its high-quality pedal set and detailed force feedback. However, to truly unlock its potential and achieve a fully immersive experience, users should factor in the cost of upgrading the wheel rim. Without this upgrade, the T598 bundle falls slightly short of being a complete and seamless package compared to its competitors.