Verdict
The Thrustmaster T248 improve upon the classic T150 entree - level racing wheel with a much well pedal set . It offers solid force feedback and a substantial rise on immersion degree over using a domiciliation . However , Logitech wheel beat it for habitus timber , and the slightly more expensive Thrustmaster modelling extend smoother force feedback .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Thrustmaster T248 is an entrance - level racing wheel . To look at its terms you might think it ’s high last , but the reality is that full force feedback wheels such as this model simply do n’t come cheesy .
The Thrustmaster T248 ’s intercrossed motor scheme delivers a smoother feel – and this matters . However , things become murkier when you equate it to another Thrustmaster wheel such as the T300 RS .
Those slightly eminent - end wheels have all - belt - driven feedback that feels far smoother than the Thrustmaster T248 . What we have here is a steering wheel that replaces the once bottom - end Thrustmaster T150 , lift the price base for the company ’s force feedback wheels .
This is disappointing , and there ’s an debate Thrustmaster could have put more of the budget into the basics rather than fluff features such as an in - bike exhibit . However , one affair is clear : if the Thrustmaster T248 is to be your first right racing wheel , you ’ll love it .
Price and Compatibility
The Thrustmaster T248 costs £ 299 and let in everything you need to get start . Its wheel home and rim fall as one attached opus , and there ’s a solid three - foot pedal circle in the box seat . A mount arranger turnkey into the fundament .
There are separate variant for Xbox and PlayStation consoles ; make certain you pick up the right one , since there ’s more blend in on here than simply the icons on the buttons . Sony cabinet wheel require a special compatibility chip . The Xbox role model simply wo n’t work on with yourPS5 , and frailty versa . Both work with a PC , though .
Design
The Thrustmaster T248 is a very approachable roulette wheel , even if it does cost more than anXbox Series S. Its base and the rim are n’t modular . No construction is required for you to get start , and the steering wheel infrastructure is wakeful .
You may like the idea of a hefty , heavy wheel that feel like it ’s been wrenched right off a summercater auto . But if you ’re going to mount the Thrustmaster T248 to a coffee bean table or a portable bicycle stand , its low weightiness is a big positive . adjust it up and take it out is n’t too onerous , and it wo n’t endanger to topple a stand – as some Fanatec wheels can .
Thrustmaster seems to have had its Logitech challenger in mind when designing the T248 . The rim here is n’t just plastic with some rubber sections . Its kayoed one-half is topped in synthetic leather , and there appear to be a thin layer of foam underneath to deliver some “ give ” .
Does it outclass the Logitech G923 ? It does n’t come close . That wheel has a metal core and a leather - envelop rim . And having mentioned the benefits of a lite system of weights , a more solid construction help to deliver factor of the force feedback to your hand more confidently .
As you may see from the images of the Thrustmaster T248 here , I have the PlayStation version . It has just about all the input of a Dualshock 4 , minus the analog sticks .
There ’s also a display at the wheel ’s center . This is used in a few game to relay “ telemetry ” information , including favourites such as American Truck Simulator , Gran Turismo 7 , iRacing and Asset Corsa Competizione .
It ’s a fun feature , with the projection screen also provide access to the rack ’s on - bill of fare system , which let you alter a bunch of important parameters . But is it the best place to allocate part of the budget when areas of the anatomy are clear a bit compromised ? Of course , it would be easier to make that calculation if you love how much cost that display add .
Force Feedback
The Thrustmaster T248 features hybrid military group feedback . This is the system used to transmit the feel of the route , and the way the car pulls against your crook , through to your hired man and arm .
Force feedback wheels use either a direct cause motor , belts or pitch mechanisms to make this materialize . The Thrustmaster T248 has hybrid force-out feedback , meaning part of the motor organisation uses the gears ; the other part a belt .
gear generate less hotness , but result in less - legato wheel gyration than a pure belt - driven system of rules . “ Notchy ” is the term racing wheel fans often use – and , certain enough , the Thrustmaster T248 does have a slight notchy feel . This is the reason some of you will prefer a roulette wheel such as the Thrustmaster T300 RS to this unit .
It also still needs a fan , which usually kicks in after a pair of races .
However , Thrustmaster state the T248 ’s force feedback is significantly more powerful than the old Thrustmater T150 ’s , “ up to 70 % ” more powerful according to Thrustmaster .
The Thrustmaster T248 ’s strength is solid for an entry - stage bike , bringing the sense of realism and submersion that force play feedback is all about . you’re able to feel the tyre start to lose grip on turns , the heaviness of steer at low speed , and the gang fight of the road under your vehicle .
It does n’t extend the overwhelming mogul of the Fanatec ClubSport v2.5 , for instance , nor the new Fanatec DD line of credit . In gamey - end models such as those , the roulette wheel becomes “ the boss ” at gamy big businessman context , and will all but turn itself out of your bobby pin at times .
The Thrustmaster T248 is still relatively well-fixed to use maxed - out , and so are other wheels at around this Mary Leontyne Price . However , I prefer the elan of the older Thrustmaster T300 RS . Some say knock feedback can seem more faint than the geared form , which can impact your racing functioning . However , I ’d prioritise immersion every time , and the smooth flavor of Thrustmaster ’s belt ammunition wheel is superior in that deference .
That said , the Thrustmaster T248 ’s bicycle rotation remains smoother than that of the Logitech alternatives , such as the G923 .
Pedals and Shifters
Advice for rush wheel buyers on a moderate budget has been moderately easy until this current generation of models . You purchase a Thrustmaster for salutary military group feedback ; a Logitech for the full package including safe pedals , with no press to elevate in the future .
This is because the cheaper Thrustmaster steering wheel have amount with pretty poor pedals ; a swooning two - pedal point board would appear toy dog - like next to the timbre wheel floor . The Thrustmaster T248 addresses this by set off off with a three - pedal lot , which I do n’t think most folk will postulate to advance from unless they get deep into sim racing .
It still is n’t anything too fancy . The social organization of the foot lever is largely made of plastic , but they have nice alloy jacket . You now also get a clutch for manual transmittance , and far best electrical resistance for the bracken .
Thrustmaster even include two resistivity springs , so you could play with a humiliated or high degree of tension . you could murder a rubbery spacer , which delivers four possible tension configurations .
Racing wheel obsessives may still regain the pasture brake a little light , but Thrustmaster has judged the level well here . If you ’re not going to lock the pedal add-in in place then you only require so much tension , or the control board is simply going to move under the pressure .
The clutch and accelerator also have their own distinct depress theatrical role . Sure , these pedals ca n’t go up against the Fanatec ClubSport V3 , but they cost 50 euros more than the intact Thrustmaster T248 package .
Thrumaster has efficaciously zapped one of the most rough-cut pieces of advice give to prospective affordable racing wheel buyer : Thrustmaster wheel are large , but bear in creative thinker the pedal might suck .
It is n’t all irrefutable progress , mind . The Thrustmaster T248 also has boat paddle gear lever that sit behind the rim . These have a very positive click , which is good ; but they also feel cheap , are almost excessively noisy , and involve more force to deject than just about any racing wheel I ’ve used to escort .
The Al boat paddle of the Logitech G923 and G920 / G29 series feel much better , and not just because they ’re metal . This is one of the weak prospect of the Thrustmaster T248 .
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Should you buy it?
The Thrustmaster T248 is a great starter force feedback racing bike that solves the main job of cheaper Thrustmaster cycle circle of the yesteryear by include square foot lever that you wo n’t feel the penury to upgrade from in future .
The cycle itself is n’t quite a masterwork . It lacks the great build calibre of the Logitech G923 , G920 and G29 , and if you ’re more concerned in dousing than airstream functioning , the belted ammunition - tug force feedback of older Thrustmaster wheels such as the T300 RS is better .
Final Thoughts
The Thrustmaster T248 is a expectant force feedback racing steering wheel , peculiarly for those who have n’t tried such a unit before . In gain , it also is n’t quite what you might first assume it to be .
This is less a followup to the T300 RS and TX lines ; more a replacement for the budget Thrustmaster T150 . It also raises the cost floor significantly , but there ’s hearty justification thanks to the Thrustmaster T248 ’s much - better pedals .
However , build quality is n’t at the same story as Logitech rivals , and if you ’re most concerned in an involving race experience then you should also consider the much older Thrustmaster T300 RS ( PS4 / PS5 ) and Thrustmaster TX ( Xbox ) . Their whack - driven feedback feels significantly fluent .
Trusted Score
How we test
We use every gaming wheel we try out for at least a workweek . During that metre , we ’ll tally it for ease of use and put it through its paces by playing a variety of game .
We also check the controller ’s software support , as well as the quality of bundled accessories such as treadle and shifter .
FAQs
Yes , this is a full forcefulness - feedback racing steering wheel that expend motor to emulate real - world driving forces .
The wheel is fix and ca n’t be replaced with another model .
Both the Xbox and PlayStation versions of the bike supporting PC , but they ’re not cross - compatible with the other type of console .
