Introduction:
Welcome to my review of Logitech’s first foray into the mid-level tier of direct-drive wheelbases. Logitech is renowned for its excellent entry-level wheelbases, but now, it aims to conquer the mid-level market. In this review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the Logitech Pro to determine if it can outshine its competition.
Pros and Cons of the Logitech G Pro
Pros:
- Impressive Torque: The Logitech Pro boasts 11Nm of torque, providing a powerful and immersive driving experience.
- Intuitive Button Layout: The button layout is designed for easy access, with buttons arranged in a thumb-reach pattern, making button mapping a breeze. It also features numerous switches and rotary encoders.
- Profile Storage: The wheelbase can store up to 5 racing profiles, enhancing versatility and playability for different games and preferences.
- Compatibility with Playseat Trophy: Pairing with the Playseat Trophy creates a seamless and immersive sim racing setup.
- Mounting Options: The Logitech Pro comes with a table clamp, allowing for versatile and secure mounting options.
- Customizable Pedals: The accelerator and clutch pedals have adjustable spring firmness, while the load cell’s elastomers can be changed to tailor the pedal feel.
- Dual Clutch Paddles: It features two clutch paddles that can be mapped for additional functions, offering more control options.
- Platform Variations: The Logitech Pro offers two variations to cover all major platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Cons:
- Size Concerns: The wheelbase is relatively large compared to its competitors, potentially obstructing the field of vision depending on your monitor’s position.
- Lack of Ecosystem: At present, the Logitech Pro lacks an ecosystem, which can make for a less engaging experience when compared to other wheelbases with extensive accessory options.
- Aesthetic Considerations: It doesn’t have the same premium look and feel as some other wheelbases available in the market, which might matter to users seeking a high-end appearance.
- Wheel Shaft Angle: The wheel shaft has a slight angle, making it slightly more challenging to set the seating position on a sim rig perfectly.
- True Force Feature: The True Force feature may not be to everyone’s liking, as it’s a matter of personal preference.
- Separate Pedal Purchase: The pedals are not included with the Logitech Pro and need to be purchased separately, potentially increasing the overall cost of the setup.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Logitech Pro offers substantial advantages in terms of torque, button layout, profile storage, and compatibility with the Playseat Trophy. However, it has its drawbacks, such as its larger size, lack of an ecosystem, and aesthetics. Whether the Logitech Pro reigns supreme over the competition depends on individual priorities and preferences, but it certainly marks an interesting entry into the mid-level direct-drive wheelbase market.
Introduction:
Welcome to my review of the Thrustmaster T818, which marks Thrustmaster’s debut in the direct-drive wheelbase category. Thrustmaster, known for its history in sim racing, has established an ecosystem early on, giving it an edge over competitors like Logitech. In this review, we’ll assess whether Thrustmaster can successfully conquer the mid-level direct drive tier.
Pros and cons of the Thrustmaster T-818
Pros:
- 10Nm of Torque: The T818 offers impressive torque, providing a strong force feedback experience for sim racers.
- Well-Established Ecosystem: Thrustmaster’s ecosystem allows for full customization, enhancing the user’s experience.
- Backward and Future Compatibility: This wheelbase is a great long-term investment, as it remains compatible with older and upcoming Thrustmaster peripherals.
- Customizable Look: Users can customize the appearance by adding metal plates of different colours.
- Cost-Efficient with Thrustmaster Peripherals: When paired with other Thrustmaster peripherals, it becomes a more cost-effective option compared to Logitech.
Cons:
- PC Compatibility Only: The T818 is limited to PC compatibility, excluding console gamers.
- No Bundle Options: Thrustmaster does not offer bundles that include pedals or wheel rims, requiring additional purchases.
- Narrow Base: Due to its narrow base, you may need to buy an additional mounting plate, increasing costs and complexity.
- Lacks Premium Feel: In comparison to other brands in the same price range, the T818 may not feel as premium.
- Quick Release System Needs Improvement: The quick-release design is not the most refined, and adapters come at an extra cost.
- Limited Wheelbase Tuning Options: There are limited options for adjusting the wheelbase to your preferences.
Conclusion:
Thrustmaster’s early success with belt-driven wheels and a comprehensive ecosystem solidified its position in the world of sim racing. However, in my opinion, the Thrustmaster T818 falls short of being a mid-level tier wheelbase, especially when compared to its main rival, the Logitech Pro. Logitech offers more power and a smoother transition into the direct drive market. To compete effectively, Thrustmaster needs to introduce console compatibility and refine the quick-release system. Only then might they approach the level Logitech has achieved.
Summary:
When comparing wheelbases, the Logitech Pro stands out as a strong option, surpassing the Thrustmaster T-818. However, when measured against products from other companies like Moza and Fanatec, they fall slightly short in my opinion. I’m hopeful that, given Logitech and Thrustmaster’s good reputation, they can improve their initial attempt at direct drive technology by offering competitive bundles. Their future versions could be much better and more refined.
In today’s highly competitive direct drive market, it seems that Logitech and Thrustmaster entered the scene a bit later than they should have. These wheelbases were initially meant to compete with the Fanatec CSL DD/GT DD PRO with 8Nm of torque and the Moza R9 with 9Nm of torque. However, both Moza and Fanatec have already introduced more powerful options. Moza has the slightly more powerful R12 with 12Nm of torque, and Fanatec recently revealed the CS DD, also with 12Nm of torque.
To explore similar options in the same price range, I recommend checking out my reviews of the Fanatec CSL DD/GT DD PRO and the Moza R9 and R12, as these alternatives offer strong competition.
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