Is The Thrustmaster T818 Direct-Drive Wheel Really Worth the Hype?
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 27. 01. 2023
- Thrustmaster has finally released their first ever direct-drive sim racing wheel, the T818. With 10nm of force, a unique design, and several new features, is this a wheel worth considering? Let's find out.
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I LOVE SIM RACING
ME TOO
Too
YEAH SAME
Same
YEAH
that wobble is an absolute dealbreaker for me
I was thinking the same thing. That's such a shame something in this price range/performance category has such an overlooked major issue.
That wobble only exists in this video... look for other reviews.
Is the wobble only there with the quick release or there when it's directly connected?
I agree. A Steering wheel is supposed to be a major load bearing and point of reference structure for the driver. That amount of flex has no place in any situation. I felt from those shots that I could easily break that wheel if I slanted to the left or right a little to far.. For an ÂŁ800 wheel (base, wheel, mount bracket). Absolutely not.. Looks like I'll be picking up an Asetek Forte instead.
It s complete BULLSHIT, my T818 and all of my friends have absolutely no flex đ I ve been sim racing for 10 years so I ve got some experience and it s absolutely nuts whatâs being said here. It s an absolute materpiece of product made in france and it s rock solid. I m italian and we have kinda hard feelings with FR so I wouldnât say it if it wasnât true đ
Man your editing is amazing bro. Itâs gotten much better than before. Keep it up homie
You've come a long way OC ... I sub'ed to you when you were still under 1K subscribers. You're still one of my go to Sim racing reviewers. Love from Canada eh!
Appreciate it⊠eh!
Fuckin eh boys
Great review. Iâm heavily invested in thrustmaster but still believe I might go Moza when Iâm ready for DD. Those adapters donât give off a âstand the test of timeâ vibe.
They said they will be updating them soon.
I was waiting for this as well since I have the TX-PC and all their wheels, but after a few reviews and seeing all that plastic... I just ordered a simagic 15nm base and the gt4 wheel. No plastic at all on the simagic release đ
This amount of play on his quick release is insane, there's something wrong with that. On my device there is no wobble or play at all.
@@phil6531 yeah, was wondering about that. Seems excessive in the vid. Nice to know others don't have the same problem.
If I ever have to upgrade from my TS-PC 488 Edition, T3PM and TH8A, VNM Simulation really is the way to go.
Their pedals, shifter and handbrake already sounds stellar and while I haven't seen the wheelbase available, I am pretty sure it will be just as good.
Literally the night before last, I was on the Moza site, and the Fanatec site, just to window shop what the cheapest wheel base I could get would be. For Moza, it was just over $700 all in for a 3 pedal set, with elastomer brake, and a basic wheel with buttons on it. On Fanatec's site, it was just under $800 for the CSL DD with the boost kit, three pedal set with elastomer brake, and a basic wheel with buttons on it. I own the T248 myself, and it would make literally 0 sense for me to get this wheel. I could use the pedals I have with it sure. But after buying the mounting bracket, plus a wheel to begin with, let alone the QR adapter, I would already probably spend more than I would just buying an entirely new wheel from a different company... Thrustmaster just DOES NOT care about their consumers at all
I also own the T248, pedals and TH8A and I will continue with what I have for a long time I think because this T818+wheel and accessories would cost me too much only to have a better feeling.A feeling too expensive and..concerning the Moza, one should not forget the quite consequent customs charges as it comes from China
@@JOE-nk6lf Living in the US I don't think the import tax would be all that bad. Most things come from China here, and after Trump left office (not that I'm trying to be political here, but he's the one who introduced a tarrif on Chinese goods...) we got rid of that policy as far as I'm aware. Either way, even like you said, it just isn't worth it at the end of the day no matter how you look at it. I just think its sad, that as someone in the TM atmosphere of products, you have no reason to even upgrade to this wheel, and TM somehow didn't see that...
@@combatwombat594 yes! sorry! I did not mention that I am French and live in France. Customs fees and taxes are high when buying abroad and this without counting the shipping costs,.. of course
â@@JOE-nk6lf You should have a local shop selling it , we have couple in the UK. Anyway if thats going to help, I was on the hunt for new wheelbase and pedals for quite some time, and finally decided to pull the trigger on SImagic alpha ultimate, of course they have cheaper one I think it is called Simagic alpha mini, and for pedals , using the Simforge Mark-1 , both amazing quality, If you can save up a tad more and go for Simagic you wont regret it, it does feel super quality and they both have their own software now, which used to be an issue in the past but not anymore. Moza is great too, but Simagic is more premium.
yes I know they talk about it on this site
czcams.com/video/AQ8h5jZwlGk/video.html&ab_channel=SametFlo
at first it's in French but then when they talk to the Chinese boss it's in English
In the description there is a link to order through a French site.
The disadvantage is that you need a Chassis. For a desk like I use with
the T248 and which can also go with the T818
absolutely love the base, do agree they shoulda allowed for plate color options for the initial order and also included the proper mounting hardware but other than that it's a pretty amazing base, haven't had *any* flex either so it seems the actual retail QR adapters are a solid bit better!
How is the force feedback of the t818 after a few hours of gaming? I now have the T300RS, but the force feedback disappears due to overheating
@@jeffa93 haven't experienced any issues with it overheating. I don't rock it at 100% FFB ever cause it is just way too strong for my liking (usually around 80% in Thrustmaster's Control Panel and then 70-100% in games). but considering how even after many consecutive hours of use at 80% it doesn't even get hot to the touch, I doubt that it would struggle at 100%. Thrustmaster said that its peak torque output is sustained, so no drop off or peaks, and I do believe em based on my experience wit it
@@DaKing100 Thank you for your explanation, this is good to hear. The problem with the T300RS is that the force feedback can only be felt at 100%, but then it heats up too quickly and automatically switches the force feedback off again... Now i go for the T818.
I have one, and it is brilliant. There is absolutely ZERO flex in my wheelbase.
Mine too never seen a Flex in it, What I think is that theses a review unit that many many people used it why it create flex overtime.
Road to 100k? Good vid oc!
OC is back with another BANGER of a vid!
I never left đ€đ€
Great job on the review!
My T818 just got here! Got the grey plate for it and love it so far! *I think they have solved the wheel rim flexing. Mine feels very sturdy.
How is the force feedback of the t818 after a few hours of gaming? I now have the T300RS, but the force feedback disappears due to overheating
Thank you for the review. I have it for 2 weeks and enjoy it very much for all racing sims. There is some flex in the wheels (R383, open wheel, 599xx alc) but certainly not as much as you have! The QR does not flex. The new wheels have to be more sturdy dear TM! :)
Would be interesting if you had ever used a VRS DirectForce Pro as a comparison. It isn't too far out of the price range of some of these 8-10 nM bases. I've seen some opinions on the iRacing forums and they mostly conclude the 20nM motors provide more feedback/fidelity. Although those opinions generally come from people who have them. I know software plays a big role in how the individual wheels feel. Since you've done quite a few of the lower force DD systems it would provide a good comparison. I know you've done the Moza R16, how would you say that compares to the lower force wheels? (I haven't watched that review yet)
This is what we all have been waiting for!
finally been waiting for this
Without a doubt the best review on the T818 so far. Quick, concise, entertaining and to the point.
Glad you think so, thanks đ
Seriously. Video editing is on point too!
Hopefully this will be more readily available than other products. Thats my hope at least and is the reason why I'm looking to get into the Thrustmaster ecosystem as a new sim racer. Fanatec stuff just seems impossible to buy and shipping cost is a factor too. Mozas wheels seem overly expensive.
STILL CANT BUY FANATEC
I'm looking into the t818 because I want a DD wheel, however I like the way thrustmaster wheels look way better than any of the other brands. The t818 is an entrusting purchase because I'm also looking at the ts xw with the Sparaco package. with that setup all id have to buy is a shifter and the e brake. do you think Id be better in the long run going with the t818 or the tsxw? thanks
Yesss! Finally got the mount for it!
I didnât really get the mount, just drilled some holes lol
If the wheel puts out great feedback and details, I think that really counts. Im sure someone will figure out the flex issue and make something aftermarket for the Thrustmaster community. It would be a great fix and edition to put onto the T818 in my honest opinion. The price also for the T818 Ferrari edition that includes the Ferrari wheel is equivalent in price to the Fanatec Podium DD1 that doesnt include the wheel. I expected the wheel to not fit all the rigs either because of the different mount points they used. Its sad to see that as a flaw but it is what it is. I have had the T500RS F1 Integral in 2013 when I was with a G27 and it was a nice step up. I then tried the TS PC Racer wheel at Ricmotech in 2018. I bought the wheel and really enjoyed the detail it provided me. It lasted a long time until the turbo power supply let itself go. I still need to get the power supply fixed but the T500RS supply works for now. Maybe Ill get the T818 Ferrari Edition when its available in the US. Or look into something else since I compete in top split competition in iRacing.
Love you're content, you earned a new sub đ
Glad to hear!
I don't have any flex on my T818. It's a retail version. The flex was probably only on the beta version of the quick release adaptor as we can see here.
How is the force feedback of the t818 after a few hours of gaming? I now have the T300RS, but the force feedback disappears due to overheating
Zero flex on mine, I have tried all my 6 wheels & they're all totally solid. Brilliant piece of kit I think, lovely unfiltered FFB & good torque.
So they must have fixed the quick release you think? The flex in the wheels in his vid as far as I'm concerned would make the wheel a non-starter, so thats huge if they fixed that
Thank you for sharing your experience since I was worried by the flex showed in the video.
Nice. When my TX base finally breaks down I will switch to this
đ
đ Review illustrates a flex where the wheel looks like itâs ready to break off and people jump all over it regardless. Fan boys will buy this regardless.
@@buddy5088 the flex is only present on the beta-qr. No flex on retail units
go get it now. I had a tx base. going to the t818 is amazing
The orange base looks đ„
I have waited for this!
Took a bit longer than expected! Sorry bout that đ
@@OCRacing no worries. I enjoyed the video a lot. Gotta go with the orange plate btw
Thanks for this review, I was going to get this base 100% as I allready have the ferrari sf1000 wheel add-on. But if that wigglyness on the wheel is on the final product its a hard pass for me. That is simply not acceptable.
Big question, it seems that the handbrake or shifters arenât compatible with this servo, completely different female plug???
i really like the idea of the accent light on the base telling me what flag im under. I already have the csl dd 8nm tho...
did it also flex on the sf1000? i think the flex on the other 2 wheels is because the screws on the other 2 wheels are loose.
got offered this used with a set of TCLMs and the stock t300 rim for ÂŁ680, worth it or just spend out for a brand new moza/fanatec with upgraded pedals?
I went for the Moza at last since I was waiting for the Thrustmaster, that mentioned flex really makes me doubt the quality of the product, been using their product and happy in general (TMX Pro bundle for the past 6-7 years and no problem except the rubber degrading) and since I was also a bit short on the budget, the Moza bundle plus the little add-on was what I was looking for, I might also buy their handbrake but I need to see the reviews for this, been using an ebay handbrake and I might go for a better quality one. I love Thrustmaster, but that flexing is dreadful and fear of breaking this, already expensive, product with just my strenght alone, if you build something expensive, you must make it in high quality and sturdy if it is something that has to go through the test of time, 650$ (probably over 800$ cad) for the base without the adapter and wheel and pedals, it is quite expensive but it is all new, yet the quality make it look like it is worth less than 500$.
I am looking for direct comparison with Moza lineup. Some sayTM is worse, some say it's better (might be caused by difference in rims wieght)
I would be curious as to your settings in DiRT Rally 2.0. I have this base and it is a little... skittish in that title. Also, which game had that version of The Green Hell?
Are you using racenet clubs in dirt rally 2.0?
Would like a part 2 comparing to other bases, especially your fanatec since Xbox compatibility is only based on a Microsoft wheel tax
The goat uploaded, my birthday is complete đ
I thought your birthday was yesterday đłđł
@@OCRacing nope, it was prob still yesterday for u when people wished me happy birthday. Timezones and that
Nice, good to know đ
I hope they have support and compatibility with console soon so i can use it on the PS5 for gran turismo 7. Im currently using the TGT 2 for both PC and console so until they have support for console as well then i will get this
How do you like it? Do you regret buying it? Did you immediately want to upgrade to a DD? Im on the fence as to buy one, I want GT7 + PC, and my research into those adapters hasn't impressed me
Youâve reviewed the moza r9, r5, fanatec gt dd/ csl dd, you should review the Logitech g pro base next
let's gooo new OC vid
You already know đ„
I want it just for the proper quick release. But heres hoping the ts xw does good till the 818 price goes down
I've been in the thrust master eco system for quite awhile. I was pretty excited about this but they just didn't hit the target. Having to pay an extra $40 just for a mounting plate isn't a good idea on a wheel that already costs $650. Im probably going to have to switch over to fanatec when i upgrade from my tx system. It's too bad, i was hoping this would be a great solution for me.
I would go with the black for the side plates
Do you know if TM fixed the wobble?
Hey have a question , just bought t818 FE and its my first DD wheel , my question is its normal when is ON i feel very little something like teething in middle of sterring wheel , its very soft but can feel , when is off its smooth :) sorry for my English:)đ
Hey I also have this where if I turn quickly left to right you feel a little bit of jitter in the middle. I assume this is normal since in game I cannot feel it
I mean, flexing is sometimes cool, often obnoxious, but on a wheel rim it's plainly insulting. Especially when you're screwed into paying for it.
In all fairness, other users commented they don't experience it; in my book, that's still an issue to follow closely upon.
Does it come with at least one QR adapter or do you have to purchase them all?
Comes with 1
Ok, thatâs better than I thought at least
I mean the review was solid
Glad I could help :)
I have a t818 on its way and i will probably keep it as it is but if i got to choose i would probably have gon with the black
If and when my 2 T300 bases fail I will consider the Thrustmaster DD wheel; as well as the TS PC base eh Thanks for the review eh!
Wondering why you have to T300âs lol. Either way, definitely worth sticking with Thrustmaster considering you probably have lots of their rims.
@@OCRacing I have one mounted on my Playseat Formula Pro Red with TLCMs and SF1000 F1 Rim and the other is mounted on my Playseat Evolution with Ferrari Integrale Wheel Rim and T3PA pedals and ASP Heavy Hauler Button Box(trucking; farming and GT Racing; all in a garage sized 'extra room used as my Gaming Room :)
Have the t300 as well and did consider the tgt2 or just go all out on the Logitech pro...I'm console only so will wait and see what they do for ps5
How do you think it compares to the Logitech G Pro, if youâve had a chance to use that? Simracingcorner reckons the Logi has a better motor with better FFB and more detail. Which Iâd be interested in unpacking given your comments here about the detail this wheelbase gives out.
For the quality of your content, your subscriber count is baffling. This is seriously some of the best sim racing content on CZcams. You really should be pushing 500,000 at least. Keep it up
How does it feel compared to other DD wheels like Fanatec, Moza, Logitech? I heard the speed of the force feed back is faster. Is that true. For Thrustmaster to truly compete they need to make a 2nd DD wheel base with a proper quick release like others without that adapter.
I'm really curious about the internals and the longevity of this wheel. Anyone that has been using this wheel base almost daily for a long period of time that could chime in?
?
I have a t150 and its still a great wheel
I have super budget set up right now. I want to get a more âproâ set up. Idk where to start.
Is it a worthy upgrade over the T GT 2??
could you do a simagic alpha mini review?
Hope to buy this DD Wheel in Korea
I would have got pink plates for it, then returned the whole kit when I remember I already have an R9
Excessive wheel wobble is a deal breaker. Is it really as bad as it looks in wideo? I can live with mounting issues as shown in earlier video.
I own one, no wobble at all. I did tighten well the adapter to the wheel, though.
You are correct. Im balls deep in Thrustmaster, so i will pick it up when it comes to the U.S. I really like Moza though.
đ¶
Iâm sure youâll enjoy it regardless đ
Im still enjoying my ts-xw. Im sure the 818 is way better than the ts-xw.
Its good but for the price you can get a complete setup through fanatec.
i am guessing you can't mount it on desk?
i had a t80 for 2 years then it glitched, going down a striaght, it started going back and forth shaking (no ffb). thats when i went to a g29 (currently using) and its amazing. keep in mind i am 12 and saved for that, acc, ac, f1 2020-22, and nascar
Glad youâre enjoying the G29!
@@OCRacing great wheel for the price
king actually posted
What do you mean âactuallyâ?! I post every week LMAO
@@OCRacing I know I jus ain't commenteer in no while
Honestly I would have went with this base just cause I have a couple of TM rims that I still wanna use but the problem for me is itâs only compatible with pc. If it weâre compatible with atleast PlayStation I probably would have got it, but if itâs gonna be pc only I might aswell get something cheaper, smaller, and overall better. I went with the moza R9 base since it was only 100$ more than the R5 and it was still about 200$ cheaper than the T818 with only about 1NM force difference so it was really a no brainer for me, tho considering Iâll need a 100$ adapter if I wanna use it on my ps5 itâs still cheaper than the TM base and it wonât need drilling on cockpits to fit. While Iâm glad they released a DD wheel I think they might have waited a little to long, and not having console compatibility was a huge downside considering TM is an established brand compared to Moza and theyâre releasing new stuff every couple of months. I might end up just giving my TM setup to my little brother or nephews since I see no reason in getting their DD base now that there are far more competitive options out there for cheaper.
Really of topic but have you ever used a motion sim
yup, check out my review on the Next Level Racing Motion Plus
I personally don't think that having the emergency stop button on the wheelbase is a very good spot to have it. Most of the time if you need to use the emergency stop, it's because your hands are stuck or the wheel is going crazy. That's why most people have external buttons that they put next to their pedals that they can push with their foot if they need to. If your hands are stuck in the wheel, then you're screwed because what are you gonna push the stop with? If the wheel is going crazy, you have to reach around the steering wheel flying around to hit the button. At that point, you may as well just disconnect the power supply, as that would be the safer option. Just my personal opinion, I don't think that's a smart placement for that button
Love your channel but you should really mention the issue of mounting at the start of your video.
I made a completely separate video on that issue already lol
Was just a suggestion. It's a major design issue.
@@DirtDiver19821 Yup agreed, managed to fit it in later in the vid đAppreciate the feedback!
Integrated e-stop is cool... but you have to stick your hand back there to press it, so if you're having an actual emergency... I just hope you don't have a formula style wheel haha
Every review talks about the flex on the wheels that are actually the tiny plates on older wheels. I doubt that's the case with the spider metal plates built inside on SF1000 which is waiting for this wheel base in my garage. I'm sure the future wheels from Thrustmaster will be solid in terms of the build quality to avoid that issue.
I'm in the US and don't own T818 yet...but who on earth seats behind the wheel to twist it like exercising on an Eleptical after having the whole thanksgiving turkey?
Turn it left, the car will steer left... Turn it right...
Yes, I agree. I just made a comment about that and the wheels flex a bit and can be better but during racing it is not even noticible. The ffb is very very good and I like the shape. Hope you get yours soon!
I have been waiting....
NICE
i would go with orange
Why am I hearing about this just now? I upgraded to a Fanatec, 3 days ago and sold my SF1000 wheel. I would've stayed on Thrustmaster just to keep that wheel.
#winner winner chicken dinner
that orange one is what I would I buy with my t818. also, I'd give up quick release for no slop and a single wheel
For what i understand the peak torque is over 10nm, but the constant is 10.
That's wrong. The base has a constant AND peak torque of 10Nm.
@@momorious Where did you see that?
That flex is O_o.
No flex on my retail unit ÂŻ\_(ă)_/ÂŻ
@@djotzi7898 ah, good to know, that would have been a really upsetting thing..
I love all your videos but it's a shame that reviewers have to say it's an "honest review". Shouldn't all your reviews be honest?
Yes but putting honest in the title gets more views. Itâs just a CZcams thing đ
@@OCRacing I see, fair enough then!
Some Ferrari Red would look nice with my Playseat Formula Pro Red eh! :)
that would look sick
7:18 WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHEELS AND RIMS? The truth is that "rims" are actually just one part of the wheel. It is the outer edge of the wheel which holds the tire. It is the outer circular design and surrounds the decorative area of the wheel's hub and spokes.
I just use them interchangeably to talk about the steering wheel lol
@@OCRacing i like the word rim
3:55 that donât look right lol đ mine doesnât have any flex at all you sure itâs fully inserted and tightened ?
I removed and inserted it a ton of times as well as tightened as much as possible in attempt to fix it but to no avail. Thrustmaster specifically told me I received a âbetaâ quick release adapter which is not the same as the retail version so Iâm assuming that might be the cause?
@@OCRacing Yes there was lot of flex on the "beta" version of the quick release adapter (it's definitively solved on the final version đ)
@@OCRacing Yes there was lot of flex on the "beta" version of the quick release adapter (it's definitively solved on the final version đ)
Bro no way they just let that flex go through. Something isnât right đ it dropped my jaw lmao
damn outta every review i have seen you and sim racing garage seem to have that problem i hope its doesnt become a bigger problem. i have a few thrustmaster wheels so i will be getting one hopefully it will be fine
Iâm assuming itâs due to the âbetaâ quick release system I received. Hopefully itâs not an issue for the retail versions.
Mine is solid, no wobble
Now that's flexingđȘđ
Holy hell, that wabble on the wheel is ridiculous. If you tried drifting with that thing, it would not go well at all, I bet.
FINALLYYYYYY!!!!!
Sorry for the wait đ„Č
I will just stick with my VRS DFP setup!
Yes please
On other reviews I have seen the flex doesnât look as bad as yours, idk why yours is flexing so much
imagine oc without his brother
_sees thumbnail:_ That's a sick looking dashcam!
_sees manufacturer:_ Thrustmaster makes dashcams?
_sees rest of title:_ just..... i'm just dead weight... just leave me behind... that's fine
l really wish they had made the shaft from aviation Materials
Yes !!
Hope this helped đ
@@OCRacing it did, as always đ
Not being able to drill match holes tells a lot about the your manhood.
I thought my old DD2 had a lot of flex.
Yeah itâs weird. Iâm thinking itâs due to the âbetaâ quick release I received in mine. Hopefully not an issue experienced by many in the retail version. Only time will tell.
Nice
Nice
@@OCRacing Nice
Chill with the little gifs and memes