Thrustmaster T300RS GT - Best High-Performance Belt-Driven
A smooth and powerful belt-driven force feedback wheel that offers a compelling mid-tier experience with great ecosystem expandability for PlayStation and PC.
- +Dual-belt force feedback system provides smooth, powerful, and quiet operation compared to gear-driven wheels.
- +Brushless motor technology maintains consistent feedback intensity without fading during long gaming sessions.
- +Ecosystem-ready design allows for compatibility with a wide range of Thrustmaster add-on rims, pedals, and shifters.
- -Belt-driven system, while smooth, lacks the instantaneous response and fine detail resolution of direct drive units.
- -The internal components, including the fan and belts, can be prone to wear and overheating with extreme use over time.
- -The included T3PA-style pedals, while good, are often outperformed by dedicated load cell pedal sets.
The Thrustmaster T300RS GT occupies a crucial position in the sim racing market as the pinnacle of high-quality belt-driven technology. It serves sim racers who seek a significant upgrade from entry-level gear-driven wheels like the Logitech G29 but are not yet ready to invest in a direct drive system. Its core advantage is the dual-belt force feedback system, which eliminates the coggy, notchy feeling of gear-driven wheels, delivering force that is notably smoother, stronger, and quieter. This results in a more immersive and less artificial driving experience. The brushless motor is another key feature, designed for endurance. It prevents the force feedback strength from diminishing due to heat buildup during extended racing stints, a common issue with some older designs. The wheel is also a gateway into the extensive Thrustmaster ecosystem.
The quick-release system allows users to swap the included GT-style rim for other official rims, such as formula or sparco rally wheels, providing versatility across different racing disciplines. Furthermore, the wheelbase is compatible with Thrustmaster's higher-end pedal sets like the T-LCM load cell pedals and their TH8A shifter, allowing for meaningful component upgrades. The T300RS GT edition typically bundles a three-pedal set with a conical brake mod, which offers an improved feel over basic pedals. However, the system does have inherent limitations of the belt-driven design. While smooth, it cannot match the instantaneous torque response, fine granular detail, or sheer strength of a direct drive base. Some units have also been reported to require maintenance, such as belt replacement or dealing with fan noise, over very long-term heavy use. Despite this, for its price point, the T300RS GT delivers an excellent balance of performance, smoothness, and expandability, making it a perennial favorite and a smart choice for intermediate sim racers on PlayStation and PC.