ReviewFinder Gaming Racing Wheels

Thrustmaster T500 RS

TLDR: The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a high-end racing wheel with powerful force feedback, 100% metal pedals, and excellent build quality, making it a top choice for serious sim racing enthusiasts.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Thrustmaster T500 RS rank #27 out of 32.
Go to rankings
6.9
Good

The product receives good reviews on average (consumer score 6.9). This is below the median racing wheel consumer score of 8.3.

About consumer score

Price:
We currently don't have any recent price information for Thrustmaster T500 RS, so we can't determine how its cost ranks in comparison to other Gaming Racing Wheels.
  • Lowest price: $13.99
  • Median price: $199.99
  • Highest price: $999.50
Check price here
Expand
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a high-end racing wheel with powerful force feedback, 100% metal pedals, and excellent build quality, making it a top choice for serious sim racing enthusiasts.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a high-end racing wheel designed for serious sim racing enthusiasts. It is compatible with both PS3 and PC platforms, making it a versatile option for gamers who want to switch between platforms without having to purchase a new racing wheel.

The force feedback system is powerful and immersive, with smooth output rates that add to the realism of a racing sim. The pedals are made of 100% metal and provide a good level of immersion and realism for a more authentic gaming experience. The brake pedal has a firmer resistance than the throttle and clutch pedals, simulating the feel of a real car's brake pedal.

The wheel is praised for its excellent build quality, with a sturdy metal construction and larger housing that gives the components inside a stronger and larger feel. The button layout is optimized for the PS3, with 13 buttons in total that are ergonomically sound and intuitive to reach.

Overall, the Thrustmaster T500 RS is recommended for serious sim racing enthusiasts who demand a durable and reliable wheel for their racing simulations.

Compatibility

The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a versatile racing wheel that can be used on both PS3 and PC without requiring any additional accessories.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a racing wheel that was initially released for the PS3 but now has software drivers available for PC compatibility. It can be used for almost any game title that has wheel controller support on PC, while on PS3, the only title currently supporting this wheel is Gran Turismo 5.

The wheel does not require any additional accessories for compatibility with either platform. Overall, the Thrustmaster T500 RS is a versatile racing wheel that can enhance the gaming experience for racing enthusiasts on both PS3 and PC.

What gaming platforms is the Thrustmaster T500 RS compatible with?

Initially, the T500 RS was released as a PS3-only product, but software drivers for the PC are now available for download from the Thrustmaster website. According to reviews, on PS3 the only title currently supporting this wheel is Gran Turismo 5, while on PC the wheel can be used for almost any game title that has wheel controller support.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Thrustmaster T500 RS require any additional accessories or software for compatibility with certain gaming platforms?

According to the product review on beracer.com, the Thrustmaster T500 RS was initially released as a PS3-only product, but software drivers for the PC are available now from the Thrustmaster website. The drivers come in an easy to install executable file. So, for PC compatibility, you need to install the drivers from the manufacturer's website. On the other hand, the Madshrimps review stated that the Thrustmaster T500 RS can be used for almost any game title that has wheel controller support on PC. So, it seems that the wheel does not require any additional accessories for compatibility with PC or PS3.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Force feedback

The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a high-end force feedback racing wheel that provides a powerful and immersive driving experience for serious sim racers.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS is a high-end force feedback racing wheel that is designed to provide a realistic and immersive driving experience for sim enthusiasts. Its force feedback system is one of its main selling points, with a 65 watt, belt-driven motor that is powerful and smooth, 16-bit resolution, and 65,536 discreetly measurable steering values.

The FFB effects are strong and immersive, with smooth output rates that add to the realism of a racing sim. The system also minimizes the need for on-center reduction in FFB strength, giving the wheel more consistent rotating resistance from lock to lock. The wheel's FFB response is powerful, with forces that make the game feel more like a real car than anything else.

This product is ideal for serious sim racers who want a high-quality, immersive driving experience.

What are the features and specifications of the force feedback system in the Thrustmaster T500 RS?

According to multiple reviews in the ReviewFinder database, the Thrustmaster T500 RS has a superb force feedback system. It uses a double belt-driven feedback system powered by a 65-watt electro-motor generating plenty of feedback force. The FFB system uses contactless magnetic Hall Effect sensors, called H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology™), which theoretically do not wear out. Thrustmaster claims this makes the T500 RS an ultra-precise wheel, endowed with 16-bit resolution, or 65,536 discreetly measurable steering values. The unit has two big paddle shifters on board, but keep in mind that these are static and will not rotate with the wheel. The T500 RS also has a max adjustable angle of rotation of 1080° (3 full turns of the wheel), which is an industry-leading feature.
Based on 12 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the strength of the force feedback on the Thrustmaster T500 RS gaming racing wheel?

According to a review on beracer.com, even with the FFB strength set to the default 60% on the T500 PC Driver Interface, and 65% on rFactor’s force feedback settings, the wheel’s FFB response was very powerful. The forces exerted made the game feel more like a real car than anything the reviewer had ever tried. The T500 RS has a 65 Watt industrial motor driving two belts at up to 3000 rpm, which Thrustmaster claims gives the T500 RS “fluid and smooth” FFB action.
Based on 7 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

How responsive is the force feedback of the Thrustmaster T500 RS?

According to reviews on ReviewFinder, the force feedback of the Thrustmaster T500 RS is very responsive, with a broad range in amplitude that delivers immersion and a realistic feel without making the wheel feel jerky. The FFB is strong and powerful, making the game feel more like a real car than anything else. The FFB system gives the wheel a very realistic feel, with no backlash when driving straight. The FFB cueing and strength are some of the best, with smooth and progressive delivery.
Based on 9 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the features and specifications of the Thrustmaster T500 RS force feedback system?

The Thrustmaster T500 RS force feedback racing wheel has the following features and specifications, according to the product reviews in our database: - Compatible with PC and Playstation 3 - 1080-degree rotation angle - 16-bit resolution, or 65,536 discreetly measurable steering values - H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology™) system with contactless magnetic Hall Effect sensors - Double belt driven feedback system powered by a 65-watt electro motor - Two big paddle shifters that are static and do not rotate with the wheel - Smooth and precise force feedback, capturing the "inertia" of driving a car - Consistent rotating resistance from lock to lock - No backlash from the force feedback system when driving straight - Sturdy and smooth construction with a larger housing for stronger and larger internal components - Powerful force feedback that is smooth and progressive, with no harsh or abrupt outputs - Comes with a 20-page hard-copy instruction booklet for setup and customization Overall, the Thrustmaster T500 RS is a high-end force feedback racing wheel that is designed to provide a realistic and immersive driving experience for sim enthusiasts, with smooth and precise force feedback and a range of customizable features.
Based on 15 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the specific features and capabilities of the force feedback system in the Thrustmaster T500 RS racing wheel?

According to product experts on ReviewFinder, the force feedback system in the Thrustmaster T500 RS racing wheel is one of its main selling points. It uses a 65 watt, belt-driven motor that is powerful and smooth, with 16-bit resolution and 65,536 discreetly measurable steering values. The FFB effects are strong and immersive, with smooth output rates that add to the realism of a racing sim. The system also minimizes the need for on-center reduction in FFB strength, giving the wheel more consistent rotating resistance from lock to lock. The wheel's FFB response is powerful, with forces that make the game feel more like a real car than anything else.
Based on 10 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Pedals

The Thrustmaster T500 RS pedals are made of 100% metal, provide a good level of immersion and realism, and offer customization options for a more authentic gaming experience.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS pedals are made of 100% metal and provide a good level of immersion and realism for a more authentic gaming experience. The brake pedal has a firmer resistance than the throttle and clutch pedals, simulating the feel of a real car's brake pedal.

The pedal faces are adjustable, and the heavy pedal unit can be mounted right side up or upside down, allowing for customization based on the user's preferences. The pedals can also be tweaked for pedal face location both in height and laterally, making it suitable for heel-and-toe shifting or left foot braking.

The unique customizing feature allows the user to switch from floor-mounted (F1 style) pedals to suspended or firewall-mounted pedals, and the pedals can be positioned in the standard way or upside down, providing versatility for different types of cars. However, the brake pedal could use more resistance, and the lack of adjustability may be a drawback for some users.

Overall, the Thrustmaster T500 RS pedals are ideal for gamers who want a more realistic and immersive driving experience.

What are the adjustable features of the pedals on the Thrustmaster T500 RS?

According to a review on beracer.com, the T500 RS's pedal faces are adjustable, and the heavy pedal unit can be mounted right side up or upside down. Additionally, the pedals can be tweaked for pedal face location both in height and laterally (for heel-and-toe shifting or left foot braking).
Based on 4 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the brake pedal resistance like on the Thrustmaster T500 RS?

According to product reviews on beracer.com and ocinside.de, the brake pedal on the Thrustmaster T500 RS has a firmer resistance than the throttle and clutch pedals. The resistance is much higher, just like in a real car, and allows for more precise control. However, the product review on beracer.com notes that the brake pedal could use more resistance.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What materials are the pedals on the Thrustmaster T500 RS made of?

The pedals on the Thrustmaster T500 RS are made from 100% metal, according to a product review on beracer.com. The pedal base, which weighs around 14 lbs (7 kgs), also includes a diamond plate steel covering.
Based on 5 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Do the pedals on the Thrustmaster T500 RS provide a realistic and immersive gaming experience?

According to a product review on beracer.com, the pedals on the Thrustmaster T500 RS provide a good level of immersion and realism. The reviewer mentions that the brake pedal has a progressive resistance that simulates the feel of a real car's brake pedal, and the gas and clutch pedals are also quite responsive. However, the reviewer also notes that the pedals lack adjustability, which may be a drawback for some users.
Based on 5 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What additional features or accessories are available for the pedals on the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel?

The Thrustmaster T500 RS pedals have a unique customizing feature that allows the user to switch from floor-mounted (F1 style) pedals to suspended or firewall-mounted pedals. Additionally, the pedals can be positioned in the standard way or upside down, with the standard way being similar to some sports cars or Formula 1 cars and the inverted pedals reminding of GT cars or normal road cars. According to reviews on perfectsimracer.com and beracer.com, the pedal faces are adjustable, and the heavy pedal unit can be mounted right side up or upside down.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Build quality

The Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel is praised for its excellent build quality and durability, with a sturdy metal construction and contactless magnetic Hall Effect sensors, making it a top choice for serious racing enthusiasts.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel is praised for its excellent build quality, with a sturdy metal construction and larger housing that gives the components inside a stronger and larger feel. The wheel feels very sturdy and solid, with a textured rubber grip that feels more solid like a real street car's wheel.

The use of contactless magnetic Hall Effect sensors also suggests that the wheel is designed to be durable and withstand heavy use. However, some users have reported issues with the pedals being flimsy and not holding up well over time. Overall, the T500 RS is considered to be a high-quality racing wheel that is built to last for years of gameplay.

It is recommended for serious racing enthusiasts who demand a durable and reliable wheel for their racing simulations.

What materials are used in the construction of the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel?

The Thrustmaster T500 RS Racing Wheel is made with a sturdy metal construction and a larger housing, giving the components inside a stronger and larger feel. According to a product review on beracer.com, the larger the wheel's diameter, the greater the loads placed on the internal components, which is why the T500 RS is designed with a larger housing.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the durability of the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel?

According to a review on beracer.com, the Thrustmaster T500 RS uses contactless magnetic Hall Effect sensors, called H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology™), which theoretically do not wear out quickly like mechanical potentiometers. Additionally, the T500 RS has a larger housing, making the components inside feel stronger and larger as well. The reviewer notes that the wheel feels very sturdy and smooth in motion, and the FFB system is superb. While there is no specific information on the exact durability of the T500 RS, these features suggest that the wheel is designed to be durable and withstand heavy use.
Based on 3 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the build quality of the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel?

According to the reviews on ReviewFinder, the build quality of the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel is considered to be excellent. One reviewer on lanoc.org stated that the build quality is amazing and that it is going to last for years and years of gameplay. The wheel feels sturdy and solid, and its larger housing gives the impression that the components inside are stronger and larger as well.
Based on 5 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Thrustmaster T500 RS feel in terms of weight and sturdiness?

According to a product review on beracer.com, the T500 RS feels very sturdy and solid due to its larger housing. The components inside the wheel are also said to be stronger and larger. The wheel's textured rubber grip may not be as luxurious as leather or alcantara-wrapped wheels, but it feels more solid like a real street car's wheel.
Based on 6 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any reported issues with the build quality of the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel?

There are some reported issues with the build quality of the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel, particularly with the pedals. Some users have reported that the pedals can be a bit flimsy and may not hold up well over time. However, many users have reported that the wheel itself is very well-built and durable. According to some experts, the T500 RS is generally considered to be a high-quality racing wheel.

Button layout

The Thrustmaster T500 RS racing wheel has a user-friendly button layout optimized for the PS3, with fully programmable buttons and customizable pedal options.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS racing wheel has a button layout optimized for the PS3, with 13 buttons in total that are ergonomically sound and intuitive to reach. The buttons are fully programmable, allowing for customization to suit specific needs and preferences. The wheel has a shifter built into it and the pedal base has customizable options commonly expected on a high-end sim racing controller.

While most of the buttons are easy to reach, two located on the lower left side of the wheel housing and behind the wheel rim may be somewhat difficult to reach while driving. Overall, the buttons on the Thrustmaster T500 RS are accessible and user-friendly, making it a great choice for sim racing enthusiasts.

How many buttons does the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel have?

The Thrustmaster T500 RS racing wheel has a total of 13 buttons, which are all in the familiar layout of a standard PS3 game controller. According to a product review on beracer.com, the layout of the T500 RS’s buttons and their distance from the wheel rim are ergonomically sound, as they have the feel of a purpose-built racing wheel. Many of the buttons are intuitively located to where your thumbs naturally reach out, although two of them, located on the lower left side of the wheel housing and behind the wheel rim, are somewhat difficult to reach when driving.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the button layout on the Thrustmaster T500 RS steering wheel?

The button layout on the Thrustmaster T500 RS steering wheel is optimized for the PS3, and many of the buttons are intuitively located to where your thumbs naturally reach out. However, two of the buttons, located on the lower left side of the wheel housing and behind the wheel rim, are somewhat difficult to reach when driving. The buttons have the standard PS3 layout and can be mapped out in-game to specific requirements. According to a review on lanoc.org, the D-pad also works great for navigating menus and subsystems of games.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are the buttons on the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel programmable?

Yes, the buttons on the Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel are fully programmable according to the product review on beracer.com. This means that you can customize the buttons to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the button layout and features of the Thrustmaster T500 RS racing wheel?

According to a product review on beracer.com, the button layout of the T500 RS is optimized for the PS3, which is the wheel's design platform, but it is also well laid out for any sim racing application. Many of the buttons are intuitively located where your thumbs naturally reach out. However, two of them, located on the lower left side of the wheel housing and behind the wheel rim, may be somewhat difficult to reach while driving. The wheel has a shifter built into it, unlike the Logitech G27, which has the shifter outside the wheel. The pedal base of the T500 RS has customizable options commonly expected on a high-end sim racing controller.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How accessible and user-friendly are the buttons on the Thrustmaster T500 RS while gaming?

According to reviews on beracer.com and lanoc.org, the buttons on the Thrustmaster T500 RS have a standard PS3 layout and are ergonomically sound. Many of the buttons are intuitively located to where your thumbs naturally reach out, making it easy to find and press them while still paying attention to the game. However, two buttons located on the lower left side of the wheel housing and behind the wheel rim are somewhat difficult to reach when driving. The D-pad also works great for navigating menus and subsystems of games. Overall, the buttons on the Thrustmaster T500 RS are accessible and user-friendly.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 9 expert reviews of Thrustmaster T500 RS.

Expert reviews [9]

No critic scores
Total expert reviews: 9
  • with a score: 0
  • without a score: 9

Best Alternatives

3 best gaming racing wheels in the same price range as Thrustmaster T500 RS

Scroll to see all options. Click on the racing wheel for more details.
Logitech G923 Thrustmaster T248 Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
Reviews
In comparison:
Logitech G923 rank #1 out of 48. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.2
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Thrustmaster T248 rank #2 out of 48.
Go to rankings
7.8
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Thrustmaster T300 RS GT rank #3 out of 48. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
The Logitech G923 is a versatile and durable gaming wheel with a new force feedback system, adjustable pedals, and programmable buttons, making it a great option for serious gamers and racing enthusiasts. The Thrustmaster T248 is a high-quality gaming headset and racing wheel with a hybrid force feedback system, customizable settings, and magnetic pedals, making it an ideal option for racing game enthusiasts. The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Racing Wheel is a highly compatible and durable gaming accessory that offers precise control and immersive experience for racing enthusiasts.
More product details More product details More product details
Gaming Racing Wheels above are offered because they are in the same price range as Thrustmaster T500 RS. To browse more budget and premium gaming racing wheels go to our racing wheel ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all gaming racing wheels.

Rank Change Price Racing Wheel
TechRadar
PC Gamesn
BestCovery
PCreview
Android Authority
BestReviews
PC Gamer
Popular Mechanics
IGN
GamesRadar+
1
- $300
Logitech G923
The Logitech G923 is a versatile and durable gaming wheel with a new force feedback system, adjustable pedals, and programmable buttons, making it a great option for serious gamers and racing enthusiasts.
4
1
1
-
-
-
6
4
2
4
2
- $340
Thrustmaster T248
The Thrustmaster T248 is a high-quality gaming headset and racing wheel with a hybrid force feedback system, customizable settings, and magnetic pedals, making it an ideal option for racing game enthusiasts.
1
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
5
1
3
+2 $449
Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Racing Wheel is a highly compatible and durable gaming accessory that offers precise control and immersive experience for racing enthusiasts.
-
-
-
1
-
-
5
6
1
-
4
- $200
Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback
The Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback is a high-quality gaming steering wheel with a hybrid belt and gear force-feedback engine, advanced and highly adaptable force feedback system, and 12-bit resolution for accurate in-game reproduction of all wheel movements, making it a great option for entry-level gamers who want a smooth and responsive force feedback system for their racing games.
-
5
-
6
3
-
-
7
4
3
Show all rows
Thrustmaster T500 RS did not receive any endorsements this month.

Highest recommended gaming racing wheels this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. gaming racing wheels below are at the top of our ranking this March.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the racing wheel for more details.
Logitech G923 Thrustmaster T248 Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback
Reviews
In comparison:
Logitech G923 rank #1 out of 48. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.2
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Thrustmaster T248 rank #2 out of 48.
Go to rankings
7.8
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Thrustmaster T300 RS GT rank #3 out of 48. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback rank #4 out of 48. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.4
Great
The Logitech G923 is a versatile and durable gaming wheel with a new force feedback system, adjustable pedals, and programmable buttons, making it a great option for serious gamers and racing enthusiasts. The Thrustmaster T248 is a high-quality gaming headset and racing wheel with a hybrid force feedback system, customizable settings, and magnetic pedals, making it an ideal option for racing game enthusiasts. The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Racing Wheel is a highly compatible and durable gaming accessory that offers precise control and immersive experience for racing enthusiasts. The Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback is a high-quality gaming steering wheel with a hybrid belt and gear force-feedback engine, advanced and highly adaptable force feedback system, and 12-bit resolution for accurate in-game reproduction of all wheel movements, making it a great option for entry-level gamers who want a smooth and responsive force feedback system for their racing games.
More product details More product details More product details More product details
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.