Thrustmaster RGT Final Thoughts

I have been using the Logitech Momo wheel for quite awhile and while I enjoy racing games, I'm honestly not that good at them. I've sold quite a few of the G25 wheels and would love to have one but just can't justify the price for the limited amount of time I spend playing racing games. While I have never been let down by the control of the Momo wheel, I have never been impressed by the Force Feedback on it. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by my in game results with the Thrustmaster RGT Force Feedback Pro Clutch Edition. While the control was for the most part right in line with what I'm accustomed to with my Momo wheel, the Force Feedback was a huge improvement. On games that I routinely will turn off the Force Feedback I found myself enjoying the effects. Xpand Rally Xtreme was one game that this wheel just brought to life for me. And with the added bonus of having analog paddles for a smaller driver or if you just don't want to use the pedals, this wheel really is positioned in between the Momo and the G25. I would have liked to see a gated shifter with the addition of the clutch. Using either the paddles or the two way shifter with the clutch just seems lacking to me. I realize that companies usually charge a large premium for the gated shifters but is it honestly that much more expensive to implement? The stick is already there along with the first two button contacts. Seems like it would just be a matter of adding five more button contacts and a gate. I"m sure I'm over simplifying it though.

Bottom line is I actually really enjoyed playing with this wheel. I never found myself blaming the wheel for not making a turn or holding a line. I may have a hard time keeping it though, given how my Daughter is already eying it. After comparing the RGT to the Momo, I would love to see Thrustmaster take on Logitech's G25 wheel with a new high end product.

Force Feedback Pro Clutch Conclusion

The Thrustmaster RGT Force Feedback Pro Clutch Edition seems to be a product caught in the middle. On one hand, Thrustmaster has done a very nice job of offering features usually only found in a much higher priced wheel and in-game performance is very good overall. On the other hand however, in order for Thrustmaster to sell this wheel close to the $100 price point, cost must be cut somewhere. The use of plastic in both the pedals and the paddles, the lack of a gated shifter, and a rubber steering wheel are all evidence of this cost cutting. While most of these deficiencies can be overlooked given the price, I really wish they would spend more effort on a secure mounting system for the wheel to the desk. I am fine with the rubber wheel, I am ok with the plastic pedal and paddles, would have loved to see a gated shifter, but the real problem is it ruins the experience when you are right in the middle of a race and the wheel unit comes loose from your desk. In Thrustmaster's defense, the Logitech Momo is really no better at staying attached to my desk. Fix the mounting system and include a gated shifter and this product would win our Golden Tachometer award.

Here are my thoughts on the review ratings: Wheel was boxed in a nice, clean, informative box. Appearance is nice and satisfactory for this tier of steering wheel.

Construction of the wheel feels solid, plastic parts give some concern as to durability. Pedal unit is very light and will slide around. I have a feeling I would eventually break the tightening bolt trying to make the wheel stay put on my desk. I did have something loose rattling around inside the wheel. Everything seemed to work but still a little concerning.

Functionality is right in line with this tier of wheel. Very similar in feel to the Logitech Momo with the added features of a clutch and analog paddles. Huge benefit if purchasing for a smaller driver. Control was actually good to very good for most of the games I tested. Force feedback is sufficient, neither lacking nor overbearing. The added feature of disabling the Force Feedback on the fly is a benefit although I often failed to get this button to work properly.

The Thrustmaster RGT Force Feedback Pro Clutch Edition is a very good value at just over $100. This is right in line with the Logitech Momo and given the added features it becomes a better value over the Momo. While it may never be the wheel that the G25 is, it is less than half the price of the G25.

For the average gamer looking for a good wheel I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Thrustmaster RGT Force Feedback Pro Clutch Edition especially for the smaller driver. Those looking for a top tier wheel will have to realize that in order to get a top tier wheel you will have to pay the top tier price. The Thrustmaster wheel was likely never intended to be a top tier wheel but has done a very nice job of offering some of the features usually reserved for those wheels.

Pros:

+ Very nice Force Feedback
+ Priced similar to the Momo with more features
+ Clutch feature works very well in most games
+ Solid feeling wheel
+ Good control in gameplay

Cons:

- Pedal Base will slide around on you
- Wheel will work its way loose from your desk
- Lack of gated shifter makes clutch feature less impressive
- Plastic paddles may be prone to break
- Issues with Need For Speed Games

Ratings:

• Presentation: 9.00
• Appearance: 8.00
• Construction: 7.50
• Functionality: 9.25
• Value: 9.50

Final Score: 8.65 out of 10.

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