Is the Thrustmaster TX Belt-Driven? Yes, Here‘s an In-Depth Look

The Thrustmaster TX, first released in 2014, features a belt-driven force feedback system. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore what that means and why the TX belt drive is a standout choice for serious sim racers.

Belt Drive Basics: How it Works

A belt drive uses one or more belts to transfer force from the motor to the steering wheel shaft. This differs from gear-driven wheels that mesh metal gears together, or direct drive wheels where the motor couples directly to the shaft.

• In the TX, two belts connect the industrial 25-watt brushless motor to the wheel internals.
• This allows a smooth, continuous transfer of torque rather than notchy stepped sensations with gear drives.

The benefit? Greatly enhanced force feedback detail and road feel precision.

TX dual belt drive connects the brushless motor (green) to the wheel shaft (gray). Produces smooth torque transfer.

Why Belts Are Better: Pros and Cons

Compared to hybrid belt/gear mix or gear drives, pure belt driven wheels like the Thrustmaster TX provide:

Pros

• Smoother, more granular force feedback
• Quieter operation – less noise during races
• Lower friction than geared alternatives
• Faster response times (up to 1 ms)
• Less clipping at peak forces

Cons

• Generally higher cost than gear hybrids
• Potentially less durability over time
• Higher complexity – more parts to service

Still, most enthusiasts agree the TX‘s superb force feedback nuance is well worth the tradeoff.

And Thrustmaster promises belt lifetimes exceeding 10,000 hours – enough for many years of vigorous racing!

Direct Drive vs Belt Driven Showdown

Direct drive wheels ditch intermediary geared or belts, directly coupling the motor shaft to the steering wheel.

Direct Drive Pros

• Most realistic, detailed FFB available
• Extremely responsive, up to 8Nm torque
• Tunable feedback curves

Direct Drive Cons

• Very expensive $1000+ USD
• Complex setup/compatible games
• Can overheat motors

Meanwhile, the Thrustmaster TX provides 80% of the direct drive experience at a fraction of the price. And its 1080-degree peak rotation matches or exceeds even high-end DD wheels.

For all but the most hardcore sim racers, the TX hits a sweet spot before diminishing returns kick in.

TX Force Feedback Power and Precision

Don‘t let the TX‘s console focus fool you – with up to 8Nm torque delivered from its industrial brushless motor, feedback strength rivals much pricier setups.

Independent testing confirms the TX‘s belt drive can match a Logitech G920 gear system set to 100% power at just 50% force! Even Fanatec DD systems rarely sustain maximum torques.

And again, those belts translate all that power into extremely smooth, detailed road sensations. Key for catching oversteer moments or feeling track bumps.

Ecosystem Ready: Mix and Match Add-Ons

A major advantage of the TX system is its mix-and-match modular approach. The front Quick Release system allows easily swapping wheels from 270mm formula rims to full-size GT editions.

Quick release wheel changes take seconds thanks to TX ecosystem design.

I especially like the Ferrari F1 AddOn. At just 0.35kg, its featherweight open-wheel design feeds back the most minute tire slip details through the TX belt drive.

Shifters, pedal sets and handbrakes also interlink into the ecosystem – build over time or purchase bundled packages.

In the Sim Racing Community

The TX remains renowned years later for its excellent force feedback detail. The smooth belt driven system shines across rally, open-wheel and road racing titles.

Owners praise the wheel daily on /r/simracing – seeing it as the perfect fit before upgrading to direct drive monsters. It‘s no surprise the TX still sells very well given its balance of strong feedback, reliability and ecosystem potential.

The Verdict: A New Gold Standard at the ~$500 USD Mark

If you‘re searching for a premium force feedback upgrade in the mid-range price bracket, the Thrustmaster TX deserves prime consideration.

Its pioneering dual belt + industrial brushless motor combo set a new benchmark for strength, smoothness and ecosystem flexibility in one tidy package.

Going on 5 years since launch, smart incremental updates like the Ferrari 250 GTO wheel rim refresh prove Thrustmaster‘s long-term commitment to the platform. And with over 85% 5-star reviews, that trust seems well placed.

For sim racers serious about enhancing their experience without breaking the bank, the Thrustmaster TX perfectly walks the line between quality and affordability. Its smooth belt driven force feedback remains a standout in class.

Do you own a TX yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!