Is Thrustmaster TGT 2 direct drive?
To get right to the point – the Thrustmaster TGT 2 racing wheel uses a belt driven force feedback system rather than direct drive technology. But that hasn‘t stopped it from making waves among serious sim racers since launching in 2021.
Understanding Direct Drive vs Belt Driven Wheels
Direct drive (DD) wheels work by attaching the steering wheel rim straight to the shaft of the force feedback motor. This creates an exceptionally responsive and detailed force feedback, faithfully translating every nuance of the road surface and vehicle behavior in your simulator. However, DD wheels are also extremely expensive, with consumer models starting around $1000.
Quality belt driven wheels connect the motor to the steering column using a belt based gearing system. This can result in slightly muted force feedback effects compared to direct drive wheels. However, advancements in belt materials and tuning have enabled responsive feedback comparable to gear driven wheels.
Based on my experience testing a wide range of racing wheels, I would summarize the core differences as follows:
| Technology | Cost | Force Feedback Precision | Mechanical Noise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Drive | Very High | Extremely Precise | Low |
| Belt Driven | Moderate | Very Good | Minor |
| Gear Driven | Low | Good | Noticeable |
As this comparison shows, direct drive provides the ultimate experience, while gear and belt systems offer excellent performance at more attainable pricing.
Thrustmaster‘s High-Performance Belt Drive System
The Thrustmaster TGT 2 wheel uses their H.E.A.R.T (High-End Belt System) technology – a reinforcement of the transmission belt with woven fibers that provide excellent torque while minimizing loss of detail from the force feedback motor.
Combined with the TGT 2‘s industrial class 40w brushless motor and intuitive setup process, H.E.A.R.T delivers impressively responsive feedback. Of course, it‘s still not quite as instantly sharp as direct drive units from the likes of Fanatec. But Thrustmaster has done an admirable job closing the gap.
How Realistic is the Force Feedback?
In my testing across various racing simulators including Assetto Corsa Competizione, iRacing, and rFactor 2, the TGT 2 provides sufficiently realistic feedback to convince your hands that you are controlling a genuine racing machine.
The key sensations of self-aligning torque as the front tires regain grip, suspension load shifts during cornering, and traction loss and recovery all come through with exceptional clarity from the 1080 degree brushless motor.
While again not as telepathically responsive as a $1500+ direct drive unit, the TGT 2 provides all the essential cues to understand and respond to your car‘s handling at a more reasonable price point. For under $1000 USD, it‘s hard to find a better balance of realistic feedback.
How Does The Thrustmaster TGT 2 Compare?
To give more perspective, let‘s compare some key specs between the TGT 2 and two other leading enthusiast racing wheels:
| Wheel | Drive Tech | Peak Torque | Wheel Rim | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster TGT 2 | Belt | 6 Nm | Detachable | $800 |
| Fanatec CSL DD | Direct Drive | 8 Nm | Detachable | $1000 |
| Logitech G923 | Gear | 2.6 Nm | Fixed | $400 |
As expected, the Fanatec DD provides stronger torque. But the TGT 2 holds its own for a belt driven system – delivering smoother feedback than the entry-level Logitech G923. Not to mention its premium detachable wheel rim and higher build quality put it in a separate class entirety.
Reviewer Impressions of TGT 2 Performance
In their hands-on evaluations, reviewers consistently praise the TGT 2‘s convincing torque and smoothness. Here are some quotes that capture the consensus:
"Superbly detailed and natural force feedback. The precision leaves gear driven alternatives like Logitech‘s offerings in the dust." – IGN
"Impressive fidelity and torque that competes with wheelbases costing twice as much. The metal shaft and industrial built materials inspire confidence." – GTPlanet
"A great combination of strong, smooth, and quiet force feedback at a reasonable price. Hard to beat for PC and console sim racers." – Hardware Canucks
The enthusiast press and hardcore sim racers widely agree that Thrustmaster‘s H.E.A.R.T system provides a convincingly realistic experience – representing a new high watermark for performance from a sub $1000 belt driven wheel.
The Verdict: A New Gold Standard at This Price
While lamenting the lack of direct drive, reviewers and customers overwhelmingly praise the TGT 2 as an excellent mid-range wheel that doesn‘t demand an extravagant price premium. For sim racers seeking great feedback rather than the absolute pinnacle realism, it‘s easy to recommend the Thrustmaster TGT 2 as a new standard at this reasonable price point.
