Thrustmaster T598 Review: Is Direct Axial Drive the Future of Sim Racing?

[@blkschizo]

Im glad these reviews are starting to hit. Im ready to move on from my t300rs. I have T-LCM pedals and want to compare them with the new pedals on this unit

[@gtplanet]

It's been a while since I've used the T-LCM pedals, but I'd say these are an upgrade, especially when the load cell brake comes out.

[@ZAINILEXTHE1ANDONLY]

get that simagic p1000 bundle

[@REDEEL16]

Someone really needs to compare this to the TGT2 on GT7

[@JMP816]

This guy is going to do a comparison of the two on GT7 I think he said in a couple of days. www.youtube.com/@frogboyx1Gaming

[@steveybiggunzgaming8118]

That'll be me later today lol I'm picking it up at 10 am

[@frogboyx1Gaming]

I will be later today

[@ranveer822]

Great ​@@frogboyx1Gaming , so annoying the t598 doesnt come to europe till nov 29 tho 😅

[@JMP816]

@@frogboyx1Gaming Hey Frog great news I'll be watching for sure

[@dana2750]

If the base is a decent amount higher. Can’t you just lower the base height to match the height of your main setup’s steering wheel?

[@DJBLUEPHOENIX]

Thankfully, VR doesn't care how much the wheelbase blocks your view of the screen.

[@ahicracing884]

This reminds me of the Vegan joke. How do you know someone is a Vegan? They'll tell you. Seems to be the same for VR people. Finding any reason, no matter how tenuous, to the tell the world they're VR fanboys.

[@toututu2993]

​​@@ahicracing884 I'm a picky tech person. I have 0 impress in technology after the pc in 20th century while commercial drones and AR/VR is the best tech we got in 21st century. With AR/VR. You can have 20 plus screens floating around your real world space and more with only limitation is the spec of the system. There are absolutely no other home device that can ever top that. VR just need to improve in softwares and support as well as display quality, that is when someone like you will understand and know is better than pc in almost everywhere

[@CWHolleman]

Indeed!

[@dashampelstielzchen1239]

@@toututu2993 You mean Monitor, not PC. The VR still ist connected over your PC, i guess. Because you are very picky :) Many people are getting motion sickness with VR, that is a very big downside.

[@toututu2993]

@@dashampelstielzchen1239 False many have not really tried VR and motion sickness happened to those who experienced VR for the first time

[@SimRacing604]

Excellent review. Thank you for this.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

The best part is the price. Direct drive for $509? Metal pedals and its better than a lot of much more expensive DD wheels? Sign me up, as soon as my t300rs stops working (if ever, 9 years strong 💪 knock on wood)

[@AshleighFarnell-c8f]

I am considering buying a product recently. Which one is more cost-effective compared to conspit ?

[@davidlivaic657]

A remarkable review and an excellent presentation. Thank you Jordan. Greetings from PirovacBoy

[@gtplanet]

Thanks, PirovacBoy!

[@madmattthew]

T598 vs TGT2 vs DD PRO PLEASE

[@kylerobinson6102]

For me the only thing I'm after is the Servo. I would have liked to see them put more quality and effort into the wheel, and offer that load cell pedal out of the gate versus making us come back later.

[@combatwombat594]

Honestly, the fact that everything is still nothing but plastic is just a joke. Entry level doesn't have to mean cheap plastic, but to TM it does for some reason

[@parzival016]

@@combatwombat594idek if i’d call this entry level. i feel like the force and the price definitely makes it an intermediate wheel if not a little bit higher up. it’s sad to see that the material on the wheel is so cheap. Moza’s “entry level” wheels feel more firm then the wheel in my real car 😂

[@awakeandwatching953]

@@parzival016 hell the g29/293 etc has a pretty good feeling wheel.. to be honest i feel like most of the price is for the base which is defo at the top end of entry level DD bases.. i expect the base alone will probably be around 400

[@justinchin0]

Good review, I was hoping for at least 8Nm even at a slightly higher price. Still interesting, will have to weigh the options when I save up enough pennies.

[@MrJaz8088]

4:09 Make your Monitor Stand adjustable, i have on 2 rigs now

[@patrickcanny2500]

What is the noise level of the wheel and paddle shift clicks compared to T300 and G29 etc.? Thank you for this review 🙏

[@gtplanet]

Thanks! The shift clicks are a little quieter.

[@omegadomega]

Better deal than the GT DD Pro atleast

[@SIMRIG412]

Not really. Both suck but fanajunk still beats this by a million times

[@CWHolleman]

Strangely most of the "hate" I've seen levied at it is based around the looks of the base and dimensions... I would assume most people have the ability to adjust their wheel base height on their sim rig?...As well as being able to adjust the heigh of the monitor? Of course this becomes a non-issue when playing in VR..And if you play in VR, you wont want go back to a screen. My one wish is that they release a wheel base only model. I have multiple other sets of better pedals. Having no clutch pedal is a non starter for me. Maybe those that come with will shine with the upgrade kit?

[@arranmc182]

I think both what Logitech & Thrustmaster is doing in the DD market is a bit diffrent as TM got this new DAD wheel base and Logitech with TrueForce, they both trying new things and its good to see.

[@gtplanet]

It really is an interesting time for the market. There's never been a better time to be a sim-racer.

[@GerOnimO_44]

Moza r5?

[@Cobra206]

Hmmm... DD Simagic Alpha runs super smoothly, I don't feel any jcogginc effects, even when the device is turned off.

[@tonilaitinen5197]

Very important question when comparing to T-GT: Is the "Harmony" high frequency vibration function even working in GT7 at the moment? I have understood Harmony is not the gear jolt effect but they are two separate features. I was expecting Harmony to be similar effects to T-GTs T-DFB transducer. It would be crucial for the comparison to know if the "Harmony" actually is working.

[@gtplanet]

You are correct the Harmony and Gear Jolt are separate features. However, Harmony is not a separate API like FullForce or TrueForce and is working already.

[@CJdriftZ]

Thrustmaster and logitech really need to make these bases smaller, gonna be blocking a majority of most peoples screen setups.

[@rxramblingrose4857]

maybe you need a bigger screen my friend lol

[@CJdriftZ]

@@rxramblingrose4857 I got a 47 inch monitor. lol

[@MrJaz8088]

Direct Axial Flux Motors are in EV Cars, more power less energy, The maganets have been moved to the outer, hence the bigger Base Agreed want to see T-GT2 vs T598

[@gtplanet]

T-GT2 has a much better wheel rim and smaller housing. T598 has more dynamic force feedback and better pedals.

[@MrJaz8088]

@@gtplanet Yep T-GT2 28cm wheel base and this is 30cm which i prefer, easy to find 32 Evo and SimPush 33cm but only the T500 and the T598 has 30cm

[@MrJaz8088]

@@gtplanet I own a G27, G923, T300 & T-GT2, and all are 11" or 28cm

[@vivos71]

I think once it’s available as a standalone servo I’d be on it, use my existing pedals and convert my existing wheels to the new connector

[@roadstar_na6]

Interesting review, thanks for that, Jordan! I need to get a new wheel at some point but that rim is a massive turn-off, but even with a different rim the price is still very competitive

[@69gringo69]

Haven't tried it... But I'm gonna say needs mo powah. When is step 4 out? I hope they throw a boost pack like fanatec or drop a T898

[@joeschmoe5009]

I wonder if the t818 cockpit and desktop mounting brackets are compatible, so you could use the cockpit bracket to attach it safer to a rig

[@amoinus8186]

Thank you for the thorough review.

[@gtplanet]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@munmoris]

Would you change a tgt2 base for this new model?

[@SoberHighDrunk]

Yes that’s what I’ve done. Using T598 today previously used t gt 2 with sf1000 wheel

[@Calwinn]

@@SoberHighDrunkhow different is it? Worth it?

[@storypunman]

Why don't these companies have a proper quick release like Logitech G Pro wheel or Moza?

[@Tomii_Tomii]

Thank you for the great review. What exact monitor model is on the desk next to you? 🙂

[@Tomii_Tomii]

What is the steering angle? there is no information about this anywhere

[@gtplanet]

Steering angle is unlimited and adjustable. The monitor is a Dell U4021QW.

[@joeschmoe5009]

Please thrustmaster make a stand alone $100 handbrake to match this, or $150 sequential/handbrake combo to compete with logitechs new release. If they make a $150 combo, i would buy 2 for my rig, or if they make a $100 standalone handbrake i would buy that. Theyve made the th8s which i am buying with my t598, but we need other products to match please

[@joeschmoe5009]

I would also buy a new and improved th8a. At this point the th8a is no longer a $200 product. We need a new and improved h-pattern/sequential combo

[@TheGabberworld]

it is how it is but i saw expo video something what i like allot, and probably this steering wheel is great especially for those who play the Truck simulators

[@64fairlane305]

Basicly the same solution that I wrote to Logitech about 20yrs ago

[@fyresg]

Are the pedals using potentiometers or hall effect sensors to measure pedal travel?

[@EffeZeroProject]

❤abbiamo le stesse scarpe ❤

[@Casomyro1983]

the price is a declaration of war

[@Tell-Us-A-Story-Joseph]

I got a weird question...... I loves these Puma shoes 🙂 I had the exact same ones years ago and can't find any more for purchase. Where did you get yours?

[@gtplanet]

Ha, thanks! I’ve had them for many years and can’t remember where I got them. They are great driving shoes, good luck in your search!

[@bloodster2137]

Which one would you reccommend more? The MOZA R5 bundle or the Thrustmaster T598?

[@janko_p]

Good question

[@korn2040]

I tried both and kept the T598 because it's more plug and play and just works I couldn't get the R5 to work on some of my games and it was super frustrating I also didn't like the mount on the R5 it just kept slipping off my desk.

[@gtplanet]

Have not used the R5 so can’t really comment. But keep in mind the Moza is not compatible with PS5.

[@preyes333]

I’m getting this because it does seem like an obvious upgrade from my T300 and I’m a bit too invested in TM with shifter, handbrake, TLCM pedals. It just kinda sux I have to dish out an additional $54 bucks or so for 1 wheel adapter to used my 599XX Evo rim😒

[@gtplanet]

It is definitely an upgrade from the T300.

[@garybalaban6129]

My T598 is being delivered today. Upgrading from the T248. 😃

[@wieszczu83]

Hello, could you writer about your impressions with t598, is it better than T248 and have you played GT7? I'm considering purchasing

[@garybalaban6129]

​@wieszczu83 I am loving it, and play GT7 daily with the T598, and PSVR2. I highly recommend it.

[@wieszczu83]

@@garybalaban6129 tkanki you very much, and how does it compare to T248, is force feedback more noticeable.I understand that T598 is much better

[@garybalaban6129]

​@@wieszczu83 I loved my T248, but the T598 is so much better. I can pull myself out of a spin much easier now, plus the gear Jolt is amazing. Can't wait for the features to be fully integrated into GT7.

[@vitalis]

How about vs Moza R5?

[@OfficialJoeyTV]

Does it have the same "bassshaker" effects that the TGT2's transducer gives?

[@justinchin0]

Think that's the "harmony" feature that he mentioned.

[@gtplanet]

Yes, they come through as the high-frequency "harmony" effects generated by the DD motor itself now.

[@josephmichaeldaniels555]

The key question is force. Buying the T128 as an enjoyable entry moving to the G923 it ruined my experience. To much talk about true force forgetting that it removed the amount of power response and therefore felt like a video game. Thrustmaster seem to have overall better strength and power (torque) even though Logitech claims power. After it ruining my gameplay experience, didn’t want to go back to the plastic feel of T128 but G923 feeling like a waste of money I was waiting to go direct drive looking at spending £1k. The question is, will this answer that gap in the market for someone who wants to FEEL the power of mistakes and true torque of an F1 sim, whilst being under 1k. Love that it comes with standard wheel I can change over time. Excited to test P.s if you don’t get the memo, and your looking at investing in a sim DO NOT get Logitech, no review stated just how weak the torque really is, I don’t want to feel the road micro bumps, I wanna feel corners at speed to know where my speed to cornering threshold is!

[@prancesco15]

Im not going to buy the bundle, possibly just the servo. What are the biggest drawbacks besided the height/shape of the base?

[@darrendel-fante6674]

Tell us you didn’t watch the review without telling us 😂😂

[@prancesco15]

​@@darrendel-fante6674 man, i watched it after playing 40 minutes of basketball. I was tired as fuck and tbh i didnt understand whether its worth upgrading overcthe tgt2.

[@gtplanet]

FYI the base is not available by itself yet. Not sure if Thrustmaster plans to release it on its own.

[@prancesco15]

​@@gtplanet they do. Early 2025 they said.

[@Pyx-AJ]

Maybe they could lower the wheel housing and raise the wheel connection to get it out of the screen view with some type of belt or gears system.

[@bratosin1]

Lol comment of the year ! Do u ever use the brain ? No. Offense

[@fredsas12]

So turn it into a belt drive wheel? That would negate the entire direct drive system.

[@Pyx-AJ]

@@fredsas12 that was the joke.

[@davidmcdermott3415]

Can you use the existing Thrustmaster load cell pedal set?

[@gtplanet]

Yes.

[@spawnandbatman6975]

Is there any type of wheel positioner attachment available for rigs? Like how a car where you can pull or push and move the wheel up and down?

[@gtplanet]

It would depend on the rig. Really, moving the TV is the most important solution. You can only position the wheel so low.

[@spawnandbatman6975]

@@gtplanet oh I see. I was always curious to how they make these rigs work for everyone. Maybe a seat slider helps as well?

[@jameslindqvist]

Already own Thrustmaster pedals, wheels and gearshifter. Can I buy only the 598 wheel base? 🙏

[@gtplanet]

No, you have to buy the whole bundle. Base is not sold separately (yet). Not sure if that will change in the future.

[@banditxisto]

@@gtplanet It will, early next year

[@scottjeschke7449]

Compared to the T-150 i use would this be a bigger upgrade than a T-300?

[@gtplanet]

Yes.

[@DontForgetOldKolobok]

Not gonna lie....can't believe they allowed this onto the market....

[@Yshaamik]

what do you mean? why?

[@texthemex76]

Please could you tell if there is big differences between this one and fanatec ddl cls 8 nm? I’m unfecided between these two

[@gtplanet]

More pronounced higher frequencies with the T598, stronger overshoot, and more responsive-feeling. CSL DD 8Nm is probably more well-rounded in terms of overall performance and will be more easily compatible with rigs.

[@chroma_tik]

Need the base alone 🥺

[@jameslindqvist]

Can I connect my T-LCM pedals and 300RS wheel to the 598 base?

[@chroma_tik]

@@jameslindqvist tlcm yes, 300rs wheel with an quick release adaptator

[@racdude01]

Coming next year

[@speedbump9068]

Can I use my current T-LCM load cell's with this?

[@dark2prs]

Yes.

[@jameslindqvist]

Can I connect my T-LCM pedals and 300RS wheel to the 598 base?

[@gtplanet]

Pedals yes, wheel no.

[@brain5t0rm]

@@gtplanet wheel needs adapter but yes

[@phaedrussocrates7636]

Can Overshoot be turned OFF, or set to smaller degree?

[@gtplanet]

It's not specifically referred to in the settings, but there are high and low "boost" options in the advanced wheel settings which can be configured from -2 to +2.

[@midithir5756]

How does it compare to Fanatec csl dd at 8nm

[@jojo3007]

Hopefully fanatec is better lol😂 it did not work for me I returned it. I only tried it with Gt7 but the same car was going ok on one track but on the other I stepped on the gas and it did not move 😮

[@karannashine9526]

Which games did u try on it. Ps5 games are recognizing it as a TGT for ffb signal

[@ppkpahmad7426]

I might sell my cammus c5 with raslution adapter for this one.

[@driftjunk]

Considering every review was raving about how smooth DD wheels are and some saying they can't even imagine how it could be improved. I would have been extremely disappointed to feel any cogging, so glad I didn't buy one now. It's the number one thing I dislike about every FFB wheel I own and I wish reviewers could have been honest about it all along.

[@ahmedmohmed4346]

Thanks for sharing that, allow me to ask what you end up buying?

[@CJdriftZ]

The only “cogging” you can feel with with a dd (simagic) is when there is no ffb and the wheel is plugged in. I don’t know why he would bring up cogging when that is only related to gear and belt driven Wheels with actual coggs or belts. There is no such thing as cogging with a dd imo.

[@driftjunk]

@@CJdriftZ That's interesting, after a second look, I see he said the cogging is mitigated with software.

[@gtplanet]

Cogging is definitely a thing, but a very minor one. Even on the T598, it's not completely eliminated. But, it's such a small issue on any modern DD wheel it doesn't get talked about much. Thrustmaster's argument for axial drive is that cogging mitigation efforts from software muddles the purity of the force feedback signals on radial drive wheels.

[@tomtom-iu4zs]

​@@CJdriftZCogging is caused by the copper and magnets in the motor. They made sensored brushless motors to eliminate most of the motor cogging.

[@JonathanHay-eg9xz]

Can you put on after market thrustmaster wheels?

[@gtplanet]

Yes, anything compatible with Thrustmaster's direct drive quick release system.

[@JonathanHay-eg9xz]

@@gtplanet Thank you im thinking of getting the sf1000😀

[@bratosin1]

People have the monitors way to low ! Is like driving on the roof of your car , the sports cars /race cars have very low driving position , this make me think most never actually drive a sport car or they drive only for the sake of the game not for immersion to really feel inside of a car

[@josephlauer8980]

this is compatible with both of thrustmasters existing shifters right?

[@gtplanet]

Yes.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Its just a sales pitch and not the future. It feels like a dd with some flaws lol even the way it moves is a bit off in the middle area of feedback. Its not as idk as good with tire feel. But we already have every feeling of this and more with bases like the logitech g pro, the dd+ and more. Then we have wheelbasea for pc mainly like simagic and simucube that are just levels above imo in pure feel and well roundedness. I def notice its a sales pitch tbh and yes its nice for budget guys but its not the next gen or wave of dd when other dd wheels still do it better. Also the dd pro bundle is still around the same price.

[@MasNdo]

I wish i have money when it's release :D Can buy DAD that usefull :)

[@Lynden.Gt7]

Thanks for this review, more options. still gt7 needs better tracks,not Eiger or lake Louise. Get P.I.R., circuit of americas, imola. Not goofy vision cars that don't work in reality. Better tracks= more $ & competition + fun to gt7.

[@Lynden.Gt7]

Although this review is for t.m., gt7 needs fresh eyes on its future

[@SirSquash]

LMFAO this video was over 5 seconds in. literally the very second the product is shown you can see why not to ever buy it . thank you.

[@Robbe1984]

Interesting but it looks hideous. Love the pricing

[@B-kn8yb]

It looks CHEAP!

[@JakobGossmann]

How many degrees of rotation does it have?

[@vanishingpointracing.2199]

DD’s are usually unlimited

[@RATTMAN]

@@vanishingpointracing.2199Logitech DD isn’t because of wiring, but still more than large enough. Truck sim maybe only issue.

[@nissansilviakouki]

1080 i think

[@GregoryShtevensh]

​@@RATTMAN forgot about that. My Fanatec and SIMAGIC bases have infinite also, so ive also forgotten about Logitech and assumed they all do. But I remember it being mentioned now in reviews. Honestly don't see it being an issue for most people.. Like you said, maybe truck sims. But if I was into truck sims (im a truck driver irl so no way Im escaping reality on a trucks sim 😂) I would have gone Moza instead of Simagic. Thats the only OEM wheel even close to truck wheels ive used as they're all bigger than standard 350mm car rims. And moza also have brackets for mounting at a truck angle

[@JakobGossmann]

@@vanishingpointracing.2199 Thankyou

[@AwesomeFinish]

I clicked on this video very excited for this wheel but you talked me out of it. Guess I'll stick to my ancient T248 wheel.

[@RFY12M2KT]

Im using a random thrift store wheel

[@gtplanet]

Not used a T248 but I'm fairly confident the T598 would still be a massive upgrade. 😅

[@pmacnz]

Moza R5 and r9 better options than this

[@gtplanet]

No console compatibility with the Moza wheels, though.

[@SIMRIG412]

@@gtplanetyes these is console support 😂 learn what you’re talking about. Moza esx wheel work on r3,r5,r9,r12,r16,r21 and gives you Xbox support! So don’t say there is no console support from moza. Just no ps5 support

[@pmacnz]

@@gtplanet who cares

[@VladQuake]

First

[@scibbo3966]

These reviews are useless and meaningless without doing direct comparison with the T-gt-2.

[@R32Danny]

is it just me or most of Thrustmaster products look cheap af! compared to other brand.

[@elpoderosaso]

Still gets beat by a Xbox Controller 😂

[@s.d.g.global4582]

Script much? Damn, sell it hard, sell it out

[@JacobN56]

I will never buy another frustrated product. They are garbage

[@pmacnz]

Giant plastic box blocking the screen. No thanks

[@bokomassine8124]

Moza the future. TM is outsider

[@jeeziRacer]

The answer is NO.. save yourself 15 minutes Asetek and Simucube, then daylight… the end

[@EAX-n5n]

My god.... Thrustmaster what is wrong with you? Screwholes in the back of the Wheel, clearly not beeing cleaned up of leftovers from drilling? And the parting line? ... No matter the technology, that horrible productionquality kills the entire product. My first and last wheel was a T300 RS GT and it did constantly cut into my hands, straight out of box. I had to grind the complete outside of the steeringwheel because of that. Like literally just because my previous wheel was based on such lowquality standards out of the manufacturing, ive switched over to a Fanatec DD and it was way worth double the pricetag.

[@Sithhy]

I have no idea how you were holding onto the wheel on your T300 but there are no sharp edges to hold on when using the wheelbase, you either had a random bad quality product or were holding it in some alien way

[@EAX-n5n]

@@Sithhy Nah, thats just Thrustmaster Qualities. As you can see in this video that new wheel aint any better. Or i remember the footpedals, resistance beeing non existent and super washed out, its just a too cheap production. My hands were holding it like supposed to hold a wheel iRL, whenever i did let loose to recenter itself, it started to cut, thats how sharp these edges were. Especially the inside of the wheel, they were even worse, absolutely horrible for the thumbs, couldnt even lay them onto the thumbposition

[@MattOLC]

In short, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. I expected much better from Thrustmaster at this price point.

[@Bigs81]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@patrickkatzmair]

😂😂😂😂

[@MattOLC]

I don't see the amusement here, but if we're talking about the 4 "centre" rings at each 90° cross-section of the wheel, or the bad button placement / quality, or the excessive cheap plastic construction, or the fact that wheel base has such a huge diameter that it's impossible to achieve a realistic driving position, then I guess it's slightly amusing.

[@Bigs81]

@@MattOLC xddddddd

[@GranTurismoRaceReplays]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Arialfish78]

Nice to see the price is getting lower compare to overrated fanatec. I saw chinese direct drive wheel with the same price range too(not ps5 compatible) . Hope others will follow into these direction. Btw the wheel is suck. I even trim with sandpaper(my t300) the crease part because it feels sharp to my finger sometimes