Thrustmaster T598 Review: The Truth Behind the Hype!

[@DigitRacingDG]

Quick note: I realized I forgot to install the Stop Rods on the pedals, which can lead to misjudging the deadzone area. While I believe the software should include calibration options to address such issues, this situation highlights a potential problem for users. I've conducted testing in the past and never encountered anything similar, so this seems like an isolated case caused by my oversight. However, this raises an important concern: if this can happen to an experienced user like me, it’s even more likely to confuse first-time users. I firmly believe that highlighting this step as a critical part of the unboxing process is absolutely necessary.

[@Chickendip]

@@DigitRacingDG it is in the setup guide. So, you did not read the instructions. That is not a concern for thrustmaster

[@JM-SPORTS-]

Great review. I got mine as a Christmas present from wife and I love it! Coming from T150 and T300. Had the T150 for a year and a half and the T300 for only 2 months and returned due to overheating issue. T598 is a night and day compared to those. Can't wait for GT7 to have 100% integration and TM drop a few more updates down the road. Only race in GT7 and online and after 30 min of use, I shaved .200's from by best time in daily C with a lot to improve.

[@arielb_turkoissestraps6918]

Hi! I´m planning to get a T598 wheel base only, whenever is available in the market during 2025. I´m running a T150 with a 3TPA-Pro pedals that I´m planning to keep. As is, would you describe a little bit of those differences between the T598 and T150? I´m also racing in GT7 only. Thanks!

[@AnthonyAE86IRL]

Great to hear, The missus got me one for Christmas but here in Canada they’re on back order until mid January so have to wait patiently

[@billynolanjr2266]

How can anyone like a wheel that has these flaws ? Your not getting realiasam ! And the pedals ??! That dead zone is an absolute deal breaker !! Just stay with Belt drive and wait until you can upgrade to a PC

[@JM-SPORTS-]

​@arielb_turkoissestraps6918 it's a night and day difference in FFB, feel much less than a toy and have a lot of potential. Besides what people says, this weel have good amount of force specially in gr3 cars. I only race online and gr3 and gr4 cars. In my opinion, this is the best wheel you can get on that price point for GT7. 🎉

[@JM-SPORTS-]

​@@billynolanjr2266yoy added the stopper for the pedals? There's no dead zone on mine

[@garybalaban6129]

I upgraded from Thrustmaster T248 to the T598, and only race in PSVR2, so the size of the base is not an issue for me. I am very happy with it, and I hear they are working with Polyphony on getting it to be fully compatible with GT7.

[@Chickendip]

-Pedal deadzone? User error. Read the manual. You forgot the pin. - overheating? Never had that. Mine gets to about 45 degrees, no degration in performance. Makes me believe you have not ajusted the settings as recommended by Thrustmaster for gt7. Mine is at 100% and extreme played over 4 hours at a time. -once the wheel gets fully supported by gt7 it will be even better. It is now capped by the blue mode and false profile. Ok, they should have made it fully supported at release. -base is huge, indeed

[@DigitRacingDG]

This is not a user error, the video you provided shows exactly the same scenario that I used in my testing. But you're probably not noticing any of the other issues presented. May I know your driver rating?

[@Chickendip]

I did not provide you with a video... You forgot the 2 pins in the pedals. So user error. What does my rating had to do with it?

[@DigitRacingDG]

Your driver rating has a significant difference when making a review. Without knowing how to drive properly can significantly impact your judgement of what the product is capable of. I can say it's good or bad, but what is the real value behind that statement? That's why it's very important to test equipment in competitive conditions, otherwise you can play on the controller and don't even think about some of the issues mentioned. But I'm still trying to find what you are indicating with the deadzone issue. I compared the two photos and I still can't see any difference. Also, I asked TM about this issue and they haven't given me any additional instructions, which again indicates everything is fine with my installation.

[@Chickendip]

​@@DigitRacingDG driver rating says nothing about these problems or errors I don't have. Not overheating has nothing to do with my rating. Could be a defective unit you have. When you read the manual about assembling the pedals you see that there are 2 pins to be inserted through the side next to the hinge. You can see in your video you didn't do that.

[@DigitRacingDG]

​@@Chickendip You mentioned "no degradation in performance" and that's the reason I'm asking. Maybe your in-game setting are lower than mine, maybe there is something else that I don't know about. That's why the question about your driver rating, which again you don't want to share. But okay, now I see the 2 pins, I have to mention this for future users.

[@btrc86]

Got this for Christmas. Have been using a G29 for the last 4 years and I can say that this has been a very solid upgrade so far. As a casual gamer (driver rating A/A+) this is all I need. Biggest thing for me to get used to is the new brake feeling. Size of the base doesn’t bother me as I play solely in VR

[@NLGolgo13123]

I owned 3 TGT’s because they would breakdown every 11 months and luckily the seller would always replace with a new one. I enjoyed the Thrustmaster ecosystem but oddly I found the Logitech G29 to have a superior build quality and was far more reliable. I’ve had a G29 for 6 years and it has never failed. When the time came for an upgrade I went with Fanatec. This is the best and most balanced review I’ve seen. Great video!

[@Dogzero33]

great video super concise, most reviews spend forever explaining the new tech but this was perfect. Also not many give in game proof of laptime consistency, super nice addition, definitely subbed.

[@The_BenboBaggins]

This is of massive interest to me as I save for my 1st wheel and rig - a load cell pedal and recognised GT7 compatibility will be the deciding factors for me.

[@luolx6149]

HI DIGIT MERRY CHRISTMASSSS

[@Eispfogel]

Thank you so much for this review! Everything i needed to know was the deadzone of the pedals and the feel for under- and oversteer. Overheating and base montage/placement was also very important. Thanks Digit! Please never stop ^^

[@davidwild8932]

About the pedal dead zone it's because he forget to install the Stop Rods. On the video at 5:03. It's clearly notified on the quick install guide, the user manual & the video tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3rahYWLpJd0prc. And on my side I don't have any overheating on my T598 base.

[@JtotheM]

@Eispfogel it gets warm. Does not overheat. There are no dead zone issues. Oversteer/understeer is based on the person. Not the wheel. Base may come into play depending your setup. Ive had no issues using it since launch

[@lexavr]

@eispfogel moi moin, You will experience in the next Saison how fast the t598 really is 😂

[@lexavr]

@@davidwild8932 That's true. I installed them my self. There is still a deadzone. But coming from g29 it is clearly minimal

[@DigitRacingDG]

Glad it was helpful! I pinned this as my mistake of the deadzone in the comments. However, other parts of the video remain.

[@JtotheM]

Ive been using the t598 since launch. I have not had that oscillation issue when not playing. Locking in the correct settings and the latest updates when the inertia setting was added will make all the difference. There is a sweet spot. And i run mine 100% everytime i use it and has always felt responsive. Also havent had the pedal issues🤷‍♂️. Use it on pc and console. Been great

[@davidwild8932]

About the pedal dead zone it's because he forget to install the Stop Rods. On the video at 5:03. It's clearly notified on the quick install guide, the user manual & the video tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3rahYWLpJd0prc. And on my side I don't have any overheating on my T598 base.

[@JtotheM]

Yea i dont like it when reviewers don't put or have or want the time to give an actuall use case scenerio of a product. This wheel setup is awsome. And the price is the cherry on top. I'm very happy with my t598. My settings ate locked in and pedal springs right where I want them. Have a blast cruising or racing with it

[@user.asleep]

That thing is huge. Moza R5 would've been a better option if it was compatible with PS5

[@fafferuk5570]

Not sure I understand the logic of doing no PC testing when a lot of people have a PS5 and a PC. Seems like a decent wheel for the price.

[@valentin1166]

So happy this wasn't available when I was decided to buy one.

[@vampalan]

This unit will be a cracking deal in the used market when people decided they don't want to sim race any more or upgrade, just like the G27/G29 series.

[@Lee.b190]

This was a very balanced and well reviewed point of view from you thank you. Personally I’m waiting on more updates and full compatibility with gt7 before I think about this wheel base

[@Therealshredd]

Great review, but if im not mistaken the collar for the QR system is forged carbon instead of plastic.

[@ParlierEddy]

Why didn't you install the stop rod on your sample 😳??? That explains your pedals dead-zone issue.

[@dennisbossaerts5413]

Would be nice to know when exactly it can be bought in Europe. Somewhere Q1 isn't customer friendly...

[@uvorta]

One dealer in Finland says on it's website that the estimated stock availability is 14.2.25 But we will see..

[@HolyGuacamolean]

2:43 "...but with the boost kit it [cost] goes significantly higher." If it needs a boost kit, that means it's a subpar product on its own. Otherwise, there would just be the standard version.

[@davidwild8932]

About the pedal dead zone it's because you have forget to install the Stop Rods! On your video at 5:03. You should read the quick install guide & tutorials: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3rahYWLpJd0prc

[@edgara7789]

Saw that as well.

[@DigitRacingDG]

I pinned this as my mistake in the comments.

[@RCE_JSilva]

For a g29 user who reach A+ in EMEA and some competitive Times in road Cars , maybe for grow up more this is not enough, maybe a fanatec DD pro its the way, but, the price, make this a contender

[@Jonathanfmm]

Sorry, but i can't agree. Pedals dont have such a dead zone, and the wheel movement has been already solved with the new update and the setup menu on the base (Also happened only on gr1 cars). As for the noise, is not like that at all. Have mine for almost a month and is none of that. Overheating and 15%? To avoid it? Sorry. Maybe i misunderstood but that is absolutely not like that. I mean, honestly dont think its good and honest review

[@davidwild8932]

Yes about the pedal dead zone it's because he forget to install the Stop Rods. On the video at 5:03. It's clearly notified on the quick install guide, the user manual & the video tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3rahYWLpJd0prc. And on my side I don't have any overheating on my T598 base.

[@Chickendip]

@@Jonathanfmm I have the same feeling about this review

[@Mikmoura24]

Great video, congratulations. Do you think it justifies going from a T300 Ferrari 599 edition to the T598?

[@geminidefect]

saving for fanatec

[@mickyzzzeee]

I like the TLCM pedals how do these compare digit?

[@MrTonee12]

How does this wheel compare to the PXN V12 Lite? I have a PXN v10 but want a DD feel this thrustmaster wheel is $500 only on best buy in US and V12 lite is $440 on Amazon

[@ericrodriguez1013927]

I’ve had mine since October. I’m in the U.S. very good review and pretty much hit everything on the nose. Only detail about the force feedback is that I believe that has to do with the game software In GT7 cause in ACC everything you said you don’t feel in GT you feel in ACC. The dead zone in pedals is still there though.

[@RedAlphaTn]

I think it could work with a TLCM, but had a bad experience with Thrustmaster products , specially with overheating issues

[@davidwild8932]

On my side I don't have any overheating on my T598 base.

[@SpatialDragon]

I am glad you got a wheel to review. That means they know you exist. Yeah, I am not impressed. I had a T500 for years and I loved it. On this base some reviewers say that they updated it and it improved. Some not so much. I had even heard that it does not work w/o updating on a PC. I am glad to hear that is not true. Good review.

[@SmilingSpeedster]

Great and honest review. True that there's isn't any competitor at this price. But still oscillations, huge sized tall base, heat issues, calibration... I'm so happy I'm on Fanatec. Despite of DD+ or my another Fanny stuff wasn't cheap.

[@NeoGeo822]

8nm DD Pro user here yes I feel the same.

[@pupsben]

Coming from the t300rs gt with TCLM Pedals I would like to try only the Wheel and Base without the Pedals, but tbh they do not look that bad, and my pedals just broke after exact 2 years.

[@BRIANBRAAD]

Hi and thanks for all your streaming! I really enjoy watching! I have a old T300 with the SF1000 wheel and T-LCM pedals. I am planning to buy the T-GT II base next month, but should I buy this T598 instead?

[@efenba]

Some say the TGT is better for GT because the FFB was created specially for that game, so its more "refined". But the TGT wont get updated anymore, the T598 will. GT8 may not have a update for the TGT, it will probably will for the T598. And so on. So for the "now" maybe the TGT is better, but for the "future" I would put my bets on the T598.

[@BRIANBRAAD]

@ thanks for the answer! I will think about it for the next 2 weeks. Thanks again, efenba👍

[@maveric19871]

Great review with professional approach. The wheel is worth to consider as a good contender vs other expensive rigs. But is it better than TGT2 servo base equipped with light wheel like TM open wheel or Ferrari 488 GT3 rim, both light and functional, paired with TCLM pedals could be better option especially bcos it would be only slightly more expensive. The question is.Can belt driven wheel paired with light wheel rim overcome direct drive wheel or at least match the performance of newer technology, it has also more adittional features like transducer etc which gives more immersive experiance in VR. And finally is the DDpro or DDplus that much better or it is more like, the more you use certain thing the more you get use to it.

[@tb6539]

hi ive had a TGT since launch in 2017 never had any problems and only gets luke warm even after 3hrs play now i was going to get the T598 base only when available next year however im now not so sure as i have read in quite a few places that if you have a tgt 1 or tgt 2 you might be somewhat disappointed by the lite feel of the t598 some say tgt 2 gives a far better feel of force feedback and is very smoothe even thou belt driven so i am going to get a TGT 2 base instead of the T598 as im not convinced that its far better than the TGT 2 wheel !! being i already have other thrustmaster wheels and load cell pedals already im going to buy just the TGT2 wheel base which is around £350 to £400 mark !! I would certainly say that you cannot beat the TGT 2 with the special effects of the built in transducer for playing GT7 !!

[@PhpGtr]

Your review is excellent for helping people make informed decisions. You go through the package point by point, without rushing, and giving the good, the not so good, and what alternatives are out there for each point. In the end, someone can choose to purchase this wheel based on your review and have a very good understanding of what they can expect.

[@snaka0169]

Could you please maybe do a review on the pxn v12 lite?

[@DigitRacingDG]

No

[@kylian8295]

Im so glad i got a DD Pro instead of this

[@DMCRacing82]

Me too

[@maluimul]

I think I got better luck with pedals than you, no such deadzone for me. Or I just can't recognize it. Also lucky for me that I'm weak enough for the wheel, having it 4 in Gt7 is enough for me. It feels improvement from t300. But I don't like the shaking while driving straight. Another complaint is the lower right button combo, which cannot be configured.

[@001sander2]

Minor correction: G29 is gear driven, not belt driven. Anyway, great review and look forward to more!

[@luolx6149]

Im the frensh guy who overtook you on kyoto last lap

[@perrygriffin2371]

From fransh

[@davidtsmith33]

I could overlook the other shortcomings mentioned but that continuous ferocious back and forth oscillating wheel when you're not holding it is very concerning. Hope they fix that.

[@LVP444]

Great review. I can't get the wheel to stop swerving

[@drajmon6508]

Tgt 2 is probably better.

[@neobur]

What about the horrible button mapping? Not to say that some buttons are on the base itself? And the pedal tray that’s just too small if you want to add a clutch pedal afterwords… In my opinion you went light with the down sides… I feel you have to make a lot of compromises if you buy this wheel. When I compare it to my DD Pro, yes it’s 200$ more but I feel it’s well worth the difference in the long run. Practicality of installation, very compact base not getting in the way of the screen or legs, no heating issues, easy to upgrade the in the future (pedals or wheel), perfect mapping of the buttons on the wheel (at least with GT7), wheel not oscillating al the time… I personally think all of this is well worth the 200.-.

[@DamasUnreal]

;-; thanks

[@Desert__Penguin]

I don't trust thrust master support. That's always gonna be the deal breaker

[@ansgar1502]

I contacted thrustmaster support several times. The supporters were always friendly and competent. Flawless service overall.

[@zorkibuzz5727]

I can't consider any review reliable from a guy doing a so bad lap time in Kyoto driving Park...

[@DigitRacingDG]

My best lap was the top 100 in the world. I have no idea where you got your information. dg-edge.com/events/dailies/226

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Its the worst wheelbase ove ever gotten to test in the dd realm. Also dont think about using any other thrustmaster wheels with it just denolishes the wheelbase. Even way more compared to other 5 to 8nm wheelbases. It turns it into what feels like a 2nm wheelbase. Smooth is great for sure but this frictionless axial flux motor imo shouldnt be used for sim racing. Way to many flaws come with this motor and is why others havent used it. Its a cheaper solution in smaller form and well this wheelbase is a weak weak 5nm wheelbase that cant stand up to any weight with a wheel. People think they made the wheel that light and cheap just to be cheap. No its because it sucks without it and even with it isnt great.

[@HolyGuacamolean]

This is way more of a headache than it's worth. It is slightly better than belt driven, but brings a bunch of nonsense you'll need to deal with. For double the price of the Logitech it's definitely not worth it.