Thrustmaster T300 RS GT (Racing Wheel) Review

The Sim Racer’s Sweet Spot: Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Review

In the fiercely competitive world of sim racing hardware, finding the perfect balance between entry-level accessibility and pro-grade performance is the holy grail. For years, the Thrustmaster T300 RS has occupied this coveted middle ground, and its Gran Turismo-licensed GT Edition elevates the package further. It represents a critical step up from gear-driven mainstays, offering a taste of high-end fidelity without the stratospheric price tag of a direct-drive system. But in an evolving market, does this belt-driven veteran still hold the throne?

Performance: The Belt-Drive Difference

At the heart of the T300 is its dual-belt force feedback system, and this is where it leaves its gear-driven rivals in the dust. Where wheels like the Logitech G923 can feel notchy or mechanical, the T300 delivers feedback that is remarkably smooth and fluid. You feel the subtle textures of the road surface, the slip of the tires, and the weight transfer in a corner with a nuance that is simply lost on lesser hardware. The industrial-class brushless motor provides a healthy 3.9 Nm of sustained torque, which is more than enough to wrestle with you through a tight chicane.

Crucially, the performance is consistent. Thanks to an effective (if occasionally audible) internal cooling fan, the force feedback remains strong and detailed even after an hour-long endurance race, resisting the fade that can plague less robust systems. This consistency allows you to build muscle memory and trust the feedback you’re receiving, lap after lap. It’s this fidelity that makes the T300 a genuine training tool, not just a toy.

Design and Build Quality

The T300 RS GT package is a mixed bag in terms of materials, but the priorities are in the right place. The wheelbase itself is housed in a rather unassuming plastic shell that, while sturdy enough, doesn’t scream “premium.” However, the touchpoints are excellent. The 11-inch GT-style wheel is wrapped in a comfortable, grippy rubber and features a full suite of PlayStation buttons, a D-pad, and two large, solid metal sequential paddle shifters that actuate with a satisfying and tactile click.

The real star of this specific GT Edition bundle is the included T3PA-GT pedal set. With three all-metal pedals and a conical rubber brake mod included, it offers a far superior and more progressive braking feel than the standard two-pedal sets bundled with many other wheels. This addition alone significantly enhances the simulation experience and adds tremendous value to the package. While the plastic base of the pedals could be more robust, the pedal faces and arms are built to last.

Features and Ecosystem

Thrustmaster’s key advantage is its ecosystem. The T300 wheelbase features a quick-release system that allows you to swap out the stock GT rim for a variety of optional add-ons, from F1-style wheels to classic rally rims. This modularity provides an excellent and relatively affordable upgrade path for enthusiasts who want to tailor their rig to different racing disciplines.

The wheel offers a full 1080 degrees of rotation, and its H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) magnetic sensor provides 16-bit resolution on the steering axis, ensuring movements are precise and reliable over time as there are no physical potentiometers to wear out. The mounting system is a standard table clamp, which works reasonably well but can struggle to hold the base steady under the strongest force feedback settings; for serious use, a hard mount to a wheel stand or cockpit is highly recommended.

Value and Verdict

The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT sits in a challenging but compelling price bracket. It is a significant investment over entry-level Logitech wheels, but the performance leap is more than justified. The smoothness of the belt drive and the quality of the included three-pedal set provide a fundamentally better and more immersive experience. While the emergence of budget-friendly direct-drive bases from companies like Fanatec and Moza has complicated the value proposition, the T300 RS GT remains a fantastic all-in-one package for the PlayStation and PC user who wants a serious, high-performance setup without the complexity and à la carte pricing of a direct-drive ecosystem.

For the aspiring sim racer ready to graduate from their first wheel, or the serious enthusiast seeking the best performance before entering the direct-drive arena, the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT remains a benchmark. It is a powerful, detailed, and immersive tool that rightly earns its place as one of the best mid-range racing wheels on the market.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon