Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel Review: A Budget-Friendly Force Feedback Upgrade for Sim Racing Enthusiasts
Sim racing has become a popular hobby for many racing enthusiasts, providing a thrilling experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. However, getting into sim racing can be expensive, with the cost of a racing wheel, pedals, and other accessories quickly adding up. As a budget-conscious sim racer, I started my journey with an entry-level Logitech Driving Force EX Force Feedback racing wheel but soon found myself looking for an upgrade.
Upgrading to a Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel
After spending hours on Assetto Corsa and other sim racing games, I knew that I needed a better racing wheel to take my experience to the next level. I started looking at the available options and found that the Logitech G27/G29/g920/ Thrustmaster T150 and Thrustmaster TMX were a few of the most popular choices. However, buying a brand-new racing wheel was out of my budget, so I started looking for used options.
After browsing through eBay, I quickly realized that the cost of shipping made buying used not worth it. That's when I found a great deal on a Thrustmaster TMX off of Facebook Market Place for $75. The racing wheel was in great condition and even came with a makeshift stand for the pedals, which was a bonus.
The Features and Performance of the Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel
The Thrustmaster TMX racing wheel is a hybrid (belt/gear) belt-driven force feedback racing wheel that provides a 900-degree angle of rotation. The wheel itself feels sturdy in your hands but is primarily made of plastic. The best feature of the racing wheel is the metal pedal shifters, which provide a satisfying click and make shifting feel even better. The racing wheel also has a pair of face buttons for each controller bumper, A B X Y buttons, and a D-Pad.
The pedals that come with the racing wheel are budget plastic pedals that work as expected but lack the progressive resistance that you would find on more expensive racing pedals. While I am already seeking alternative solutions, such as Fanatech CSL Pedals with a USB adapter or Thrustmaster's own addon T-3PM Racing Pedals, they are functional for a beginner or budget sim racer.
In terms of force feedback, the Thrustmaster TMX racing wheel provides a smooth and satisfying experience. In iRacing, the auto strength per car feature makes the force feedback even better. Additionally, the racing wheel provides a quiet experience, which significantly improves compared to my previous Logitech Driving Force EX.
A Budget-Friendly Upgrade For Sim Racing Enthusiasts
Overall, I am pleased with the Thrustmaster TMX Racing Wheel. While it is not the best racing wheel out there, it is a budget-friendly option that provides a significant upgrade from entry-level racing wheels. If you are looking to get into sim racing and don't want to spend a lot of money, I would highly recommend trying to find a used Thrustmaster TMX racing wheel. Alternatively, they are available brand new for around $200, which is still a great price for a budget sim racing enthusiast.
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