Thrustmaster T500RS Steering Wheel : Test & Review (2024)

At a time like ours when high-tech products are always more innovative, video games are also innovating and offering their users an increasingly immersive and realistic experience.

For Sim-racing fans, the experience can’t be truly realistic without a steering wheel. If there are many great brands that distinguish themselves in this sector, Thrustmaster is above all known for its know-how.

Since its release in 2011, Thrustmaster’s T500RS model has long dominated the steering wheel market. Still today, it is a true reference for many racing simulation players. That’s why we decided to test it for you and tell you everything there is to know about it.

In this article, we will talk about the characteristics of this wheel, its advantages and disadvantages, the type of player it is best suited for, as well as its price and where to buy it.

The characteristics of the Thrustmaster T500RS

The Thrustmaster T500RS is a high-end steering wheel that despite its age is still highly rated among Sim-racing players.

Here is a list of the features of this steering wheel model:

For what type of person?

With two positions, F1 and GT, the Thrustmaster steering wheel is suitable for all types of players. However, after testing it, we noticed that the paddles were not necessarily the most suitable for F1 enthusiasts. They are better suited for players who prefer GT mode.

Moreover, even if it is possible to use this steering wheel for arcade type games like GRID 2 for example, the best way to exploit its performance remains the racing simulation with games like Assetto Corsa or Project CARS.

It is a wheel that can be used by the whole family, adults and children.

Its advantages

The reason the Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel continues to be used and recommended among Sim-racing players is because it has a number of very good advantages.

First of all, we would like to mention its very good return to strength. The effects are extremely well reproduced thanks to the powerful and responsive engine. You can adjust it to your liking and with its 30 cm diameter, this steering wheel is certainly one of the most realistic on the market for a mid-range.

Its behavior is almost identical to that of a real steering wheel. Thanks to the magnetic sensor, its degree of precision is excellent and provides an incredible driving sensation. The rubber also provides a very good grip on the steering wheel, for even more realism.

Next, what we think makes the T500RS so famous is its Thrustmaster T3PA Pro pedalboard. The brand did not just include plastic pedals, but offers us here a real professional pedalboard all in metal.

The T3PA Pro is very robust and has two positions (F1 and GT). In addition to an exceptional design, this pedalboard guarantees a very good stability and ergonomics for the game, even when it is not attached to a playseat.

We would like to emphasize that the design of the Thrustmaster T500RS is incredible and its finish is impeccable. At a glance at the steering wheel, we can see that this is not just a gadget and that we have just entered the big league with this model. Its size and the materials used give it a look worthy of a professional pilot’s wheel.

The Thrustmaster T500RS also has the advantage of being a solid steering wheel that is built to last. The proof is that even though it was released more than 10 years ago, it is still used by many gamers today and they outperform many of the more recent models.

The fact that you can change the steering wheel between sessions with a small screw and a very simple mechanism is also a plus. At the same time, you can make your steering wheel base evolve as you wish over time.

Installation of the Thrustmaster T500RS is quick and easy. All you have to do is follow the manual included with the steering wheel to the letter. The settings and configurations are easy on the PC thanks to the installation drivers. On Playstation 3, the steering wheel also adapts to all cars without having to go back to the settings each time (with Gran Turismo 6 for example).

Its disadvantages

After testing this steering wheel model, we discovered that it had a few negative points. First, it is a little noisy. Sudden movements tend to make it squeak. The motor and cooling fan are also noisy and can get on your nerves.

In addition, due to its age, the Thrustmaster T500RS may unfortunately encounter some compatibility problems. For example, on the PS4 where some games are not guaranteed to work properly, but especially on the PS5 which is still not, at the moment, officially compatible. If you are on Playstation, we invite you to discover our rankings on the best ps4 wheels and the one on the best ps5 wheels. Considering its price, we think it’s a shame that you can’t use it with all your favorite games.

The fact that this steering wheel is not recent poses another problem: its availability for sale. Indeed, it is not easy to find resellers who still have it in stock.

And in our opinion, the price of this model can be considered a disadvantage. The Thrustmaster T500RS is not the cheapest on the market today. If all its qualities clearly justify its price, it remains that to buy it, you must be able to afford it.

While testing this steering wheel, we also noticed that the fixed paddles might not be to the liking of those who prefer F1. They may need some time to get used to the design.

Where to get it and for how much?

As we mentioned above, the Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel is not one of the most recent models, so it is unfortunately no longer available for sale on the brand’s official website and it is difficult to find it at other retailers in France.

Even though it is listed onAmazon.com, it is currently out of stock.

Its price is normally between 400 and 480 € new, but you still have to be able to find it.

There are sites of purchase and sale of second-hand products on which you can possibly find this model. However, beware of scams.

Conclusion

Despite its age, the Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel still overshadows the biggest steering wheels from competing brands and even some of the more recently released Thrustmaster models.

It must be said that this steering wheel is a real little gem. It offers an incredibly realistic driving experience thanks to its precise and powerful force feedback. We could recommend it just for its T3PA Pro pedalboard which is really worth a visit. Even if it has some disadvantages, this wheel is still a very good investment.

In conclusion, if you have the opportunity to purchase the Thrustmaster T500RS, don’t pass it up!