Thrustmaster T80
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Good value for money for sim-racing beginners
✅ Fairly good ergonomics
❌ No motorized force feedback system
❌ Basic pedals and steering wheel
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If you’re a racing fan, you’ve probably considered making yourself a sim-racing setup with a steering wheel, base, and pedals. Each driver has their design for blistering lap times on legendary circuits like Monza or vertigo-inducing jumps on rally stages.
However, sim-racing is a discipline that has evolved considerably over the years, especially regarding force feedback technology. It’s no longer unusual to see a sim-racing steering wheel and base, of quality, of course, selling for something like €2,000 or even €3,000. However, only the elite or hardcore gamers can afford such configurations at these prices.
Of course, beginners are not left out by sim-racing peripheral manufacturers such as Thrustmaster or Logitech. Today, I will introduce you to the T80 Thrustmaster entry-level steering wheel with a bundled pedalboard for Playstation and PC.
Main and technical characteristics of the steering wheel
- PS4, PS5 and PC compatible
- 28 cm diameter wheel
- 270° max. angle of rotation
- Bundle with crankset
- Paddles attached to the steering wheel
- Force feedback with a Bungee Cord mechanism
Design
Thrustmaster has been in the Simus peripherals game for over 20 years, and the brand knows a thing or two in the design department. The Thrustmaster T80 is a steering wheel replica of a Ferrari wheel from the Prancing Horse brand. And Ferrari knows a thing or two about design.
The T80 is a steering wheel with a clean, minimalist design because what’s important is what the car can do for you. The structure is entirely in plastic, which is to be expected given the price of the device. On the sides, there’s a perforated, leather-like rubber coating. It looks good and helps with grip without giving it a premium feel.
As for the base, it’s pretty essential, with plastic, as is the crankset. The T80 is identical to the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider (discover here) except for the colors used on the wheel. The first is entirely in black, while the second has parts in red. Overall, the Thrustmaster T80 is a beautiful steering wheel that will blend perfectly with any setup.
Custom assembly
Assembly of the Thrustmaster T80 The Thrustmaster T80 is attached to the base using a clamp placed underneath the ground to be fixed to a table or desk. This clamp system is reputed to offer a solid hold and be easy to use, and I can confirm this. Once in place, the Thrustmaster T80 won’t budge from its position at all.
As far as the crankset is concerned, it’s pretty heavy and will offer a certain amount of grip. However, I advise you to place it against a wall or furniture to prevent it from moving too much, especially if you have a heavy foot on the gas pedal.
As for cockpits, not all are compatible with the Thrustmaster T80 because it’s an entry-level wheel, and sim racers looking for chassis won’t necessarily turn to it for their setup. But some cockpit models do take into account the T80.
Manufacturing and finishing
Over the years, Thrustmaster has mastered manufacturing sim-racing peripherals, and the T80 is a beautifully finished steering wheel. Essential, yes, but very well spent. Having inspected it closely, I couldn’t find any glaring manufacturing or design flaws.
Even though the steering wheel uses plastic for practically everything, the material used is good quality and assembled correctly. All parts fit together, with rubber on the sides, avoiding protruding or sharp edges. This rubber isn’t the best on the market, but it offers a good level of grip and isn’t sticky, unlike what you’ll find on more expensive wheels than the Thrustmaster T80.
As for the crankset, it’s the same story: plastic and a good finish. You can change the direction of the pedals to accommodate your feet, but it’s still essential. If you press on it a little tricky, I’ve noticed that it tends to make noise, like the base. This is expected, given that the whole structure is made of plastic.
Handling the steering wheel
Although the Thrustmaster T80 is a steering wheel aimed primarily at beginner sim racers, its grip is quite good. The wheel is 28 cm in diameter, which is a bit small as far as I’m concerned, and that’s bound to put a few people off. However, those buying this wheel do not want to race GT3 or F1.
The PlayStation buttons are pretty well placed for a steering wheel of this range. You can easily reach them without your hands leaving the wheel. Since it’s a wheel FerrariThe overall ergonomics are very well thought-out, and it will only take a few minutes to find your way around this steering wheel.
As for the paddles, they’re made of aluminum and very well positioned about the steering wheel. Moreover, their size is large, making it easy to use whatever sim-racing discipline you’re playing. However, not everything is beautiful on this steering wheel, given that it’s part of the entry-level range from Thrustmaster.
The T80 has a maximum rotation angle of 270°, which is quite limiting in most cases. For example, you won’t be able to steer entirely when driving at low speed, and that’s true of any track.
In-game sensations
Even if the Thrustmaster T80 doesn’t have a motorized force feedback mechanism, I must admit that in-game sensations are pretty good for a steering wheel mainly aimed at a neophyte audience. Of course, force feedback with Bungee Cord is not extraordinary, but it does the job, I think.
The steering wheel returns to the center by itself when you let go of it, but it does so abruptly and, above all, very quickly, given that the rotation angle is only 270°. Another negative point is the lack of vibration on the steering wheel, which makes it behave like a PlayStation controller. ThrustmasterIt’s 2023, not 1994!
Another point I didn’t like was the crankset. Even though the thing weighs almost 2 kg on the scales, it didn’t seem too solid or enormously stable either. If you have a floor with parquet or flagstone, the crankset shouldn’t slip too much. Feel-wise, it’s pretty basic, even if the throttle was relatively linear during my sim-racing sessions. So, if you’re not convinced, I invite you to read my article to learn more about the 4 Best Pedalboards for SIM Racing in 2023.
Compatibility
The Thrustmaster T80 is a steering wheel compatible with Playstation and PC platforms. Although this bundle is rather old, it will work well on PS4 and PS5, provided you have a consistent title. And if you’re looking for an Xbox-compatible wheel, then I suggest you read this article instead: The 6 Best Steering Wheels for Xbox Series X in 2023
As far as the chassis is concerned, it’s somewhat limited in that few cockpits provide mounting points for this wheel. The reason is that this wheel is very entry-level, and sim racers looking for a cockpit will prefer higher-quality peripherals.
Value for money
Posted at 129.99 €This steering wheel offers good value for money and makes an excellent replacement for a PS4 or PS5 controller.
I’d take the Thrustmaster T80 for a spare or additional steering wheel so you can enjoy sim-racing games with two or more people. And for sim racers who want to get in on the action, it’s still a decent choice for very little money.
My verdict
Thrustmaster has once again offered us a product that’s pretty good for the price, especially on special offers. Even if there’s no force feedback on the T80, it’s still an entry-level bundle to please novice riders, especially those on a budget.
I think the Thrustmaster T80 will delight parents who want to introduce their children to sim-racing without any danger to the little ones from the force feedback, even if it is slightly abrupt. For €130, I’d say yes, but it’s really up to you at that price. And if you’re not convinced, I invite you to read my review on The 6 Best Steering Wheels for Sim Racing in 2023.
