Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster: A Review

If you are looking for a realistic and immersive racing experience, you might want to check out theOpen Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster. This is a detachable wheel rim that can be used with various Thrustmaster racing wheels. It is designed to mimic the feel and look of real open wheel racing cars, such as GT, LMP, LMS and even karts. In this article, we will review the features, benefits and drawbacks of this product.

Features of the Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster

The Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster has several features that make it stand out from other wheel rims. Some of these are:

• Compact and lightweight design: The wheel rim has a diameter of 11 inches (28 cm) and weighs only 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg). This makes it easy to handle and reduces the inertia of the wheel. It also enhances the Force Feedback effects, which are crucial for realistic racing simulation.
• Metal paddle shifters: The wheel rim has two metal paddle shifters that are 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and very responsive. They allow you to shift gears quickly and smoothly, without taking your hands off the wheel.
• Multiple buttons and switches: The wheel rim has six action buttons, one D-pad, and one rotary selector switch with three positions and a push button. These give you access to various functions and settings in your games, such as menus, camera views, brake balance, traction control, etc.
• Brushed black aluminum faceplate: The wheel rim has a sturdy and elegant faceplate made of brushed black aluminum. It adds to the durability and aesthetics of the product.
• Suede wheel grips: The wheel rim has suede wheel grips that are comfortable and ergonomic. They provide a good grip and prevent your hands from slipping. They also enhance the realism of the wheel, as suede is often used in real racing cars.

Benefits of the Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster

The Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster has many benefits for racing enthusiasts. Some of these are:

• Versatility: The wheel rim can be used for a wide range of racing games and competitions, such as GT, LMP, LMS and even karts. It can also be adapted to different driving styles and preferences, thanks to its shape, size and buttons.
• Performance: The wheel rim delivers excellent performance in all games, thanks to its lightweight design, metal paddle shifters and Force Feedback optimization. It allows you to feel every detail of the road, such as bumps, curves, braking, acceleration, etc. It also enables you to execute precise and accurate movements, such as steering, shifting, braking, etc.
• Realism: The wheel rim offers a high level of realism, thanks to its design and materials. It resembles the wheel rims used in real open wheel racing cars, such as the shape, the texture, the color, the buttons, etc. It also creates a realistic atmosphere, as you can hear the metal paddle shifters clicking and feel the suede wheel grips rubbing against your hands.

Drawbacks of the Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster

The Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster is not without its drawbacks. Some of these are:

• Compatibility: The wheel rim is compatible only with the Thrustmaster ecosystem, which means you need to have a compatible Thrustmaster racing wheel base to use it. These include the T500 RS, T300 RS Servo Base, T300 RS, T300 GT Edition, T300 Ferrari GTE, T300 Ferrari Integral Racing Wheel Alcantara Edition, TX Racing Wheel Servo Base, TX Racing Wheel, TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition, TS-XW RACER, TS-PC RACER, T-GT (sold separately). If you have a different brand or model of racing wheel, you cannot use this wheel rim.
• Price: The wheel rim is relatively expensive, compared to other wheel rims on the market. It costs around $150, which is more than some racing wheel bases. You also need to factor in the cost of the compatible Thrustmaster racing wheel base, which can range from $200 to $800, depending on the model. This means you need to invest a significant amount of money to enjoy this product.
• Availability: The wheel rim is not widely available, as it is a niche product that caters to a specific segment of racing gamers. You may have difficulty finding it in your local stores or online platforms. You may also have to wait for a long time for delivery, as it may be out of stock or backordered.

Conclusion

If you love racing games, you will like the Open Wheel Add-On by Thrustmaster. It gives you a realistic and immersive racing experience. You can enjoy many features that make it unique and appealing. It is flexible, fast, and realistic. However, it is also expensive, works with only the Thrustmaster system, and hard to find. Therefore, you should try it if you have the money and the right racing wheel base. It will make your racing simulation much better.