Different mechanisms for force feedback and varying levels of build quality make bringing racing simulation into your home not as straightforward as it could be. Some may be seasoned veterans in search of a premium wheel to complete their home cockpit, while others may be looking for a more laid-back experience on the office desk.
Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition: Description
Thrustmaster has a wide selection of steering wheels, pedals, and other racing peripherals. This TX set has everything you need to start racing in almost any game, including some high-end extras like a leather steering wheel that was hand-stitched you can buy this product directly from Thrustmaster’s website.
It’s a big, bulky thing that may take up more room than you’re used to, but the high-quality dual-belt system it comes with ensures a comfortable ride. It’s not the most inexpensive option, so I spent the weekend researching the value of the Thrustmaster TX leather edition to see if it’s worth reviewing. Playing a driving game with a controller is no match for the real thing when it comes to immersion.
The act of driving a car is very specific, and the use of peripherals can help players achieve a level of realism in the game that is unattainable in other genres. Recently, we have had a lot of practise time with a racing wheel and pedal set made by Thrustmaster; the TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition. Do they deliver a premium gaming experience that lives up to the hype?
Given that the TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition is a substantial add-on, its initial configuration warrants discussion. Because of its size, the wheel needs to be clamped to or mounted on a sturdy desk. although I would recommend something more substantial, I was able to get by with a cheap folding desk from Walmart and Amazon.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredibly smooth dual-belt system
- Comfortable hand-stitched leather
- Swappable Thrustmaster wheel
Cons
- Weak pedal springs
- Heavy TX servo base
- Unsightly screw attachment
Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition: Specifications
| Wheel Size | 11″ (28 cm) |
| System Requirements | Xbox One Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP (with drivers) |
| Connector | Racing Wheel 1x Integrated USB Cable |
| Power Requirements | 120 VAC, 60 Hz |
| Package Weight | 21.6 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 18.1 x 14 x 12.6″ |
Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition: Design
Unpacking a racing wheel begins with removing the foam that has encased it. The base and extras like the cords and desk stand come next. The three-pedal assembly is the last component. Three pedals are included, which excites me because it opens the door to more add-ons down the road.
It’s easy to see why the TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition is so popular. The leather is supple, and the craftsmanship is excellent. It didn’t take long for the irony to sink in that this virtual steering wheel was far superior in quality to the one in my actual vehicle. The wheel exudes heft and steadiness thanks to its brushed aluminum construction and paddle shifters. It looks like it was designed for, and can stand up to, heavy use.
Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition: Pedals
The Logitech G29 should be considered instead if cost is a major factor. Although the Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Ferrari 458 Italia Edition has a better-looking wheel, the Logitech has superior pedals.
The used board only has two pedals and is mostly plastic, with only the parts you actually touch being reinforced with metal plates. The pedals appear to be nearly identical to those found on the less expensive Thrustmaster T150, barring the aforementioned metal components and possibly some additional resistance. Thrustmaster uses an upsell pitch once again. The T3PA is a superior three-pedal board, and the T3PA-Pro is even better (both available from Thrustmaster).
Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Ferrari 458 Italia Edition’s standard pedals would be fine with me, as someone who only pulls out a racing wheel a handful of times a year due to the hassle of setting it up. Both the resistance and the progressiveness of the brake are respectable (it gets harder to press through its travel). The pedals on the Logitech G29, however, are superior.
Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition: Performance
To what end then does this collection of mechanical components contribute? A single word: superbly. The feeling of driving is far superior to that of using a controller. In fact, the driving experience in video games takes on a whole new dimension. Fun with the TX Racing wheel comes from both precise input and mastery of the system’s intricacies. When actually sitting behind the wheel of one’s virtual vehicle, one quickly learns that their old driving techniques no longer apply.
Perhaps a new vantage point is required, or maybe some new strategies for navigating that bend in the road are in order. When playing with a controller, racing games lose some of their intensity because of the separation of thought from the action being taken. Behind the TX Racing Wheel, racing takes on a whole new level of intensity. The ineffective thumb sticks remove any sensation of driving from the experience.
The steering wheel’s force feedback allows the driver to experience the road, turns, and impacts. While your hands are on the controller’s triggers, your feet are on the pedals, simulating the experience of driving a real vehicle. Everything works together to simulate the driving experience as realistically as possible. The immersion is increased, the thrill is heightened, and the stakes of losing control of one’s vehicles seem higher than with other input methods because of how realistic the experience feels.
Final Words
When looking into racing game simulators, I would recommend Thrustmaster’s TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition. In terms of force feedback, it’s unparalleled. The materials, responsiveness, and accuracy are unparalleled. Once you get past the minor software issues you’ll encounter while setting up the TX Racing Wheel, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in the driver’s seat.
FAQs
Is Thrustmaster TX better than G920?
Differences between the Thrustmaster T150 and TMX and the Logitech G29 and G920 are listed below. The Thrustmaster T150 and TMX’s primary benefit is the enhanced strength and accuracy of their force feedback.
Does the Thrustmaster TX have force feedback?
The new dual-belt system provides Force Feedback effects that are both super-smooth and incredibly quiet, making it feel like you’re really there on the road. Sensitize yourself to the road conditions ahead of you, not the inner workings of the racing wheel.
