Thrustmaster T300 RS Review: SA's Best Mid-Range Racing Wheel?

Tired of wrestling with a controller on the Kyalami straights? If you're serious about sim racing in South Africa, you know the jump to a proper force-feedback wheel is essential. But where's the sweet spot between a budget toy and a pro-level rig that costs a fortune? Enter the Thrustmaster T300 RS. For years, it’s been the go-to for enthusiasts. In this review, we find out if it’s still SA's best mid-range racing wheel. 🏎️

First Impressions: More Than Just a Toy

Right out of the box, the T300 RS feels substantial. The wheelbase has a satisfying heft, and the brushed metal faceplate and textures feel a step above entry-level gear. Unlike its gear-driven rivals, this wheel is belt-driven, which promises smoother, more detailed feedback. It’s the kind of quality that makes you confident it will survive many heated online races and late-night hot-lapping sessions.

The standard package includes the servo base, a GT-style wheel rim, and the T3PA pedal set. It's everything you need to get started, but the real magic lies in the performance.

The Heart of the Beast: Force Feedback That Connects You to the Road

The single biggest reason to choose the T300 RS is its dual-belt force feedback system. What does that mean for you? Instead of clunky, noisy gears, you get a smooth, powerful, and incredibly detailed connection to the virtual tarmac. You can feel the tyres losing grip, the subtle bumps in the road, and the weight transfer as you dive into a corner. This feedback is a huge part of the sim racing experience, translating directly into better car control and faster, more consistent lap times.

Our Thrustmaster T300 RS review wouldn't be complete without pushing it in games like Assetto Corsa Competizione and DiRT Rally 2.0. The wheel communicates understeer and oversteer with brilliant clarity, allowing you to catch slides you’d miss with a lesser wheel. It’s a responsive and immersive experience that truly shines.

Pedals, Rims, and the Ecosystem Advantage

While the force feedback is the star, the supporting cast is just as important. The included T3PA pedals are a solid starting point, featuring three metal-faced pedals and a conical brake mod for a more progressive feel. They are a definite upgrade over two-pedal sets found on cheaper wheels.

Better yet, the T300 RS is your gateway into the excellent Thrustmaster ecosystem. The wheel rim is detachable, allowing you to swap it for a Formula 1-style wheel, a classic rally rim, or a premium Sparco replica. You can also upgrade to the T-LCM load cell pedals or add a shifter down the line. This modularity means the T300 RS can grow with you as your skills and budget expand. ✨

Is This the Right Wheel for You in South Africa?

Let's be blunt: sim racing gear can get expensive. The Thrustmaster T300 RS sits in that perfect middle ground, offering a genuine taste of high-end performance without the eye-watering price tag of direct-drive systems. For the price in ZAR, you are getting a brushless, belt-driven system that delivers a far superior experience to any gear-driven competitor.

It’s a significant investment, but one that pays dividends in immersion and performance. For the best experience, you'll want a stable desk or, even better, to bolt it onto one of our sturdy Playseat chairs to handle the strong force feedback without any flex.

The Final Verdict 🏆

So, is the Thrustmaster T300 RS still South Africa's best mid-range racing wheel? Absolutely.

Years after its release, it continues to offer an unbeatable combination of smooth, detailed force feedback, strong ecosystem support, and fantastic value. It bridges the gap between entry-level and enthusiast-grade perfectly. If you're ready to get serious about your virtual racing career, this is the wheel to beat.