Developer: Thrustmaster
Publisher: Thrustmaster
Platform: All Thrustmaster T-series racing wheels
Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On – Hardware Review
When it comes to Thrustmaster racing peripherals, we have had the chance to try out many of their ‘gems’, whether it be fairly pricey ones or budget priced alternatives (alike). As some of you may already know, or have read in our previous reviews, their T series has the option to connect other add-ons, replacing some of the original parts whenever you like. A while ago we reviewed the TM Leather 28 GT Wheel Add-On, which is compatible with the T500, T300 and the TX Racing Wheel. Today we are able to present you with our findings of another compatible wheel for those previously mentioned steering wheels, namely the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On. Beware, you might just leave your opponents biting the dust.
Design
The overall design of the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On is simply amazing, with only a few forgivable flaws. It’s great to see how the designers did an awesome job in designing an extremely realistic Ferrari F1 racing wheel for your personal entertainment. Everything has a lot of detail, going from all the small buttons to the larger valves and switches.
As expected of a F1 racing wheel, the wheel has a ‘rectangular’ shape, making it a great change of pace compared to the normal rounder steering wheels. The colorful valves create a fun whole, in combination with the smaller size and rubber-ish finish of the wheel itself.
Sadly, as mentioned above, the design has a few small flaws, which might not be a bother to everyone, but that doesn’t take away the fact that some details could have been handled a bit better. Some of the gauges could have been treated in a more realistic fashion. Also the small buttons with symbols on them tend to ‘turn’ when you have used the add-on for quite some time. This means that after a few play sessions the letters will not be aligned properly anymore and thus you’ll have to manually turn all the buttons to make the wheel look normal again.
Comfort
The rubberized grips make the steering wheel feel soft and provide ample grip for when the force feedback is activated. As the add-on is intended for F1 games (well, you can play whatever you like with it) it handles best when you don’t have to make complete rotations, as the shape of the wheel is of a more rectangular nature.
Thrustmaster’s Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On is smaller in size than a normal wheel, just like a real F1 steering wheel, making it easier to be handled by gamers with smaller hands. Most buttons are easily accessible without having to let go of the wheel itself. Another fun addition is the implementation of two sticks, just like on a regular controller. This makes navigating through menus a lot easier compared to many other normal steering wheels.
Unlike all the other racing wheels that we have tested before, the ‘two clickers’ on the back don’t move separately. The Ferrari F1 Add-On opted for one piece that serves as the clicker, making it impossible to press both sides at the same time, but making it more like an actual F1 steering wheel.
Specs
- Ferrari licensed replica (2011)
- Realistic flippers (clickers)
- Rubber coating
- Quick release system
- Compatible with all Thrustmaster T-series racing wheels
Overview
Just like the TM Leather 28 GT Wheel Add-On, the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On is compatible with all of Thrustmaster’s T-series steering wheels thanks to the quick release system. This means you’ll just have to ‘unscrew and unplug’ the original steering wheel on your T-series wheel and connect the add-on. That way you’ll be able to switch to another wheel easily when you desire to do so. If you’re a fan of both F1 games and normal racing sims, it’s only a matter of two minutes switching your set up.
Conclusion
Thrustmaster did another great job in creating a fun add-on for their line of T-series racing wheels. If you’re a true F1 enthusiast and you want an even more realistic experience, this fun gadget might be something worth looking into. Keep in mind that these add-ons don’t come cheap, but overall you’re paying for a qualitative and great looking piece of hardware.
Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On - Hardware Review,
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