Thrustmaster T248 vs Logitech G29: Which Racing Wheel Wins?
Ready to upgrade your racing sim setup? Choosing between the Thrustmaster T248 and the Logitech G29 can be a tough call. Both are popular choices, but which wheel offers the best experience for your money?
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Thrustmaster T248 and the Logitech G29. We’ll explore everything from force feedback and pedal feel to button layouts and build quality.
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer to sim racing, this guide will help you decide which wheel is the perfect fit. Get ready to hit the track and find out which racing wheel reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | T248 | G29 |
|---|---|---|
| Force Feedback Type | Hybrid | Gear-Driven |
| Rotation Angle | 25 to 900 degrees | 900 degrees |
| Pedals | Magnetic Pedals | Included |
| Shifter Compatibility | Optional (TH8A) | Optional (Driving Force Shifter) |
| Button Layout | Xbox/PC & PlayStation/PC | PlayStation/PC & PC |
| Display Screen | Yes | No |
| Paddle Shifters | Magnetic | Metal |
| Wheel Rim Material | Leather | Leather |
| Mounting System | Clamp & Screw Threads | Clamp & Screw Threads |
| PC Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Platform Compatibility | PS5/PS4/PC | PS5/PS4/PC |
| Pedal Set Material | Plastic | Metal |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Force Feedback
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 utilizes a hybrid drive system, combining belt and gear mechanisms for force feedback. It offers up to 25% more power than the TMX and T150 series. Pros include a stronger and more responsive feel; cons could be the potential for increased noise compared to pure belt-driven systems.
- Logitech G29: The G29 employs a dual-motor force feedback system with helical gears. This provides a relatively smooth and responsive feel. Pros include a good entry-level force feedback experience. Cons include a potential for gear noise and less overall power compared to higher-end systems.
- Winner: T248
Pedals
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 includes a magnetic pedal set with adjustable pressure. It offers enhanced precision and durability compared to potentiometer-based systems. Pros are improved accuracy and longevity. Cons could be the learning curve of adjusting the pedal pressure.
- Logitech G29: The G29 features a pedal set with a progressive spring in the brake pedal for a more realistic feel. Pros are a good entry-level pedal experience with a realistic feel. Cons include the lack of adjustable pressure and the potentiometer-based sensors.
- Winner: T248
Rotation Angle
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 offers a maximum rotation angle of 360 degrees, optimized for a variety of racing games, including F1 and GT racing. Pros include a wide range of motion. Cons might be a limitation for games requiring a wider rotation.
- Logitech G29: The G29 offers a 900-degree rotation angle, providing a more realistic feel for most racing games. Pros include a more immersive experience for games that benefit from a wider range. Cons might be less ideal for games where quick turns are required.
- Winner: G29
Wheel Rim Design
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 features a modern design with a leather-wrapped wheel rim, providing a comfortable grip. Pros include a premium feel and enhanced grip. Cons could be that the leather might wear down over time.
- Logitech G29: The G29 features a leather-wrapped wheel rim with a classic design. Pros include a comfortable grip and a premium feel. Cons could be that the leather might wear down over time.
- Winner: Tie
Shifter Compatibility
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 is compatible with Thrustmaster’s TH8A shifter (sold separately). Pros include the option for a more immersive experience. Cons include the additional cost of purchasing the shifter.
- Logitech G29: The G29 is compatible with Logitech’s Driving Force Shifter (sold separately). Pros include the option for a more immersive experience. Cons include the additional cost of purchasing the shifter.
- Winner: Tie
Button Layout & Display
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 has a comprehensive button layout, including paddle shifters, and an integrated display for telemetry data. Pros include easy access to controls and real-time game information. Cons could be a potentially cluttered button layout for some.
- Logitech G29: The G29 has a standard button layout and LED rev indicator lights. Pros include a familiar button layout. Cons include the lack of a display for telemetry data.
- Winner: T248
Platform Compatibility
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 is compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. Pros include wide compatibility. Cons include the potential for not being compatible with Xbox.
- Logitech G29: The G29 is compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. Pros include wide compatibility. Cons include the potential for not being compatible with Xbox.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Thrustmaster T248: The T248 generally has a higher price point compared to the G29. Pros include potentially better value for its features. Cons include a higher initial cost.
- Logitech G29: The G29 is often available at a lower price point. Pros include a more budget-friendly option. Cons include fewer features.
- Winner: G29
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Force Feedback Technology | Thrustmaster T248 |
| Pedal Quality | Logitech G29 |
| Display Features | Thrustmaster T248 |
| Value for Money | Tie |
| Overall Performance | Thrustmaster T248 |
What They Have in Common:
- Platform Compatibility: Both the Thrustmaster T248 and Logitech G29 are compatible with PC, allowing for a wide range of racing games to be played. They also both support PlayStation consoles, offering a similar experience on either platform.
- Wheel Rim Material: Both wheels feature leather-wrapped rims, providing a comfortable and premium feel during gameplay. This material helps with grip and enhances the overall driving experience.
- Mounting Options: Both wheels can be mounted using a clamp system, allowing you to secure them to a desk or table. They also offer screw threads for more permanent and secure mounting solutions, such as to a racing cockpit.
- Pedal Sets Included: Both racing wheels come with a set of pedals, allowing for immediate use right out of the box. These pedals typically include accelerator and brake functions, with some models also including a clutch.
- Pc Compatibility: Both racing wheels are fully compatible with PCs, allowing users to enjoy a wide variety of racing games and take advantage of the more extensive customization options available on the platform.
Thrustmaster T248 Vs Logitech G29 Buying Guide
Price and Value
The Thrustmaster T248 and Logitech G29 both occupy the mid-range of the sim racing wheel market, but their pricing can fluctuate. The T248 often comes in at a slightly higher price point, reflecting its newer technology and features. Assessing the value involves considering the features offered in relation to the cost. The G29, while having a slightly lower price, may lack some of the advanced features found in the T248, impacting its overall value proposition depending on the user’s needs and budget. Consider which features are most important to you.
Force Feedback Technology
Force feedback is a critical aspect of the sim racing experience. The T248 utilizes a hybrid belt-pulley system, delivering a more detailed and responsive force feedback compared to the gear-driven system of the G29. The T248 can provide a more nuanced feel of the track and vehicle dynamics, which results in a more immersive experience. The G29’s gear-driven system is still effective but can feel less refined, with the potential for more noise and less precise feedback compared to the T248’s hybrid system. Consider the importance of force feedback fidelity for your racing.
Pedal Set Quality
The quality of the pedals significantly impacts the overall feel and control. The T248 includes a magnetic pedal set, which offers greater precision and durability compared to the G29’s pedals. The G29’s pedals use a potentiometer system. The magnetic pedals of the T248 offer a more consistent and linear response. The build quality of both sets is generally good, but the T248’s magnetic pedals offer an advantage for precise throttle and braking control. This can translate to improved lap times. Consider which pedal set will better suit your racing style.
Compatibility and Platform Support
Both the T248 and G29 offer widespread compatibility with popular gaming platforms. The T248 is available in versions for both PlayStation and Xbox, while the G29 is primarily designed for PlayStation and PC. Ensure that the wheel you choose is compatible with your preferred gaming platform. Both wheels also work on PC, but may require specific software or drivers. Check the compatibility before making your purchase to ensure you can enjoy the wheel with your favorite racing games. Ensure your platform is supported before purchasing.
Design and Ergonomics
The design and ergonomics of a racing wheel influence comfort and ease of use during long gaming sessions. The T248 features a more modern design, often with more buttons and customization options on the wheel. The G29 has a more traditional design. The ergonomics of both wheels are generally comfortable, but individual preferences may vary. Consider the button layout, grip material, and overall feel of the wheel to determine which best suits your hands and driving style. Think about how long you plan to use the wheel.
Features and Additional Functionality
Beyond the core features, consider any extra functionality that could enhance your racing experience. The T248 often includes an integrated display that provides useful information such as telemetry data. The G29 provides less extra features. The display can be a useful tool for monitoring performance and making adjustments during a race. Evaluate which extra features are most valuable to you. Evaluate if extra features are important for your racing goals, and if so, choose the wheel with the most useful extra features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Thrustmaster T248 If…
- You want a more modern and responsive force feedback system with hybrid technology.
- You prefer a wheel with a built-in display for real-time telemetry and settings adjustments.
- You prioritize magnetic paddle shifters for a more precise and durable feel.
- You want a wheel with a more versatile rotation angle adjustment.
Buy Logitech G29 If…
- You prefer the classic feel of a gear-driven force feedback system.
- You want a wheel with a proven track record and widespread compatibility.
- You prioritize a metal pedal set for a more robust and premium feel.
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the T248 and G29?
The main difference lies in the force feedback system. The T248 uses a hybrid belt-pulley system for more detailed and responsive feedback, while the G29 uses a gear-driven system. The T248 also often has a magnetic pedal set for more precision. This results in a more refined and immersive racing experience for the T248 than the G29, making it a better choice for sim racers.
Which wheel offers better force feedback?
The Thrustmaster T248 generally offers superior force feedback. The hybrid belt-pulley system provides a more detailed, responsive, and precise feel compared to the G29’s gear-driven system. This translates to a more realistic and immersive driving experience. The T248’s system allows the driver to feel more subtle details of the track.
Are the pedals of the T248 better than the G29?
Yes, the T248’s pedals are generally considered superior. The T248 includes a magnetic pedal set, which offers a more consistent and linear response compared to the G29’s potentiometer-based pedals. Magnetic pedals provide greater precision and durability. This results in more accurate throttle and braking control, which can improve lap times.
Which wheel is better for beginners?
Both wheels are suitable for beginners, but the G29 might be slightly more accessible due to its often lower price. However, the T248’s enhanced force feedback and pedal precision can help new racers develop better driving skills more quickly. The choice depends on budget and the importance placed on force feedback and pedal quality.
Does the T248 have a display?
Yes, the Thrustmaster T248 typically includes an integrated display. This display shows telemetry data, such as speed, RPM, and gear, which can be useful for monitoring performance and making adjustments during a race. This feature is not available on the Logitech G29, which is a key difference between the two products.
Which wheel is more expensive?
The Thrustmaster T248 typically has a higher price point compared to the Logitech G29. This difference reflects the newer technology and features, such as the hybrid force feedback and magnetic pedals. The G29 is often more budget-friendly. The price can vary based on availability and retailer promotions, so check prices before purchasing.
Which platform does each wheel support?
The T248 is available in versions for both PlayStation and Xbox, as well as PC. The G29 is primarily designed for PlayStation and PC. Both wheels are compatible with PC. It’s crucial to confirm platform compatibility before purchasing to ensure it works with your preferred gaming system and the racing games you enjoy.
Final Verdict
The Thrustmaster T248 presents a compelling package with its superior force feedback, magnetic pedals, and integrated display. The Logitech G29 remains a solid option, especially for those on a tighter budget. The T248 offers a more refined and immersive experience, making it the better choice for serious sim racers seeking enhanced performance and precision.
Winner: Thrustmaster T248