On the heels of its thunderous Twitter announcement of the imminent release of new steering wheels, the brand has now unveiled the Thrustmaster T248.
We now know the name and look of Thrustmaster’s next hybrid steering wheel. We also know that it represents an alternative to the T150, which was beginning to age in the face of the competition. All that’s left now is to put it through its paces.
Thrustmaster T248 in brief low price
The Thrustmaster T248 from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, X Box
- Force feedback: Yes
- Pedals: 3
- Customizable buttons: 14 2 two-position switches
- Gear change: Movable paddles, ( Thrustmaster TH8a manual gearbox optional)
- Turning range: 900
- Motor: belt-and-gear hybrid
- Connections: 1 outgoing USB to console, 1 incoming power supply, 1 pedalboard connection to base, 1 connection for Th8A or handbrake
- Weight: 9Kg
Design and ergonomics
Upon unpacking, you instinctively know you’re looking at an entry-level steering wheel. It’s light: 9Kg all in all, which is quite a shock when you’re used to the weight of high-end models 🙂
The design of the wheel is rather successful. It’s much, much nicer visually than a T150, and what really catches the eye is the LED screen, which I can’t wait to see in action. A screen on an entry-level model is rare enough to merit a mention. Incidentally, this screen has a name: the T-RDD (Thrustmaster Race Dash Display).
Let me stress once again that this is a steering wheel aimed at the mass market. So it’s hardly surprising to find a lot of plastic in the materials. The only drawback is the contour of the steering wheel, which is made of a kind of imitation-leather material. It’s nice, but below what I’d expect from a steering wheel priced at just over €300 today.
As far as buttons are concerned, we’re on the basics, with 14 configurable buttons and 2 two-position switches. This may seem a little light for enthusiasts, but for a beginner it does the job.
The T3PM pedalboard is “quite heavy” and the adjustable metal pedals inspire confidence. Let’s see how it performs on the track!
Finally, the motor is a hybrid. Half belt, half gear, with optical position readout. Thrustmaster justifies this choice by announcing that the result is both precise and smooth. Once again, we’ll be able to verify this in a few moments.
The all-new T3PM pedalset
Heavier than the T3PA, we’re pleasantly surprised to discover a pedalboard with a plastic frame but 3 adjustable metal pedals. Magnetic sensors promise precision, but are no match for a Load Cell brake like the T-CLM.
But Thrustmaster makes up for it by offering 4 levels of brake pressure adjustment up to 200Kg. A setting that no-one will use, but at least you have the choice!
Under the pedalset, you’ll find the usual rubber pads. Let’s face it, they won’t be enough on smooth ground. But don’t worry, you can also screw your T3PM to a cockpit thanks to its 4 M6 screw threads.
In practical terms, then, it’s a step up from the T3PA, even if it doesn’t have the precision of a T-LCM with Load Cell, but this pedalboard puts a good slap in the face of older Thrustmaster models AND Logitech pedalboards.
A little bonus: you can set your pedalboard in either Formula (with pedals on the ground) or GT (with pedals suspended) position. Simply attach your suspended pedals to your cockpit, swap the accelerator pedal plate with the clutch plate. Then indicate in the steering wheel menu that you’ve switched to GT mode.
Console compatibility
With X-Box, PS4, PS5 and PC compatibility, Thrustmaster is once again pulling out all the stops to make this T248 an entry-level best-seller!
Comfort and feel
Once you’re in the game, you’ll quickly find your feet. The screen is great! You really do have a wide choice of displays:
Speed, rpm counter, time, record time, engaged speed, degree of wheel rotation, force feedback mode, you name it! The blue display is pleasant, legible and very clear.
In my hands, the wheel feels comfortable, but I would have really appreciated a little effort with a textured leather imitation, for example, to raise the level. The paddles do the job and fall nicely under the fingers.
In terms of force feedback, Thrustmaster claims that the T248 is 70% more powerful than the T150. There are 3 force feedback modes that you can select during play.
- Ground feel
- Fidelity
- glide control
The advantage of these 3 modes is that you can change your force feedback during the race without having to go through the menu. This is something we’ve been seeing for a long time on high-end bases like Fanatec’s, for example.
I didn’t feel there were any glaring differences between these three modes, but it’s nice that they were thought of, and novice players will be able to switch between them to find the compromise they like best.
The fear I had with this hybrid engine was that it would be relatively “notchy” and raw. On the contrary! The ride is very smooth.
The feeling of force feedback on mass transfers and the roughness of the circuit are well transcribed. The only downside is that, when the steering is corrected quickly, the engine tends to slow down the movement a little.
But all in all, it’s a pleasant driving experience that lives up to my expectations for an entry-level steering wheel!
Customizing the Thrustmaster T248
Okay, let’s get serious… You’ve got a T3PM with a beautiful clutch pedal just waiting for your left foot to play. You’re not going to disappoint it, are you?
We agree. The purchase of a Thrustmaster Th8A gearbox will quickly become a must. Unless, of course, you only drive F1 2021…
The T248 available in Playstation or X Box versions
Priced between €300 and €349.99, the Thrustmaster T248 is positioned between the T150 and the T300. And that’s exactly how it should be seen. It’s a steering wheel designed for beginners who want to enjoy good driving sensations without spending all their savings on a top-of-the-range model.
What I like about this bundle is that, for the same price, it feels better than the Logitech G923! A nice nod to Logitech, which is definitely on the decline.
My first opinion on the Thrustmaster T248
The T248 is a very good choice for new players looking for a real alternative to the G29 and G923, with overall better force feedback than Logitech. Bear in mind, however, that you won’t be able to change the steering wheel.
Le Thrustmaster T248 en bref low price
