If you are the proud owner of a Logitech wheel looking to upgrade, should you consider buying a new direct drive wheel, or a used Thrustmaster T300 RS?

This comparison may seem a little unfair (a brand new DD wheel will cost significantly more than a used T300), but it is a question that would have crossed the minds of budget-conscious sim racers looking to get the most bang for their buck.

Would paying around 40% more for a Direct Drive wheel from a brand like Moza be better worth your hard earned dollars? Or is the T300 a big enough step up from your G27 that it would do?

The Value Equation

I upgraded from a G27 several years back, before DD wheels hit the mainstream. Back then, it wasn’t really a tough decision.

The only large peripheral company building these wheels was Fanatec, and most other wheel bases were made by the cottage industry. I didn’t want to have to deal with cobbled-together and repurposed hardware.

What made it even easier for me was that I scored a great deal for my T300 RS on the second hand market.

Was it a Massive Step-up?

Well, yes. The belt-driven configuration of the Thrustmaster delivered far more torque and smoothness than my old G27 ever could. Also, they are significantly more robust than the Logitech wheels of old (click here to read about the common failure points of the G27 and how to fix them!).

You’ll notice the biggest difference when rallying or drifting – the additional speed over the G27 allows you to let the virtual car do its thing, without having to manhandle the steering wheel. It also felt more precise, and there are greater levels of adjustment in software to set the wheel up.

But it isn’t all a bed of roses. The T300s do not come with a default H-pattern shifter, and the stock pedals leave a lot to be desired. Which is why the aftermarket has made adapters that let you run your old Logitech pedals instead.

Wouldn’t a DD Wheel be Better?

Of course, no belt or gear driven wheelbase can beat the raw power, smoothness and feel of a DD wheel. Modern units have been developed by reputable brands, with hardware specifically developed for use in Sim Racing. They also have official support in many regions, so servicing and parts shouldn’t be an issue.

The main issue here is cost. As they are a fairly new addition to the sim racing mainstream, there still isn’t a second hand market just yet. You’d be stuck with buying new if you want to go DD. Majority of these wheels also do not come with pedals and a shifter, so keep that in mind before buying a wheelbase for yourself.

So Should I go From my G27 to a T300 or to a DD Wheelbase?

Well, if budget is your main concern, a used T300 would do you just fine. The difference to the G27 is big enough that it warrants an upgrade. If you have the funds, spring for a DD wheel, as that is almost guaranteed to ensure rig longevity if you see yourself staying in this hobby for a long time.

You can sample DD wheels at several sim racing establishments in Singapore. It probably isn’t the worst idea to have a feel for all the major wheelbases before choosing one to buy!

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