PC Steering Wheel Roundup

Part 10: Thrustmaster Formula T2

More of this Feature • Part 1:Introduction • Part 2:About The Tests • Part 3:About Me • Part 4:Categories • Part 5:Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger • Part 6:Thrustmaster NASCAR Charger 2 • Part 7:Logitech Wingman Formula GP • Part 8:Act Labs RS • Part 9:Thrustmaster Super Sport • Part 10:Thrustmaster Formula T2 • Part 11:Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback Wheel • Part 12:Act Labs Force RS • Part 13:Logitech Wingman Formula Force • Part 14:TSW2 Stock • Part 15:TSW2 Cup 13 • Part 16:Hyper Stimulator • Part 17:ECCI Trackstar 6000 • Part 18:Complete List By Overall Score Related Resources • PC Simulations From Other Guides • Computer Simulations • Video Games Elsewhere on the Web • Thrustmaster • Act Labs • Logitech • Microsoft • Thomas Enterprises • Extreme Competition Controls

Website:	http://www.thrustmaster.com
List Price:	$35
Category:	Outdated

NOTE: This wheel is no longer produced and may be difficult to locate.

The legendary Formula T2 from Thrustmaster was the mainstay of sim racing controllers for many years. It's still in heavy use by many people. Quite possibly this is the most popular sim racing controller ever made.

The Looks

The 10" rubber coated wheel doesn't have any buttons on the spokes. Instead you get an inline shift lever and two dash mounted buttons.

The pedal unit consists of two identical looking rectangular pedals and a third empty slot on the left for a future clutch addition. (to my knowledge Thrustmaster has never released a clutch for the T2)

Convenience

No proprietary drivers. Plug the unit in to your joystick port and configure it in Windows. The T2 comes with an adapter to allow you to choose whether the gas/brake pedals work on the same joystick axis or separate.

The T2 has two clamps that are controlled by two thumb screws. The T2 fits on my desk fine, but tightening and loosening the thumbscrews to add and remove the wheel gets annoying.

The Feel

I've raced hundreds of thousands of miles with my T2. For me this is my baseline for comfort. The pedals are at a comfortable angle and the rubber coated wheel feels good to me.

The T2 does have a "dead spot" in the center of the steering movement that takes some getting used to. Also, the pedals need something to hold them in place during a race.

Other Features

The T2 has been discontinued by Thrustmaster largely because the pedal springs were known to break rather frequently and the steering resistance was provided by a bungee cord that wears out eventually. The springs are fairly easy to replace and every T2 owner should keep a couple of extra springs on hand at all times.

Overall

Up until I began testing wheels for this column the Thrustmaster Formula T2 was my everyday racing wheel so this is the standard by which I compare all others.

Pros

• Pedals are comfortable
• Extremely popular (easy to find help)

Cons

• Pedal springs known to break
• Pedals wouldn't stay in place

Rating: 75/100

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