Introducing the New Thrustmaster T598: A Fresh Era in Sim Racing
Thrustmaster has stirred the sim racing world with its latest offering: the T598, a brand-new direct-axial drive wheel base bundled with wheel rim and pedals. With this launch, Thrustmaster is signaling a bold shift — it isn’t just another upgrade, but an attempt to redefine how accessible high-fidelity force feedback can be. (Thrustmaster markets it under the slogan “Drive into a new era.”)
This is not just incremental: the T598 introduces a new motor architecture (axial flux) in place of the more common radial flux direct drive designs. The goal? To reduce—or even eliminate—cogging (that slight “jerkiness” in wheel movement) while delivering strong, incisive feedback.
As a brand-new product, the T598 carries both excitement and risk. It promises to bring high-end force feedback to a broader audience, but as with all new tech, the real test will be in how it performs on the track and how well it endures in real-world use.
Key Specs & Features of the Thrustmaster T598 Direct Axial Drive Wheel
Here’s what the T598 brings to the table, based on Thrustmaster’s own specs plus early reviews:
| Specification / Feature | What Thrustmaster Claims / What Reviewers Report |
|---|---|
| Motor type & torque | Axial flux “Direct Axial Drive” motor, 5 N·m continuous torque, with the ability to overshoot up to +100% (i.e., up to ~10 N·m) |
| Latency / responsiveness | Ultra-low latency (specified ~5 ms) |
| Wheel rim | 11.8-inch / 30 cm diameter, detachable “Sportcar” rim, rubber grip surfaces, magnetic paddles (mag-shift) |
| Pedals | Raceline Pedals LTE — two pedals with H.E.A.R.T. (Hall effect) sensors. Adjustable firmness (springs), non-slip pads. Option to upgrade to a third pedal (load cell) later. |
| On-board display / UI | Race Dash screen built into the base, letting you adjust settings and display race info (speed, laps, flags, etc.) |
| Mounting / form factor | Compactish base, desk clamps + compatibility with rig mounting brackets. Four mounting points on underside. |
| Compatibility | PC + PlayStation 4 / 5 (there’s also an Xbox/PC variant). |
| Ecosystem & upgrade path | The base supports Thrustmaster’s ecosystem of add-on wheels (Formula, GT, rally styles). |
In short: the T598 is packaged as a full bundle (wheel + base + pedals) with upgrade potential. It’s designed to be the “entry direct drive” option for sim racers who want serious force feedback without going fully into ultra-premium territory right away.
First Impressions and Driving Experience: How the Thrustmaster T598 Feels on Track
What do the early reviewers and hands-on testers say? The feedback is encouraging, though balanced by some caveats.
Positives / Strong Points
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Smooth, cog-free feedback
One of the T598’s major selling points is its near-elimination of cogging thanks to the axial flux motor. Reviewers often note that wheel movement feels “silky” and devoid of the slight friction or irregularity present in many direct drive systems. -
Good value for force feedback
For the features per dollar/pound, the T598 is often seen as punching above its weight. It gives you solid force feedback, a bundled pedal set, and expandability in one package, which many consider rare at its price point. -
Pedals better than expected
The Raceline LTE pedals are metal and adjustable. In many bundled wheel sets, pedals are the weakest link. But here, many testers say the pedals perform respectably, with enough feel and consistency for the price. -
Modularity & upgrade path
The detachable rim, support for add-on wheels, and ability to upgrade the pedal set gives users flexibility. If the included rim or pedals don’t satisfy you long-term, you have options.
Issues & Criticisms
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Wheel rim quality & build
The Sportcar rim, while functional, is criticized for being hollow plastic, with some flex under hard steering. Some say the finish and feel are too “entry-level” compared to the force feedback fidelity around it. -
Base size, shape & desk footprint
Although compact in concept, the T598 base is somewhat bulky in practice and can dominate a desktop setup. Some note that its form factor is awkward, making placement and cable management nontrivial. -
Clamp and mounting design
The desk clamps use plastic-on-plastic parts, which some regard as flimsy for securing a heavy wheel base. The compatibility with various rig frames also requires some care, as not all rigs align perfectly with the mounting points. -
UI / control usability
The T598 doesn’t rely heavily on PC software. Most settings adjustments happen via buttons and a small screen on the base. Some testers find this interface less convenient, with small buttons and a steep menu navigation curve. -
Overshoot torque may not always be noticeable
Although the spec promises a jump from 5 N·m to ~10 N·m under overshoot, several hands-on users indicate that this additional force is subtle and not always perceptible in real driving scenarios. -
Longevity and software support uncertainty
Because the axial flux architecture is new for Thrustmaster, there is less historical track record. Some in community forums worry about firmware and driver support over time.
Market Position: Where the Thrustmaster T598 Stands Among Direct Drive Competitors
The T598 is aiming to occupy a sweet spot: deliver “real” force feedback without the full premium price tag. In that sense, it competes not just with conventional belt-drive and gear-drive wheels, but with entry-level direct drive options from others (e.g., Fanatec, Moza).
In fact, when Thrustmaster revealed the T598, they marketed it as their step toward bringing direct drive to console sim racing in a more accessible way. The Verge noted that this is one of the first direct drive wheels targeting PlayStation compatibility. The Verge
Compared to its predecessor (T818) or rival wheels, the T598’s innovation lies in the axial flux motor design, which promises to reduce the drawbacks of traditional direct drive systems.
Still, its success will depend on whether the performance and build quality match expectations, especially in longer-term use.
Should You Buy the Thrustmaster T598? Key Takeaways for Sim Racers
If I were you, here’s what I’d keep in mind:
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For someone upgrading from gear / belt wheels, the T598 looks like a very tempting leap. The force feedback improvements will likely feel dramatic.
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Expect to tinker. To get the full benefit, you’ll probably spend time tweaking settings, adjusting pedal feel, and fine tuning the interface. Don’t expect “perfect out of the box.”
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Plan for rim / pedal upgrades. If the included rim or pedal feel doesn’t satisfy you long-term, the modular nature lets you improve them later.
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Check your rig / desk compatibility. The base’s shape, mounting options, and footprint can complicate setup in tight spaces.
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Watch for firmware updates & community feedback. Because the architecture is new, ongoing support and improvements will matter a lot in keeping the wheel relevant.
Final Thoughts: Why the Thrustmaster T598 Could Be the Start of a New Chapter for Thrustmaster
The Thrustmaster T598 is a fascinating and bold step by Thrustmaster. As an entirely new product line introducing axial flux direct drive tech, it’s not merely incremental — it’s a bet on a next generation of sim racing hardware. The promise is strong: smoother force feedback, clean dynamics, and modular flexibility.
The early impressions are promising: many testers praise its smooth feel, solid pedal set, and upgrade prospects. But the compromises are real too — rim quality, base bulk, UI usability, and long-term support are areas to watch.
If you’re in the market to step up your sim racing experience, especially with PlayStation + PC compatibility in mind, the T598 is one of the most compelling bundles in its class right now. But like with all new tech, it’s a calculated risk — and you’ll want to stay plugged into updates, user feedback, and possible revisions.