Six months after the T818 arrived in my cockpit, I revisit what confirmed my initial impressions and the difficulties encountered. I still appreciate its precision and simplicity, particularly with the SF1000. This follow-up also covers a support intervention, the space occupied by the base and a steering stop that remains too soft for my taste.
Putting the feel in context
I received my T818 around mid-January, following its announcement in late 2022. I first remind viewers that our hands hold a wheel: its shape, grip and paddles strongly influence the experience. The SF1000 remains a wheel I particularly enjoy, with its T-Chrono paddles and different displays. My opinion of the T818 therefore reflects this combination and my habits.
I also stress the importance of pedals. Before putting the entire budget into a higher-end base and wheel, a good brake deserves attention for consistency and trail braking. This video concerns the T818, but driving quality depends on the whole installation.
Unboxing and installation on the SIM-LAB
The box provides the base, power supply and an adapter for older Thrustmaster wheels. I bought the cockpit bracket separately. It retains the brand’s familiar mounting dimensions and fitted my SIM-LAB without additional drilling, using the supplied wing screws.
To switch easily between my round rim and the SF1000, I added a second adapter. This is convenient once everything is equipped, but those purchases belong in the budget. I also present printed mounts I designed for storing wheels or attaching a device to the base when moving to other simulations.
Six months of driving and settings
My iRacing tests, first on dirt and then in the Mazda, gave me confidence in corrections and close racing. The base remains quiet; slight creaking can come from the connection to older wheels. With the SF1000 in ACC, I particularly appreciate road-effect precision. I also get good sensations in rFactor 2 and F1 2022 with suitable settings.
At this stage of my experience, the simple Thrustmaster panel suits me. I generally retain Performance mode with damping at zero, then adjust within each game. The lack of a profile manager bothers me little because I do not constantly change simulations during one session. The update discussed notably adds a linearity setting that changes perceived force on straights; I present it as an option rather than an obligation to change my habits.
Limitations revealed in use
The base’s bulk complicates my wish to position it behind the screens. I would like to move the wheel farther away from the base to bring the display closer, but I do not have the steering extension I want here.
I also suffered disconnections while driving. Following discussions and videos sent to support, Thrustmaster supplied a replacement power supply and USB cable in under a week. The problem had not returned at the time of this follow-up. I cannot confirm its exact cause: heat or a faulty batch remain hypotheses.
Finally, the soft lock lacks firmness. This is most apparent with small single-seater steering angles, for example at the Monaco hairpin. I can keep pushing the wheel after the game’s steering has reached its limit. I would like a firmness setting comparable to those I have tried with other manufacturers.
My verdict
I still recommend the T818 for its behaviour and straightforward setup. Its financial appeal depends on the wheels already owned and the full cost of mounts and adapters, especially compared with the competing bundles discussed at the time.
What we liked
- Precision, quiet operation and the T818–SF1000 combination.
- Simple settings that let me start driving quickly.
- Support’s response to my disconnection problem.
What we liked less
- The overly soft steering stop.
- Bulk and the lack of an extension suited to my plans.
- Extra accessories needed for several older wheels.
