Sim racing has become more than just a game – it’s a serious hobby and, for some, a pathway to real racing. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to build your ultimate rig, choosing the right steering wheel and pedals will define your experience.

Today, we compare three popular options under €500:

• The Logitech G29 – the popular entry-level workhorse
• The Thrustmaster T300RS – a belt-driven mid-range upgrade
• The MOZA R5 – a direct drive game-changer for PC racers

And now we’re also talking about something many beginners overlook: pedals, and how load cells change everything.

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🕹️ Logitech G29 – Great First Step, But a Dead End?

Price Range: €250–€300 (with pedals)
Drive Type: Gear-driven
Included Pedals: 3-pedal set with potentiometers
Console Support: Yes (PS4/PS5 or Xbox depending on model)

👍 Pros:

• Very durable and beginner-friendly
• Simple USB plug-and-play
• Large online support and compatibility

👎 Cons:

• Gear-driven feedback is noisy and clunky
• No upgrade path – you can’t change the wheel rim, and pedals are hardwired
• FFB detail is coarse compared to belt or direct drive
• Potentiometer pedals are unreliable at precision inputs

🚫 Why It’s a Dead End:

Once you grow past beginner levels, the G29 starts to hold you back. The pedals can’t be upgraded to load cell (unless you DIY mod or swap brands entirely), and the gear-driven wheel limits your feel for tire grip and weight transfer. You can’t change the wheel rim either. It’s a solid “training wheel” – but there’s no path forward from it.

🎥 Video Review:

Logitech G29 – Still Worth Buying in 2024?

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⚙️ Thrustmaster T300RS – The Modular, Upgradable Middle Class

Price Range: €350–€450
Drive Type: Belt-driven
Included Pedals: Usually with T2PA or T3PA (potentiometer-based)
Console Support: Yes (PS4/PS5 & PC)

👍 Pros:

• Smoother force feedback than G29
• You can change wheel rims (F1, Rally, Sparco, etc.)
• Compatible with Thrustmaster Load Cell pedals (TLCM)
• Entry point to Thrustmaster ecosystem (T500, TS-PC, etc.)

👎 Cons:

• Belt drive can wear over time
• Prone to FFB fade in long races due to overheating
• T2PA pedals are decent, but limited without upgrade

🧱 Evolution Path – Why It Grows With You:

Here’s where the T300 shines: it’s upgradable.

Start here:

• Base T300RS + T3PA pedals = beginner-friendly
• Add T-LCM Load Cell pedals = proper brake feel
• Upgrade to Sparco or F1 rims for immersion
• When ready, you can switch to more powerful base like T500 or TS-XW.

You can build around the T300, and that’s what makes it a smart long-term choice. At the price point we at bluedragonracing.eu suggest to start with T300 ecosystem.

🎥 Video Review:

Is the Thrustmaster T300RS STILL Worth It in 2024?!

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⚡ MOZA R5 – Entry-Level Direct Drive That Feels Pro

Price Range: ~€480 (bundle with pedals)
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Included Pedals: MOZA SR-P Lite (Hall sensor, not Load Cell)
Console Support: ❌ PC only

👍 Pros:

• Ultra-smooth, realistic force feedback
• Direct drive precision for under €500
• Rigid and beautiful build
• Upgradeable pedals and rims in MOZA ecosystem

👎 Cons:

• Not for console users
• Needs solid mounting (rig, not desk)
• Pedals not load cell unless upgraded to SR-P Pro
• Smaller community compared to Logitech/Thrustmaster

🚀 The Modern PC Racer’s Choice:

If you’re on PC and don’t need console support, the MOZA R5 is a no-brainer. The only limit is pedal performance – but once you go for MOZA SR-P Pro Load Cell pedals, you’re in semi-pro territory with under €800 invested.

🎥 Video Review:

MOZA R5 Hands-On & Review

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🦶 Load Cell Pedals – Why They Change Everything

Potentiometer pedals measure distance – like a volume knob.
Load cell pedals measure pressure – just like real cars.

This makes a huge difference in braking consistency, especially in competitive sim racing or when trail braking. It’s the most important hardware upgrade after force feedback.

Entry-Level Load Cell Options:

• Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals (€200) – compatible with T300
• MOZA SR-P Pro (€239) – works with MOZA ecosystem

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📊 Final Summary: Which Wheel Is Best For You?

Feature	Logitech G29	Thrustmaster T300RS	MOZA R5
Drive Type	Gear	Belt	Direct Drive
Upgrade Path	❌ None	✅ Pedals + Rims + Base	✅ Pedals + DD Rims
FFB Smoothness	❌ Noisy	✅ Smooth	✅✅ Ultra Smooth
Pedals	❌ Weak	🔶 OK / Upgradeable	🔶 OK / Upgradeable
Load Cell Option	❌ None (mod only)	✅ T-LCM	✅ SR-P Pro
Console Compatibility	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ PC Only
Best For	Beginners	Beginner –> Mid-level racers	Immersive PC racers

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🧠 SCELETON 1.0 Advice – The Smart Upgrade Path

If you’re serious about sim racing, here’s how to evolve your gear wisely:

1. Skip the G29 unless you’re on a tight budget or unsure if sim racing is for you.
2. Start with a T300 – smooth, immersive, console-ready, and modular.
3. Upgrade to load cell pedals like the T-LCMs for serious lap time gains.
4. Eventually move to direct drive – you’ll already have a rig and pedals ready.

Or, if you’re a PC-only racer with a strong rig:

• Jump straight to MOZA R5 and upgrade pedals later.

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💬 What’s your setup right now? What helped you drop the most time per lap – a wheel upgrade or pedals? Let us know below!

For more tips, reviews, and sim racing hardware breakdowns, visit us at
🌐 bluedragonracing.eu

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