Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake

Our rating : 9.7/10

In the market of Sim-racing marketmarket, it has happened more than once that a manufacturer of simulation products has partnered with a big name in the automotive industry. In these cases, few products have met with a fiasco, be it a steering wheel or a gearshift.

It is precisely one of these collaborations that we have decided to focus on today, that between Thrustmaster and Sparcotwo great brands that are very well known to car enthusiasts, whether they are virtual or not.

We have tested for you the handbrake Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + and we’ll tell you everything there is to know about this model. We will tell you about his main characteristicsof the type of player for whom it is best suited, we will also tell you what are its advantages and its disadvantagesits price and where to get it.

The characteristics of the Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake

The Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + is a handbrake high-end handbrake that was born from the collaboration between the two great brands Thrustmaster and Sparco.

We have listed the main features of this model:

• The pommel of the Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + is the exact replica replica (1/1 scale, 8.5 cm high) of the real pommel of the Sparco Rally and Drift range for an even more impressive realism.

• This Thrustmaster handbrake is made of 90% metal (steel and aluminum), high quality components to offer a better resistance.

• The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + offers two highly realistic highly realistic modes: the progressive handbrakemode, for better control of turns and drifts, and the sequential gearbox mode for controlled and responsive gear shifting.

• This model is equipped with Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) for unmatched accuracy and unlimited product life.

• The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + offers the possibility to adapt the handbrake mode to your playing configuration: in vertical position for Rally mode and in horizontal position for the GT mode. A kit is included in the box to allow you to adjust the angle of the handle.

• This handbrake is compatible with the PlayStation 4 (with the Thrustmaster T-GT and T300-Series steering wheel bases), the Xbox One (with the Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer, and TX-Series steering wheel bases) and the PC (with all steering wheels on the market, regardless of brand).

• The list of console games compatible with the sequential gearbox mode and/or the handbrake mode is available at https://support.thrustmaster.com/

• The Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + can be attached to a cockpit via its integrated screw threads, or attached to a desk via the TM Racing Clamp which is sold separately.

• Dimensions: 25.8 x 32.7 x 13.6 cm

• Weight : 1.5kg

For what type of person?

The Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + is ideal for rally racing enthusiasts, but it is also but it is also ideal for GT fans fans as this lever is adjustable according to the driving style.

In our opinion, this handbrake from Thrustmaster is perfect for the most simulation fans, but it will be more difficult forHowever, it will be more difficult for beginners, who will need a lot of training to learn how to use it.

It is a model that will meet the expectations of the most demanding players on games like GranTurismo, Dirt 2.0, Assetto Corsa, Dirt 2.0 or even Richard Burns Rally.

Its advantages

In our test of the handbrake Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod +.we were able to discover and appreciate the advantages of this model.

In our opinion, one of the biggest advantages of the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + from Thrustmaster is its two-in-one mode The handbrake and the sequential gearbox. The progressive handbrake brings an extreme dose of realism as it allows you to adjust the intensity of the pressure and braking that you apply to the wheels of the virtual car, according to the needs and characteristics of each curve. The sequential gearbox allows for a controlled and responsive gear change.

We were also seduced by the feeling of this Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco + lever that is very natural, in part because its 85mm measurements are a scale replica of real Rally levers. The knob can be adjusted to a greater or lesser height to suit your preference. As a progressive handbrake, it performs very well. If you like drifting, you’ll love doing spins and discovering how the back of your virtual car comes to life with each fork. The sequential mode is also very successful in terms of feel, so if you’re a GT fan, this Thrustmaster model will suit all your needs.

Of course, we were seduced by the high quality of manufacture of the Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod +. Aluminum and steel make up almost all of the construction of this model. This ensures extra balance, consistency and durability, so you can use this 2-in-1 device for a long time. Its design in collaboration with Sparco is an additional point to consider when choosing this handbrake. If you love the world of rallying and drifting, you’ll love having a 1:1 scale replica from Sparco. Moreover, thanks to the H.E.A.R.T technology, this model has a magnetic sensor without contacts, which will considerably extend its durability.

Finally, the configuration the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + from Thrustmaster is very simple. As with the vast majority of the German manufacturer’s products, the settings for this handbrake model are made using a very easy-to-use Thrustmaster software program that can be downloaded from the brand’s website.

Its disadvantages

The handbrake test Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + revealed the positive points of this model, but we also discovered that it has a number of obviousdisadvantages.

In our opinion, one of the biggest drawbacks of the Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + is its high price. Even if its price seems perfectly justified by the many advantages it can offer, currently sold at an average price of about 250 €, this handbrake represents a big investment that is not really accessible to everyone.

On the other hand, we were disappointed by the fact that, despite its price, the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + does not include any specific support to be installed on a desk. It seems that Thrustmaster has forgotten about gamers who don’t have a cockpit at home, because if you do, you’ll have to invest in a stand to use it on a table or desk.

Finally, we found that the touch in sequential mode of the Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + can be a bit loose for those who prefer a very mechanical and hard change. It can be adjusted from the inside but you must lift the cover and touch the inner springs. It is not a manipulation that is available to everyone. In addition, the handbrake stroke is limited and the limit is quickly reached. For those who love Drifts and Rally, this may be a bit short.

Where to get it and for how much?

The Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + is on sale for €259.99 on the official Thrustmaster website.

You can also find it on sale at retailers, sometimes even in promotion as for example currently on Amazon.fr.

It is also possible to find Thrustmaster handbrake models on second-hand product buying and selling sites such as Le Bon Coin. We still recommend that you pay attention to the conditions of the product before you buy it.

Conclusion

We are used to good quality products from Thrustmaster and it is true that the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + is impressive.

This model two in one model that adapts to all styles of racing is a top of the line product that offers you both precisionprecision, a a very good grip and reactivity. The incorporation of H.E.A.R.T. technology also helps to improve the sensationsits reactivity and its durability.

If you are looking for a handbrake of the highest quality handbrake that also features a sequential mode, then the Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparko Mod + is perfect for you!