Ferrari F 430 FFB - Hopefully a Thrustmaster progress

So, now isses extent. The left rocker switch, which has made for some time with double-downshift operations problems, is now fully functional. Out! Nix more F1.

Yes, I "use" my PC handlebars very hard! This should at a handlebar for - not be a problem over 100 euros - still. Generally, there are little things that lead to the defect. Be it the desktop holder, whether the spring in the pedal, be it a construction and share-related failure of the left rocker. You will now switch times faster and harder down as up.

After the endurance test will determine for myself:

I try using a steering wheel of nem other manufacturers.

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2013-01-31 Update

Much too late I post that I actually highly acclaimed attachment is broken when "One turn too much." I've got a compatible table-mounting screws must underneath. This works the way perfectly. But Tststs! Thrustmaster! I'm a fan of you. But builds please A) The pedals and B) the table mounting durable. Yeah, I know, when the price can not be expected --- I expect at an arm more than 100 but still more! Point deduction.

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2011-11-28 Update

So, now the Thrustmaster F 430 is almost a year old. Unfortunately, it came as feared: One of the two springs in the gas pedal is broken. The first is not so bad, after all, there's even the second spring still ;-)

Whether occurring for some time "double shifts" when downshifting through the steering wheel are caused, or whether it is in the game (F1 2010), I am currently still investigating.

Conclusion:
In terms of durability, there's a clear point deduction, because the pedal unit - has a defect - despite not too excessive play.
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ThrustMaster I had some PC link, including the good, durable 360 ​​Modena. At least you could at the part when you had a second as a spare parts store, some repair itself.

Well, it was time for something new, cost much could it not also. now are scarce 115 still ne rod Money. Be said that who spends less, quickly makes a bad buy! (Just as I did before I got the F 430 ordered me on Amazon. I bought the local e-commerce a Thrustmaster FGT Rumble 3 in 1 for almost 50th This did not 2 weeks! In the meantime, the Lötbruchstelle was the old 360 Modena again repaired.)

Now for the F 430 for PC:

This my first impression for F 430. Here is with the product I've played about 30 hours Codemasters F1 2010. A review can probably provide clear assessments of longevity and stability only after a minimum of 20 times Einsatzteit.

The pedals of the F 430 could be better. While this work obviously quite good pots, but the pedals were always a Thrustmaster vulnerability, especially the built-springs which like auslabberten or even broke. The base plate is once again a bit too small. Halfway slip the thing is only when it is fixed in any way, if one sets z. B. against a wall. Should be noted that especially the brake pedal responds very well, because a magnet seems to be in the game !? It feels almost like a real foot brake.

The handlebar itself makes a stable impression. Unfortunately, he is not adjustable in angle. Does that mean that the steering wheel is at normal table mounting a bit away from the driver and slopes downward. This gives almost a "truck" feel. Also an adjustment in the amount lacking, as with most PC-arms.

Class is the arrangement of the buttons. 6 of them are - even for short fingers - to reach without problems, while "normal" includes the steering wheel. The "Manettino" -Switch is even a nice gag; but whether that is really suitable for everyday use?

The driving experience of a force-feedback arm is somehow getting used to. And the F 430 it is even "specifically" unfamiliar. Often you can feel that there are gears, the fight against the steering movement. This gives a hakeligs steering feel. Nevertheless, the steering wheel follows the direction change quite well. I've tested the F 430 with the Formula 1 Arcade / Simulation Codemasters F1 2010. As the link works for a little spieleseitigem "Tuning" properly. With GP3 however, gambling is probably only with force feedback disabled feasible, despite the games each given setting. (But that is rather at the old game.)

By the way - the shift paddles are made of metal. Hopefully here the steering console for better quality is ensured even in the interior, as in the Thrustmaster Billigheimern! There like breaking times from what. Or switch built refuse after a few switching operations the service. I do not hope that the metal shift paddles mean: "Outside Hui, inside yuck!"

Too bad that Thrustmaster does not offer software for editing / receipts of buttons. Since then you have from external providers operate such. B. Xpadder or JoyToKey. A successor to the Thrustmapper software sorely lacking!

Remains to be seen how the F 430 proven in continuous use. Hopefully Thrustmaster has made progress here and built the part on longevity. Tests renowned journals say because unfortunately the contrary.

+ PLUS:
Number buttons (10 + D-Pad + 5x Manettino switch)
Diameter (28 cm)
Grip (rubberized)

- MINUS:
Pedals or pedal plate (too small, too slippery)
no variable installation angle (I like it even)
missing Editior software (goodbye, Thrustmapper)
Force feedback (hakelig)

- MINUS after continuous operation:
Broken spring on the pedal
Broken plastic table mount
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It must be noted after continuous cycle:
at a cost of more than 100 a PC link-pedal unit should survive at least one year without any mechanical problems, even with excessive Racing players. Thrustmaster moves here with the F 430 in totally unacceptable range.