Sim racing has become quite popular for some time now as it is cheaper as well as safer than normal racing. iRacing and Assetto Corsa are the most sought-after simulation racing games. For sim games, it is also necessary to have the right set of gear for your games. Thrustmaster pedal sets are the ultimate solace for sim racers.
The Thrustmaster T3PA and T3PA PRO are the best pedal sets for beginners. They are add-on pedal sets and are compatible with T300 RS, T500 RS, and TX racing wheels. Unlike their predecessors, they come with a third pedal which is aimed at improving the user’s gameplay.
However, the debate between T3PA and T3PA pro often creates a lot of confusion among the users as to which one of them will be better for them. Do not worry; we are here to make things easier for you. In this article, we will compare T3PA and T3PA Pro in a very detailed way, so you can choose the best for you!
The T3PA and T3PA Pro are both high-quality pedals produced by Thrustmaster, a leading manufacturer in the gaming accessories industry. The T3PA Pro is generally considered to be of higher build quality compared to the T3PA due to its metal construction and more advanced features.
However, both pedals are durable and reliable, and the T3PA is still a popular choice for many gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and budget.
T3PA VS T3PA PRO: Build Quality
The T3PA pedal set is well-made, with all-metal pedals, pads, and an internal motor. However, the casing and footrest are made of plastic, which, as mentioned before, is its biggest drawback.
It slides very easily because of its build. At times, you may also feel that it is fragile or of cheap quality. But Thrustmaster has worked quite well with the plastic base and enhanced the grip design.
But the T3PA Pro is purely made up of metal, which makes it almost three times heavier than the T3PA. The heavyweight also prevents it from sliding, and it is much better in terms of durability. The metal footrest has a substantial and sturdy feel to it. To prevent slippage, the footrest is also textured.
Both of them have an amazing grip design. The T3PA pedal set is made up of plastic and is quite lightweight, but on the other hand, the T3PA Pro pedal set is solely made up of metal. This is one of the major differences between the build quality of T3PA and T3PA Pro.
This is also why people tend towards T3PA pro. But in both the pedal sets, mounting has been recommended for better and more comfortable gameplay.
T3PA VS T3PA PRO: Performance
These pedals are compatible with all recent Thrustmaster wheelbases and are a significant upgrade for any set that does not already include the T3PA. Unlike some other companies’ pedals, Thrustmaster leaves the heavy lifting to the wheelbase. This makes issues like input resolution a very trivial matter.
Both the T3PA and T3PA Pro sets come with a variety of options for altering the height, angle, and pitch of the pedals, as well as mod options for the brake pedal that allow you to tweak the feel and necessary braking force. The T3PA has only one mod option, whereas the T3PA Pro has two mod options.
Once again, this is where the T3PA Pro stands out from the T3PA model. Moreover, T3PA Pro has more height adjustment controls as compared to the T3PA set. This ensures better gameplay for the user. Additional upgrades are available from both Thrustmaster and third-party vendors.
Although both of them have been on the market for a considerable amount of time and have amazing performance, it is only fair to say that T3PA Pro also outshines in terms of both features and execution. However, from a bigger perspective, T3PA also delivers a good performance.
T3PA VS T3PA PRO: Design
Although T3PA does not top the chart, it is quite fair in terms of design. The best part about T3PA is its customization because you can adjust the spacing as well as the angle of each individual pedal. Each pedal has three spacing positions and two angle adjustments.
You can also modify the height of the accelerator pedal, which has two height options. A conical rubber brake mod is available that may be installed directly under the brake pedal to improve resistance and provide a realistic ultra-progressive effect. But, T3PA is more suited for F1 (standard) positions.
On the other hand, T3PA Pro has more levels of height adjustment and thus it is suitable for F1 and GT (inverted) positions. All pedals have more range and pressure adjustments.
It also contains two separate brake mods that you can utilize to alter the brake pedal’s pressure force, travel length, and resistance. However, there are not many advantages in terms of additional and out-of-the-box functionality when compared to the T3PA model.
Without a doubt, T3PA Pro has some undeniable advantages over T3PA. But it would be unfair to say that T3PA lacks anything major in terms of its design and functionality.
T3PA VS T3PA PRO: Pedals Style
In both models, you are free to adjust the distance between the three pedals. In fact, you can also remove the pedal pad, and it can be mounted in three different positions.
You will realize that this will give you more comfort and will eventually improve your gaming experience. This is quite an improvement, considering the previous two-pedal set.
But the T3PA Pro model comes with an extra rod that is suspended on the top. Now, you must be wondering what its use may be. It enables the user to choose between two different pedal styles.
You have the option of choosing between two pedal styles: floor-mounted (also known as F1-style) or suspended (also known as F2-style) (GT-style). The floor-mounted location makes it easy to heel and toe the pedals, although it may take some getting used to.
Clearly, the T3PA Pro surpasses the T3PA in terms of pedal styles because it has two different mounting styles that help you experience better gameplay.
T3PA VS T3PA PRO: Durability
The pedals are quite comfortable, and the internal system is sturdy, so there is less possibility of it breaking. The casing, however, is still made of plastic. To prevent slippage, the footrest is wide and textured. It is quite lightweight for the same reason and weighs only 3.4 kilograms.
Since it is a bit lighter, people may question its durability. But Thrustmaster surely does not compromise on its quality. In fact, they have made the plastic build much better compared to the previous Thrustmaster pedal sets.
The Thrustmaster T3PA Pro is significantly tougher. It is made entirely of metal, including the pedals and internal structure, as well as the casing. It is unquestionably tougher and more long-lasting. Since it is purely made of metal, it weighs way more than the T3PA model. It weighs about 9.2 kilograms.
T3PA and T3PA Pro have been on the market for a very long time now. Very rarely have users complained about their durability, which means both of them are made of top-notch quality.
However, T3PA Pro surpasses T3PA in terms of durability because of its all-metal build. But, T3PA has equally good quality even though it is partially made up of plastic.
Similarities Between T3PA VS T3PA PRO:
The T3PA and T3PA Pro pedals are compatible with a wide range of controllers. They can be ordered separately or as part of a bundle with other accessories such as steering wheels and shifters. One thing that both the models have in common is that they are both strong and durable, irrespective of the material they are made up of.
They have a textured platform that allows them to get a better grip, which indirectly influences the gameplay. Both sets of pedals may be modified for resistance and incline. It also includes a conical brake mod that can be installed if you desire heavy pedal resistance like in a real race car. In terms of customization, they are also quite similar. They also allow for the floor-mounted racing position, which is a must for F1 sim racing games.
They are equipped with powerful compression springs, the pressure force of which may be adjusted depending on the springs’ travel range. As a result, users can tailor their experience to their personal preferences. This gives you a considerable advantage in racing because the brake pedal’s performance is of the utmost importance.
What Is The Cost Difference Between T3PA VS T3PA PRO?
The cost difference between the T3PA and the T3PA Pro is quite negligible. At this point in time, you must be thinking that since T3PA Pro has more added features, it must cost more. However, the reality is quite the opposite.
The T3PA pedal set has a maximum retail price of Rs. 16,999, whereas the T3PA Pro pedal set has a maximum retail price of Rs. 14,999.
This is a little confusing because, considering the number of extra features T3PA Pro offers, it must be valued at a higher price than the standard T3PA model. However, it is certainly not the case.
However, on other e-commerce platforms, like Amazon or Tata Cliq, you may get the T3PA model at a very discounted price. However, this is only for India. Different countries may have different pricing schemes.
Which Is Better: T3PA Or T3PA PRO?
The T3PA has good specifications that would definitely satisfy the needs of a sim racer, but without a doubt, the T3PA Pro is a better choice for you. In terms of both performance and durability, the T3PA Pro model undeniably outshines the T3PA model.
Not only does it offer superior performance, but it also makes sure that it has ample levels of adjustment in terms of height and inclination. This is to make sure that the user experiences the maximum amount of comfort while playing games.
While the T3PA can be customized only in one mounting position, the T3PA Pro model can be customized to suit two different gaming styles – F1 and GT.
Moreover, if we consider the aesthetic, the T3PA is much better in design as it is only made up of metal. It is heavier and thus sturdy enough to manage the pressure that will be put on it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, T3PA Pro is very compatible with the load cells. The load cell mod turns your brake into a pressure-sensitive pedal, similar to what you’d find in a real car.
Yes, the T150 is compatible with the T3PA pedal set.
Yes, T3PM is an amazing set of pedals if you are upgrading from T3PA. The H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology used in T3PM is proprietary and patented, providing players with genuinely outstanding, thousandth-of-a-second precision. T3PM also features four different brake pressure modes, allowing racers to play comfortably and with the same level of precision regardless of the setup they’re using.
If you are a beginner at sim racing, then T3PA is an amazing choice for you. But if you are a seasoned player, you may begin to outgrow them.
Conclusion:
So that was all we had in our T3PA versus T3PA Pro articles. By now you must be clear with the basic and major differences between the two of them. T3PA is definitely a good set of pedals, but it would not be fair to give T3PA Pro any lesser amount of appreciation.
Be it performance, build quality, design, customization, or even durability, the T3PA Pro model is a step ahead of the T3PA model. It has an elusive clutch pedal along with the brake mod, which is apparently the most striking feature of the T3PA Pro model as it completely transforms the add-on.
I am a Chandan Tewatia and I am the founder of this blog cfindia.net. I have been in the industry for over 10 years and have worked with some of the biggest names in the business. I have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share, and my blog is a platform for me to do just that.
