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Beneath the surface, we have two direct-drive wheelbases vying for supremacy. Thrustmaster's TS-XW Servo boasts a respectable 6.4Nm of torque, while VRS DirectForce Pro takes the cake with an astonishing 20Nm. The compatibility story is more complicated - TS-XW Servo caters to both PC and Xbox users, whereas VRS DirectForce Pro is exclusively designed for PC.
I've seen my fair share of Thrustmaster's TS-XW Servo woes. Users are reporting buzzing and calibration issues out of the box, with some experiencing deadzones in the middle of their wheelbase. The community has collectively groaned at the thought of yet another defective product from a brand that promised more. I've witnessed owners struggling to get their wheels recognized by games, only to have them work perfectly once they tweaked around with settings. Don't even get me started on the support - Thrustmaster's customer service is a nightmare to deal with. The buzzword 'return label' has become synonymous with 'weeks of agony'. It's like they're trying to test our patience.
VRS DirectForce Pro, on the other hand, seems to be less of a headache for users. While it does come with its quirks - socket guards that are as flimsy as they are infuriating, and the occasional FFB hiccup - it's clear that Simagic has made an effort to listen to their community. Users report being able to solve issues through troubleshooting forums and Discord channels, which is more than I can say for Thrustmaster's woefully inadequate support.
But here's the thing: VRS DirectForce Pro comes with a premium price point that'll make your wallet weep tears of blood. Is it worth it? Honestly, who cares about specs when you're dealing with real-world problems like buzzing and deadzones?
I'm calling it - for serious simmers looking to invest in a high-end wheelbase, VRS DirectForce Pro is the way to go. It may be pricey, but at least it doesn't come with a side of agony. Thrustmaster's TS-XW Servo might have been a decent option back in the day, but now it's just another entry-level product trying to masquerade as a top-tier contender.
But if you're on a budget or just starting out, don't bother with either of these monstrosities. You'll be better off with something more affordable and less prone to headaches.
For the record, I'm still waiting for Thrustmaster to fix their customer service, but until then, VRS DirectForce Pro gets my reluctant endorsement.