Over the years, sim-racing has become a discipline in its own right, and is even used as a training tool by professional drivers. In fact Fanateca manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals, as BMW’ s supplier for the steering wheels used by the German firm in its GT cars. This speaks volumes about Fanatec’s weight in the game.

As a sim-racer, each person has their own setup with specific peripherals. Obviously, a good setup includes a steering wheel with its base and pedals. But some racers want to push realism to the limit by adding a gear lever, handbrake, etc.

Seeing this as a new market segment, sim-racing device manufacturers have jumped at the chance to offer quality products that aim to satisfy the needs of specific customers. That’s how we got the TSS Handbrake from Thrustmaster, a handbrake developed in close collaboration with Sparco. In what follows, I’m going to introduce you to this handbrake, tell you about its advantages and disadvantages, and give you my opinion on it.

Main and technical features of the handbrake

• A structure made almost entirely of steel and aluminum
• Official Sparco scale replica handbrake
• Two operating modes: handbrake and sequential shifter
• Compatible with Playstation, Xbox and PC
• Handbrake with H.E.A.R.T technology for unrivalled precision in use
• Dimensions: 25.8 x 32.7 x 13.6 cm

Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake design

Over the years, Thrustmaster has fine-tuned the design of its products, and has virtually always brought us peripherals that are both beautiful and very well finished. The TSS Handbrake is a superbly crafted handbrake, with a sleek, minimalist design. This makes sense, given that it’s a scale replica of a Sparco handbrake, and this automotive supplier also knows a thing or two about product design.

The base of the TSS Handbrake is all metal, as is the handle. The visible screws give this handbrake an industrial look, which is truly successful. The machined aluminum looks great, and the angle of the handbrake can be adjusted to suit all sim-racers. What’s more, Thrustmaster offers a version with an acrylic “hood” that lets you see how the TSS Handbrake works, and it’s magnificent. The design of this handbrake is successful, worthy of the great names in motorsport.

Customized assembly

So, the negative points start right away. The TSS Handbrake can only be mounted on a cockpit using 4 M6 screws, at least by default with the components supplied in the box. Either Thrustmaster, in developing this handbrake, had only cockpit-mounted racers in mind and skipped the others, or it’s a strategic move to force you to buy a desktop mounting system, which is sold separately of course.

On a chassis, just 4 screws and you’re done. The TSS Handbrake won’t budge from its position, no matter how aggressively you ride. On the table/desk, you’ll need the specific bracket, which is a kind of clamp that attaches to the handbrake with screws and to the edge of the table. Note that the peripheral will be underneath and shouldn’t get in your way at all.

Manufacturing and finishing

After Thrustmaster’s initial faux pas in terms of assembly, the manufacturer quickly makes up for it in terms of finish and build quality. The TSS Handbrake is a masterpiece, using almost exclusively metal for its structure and all its parts.

Many parts, such as the knob and handbrake lever, are machined from blocks of metal (steel/aluminium) to provide a high level of strength and exceptional durability. All surfaces of the TSS Handbrake are very well finished, with no burrs to be found, and I took my time in examining this product thoroughly.

At the same time, I think this is to be expected, given the price at which this sim-racing peripheral is sold. I’ll come back to this subject below, but Thrustmaster wants to compete with Fanatec, and this should give you an idea of the selling price of the TSS Handbrake.

Handbrake control

Once I’d settled into the cockpit, I immediately noticed one thing: the TSS Handbrake is very easy to get to grips with, whatever position you prefer. What’s more, this device has two modes of operation: handbrake or sequential shifter, and both feel great in the hand.

Thrustmaster’s software allows very precise adjustment of the TSS Handbrake. It’s ideal for sim-racers who want greater control over handbrake dosage, especially drift and rally fans.

Another positive point regarding handling is that this product isn’t really bulky. I think it’s pretty compact for such a high-quality device, and shouldn’t take up too much space when installed on a desk or cockpit.

Sensations during play

Now let’s talk about the feel of TSS Handbrake. Well, it’s very good! Having used it mainly on Dirt, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the sensations it gave me. In handbrake mode, the TSS Handbrake is firm, while still being able to dose the braking of the rear wheels.

What I really liked was that, unlike a button, the TSS Handbrake lets you brake the wheels at the start, and if you go for it, you’ll lock the rear wheels and thus initiate a drift or slide. Frankly, it’s very convincing, especially for fans of rally games.

As for the sequential gearbox mode, it’s practically on a par with the Thrustmaster TH8A (which you can discover here). Lever travel is rather short and the magnetic sensor is very precise. The only weak point of the TSS Handbrake in sequential shifter mode is that the handle lacks a little firmness. I’m not saying it’s all flabby – no, not at all. But I am saying that by changing springs, this problem will become a thing of the past.

Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake compatibility

The TSS Handbrake comes with a 9-pin connection that allows it to be plugged into virtually all Thrustmaster steering wheels/bases, such as the TMX, T300, T500, TX series (which you can discover here), etc. Quite frankly, the manufacturer’s entire product range is available, and I love it. What’s more, the TSS Handbrake isn’t limited to use with the Thrustmaster ecosystem, as it also includes a USB connection that enables it to work on PCs with competitors’ products.

As far as titles are concerned, practically all recent ones support this. And it’s the same story with cockpits that feature a handbrake slot.

Value for money

The TSS Handbrake costs €279.99 on the Thrustmaster website, but can be found for less than less than €250 on other online stores such as Amazon. Before you say anything, I know it’s still expensive for a handbrake. It’s a premium product, with quality materials. That’s the way it is.

For sim-racing pros and amateurs alike, it’s well worth the purchase price, and has no real competition in its segment. But its value for money isn’t great, especially when you consider that it doesn’t come with a table or desk mount. The pill doesn’t go down well at 250 bucks.

My verdict on Thrustmaster’s TSS Handbrake

For fans of drifting, rallying and complete sim-racing setups, the TSS Handbrake is a must-have, especially for those with rather large wallets. Its build quality, the sensations it delivers and its hybrid operating mode make it an excellent product to acquire and exploit in sim-racing.

But, on the other hand, only a few will be able to afford such an investment. If you can afford it, I recommend the TSS Handbrake. If your budget is limited and you really must have that handbrake, I can recommend the second-hand market, but at your own risk! And if you’re not convinced, then I invite you to read my review of the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5.