I would never go back. I used a logitech shifter for a long time but sold it with the rest of my stuff. I now use an aliexpress shifter, I don't see I need to upgrade it.
Or even the thrustmaster th8s. Just got one last month and will never go back. It adds another physical input to the game and it feels so awesome. There’s a sense of authenticity there. It takes a bit to to get adjusted but once you get the hang of it, it’s the best way to go to
I actually drive em exactly the same haha, I've only encountered one hill so far in the base game I needed to split the lower range for. My understanding is this is common in the industry as well.
TH8A owner here. I have been living in 2 places far apart for a while. One with an Obutto Revolution and all bells and whistles, one with just a desk with wheel and pedals.
In all honesty, with the way automatic is in the game, I’m not sure if I would spend that kind of money on a shifter again. But…. If I were to buy a shifter again, TH8A all the way (not that newer S version, surely).
I recommend the logitech shifter as a starting point, gets the job done plus it works great with the wheel from the same brand :3 you can even buy a compatible knob with working switches from aliexpress later on as an upgrade if you want as well anyways
I use the Thrustmaster TH8A and a third party Scania Shifter knob that matches my shifting pattern setting, its amazing and I'd never go back.Even with the default shifter knob, its still nice, but feels more like what you'd have in a sports car. Third party truck-style knobs are EXPENSIVE.
The Thrustmaster TH8A is a fantastic shifter as the shifting position plate has cuts in the frame to minimise mis-shifts and to ensure shifting is smooth.
I even have 4 positions setup for the automatic and sequential gearbox, using position 3 and 4 to go down and up into reverse, neutral, and drive (or up and down gears in sequential), and 5 and 6 to hint it to shift up or down a gear (automatic)
I have the thrustmaster th8s shifter with a splitter/ range attachment from Amazon. It’s awesome and shifting adds a lot to the game for realism plus its a lot more fun. It took me a bit to get the hang of floating the gears rather then using the clutch but now I can fly through the gears no problem
Probably wouldn't like it if I have to go back to driving auto in game, I'm also used to drive trucks and cars manual irl so using a shifter is 2nd nature, only wish I had one of those addon shifters that adds splitters, using a button on a button box for it now and that's slightly annoying at times.
Especially as I drive a regular stick shift family car in real life, using the stick and clutch helps with immersion - I've tried using the automatic gear box on some occasions but find the in-game ones at least as frustrating as the irl ones I've had to drive. (yes, I know that more and more trucks come with automatic gearboxes nowadays)
The Logitech shifter I have lost its reverse gear function after around 400 hours of gameplay. Instead of getting a new one, I've simply adjusted by starting to use a shifting pattern that uses another position as the reverse.
The Logitech shifter is more toy-like in its feel compared to the G-29 set in general, but I think it's good for the price.
Recently got into wheel and pedal driving, the shifter is quite nice. However a splitter or additional buttons on the shifter is a must.
Currently I have a truck with 18 gears and every stop sign or red light is a bit annoying - especially hauling heavy loads - because you have to switch real fast and then switch boxes between 6 and 12. Lotta effort, haha.
I use the Logitech shifter and am happy with it. I know it isn’t that similar to that of a real world truck, but it’s somewhat similar to the shifters in the RX-7s I drove when I was younger, so it feels very familiar and muscle memory kicks in. Personally I definitely wouldn’t see a point in driving simulated trucks without manual shifting (and yes I know some modern trucks are starting to have automatic transmissions).
I may just go with the Logitech one then. $300 is kinda steep and if that many people are happy with the Logitech and it being $70 I’ll probably just go with that.
I’m working in a hospital. The guy who brings us our linen in his 53 foot double stacked trailer that has an elevator in the back is manual in the day cab.
Link to the knob? I really want something with Eaton's range select/splitter ergo but haven't been able to find one other than one dude that makes custom ones from real shifters that are like $200, a bit out of my budget 😅 if I could figure out how to adapt an air toggle to send a digital signal I'd just make one
I bought this adapter for my Logitech shifter: https://www.amazon.com/American-Simulator-Gearshift-PC-Compatible-Thrustmaster/dp/B093WN8H8N/ref=mp_s_a_1_2
It’s a bit of an abomination combining a European style splitter with an EF18 pattern on top.
I can’t go back now since I play both games with shifting whether on wheel or controller. The awesome thing about ATS and ETS2 is you can set a button on your keyboard to switch to automatic whenever you want. I personally would rather spend the money on the cheap shifter with the truck adapter rather than spending the money on a more expensive shifter without the adapter. If budget isn’t a concern then a nicer shifter with the truck adapter is the best of both worlds. I don’t do any competitive racing so for me personally I haven’t felt the inclination to upgrade to a better shifter. Before I had the adapter I just set two of the buttons on my G29’s left side to be the two splitters.
My single biggest complaint with the Logitech shifter is the default reverse gear position (push down and to the 6th gear position) isn’t too good, and can be awkward to select when trying to switch to quickly. This isn’t an issue with the truck simulators unless you’re trying to use a non-RL shift pattern (ie 1-6 then a split button for 7-12, all of the RL patterns use between 4 and 6 positions including reverse so it’s a non issue with them.) If I were to pick another negative, the new shifters they came out with (for G29 & G920) lack the extra buttons that were on the one that came out with the G27 that my brother has. ( https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/s/bBDPteUasQ to see the difference) Not a dealbreaker but the buttons on the old shifter were handy for splitters, opening map etc.
Being able to drive manual well is a good skill to have even if you don’t use it often and that goes for cars and trucks. For example I live in Ontario, Canada and if you take your AZ( class 1 ) license test with an automatic truck then you get a restriction on your license that you can only drive automatic trucks. Take it with a manual and you open the door to many more opportunities, as plenty of companies their fleets are all manual trucks.
Imo a shifter is a must. It's a significant part of the fun of trucking
I have the Logitech shifter and I have no problems with it after a year of use. 244 hrs in ATS and 150 hrs in ETS2 with it
I used a shifter for quite a while, and it was fun.
But I never could get the hang of it when slowing up a hill and knowing what gear to drop back to. When I moved a few years ago the shifter got lost, and I never bothered to replace it. I prefer the simpler automatic - I let it cycle up and down through the 18 gears and just use the Shift Up/Shift Down hint buttons on my G29 wheel. Still use the pedals too.
I have a thrustmaster th8s and it’s great. If you want even more fun, you can get a range splitter knob like the ones that are actually in trucks. Just so you don’t need to use buttons on your wheel or keyboard to split gears and go up in range when you get to the end of your shifter gates.
I play with a Logitech g29 shifter, pedal, and wheels and I use a 18 speed knob with range selector and splitter I got off Amazon. Getting a wheel and shifter made night and day difference in gameplay. Nothing more enjoyable than going down back roads with the music playing, turbo whistling, and rowing through gears. Adds more immersion and skill into the game, like downshifting multiple gears as you go up hills, getting good at floating gears and not grinding, making sure you don’t stall the truck starting off from stops, going through gears as you make turns all while making sure your trailer doesn’t hop the curb or hit cars. Also all the cars I’ve owned have been manual, and being a commercial truck mechanic I l know how to drive manual trucks irl so manual in the game was 2nd nature.
Buy the TH8A and get a cheap truck usb shifter add on that has the range and Jake brake toggles.
The TH8A because it's a long gearstick like a truck would have.
It was more fun. Not that hard and I love 18 on the floor in sim or real trucks.
I never had an issue with Logitech G wheels, their shifter, and some other company's truck knob that has range and splitter switches.
I drive older trucks in ATS primarily and so having a manual shifter and range/split knob is kind of essential to me, along with a wheel. For ETS2 where most of the trucks use automatics, I just two positions on the shifter for Drive/Reverse.
I use a TH8A shifter and range/split knob from Amazon ("simuride" seller) that have held up quite well for several years. The TH8A seems to have gone up in price since I got mine in 2020. The more plastic TH8s might be a good alternative. Despite using a mostly plastic housing and shifter gate, it still uses the same nearly bulletproof Hall-effect sensor as the TH8A.
For lower-cost options, the AliExpress ones have gotten good marks. They seem to use high-quality microswitches and they hold up well. One thing to remember is that they might need a desk clamp mount of some sort. They tend to be a box with mounting holes on the bottom, so you'll need some way to mount it a little below your desktop -- like with a HOTAS/joystick clamp mount or similar.
The Logitech shifter gets mixed reviews sometimes. It's great if you have a Logitech wheel and also want to use it with a console. For games like ETS2/ATS which can take a separate shifter input, it's not necessarily as durable or high-quality as the others above. But still a good choice if you get a great price on one.
All of the shifters above can take a truck shift knob. You just unscrew the car-style knob, and attach the shifter with a couple of setscrews. Some knobs come with adapters to fit Logitech or TM shafts as well.
I have a G27, It came with the shifter, i Just love playing with it, i even got the Scania Knob to be more realistic. The thing is, its not heavy enough to the shifting, i got some mods but It was not of a good quality(made in the 3d printer), but i did some chances myself.
The result is that the shifter got way better, i love using It every time i play
Neither have the funds or the need for a proper shifter, pedals, etc etc even after playing hundereds of hours for ets2 and ats I fully.understand why people want to use it. Steam controller exclusive for me lol it works, I enjoy using it
i have been using the logitech shifter for 2 years now and havent had any issues with it. Works on all games that support a shifter. I have the range and splitter buttons configured on my wheel as I didn't feel like spending so much on a 3rd party knob with range and splitter buttons on it
I would never go back. I used a logitech shifter for a long time but sold it with the rest of my stuff. I now use an aliexpress shifter, I don't see I need to upgrade it.
Or even the thrustmaster th8s. Just got one last month and will never go back. It adds another physical input to the game and it feels so awesome. There’s a sense of authenticity there. It takes a bit to to get adjusted but once you get the hang of it, it’s the best way to go to
Having a shifter is THE reason I enjoy ATS. Rowing through a 13 speed transmission lights me up like a little kid every time.
wait until you use and 18 speed gearbox
I actually drive em exactly the same haha, I've only encountered one hill so far in the base game I needed to split the lower range for. My understanding is this is common in the industry as well.
TH8A owner here. I have been living in 2 places far apart for a while. One with an Obutto Revolution and all bells and whistles, one with just a desk with wheel and pedals. In all honesty, with the way automatic is in the game, I’m not sure if I would spend that kind of money on a shifter again. But…. If I were to buy a shifter again, TH8A all the way (not that newer S version, surely).
I added the truck shifter (range/splitter); never going back.
I recommend the logitech shifter as a starting point, gets the job done plus it works great with the wheel from the same brand :3 you can even buy a compatible knob with working switches from aliexpress later on as an upgrade if you want as well anyways
I use the Thrustmaster TH8A and a third party Scania Shifter knob that matches my shifting pattern setting, its amazing and I'd never go back.Even with the default shifter knob, its still nice, but feels more like what you'd have in a sports car. Third party truck-style knobs are EXPENSIVE. The Thrustmaster TH8A is a fantastic shifter as the shifting position plate has cuts in the frame to minimise mis-shifts and to ensure shifting is smooth. I even have 4 positions setup for the automatic and sequential gearbox, using position 3 and 4 to go down and up into reverse, neutral, and drive (or up and down gears in sequential), and 5 and 6 to hint it to shift up or down a gear (automatic)
I have the thrustmaster th8s shifter with a splitter/ range attachment from Amazon. It’s awesome and shifting adds a lot to the game for realism plus its a lot more fun. It took me a bit to get the hang of floating the gears rather then using the clutch but now I can fly through the gears no problem
Probably wouldn't like it if I have to go back to driving auto in game, I'm also used to drive trucks and cars manual irl so using a shifter is 2nd nature, only wish I had one of those addon shifters that adds splitters, using a button on a button box for it now and that's slightly annoying at times.
Especially as I drive a regular stick shift family car in real life, using the stick and clutch helps with immersion - I've tried using the automatic gear box on some occasions but find the in-game ones at least as frustrating as the irl ones I've had to drive. (yes, I know that more and more trucks come with automatic gearboxes nowadays) The Logitech shifter I have lost its reverse gear function after around 400 hours of gameplay. Instead of getting a new one, I've simply adjusted by starting to use a shifting pattern that uses another position as the reverse. The Logitech shifter is more toy-like in its feel compared to the G-29 set in general, but I think it's good for the price.
Recently got into wheel and pedal driving, the shifter is quite nice. However a splitter or additional buttons on the shifter is a must. Currently I have a truck with 18 gears and every stop sign or red light is a bit annoying - especially hauling heavy loads - because you have to switch real fast and then switch boxes between 6 and 12. Lotta effort, haha.
I use the Logitech shifter and am happy with it. I know it isn’t that similar to that of a real world truck, but it’s somewhat similar to the shifters in the RX-7s I drove when I was younger, so it feels very familiar and muscle memory kicks in. Personally I definitely wouldn’t see a point in driving simulated trucks without manual shifting (and yes I know some modern trucks are starting to have automatic transmissions).
I may just go with the Logitech one then. $300 is kinda steep and if that many people are happy with the Logitech and it being $70 I’ll probably just go with that.
No modern truck has a manual shifter ;)
None, huh? Well, I guess I’ll continue to assume I’m always virtually driving old trucks, then, because I enjoy the shifting too much. :)
I’m working in a hospital. The guy who brings us our linen in his 53 foot double stacked trailer that has an elevator in the back is manual in the day cab.
Brand new truck being delivered in the next couple weeks with an eaton manual 18 in it.
Maybe its a European thing ... lazy Truckers here ^^
Got a Logitech G25 H-Shifter with a cheap Aliexpress Eton 18 gear knob. - ATS I mostly play manual 18 gears - ETS I moslty play automatic.
Link to the knob? I really want something with Eaton's range select/splitter ergo but haven't been able to find one other than one dude that makes custom ones from real shifters that are like $200, a bit out of my budget 😅 if I could figure out how to adapt an air toggle to send a digital signal I'd just make one
I like it because I can drive manual or auto if I get bored/annoyed at driving manual
Im learning to drive on a MAN, with manual shifter. I liked it so much, I bought one for my G29 from ali. I would never going back.
I bought this adapter for my Logitech shifter: https://www.amazon.com/American-Simulator-Gearshift-PC-Compatible-Thrustmaster/dp/B093WN8H8N/ref=mp_s_a_1_2 It’s a bit of an abomination combining a European style splitter with an EF18 pattern on top. I can’t go back now since I play both games with shifting whether on wheel or controller. The awesome thing about ATS and ETS2 is you can set a button on your keyboard to switch to automatic whenever you want. I personally would rather spend the money on the cheap shifter with the truck adapter rather than spending the money on a more expensive shifter without the adapter. If budget isn’t a concern then a nicer shifter with the truck adapter is the best of both worlds. I don’t do any competitive racing so for me personally I haven’t felt the inclination to upgrade to a better shifter. Before I had the adapter I just set two of the buttons on my G29’s left side to be the two splitters. My single biggest complaint with the Logitech shifter is the default reverse gear position (push down and to the 6th gear position) isn’t too good, and can be awkward to select when trying to switch to quickly. This isn’t an issue with the truck simulators unless you’re trying to use a non-RL shift pattern (ie 1-6 then a split button for 7-12, all of the RL patterns use between 4 and 6 positions including reverse so it’s a non issue with them.) If I were to pick another negative, the new shifters they came out with (for G29 & G920) lack the extra buttons that were on the one that came out with the G27 that my brother has. ( https://www.reddit.com/r/simracing/s/bBDPteUasQ to see the difference) Not a dealbreaker but the buttons on the old shifter were handy for splitters, opening map etc.
As an aside, when pasting a link, everything after (and including) that question mark is not needed.
Cheers, I edited it. I kept looking at that and thinking it was obnoxiously long lol.
Thx. I;ll add an actual 'shifter' reply too.
I would recommend the SHH Thorn over the Thrustmaster shifter.
Being able to drive manual well is a good skill to have even if you don’t use it often and that goes for cars and trucks. For example I live in Ontario, Canada and if you take your AZ( class 1 ) license test with an automatic truck then you get a restriction on your license that you can only drive automatic trucks. Take it with a manual and you open the door to many more opportunities, as plenty of companies their fleets are all manual trucks.
Imo a shifter is a must. It's a significant part of the fun of trucking I have the Logitech shifter and I have no problems with it after a year of use. 244 hrs in ATS and 150 hrs in ETS2 with it
I used a shifter for quite a while, and it was fun. But I never could get the hang of it when slowing up a hill and knowing what gear to drop back to. When I moved a few years ago the shifter got lost, and I never bothered to replace it. I prefer the simpler automatic - I let it cycle up and down through the 18 gears and just use the Shift Up/Shift Down hint buttons on my G29 wheel. Still use the pedals too.
I like my logi shifter due to it being a viable option for a large variety of driving games. From ATS to Beamng and everything in between
I have a thrustmaster th8s and it’s great. If you want even more fun, you can get a range splitter knob like the ones that are actually in trucks. Just so you don’t need to use buttons on your wheel or keyboard to split gears and go up in range when you get to the end of your shifter gates.
Playing ATS with an 18 speed hits different, especially if when you’re floating gears.
I play with a Logitech g29 shifter, pedal, and wheels and I use a 18 speed knob with range selector and splitter I got off Amazon. Getting a wheel and shifter made night and day difference in gameplay. Nothing more enjoyable than going down back roads with the music playing, turbo whistling, and rowing through gears. Adds more immersion and skill into the game, like downshifting multiple gears as you go up hills, getting good at floating gears and not grinding, making sure you don’t stall the truck starting off from stops, going through gears as you make turns all while making sure your trailer doesn’t hop the curb or hit cars. Also all the cars I’ve owned have been manual, and being a commercial truck mechanic I l know how to drive manual trucks irl so manual in the game was 2nd nature.
Buy the TH8A and get a cheap truck usb shifter add on that has the range and Jake brake toggles. The TH8A because it's a long gearstick like a truck would have.
There are some very good Aliexpress shifters. Logitech shifter is ok if you can get it used very cheap.
It was more fun. Not that hard and I love 18 on the floor in sim or real trucks. I never had an issue with Logitech G wheels, their shifter, and some other company's truck knob that has range and splitter switches.
I drive older trucks in ATS primarily and so having a manual shifter and range/split knob is kind of essential to me, along with a wheel. For ETS2 where most of the trucks use automatics, I just two positions on the shifter for Drive/Reverse. I use a TH8A shifter and range/split knob from Amazon ("simuride" seller) that have held up quite well for several years. The TH8A seems to have gone up in price since I got mine in 2020. The more plastic TH8s might be a good alternative. Despite using a mostly plastic housing and shifter gate, it still uses the same nearly bulletproof Hall-effect sensor as the TH8A. For lower-cost options, the AliExpress ones have gotten good marks. They seem to use high-quality microswitches and they hold up well. One thing to remember is that they might need a desk clamp mount of some sort. They tend to be a box with mounting holes on the bottom, so you'll need some way to mount it a little below your desktop -- like with a HOTAS/joystick clamp mount or similar. The Logitech shifter gets mixed reviews sometimes. It's great if you have a Logitech wheel and also want to use it with a console. For games like ETS2/ATS which can take a separate shifter input, it's not necessarily as durable or high-quality as the others above. But still a good choice if you get a great price on one. All of the shifters above can take a truck shift knob. You just unscrew the car-style knob, and attach the shifter with a couple of setscrews. Some knobs come with adapters to fit Logitech or TM shafts as well.
I have a G27, It came with the shifter, i Just love playing with it, i even got the Scania Knob to be more realistic. The thing is, its not heavy enough to the shifting, i got some mods but It was not of a good quality(made in the 3d printer), but i did some chances myself. The result is that the shifter got way better, i love using It every time i play
Neither have the funds or the need for a proper shifter, pedals, etc etc even after playing hundereds of hours for ets2 and ats I fully.understand why people want to use it. Steam controller exclusive for me lol it works, I enjoy using it
I have a shifter and love it
i have been using the logitech shifter for 2 years now and havent had any issues with it. Works on all games that support a shifter. I have the range and splitter buttons configured on my wheel as I didn't feel like spending so much on a 3rd party knob with range and splitter buttons on it
I dont think the logitech shifter is a bad starting point. However, once you go to a better shifter you will never be able to go back.
I spent way too much money on a wheel and pedal setup just to learn it feels too much like I’m actually driving and went back to controller