Sim racing · head‑to‑head
The choice between the Alpine Racing TRX and the TR80S comes down to a battle of form versus function. One is a gorgeous, heavy tubular steel hybrid designed for quick position swaps, while the other is a utilitarian aluminum profile workhorse built for absolute rigidity.
Despite its premium price tag, the Alpine Racing TRX suffers from noticeable flex in both the pedal plate and wheel deck when paired with high-torque direct drive bases. If you run a 15Nm+ wheelbase or heavy load-cell pedals, this movement will actively degrade your force feedback detail.
If you buy the TR80S, ignore the official manual entirely and search YouTube for community assembly guides. Also, inventory your hardware immediately upon delivery, as missing bolts and poorly packaged parts are common complaints.
If you demand a beautiful, hybrid cockpit and frequently switch between Formula and GT layouts, the Alpine Racing TRX is a unique but compromised luxury. However, for pure performance, rock-solid rigidity, and long-term upgradeability at half the price, the TR80S is the smarter buy despite its terrible assembly instructions.