Sim racing · head‑to‑head
The MOZA HGP Shifter and the Thrustmaster TH8S represent two completely different tiers of sim racing, pitting premium all-metal construction against ultra-budget plastic convenience. While one aims to replicate a real sports car gearbox on a dedicated rig, the other is designed to get desk racers shifting gears for the lowest price possible.
Early batches of the MOZA HGP suffered from snapping shifter shafts and broken internal cables, though newer revisions use stainless steel to fix this. Meanwhile, the Thrustmaster TH8S relies heavily on plastic, and aggressive shifting can easily snap the plastic pins securing its top plate.
If you plan to bolt your shifter to a metal sim rig, the Thrustmaster TH8S lacks native hard-mounting holes, forcing you to rely on its bulky built-in clamp. Conversely, the MOZA HGP features standard M6 threaded holes perfect for rigid cockpit mounting.
If you have a dedicated cockpit and want a heavy, mechanical shift feel, the MOZA HGP Shifter is the clear choice despite its higher price. However, desk users on a tight budget will find the Thrustmaster TH8S to be an incredibly functional, plug-and-play entry point.
| MOZA HGP Shifter | TH8S SHIFTER ADD-ON | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | MOZA | Thrustmaster |
| Ecosystem | MOZA | Thrustmaster |
| Starting Price | GBP 139.00 | GBP 59.99 |
| Type | h-pattern | h-pattern |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Mounting | M6 threaded holes (hard mount) or table clamp (sold separately) | built-in clamp |
| Connectivity | USB-B to PC, RJ11 to MOZA wheelbase | USB-C, DIN to wheelbase |