I’m a sim racer with a passion for Motorsport, good racecraft and the tech side of sim racing. I made SIMRACINGCOCKPIT.GG as a place to share my experiences. I hold an International Class C race licence and write for sim racing store G-Performance and Motorsport resource Driver61.com
Featured image: Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro (USB)
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment I’ve always needed on my sim racing journey is a solid sim racing wheel. Mounted on my favourite direct drive wheelbase (the SC2 Pro), I’ve always wanted a wheel that can handle a lot of heavy use and big moments of vibration and shock when the torque levels are high. So, how do you know which is the best wheel to buy when there are so many choices available on the market? Luckily, I’ve tested a lot of sim wheels – here’s everything I know:
If you’re just getting started in sim racing, most often you’ll buy a sim racing wheel bundled with your choice of wheelbase. But, if you’re looking to take that next step forward, you might find yourself looking for a sim racing wheel better suited to the type of car you prefer, be it GT, Touring, or Formula racing.
My first wheel was bundled with a Fanatec CSL Elite (showing my age there). I didn’t give much thought to the wheel – it came with the wheelbase and that was about it.
Naturally, I started getting curious about my options. Owning a sim racing website also helps, as manufacturers are very keen to send me their latest innovations. Even if you don’t need a new wheel at the moment, that can’t stop you from taking a look, right?
Here are the sim steering wheels I’ve reviewed or tested (or currently own!). You can read on for a view on the features I think are most important in a sim racing wheel, or, scroll down the article to skip to the most relevant opinion.
Buyer’s Guide: My Top Sim Racing Wheels:- Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro (USB)
- Cube Controls F-Core
- Ascher Racing F64 V3
- Cube Controls F-Pro
- Turn Racing R305 with BP2 button plate
- Cube Controls GT Pro OMP
- Grid Engineering Porsche 911 RSR
- Grid MPX
- Simagic GT NEO
- Cube Controls Formula CSX3
Sim Racing Wheel Prices: How Does the Price Affect Build Quality?
At first glance, the assortment of sim steering wheels offered by sim racing equipment manufacturers may leave you somewhat overwhelmed and wondering why some pieces of kit are available for as little as £200, while other wheels can cost well over £1,000.
As with everything in life, you generally get what you pay for, and the best way to look at it is like this; as the price goes up, so does the build quality of the wheel and realism of the driving experience. My best advice is, if you’re not sure, read the reviews and pay attention to the close-up images before you buy.
The wheel is your main physical interface with your sim racing environment, so you’ve got to feel comfortable with the device in your hands.
Assuming that you already own a good direct drive wheelbase the first, and most important thing is the choice between a Formula-style or a GT wheel.
Build quality tends to show at the higher price range. Expect 5-axis, smoothly machined aluminium fittings, bevelled edges and a high-quality, slick feel to the unit. All of the manufacturing edges should line up with each other to an exceptionally high tolerance. There should be no rattles when you shake the wheel.
Some cheaper wheels use a lot of plastics, whereas the more expensive ones tend to be mostly carbon and aluminium. Some now even have a forged carbon chassis, like the VPG Carbon, from VPG:
While some people will stretch to thousands of dollars in cost to find their trophy steering wheel, you can be just as fast on a budget. Ultimately build quality has little effect on your lap time (unless there’s a fault). So, a Fanatec or Moza wheel is a perfectly acceptable budget wheel item. The build quality is improving rapidly, even at a budget level.
GT vs Formula Wheels
A Formula car doesn’t offer a huge maximum steering angle and Formula cars tend to have a very fast rack to avoid you having to cross over your arms in a hairpin. Because there’s not much space in the Formula tub, Formula wheels tend to have a smaller wheel diameter too.
Often you’re dealing with higher torque forces than a GT car, so it makes sense that you’re able to grip the wheel in a single place very firmly indeed. Formula wheels with highly ergonomic, comfortable grips are a good idea.
Formula wheels tend to have shorter, firmer paddles, possibly a clutch paddle, and usually more buttons and rotary encoders. The most expensive ones have a display screen to keep you updated on whatever race information you’ve configured in the wheel setup.
Cube Controls take the grip aspect of Formula wheels very seriously, with a nice compound mixture of PVC and rubber to get a good grip level, without it being too exhausting hanging on to the wheel!
GT wheels are for cars that have a wider maximum steering range. They tend to have longer paddles so you can reach for a gear shift from a number of different positions around the wheel.
They tend to have fewer buttons, and rotary encoders and rarely have a display screen except at the very high end. Naturally, GT wheels are more diverse in their possible uses as you might have a manual shifter setup in your sim, too.
If you’re a VR user, simplicity is key. I like the Cube Controls approach of using little indentations around the buttons so that you can find the button without seeing it. Too much complexity is wasted if you’re VR racer, as is a display screen!
Naturally, build quality is critically important. While all the sim racing wheels I’ll talk about below are built to very high standards of manufacture, some are made very, very nicely indeed.
Things to look out for in a good sim racing wheel:
- A nice ergonomic feel to the wheel when you’re gripping it
- High-quality grip material (not necessarily Alcantara!)
- Quality finish to any carbon parts
- Case material machining
- Weighty, sturdy feel, and no flex
- An intuitive, tactile feel to the buttons and encoders
- Compatibility with your wheelbase and hub
- Funky switch – useful for controlling aspects of the simulation software such as iRacing’s “black box”
- You enjoy using it!
What about Wheelbase and Hub compatibility?
I’ve recently written about the Fanatec Podium Hub, and how to fit it to a Cube Controls wheel to make the wheel compatible with a Fanatec DD2.
Most of the time, however, if you’re a Fanatec direct drive wheelbase owner, then you’re probably looking for compatible wheels. To save a bit of complexity (and length) in my article, I’ve moved all Fanatec wheels here.
If you buy a Fanatec sim racing wheel, it’s designed to be solely compatible with a Fanatec wheelbase. Making them compatible with any other wheelbase type takes time, deep expertise, and effort. For example, this PCB from Leo Bodnar will turn your Fanatec wheel into a USB joystick controller. You could send your wheel to SRM to have it converted (electronics to USB and hub to whatever wheelbase hub you want). I’ve not come across a reason to do this yet, but the option is available if you want to change your wheelbase from something like a DD2 to a Simagic, VRS, Simucube or Accuforce wheelbase.
If you wanted to fit a wheel to your Fanatec DD2, that’s easier thanks to the Podium Hub or the slightly shorter Fanatec wheel side QR adapter from SRM.
If you own a wheelbase like the Simucube 2 Pro, fitting any wheel is comparatively trivial.
Most wheelbases have a universal style hub that offers 70mm and 50.8mm PCDs on a ring mounted directly on the wheelbase hub (or an adapter for one) so you can mount a wheel on pretty much any hub including HRS hubs, QR hubs from Sim-Lab, the Tomy Racing QR TRX and many more.
I’ve written an extensive guide to QR hubs and wheel compatibility here. Essentially, you can mount any wheel to any wheelbase with an adapter and hub and a little bit of research.
My Cube Controls wheels mount to a Simucube SQR hub (70mm PCD) with a BG racing extension:
There are more coming in 2024, too – as we speak I have finished testing the new Cube Controls Mercedes AMG wheel:
The sim racing wheels below are listed in no particular order – check the review links or feel free to ask me any questions!
Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro (USB)
I’ve just completed the review of Ascher Racing’s latest addition: the Artura Pro (USB). The wheel belongs to a series of products bearing the Artura name, which you may know is based on the McLaren Artura GT4 track car.
The wheel features the latest Ascher Racing “Gen 6” paddles, which are, in my opinion, sublime to work with. They feel highly developed and progressive. Certainly not “switch-like” as some carbon shifters have become.
The wheel shares many components with its track racer sibling and brings a very detailed, comfortable feel to the simulator. The button caps can be changed and there’s an array of options to make onboard adjustments on the fly. For a simple-looking wheel, it’s packed full of features.
I found it a joy to race with and the Artura Pro (USB) is now my 2024 favourite sim racing wheel. I go into far more depth on this device in my review, so please take a look!
Cube Controls F-Core
Finally available, the F-Core, from Cube Controls represents a slight change in Cube Controls’ manufacturing and pricing ethos. Notably, at the entry-level, a switch to a composite material for the shifter paddle bodies on the rear of the wheel. It’s cheaper too.
But perhaps, more significantly, Cube Controls have made their entry-level wheel (which will probably replace the Formula Sport, in my opinion) a Bluetooth-compatible gaming device, meaning their wireless technology is no longer reserved for Simucube owners. This wheel is compatible with any wheelbase, mounted via their Universal Hub to any 70mm PCD QR hub.
The price starts at around €550 and you can find the product here on our partner site G-Performance to order the wheel (before it sells out which I think is likely).
The Cube Controls F-Core sim racing wheel offers a range of technical specifications designed to enhance the user’s racing experience. The front plate is made from pure carbon fibre, with a thickness of 4mm, providing a lightweight and durable construction. The die-cast aluminium main body ensures zero flex and a solid, sturdy design.
The hand grip compound of the F-Core has been improved with a combination of silicon and rubber to offer an even better level of grip than their previous iterations. The grip-to-grip wheel length is 290mm, with a maximum diameter of 43.00mm.
The F-Core is compatible with all formula-style quick-release hubs (3 bolts, 1-inch and 70mm PCD) (sold separately), with a straight-back QCONN USB charging connector for ease of use. The LiPo battery offers up to 40 hours of use, with a high capacity 2000 mAh onboard battery. Integrated charging electronics prevent overcharging/undercharging, and connection and battery status LEDs indicate the wheel’s charging status.
The Q-CONN magnetic connection cable (provided) offers a secure and reliable connection to the PC, with an on/off pushbutton on the backside of the wheel for convenience. The F-Core is VR-friendly, with a weight of 895g.
It offers both USB and Bluetooth dual mode, with in-software clutch and shifters configuration for a customized experience. Overall, the Cube Controls F-Core sim racing wheel offers a range of features to enhance the user’s racing experience, with a focus on durability, comfort, and precision.
Ascher Racing F64 V3
I had the pleasure to review this sim racing wheel late last year:
This is very much a “no frills” wheel that happens to have been manufactured with very nice components throughout, so from a tactility and ergonomics point of view, it’s a great item. Everything is so precise with an Ascher wheel.
The attention to detail is very clear, looking at the rear of the wheel in the photo above – this is considered a professional-level sim racing wheel and one of the best ones I’ve used recently. I should point out there is a USB version of this for non-Simucube owners – this was the wireless, Simucube-only version.
Cube Controls F-Pro
The F-Pro is my “daily driver. If you popped over to SIMRACINGCOCKPIT hq, you’d find the F-Pro on my rig.
This isn’t just another addition to the existing range. Cube Controls have gone all out and completely redesigned the original Formula Pro, with a new (QCONN) connector, revised grip design and material, chassis, front plate, RGB lighting system and revised paddles.
The detail work on this Formula-style steering wheel is extremely impressive:
Everything has been refined on this unit, including a revised connection to your PC called “Q-Conn”, with a simultaneous Bluetooth connection for wireless driving. It features full RGB functionality, too, so that you can customise the colours you see while night driving.
I think this is the best all-round sim racing wheel you can buy at the moment. It gets everything right, it’s highly configurable (via SimHub) and it just works.
Turn Racing R305 with BP2 Button Plate
I recently tested this wheel from Turn Racing. Fantastic polyurethane grips mean there’s heaps of scope for long-endurance racing without getting tired:
I’m a fan of simplicity and, frankly – this is an ideal, simple starter wheel that does not compromise on quality. It’s well built and would suit any direct drive wheelbase. The smaller diameter at 305mm is excellent for sim karting and formula racing, while the slightly larger R320 is perfect for GT class and all-round racing.
Cube Controls GT Pro OMP
The GT Pro is an Alcantara shod, GT style sim racing wheel. I have one at SRC HQ. It’s great for blasting around in the Mazda MX5’s!
The GT Pro comes with all of the refinements and excellent build quality of the Formula Pro wheel making it a VR-friendly proposition, and a lot of fun to race with.
A nice selection of tactile rotary encoders and buttons surrounded by Cube’s trademark VR-friendly tactile surrounds make this a joy to interface with. Can’t wait to put it to the long-term test!
Here’s mine mounted up on the sim:
Grid Engineering MPX
The GRID MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel is a masterpiece that’s made a splash in the sim racing community, I’ve really enjoyed having this wheel on my setup.
At its heart, it’s a melding of top-tier craftsmanship and innovation. Made with a 5mm carbon fibre front plate and grippy custom over-moulded PU grips, it’s both robust and comfortable for those often very intense racing sessions.
When you’re gunning for that pole position, the tactile feedback from the paddle shifters, enhanced with the addition of extra magnets, ensures every gear shift feels just right.
What truly sets the MPX apart is its attention to detail.
Reviewers, including myself, have been raving about the 87 telemetry controllable RGB LEDs which not only add to the aesthetics but also provide invaluable real-time data, keeping your eyes glued to the race. The wheel’s controls, from the APEM push buttons to the ELMA encoders, are strategically positioned for ease of use, ensuring that every input feels like second nature.
Connectivity is a breeze with the GRID MPX. Compatible with all PC wheelbases via USB, it’s versatile for a range of setups. And the software? Whether you’re using SimHub or waiting for GRID’s own software release, customization and control are at your fingertips.
In conclusion, the GRID MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel is a game-changer. It’s not just a wheel; it’s a statement. Its blend of aesthetic appeal, tactile feedback, and superior build quality makes it a must-have for serious sim racers. If you’re looking to elevate your sim racing experience, the MPX should be at the top of your list.
GT NEO – SIMAGIC
The Simagic GT NEO is Simagic’s latest sim racing wheel. It’s available for pre-order for delivery in February 2024. The RRP is set at a stunningly inexpensive $289.00.
It’s a 300mm diameter wheel (therefore Formula/ LMP and GT3 spec) with a weight of 1500g.
The GT NEO includes 2 thumb rotary encoders, 2 seven-directional switches, 4 12-bit absolute value encoders, 10 customizable RGB buttons, and 4 Hall Effect paddle modules. It is PC compatible and works with 3rd party wheelbases, although a Mag Con cable (USB connection) is required, and you’ll need to choose a compatible 70mm PCD QR hub.
Grid Porsche 911 RSR (Official) by Sim-Lab
Grid has an official license with Porsche on various products under their GRID brand, which is owned by Sim-Lab. I’m a big Porsche fan, so this wheel got my heart racing just opening the box!
To start, the official GRID 911 RSR is now available for purchase, and on several planned products carrying the Porsche branding, including the rather impressive Porsche Cup DDU, listed on our DDU buyer’s guide here.
Clearly, this is a very high-end sim racing wheel, priced well above the unofficial wheels. But, that’s a real Porsche badge and for some hardcore Porsche enthusiasts, this wheel will really make an incredible addition to the collection!
Here’s the 911 RSR Steering Wheel review: I found it to be expensive, but one of the most luxurious sim racing wheels on the market. High-end stuff…
Cube Controls Formula CSX3
The spiritual successor to the CSX2, the CSX3 solves a lot of problems that plagued the CSX2, most notably, the CSX2’s reliance on the Ultimate Game Tech platform, which a lot of people struggled with and generally reported as unstable.
But, problem solved: This brand-new offering from Cube Controls (review) wipes the slate clean, with pretty much everything revised, including the configuration software.
Now running on Simhub, the CSX3 is the flagship Cube Controls wheel:
Cube Controls have added additional paddle options so you can now have 6 paddles on the rear. There’s a cheaper option to just have 4 which is more like the kind of thing I’d prefer!
Proper F1-style launch control is possible and configurable via the dedicated Simhub plugin they’ve developed. As you can see from the photo, there are more buttons, encoders and funky switches whose backlights are all configurable in Simhub, precisely to your liking.
The LCD screen is high resolution, colourful and vibrant and, because it’s now Simhub compatible, there will be a lot of dashboard options coming out of the community very soon. The CSX3 just makes you wonder, how much further can sim racing wheel development go?I struggled to return this one to Cube Controls…
I hope you’ve found my recommendations useful – let me know if you have any questions by getting in touch via the contact us form.