Let’s go with another analysis we conducted on an Asetek Simsports product. Let’s see how these Asetek Invicta S Pedals T.H.O.R.P. II have turned out, after the modified brake.
Asetek SimSports has been in the market for a few years now. They have evolved from a very conservative approach, where high-end products were the main focus, to a more mass‑market strategy targeting a broader audience.
We have reviewed many Asetek SimSports products over the years, and I can say they are one of my favorite brands. The balance between quality, materials, and details is top‑notch, and I haven’t had a single issue with any of their hardware or with the software used in the process.
Last year, Asetek SimSports updated one of its flagship products. The Invicta Pedals received a new brake system. Called T.H.O.R.P. II, it is presented as an evolution that introduces several improvements over the previous version.
These pedals are sold in two configurations, the Asetek Invicta Pedals T.H.O.R.P. II (unified) and the Asetek Invicta S Pedals T.H.O.R.P. II (separate), where each pedal can be placed as far apart as desired. We have tested both, but this time we will focus on the S variant, the most expensive one.
Packaging and Presentation
Asetek is one of those companies that have been in the market for a while; they know how to handle packaging and presentation. They provide a well‑protected product, with perfectly finished packaging, and offer fully recyclable content, something they are quite proud of at Asetek.
In this high‑end range, they also include more accessories than in the others.
It’s elegant; it protects, presents, and delivers.
First Sight
There are only two pedals, so we will face certain limitations when performing specific operations, as with the Forte and La Prima. Since that is obvious, and we did not mount the separately sold clutch ( Asetek Invicta Clutch ), let’s move on to the second point that cannot be seen in the photos: the weight.
The pedals are made of aluminum, making them much lighter than others. We’re talking about less than 3 kilograms. It’s noticeable when taking them out of the box, maneuvering them, and even securing them. It’s truly appreciated, and the black anodized finish with orange accents only enhances the impression of a quality product.
Noteworthy for some users is the LED strip where your feet rest. It can be customized from the Asetek RaceHub application and can display a full range of colors. To be honest, I haven’t delved too much into what can be done with it, as I don’t see my feet when driving.
Tools and Customization
As with the lower‑tier models, the pedal package comes with a box containing the necessary tools for installation, and it is advisable to anchor the four attachment points of each pedal base to the cockpit. In the same box, you will also find the connection cables to the PC, as well as elastomers and springs to replace the default ones. The instruction booklet indicates that the compounds installed, both in the brake and the throttle, are the hard ones. These hard compounds are what Asetek has found suitable for almost all users, so we will conduct tests with these and with the medium ones, hoping to understand what the manufacturer intends as a generic user’s first impression.
For adjusting the height of the plates, we have the usual holes where we can mount them at various positions. You simply unscrew and screw with the provided Allen key. There’s not much mystery.
The pedals can also be adjusted for angle. The arm is loosened, and the front wheel of each pedal is used for this purpose. Complete instructions with illustrations are in the manual that you can download from the product’s website.
The pedal stiffness, in addition to the included elastomers, can be adjusted by changing the preload on each of the two pedals.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the throttle travel is adjustable in length.
Compatibility
The pedals use the Direct Input interface, so any PC game should be configurable without too much trouble. You get both USB‑C and USB‑A cables to connect directly to the PC. The USB‑C cable is for connecting to Asetek wheel bases, as we have shown in other reviews.
Mounting
As we mentioned, it is advisable to use the four screws on each pedal, as indicated in the manual. However, one of them is located directly under the throttle arm, so you have to disassemble it temporarily to tighten that screw, or show some skill.
The pedals fit the pedal tray from Next Level Racing. I can’t tell you if the pattern matches other cockpit manufacturers; you’ll have to check that case by case.
In this case, you have to connect the cable between both pedals to make them work. It is usually easier to do this before installation, but handle it with care afterward so as not to break the cable.
Configuration
Configuration in RaceHub is very simple. Calibrate, adjust the dead zones, and you’re ready to go. Just be cautious: if you calibrate for a very high maximum force, it will be difficult to reach, so we recommend a position where you are comfortable reaching 80%–90% brake for simulators like iRacing. It’s easier and more visual with these Asetek Invicta S Pedals T.H.O.R.P. II , since you can see the pressure in bars to adjust where the limit is.
Throttle
The spring is still the one included with the Asetek Forte pedals, so by default it has completely linear travel, with a clear and tangible end that ensures we always know whether we are applying it correctly and how far we are from 100%. It’s a pedal that most manufacturers have mastered, tuning what they consider different stiffness levels. In this case, we have extra springs if we need it to be softer.
To clarify, the throttle sensor is magnetic and 16‑bit.
Brake
I already talked about the features of T.H.O.R.P. I at that time. Just to refresh your memory:
First, we have a very short stage consisting of a travel with barely any resistance, where it tries to emulate the approach of the brake caliper to the disc. It’s a very short, customizable travel; in my case, I’ve used it as a dead zone to be able to rest my foot on the pedal without activating it in the simulator. This is done through the RaceHub application, just as when we want to configure curves or other pedal settings.
Second, we have what they consider “pressing against the wall.” The brake pedal literally becomes that, with a sensation of almost zero travel where we are pressing on an immovable object. I remember that so far, it’s the first brake pedal that has given me this feeling of zero movement, and yet there is an even harder elastomer in the box in case someone feels it is not enough. The hydraulic technology on which the force is applied is rated at 185 kg.
The T.H.O.R.P. II approach seems to be a little different. It includes some quality‑of‑life improvements and also increases brake travel if the user wants it that way. Andre Eriksen (Asetek’s CEO) explained in the presentation that many users want a more casual driving experience and a softer and longer brake pedal travel. There is even a second leverage point to make it even softer than usual. This second version is the response for those kinds of users.
The cylinder is also manufactured by an automotive company, so the quality is second to none. You can swap elastomers from your cockpit, and everything is well thought out.
Fortunately, the brake limit can be adjusted in the application, as well as other parameters, ensuring you don’t have to strain your knees or calves after pressing forcefully for several hours. In my case, I set it to 30 bars. This must be configured to the driver’s liking, because managing the default pressure (100 bars) is challenging. You also need to adapt it to the car being driven and the feedback required to avoid wheel lockups.
Speaking purely about on‑track efficiency, I can say that these are the pedals I adapted to the fastest, even though they are extremely hard with the default setup. They never feel overly complex. Without comparing them to other brands, we can say that they are perhaps among the best we’ve had in our hands, and Asetek also ensures that their technology does not deform or change over time.
Final thoughts
It’s an impressive pedal set, in line with its price, which is not as low as it might seem for having only two pedals. It offers one of the best hydraulic pedal packages to date, promising no wear, deformation, or leaks over time. It comes with impeccable aluminum pedals with black and orange finishes and the added bonus of the LED strip.
In terms of feel, they have very clear characteristics, with a linear throttle of medium stiffness and an abrupt and noticeable end. The brake consists of two stages: the approach of the caliper to the disc and direct pressure on the disc. The second is like pressing against a wall, invoking that muscle memory that works more consistently than positional memory. T.H.O.R.P. II technology is better than the previous one, and that is noticeable from the first moment.
The Asetek Invicta was the first product from the Danes at Asetek and makes it clear that they haven’t come to be spectators in sim racing. This new revision expands the market and the user base the brand can cover. With more travel, more options, and more quality‑of‑life improvements, there is no doubt that it is a step in the right direction.
They can be purchased on their website.
- Asetek (5% discount using our code when making a purchase: boxthislap)
- Amazon
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