Let’s go with another analysis we conducted on an Asetek product. Let’s see how these Asetek Invicta have turned out, which inaugurated their high-end range.
By now, you should be familiar with Asetek, so there’s no need for much introduction. A component company that entered the simRacing hardware market strongly, giving a tough competition to the true kings like Fanatec.
However, it will take some time for Asetek to compete on that level, as they are still in the process of completing their catalog and don’t have enough variety to satisfy all users. Nonetheless, in the pedals we are discussing, we can already say that they provide an excellent introduction to their high-end range.
Getting into the details, these Asetek Invicta pedals are the inaugural product of the product line with the same name. Invicta is Asetek’s high-end line, offering the best from the Danish brand. These pedals are sold in two configurations, the Asetek Invicta (unified) and the Asetek Invicta S (separate), where each pedal can be placed as far apart as desired. We have tested the standard version, which has a high price despite not including dampers.
Packaging and Presentation
Companies that have been in the market for a while, even in another sector, know well and have a good handle on packaging and presentations. They provide a well-protected product, with perfectly finished packaging, and offer fully recyclable content, a fact they pride themselves on at Asetek. In this high-end range, they also offer more accessories than in others.
It’s correct; it protects, dresses, and fulfills.
First Sight
I’m going to recall my words written for the Asetek Forte . Being interchangeable and upgradeable models, they share many common features.
If there’s something that characterizes their pedals at first glance, it’s two things. The first is that there are only two pedals, so we will face certain limitations when performing certain operations, as with the Forte and La Prima. As that is evident, since we haven’t bought 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 with them, and even securing them. It’s truly appreciated, and its black anodized finish with orange accents only enhances the impression of a quality product.
Noteworthy for some is the LED strip where the 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 much into what can be done, as I don’t see my feet when driving.
Tools and Customization
Like the lower 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 the pedal base to the cockpit. In the same box, you will also find the connection cables to the PC and elastomers and springs to replace the default ones. The instruction booklet indicates that the compounds mounted, both in the brake and accelerator, are the mediums. These mediums are what Asetek has found suitable for almost all users, so we will conduct tests with these without making any modifications, hoping to see what the manufacturer wants as a generic user’s first impression.
As for adjusting the height of the plates, we have the usual holes where we can anchor at various heights. Unscrew and screw with the provided Allen key. There’s not much mystery.
The pedals can also be adjusted for angle. The arm is disengaged, 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 hardness, in addition to the included elastomers, can be adjusted by adjusting the preload of each of the two pedals. Also, with the instructions in the manual, adjusting the available regulator on the back of the pedal.
And lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the accelerator travel is adjustable in extension.
Compatibility
The pedals use the Direct Input interface, so any PC game should be configurable without too much trouble. You have 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 at the points indicated in the manual. However, one of them is directly under the accelerator arm, so you have to disassemble it temporarily to adjust that screw or show some skill.
Since I don’t have a pedal tray from any brand, I can’t tell you if the pattern matches with different cockpit manufacturers; you’ll have to check for each case.
The USB cable connection, in my case, has been a bit forced because it doesn’t enter smoothly, and the cable needs to be bent a bit.
Configuration
Very simple in Racehub. Calibrate, adjust the dead zones, and you’re ready to go. Just be cautious, as calibrating a very strong limit will make it challenging to reach, so we recommend a position where you are comfortable reaching 80%-90% of the brake for simulators like iRacing. It’s easier and more visual with these Asetek Invicta , seeing the pressure in bars to adjust where the limit is.
Throttle
The spring is still the one included in the Asetek Forte pedals, so by default, it has a completely linear travel, with a clear and tangible end that ensures we know at all times if we are applying it correctly and how far we have deviated from 100%. It’s a pedal that most manufacturers master, adjusting what they consider different hardnesses. In this case, we have extra springs if we need it softer.
Clarifying that the pedal sensor is magnetic and 16 bits.
Brake
This is where we should find the answer in these Asetek Invicta since it is the differentiating element from all other pedals from the company. Asetek has promoted the T.H.O.R.P. technology, ensuring that we have hydraulic brake cylinders that provide up to 100 bars of hydraulic pressure and 185 kg of mechanical pressure at their maximum limit. They follow the same philosophy as the brand with the two stages of the brake that we already explained.
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 like if 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 0 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 0 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 185 kg.
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 will have to be configured to the driver’s liking because managing that amount of pressure configured by default (100 bars) is challenging. Also, there’s the matter of adapting it to the car being driven and the necessary sensations to avoid wheel lockups. We need cooperation and inputs from all devices, and there are simulators or cars that are less noticeable in lockups.
Speaking purely about on-track efficiency, I can say that these are the pedals I adapted to the fastest, even though they are my first hydraulic ones. They don’t give that feeling of complexity at any moment. 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 seems for having only two pedals. It offers one of the best presentations of hydraulic pedals to date, promising no wear, deformations, or leaks with use. It comes with impeccable aluminum pedals with black and orange finishes and the added bonus of the LED strip.
In terms of sensations, they have very clear characteristics, with a linear accelerator with medium hardness and a 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 regularly than positional memory. The T.H.O.R.P. technology is better than the M.L.C.P.C. used in the Asetek Forte , 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 simRacing. In the absence of testing the clutch, it leaves excellent impressions. A worthy option if you don’t need a third pedal, which can be purchased separately: Asetek Invicta Clutch .
They can be purchased on their website or from the distributor Simufy for 899 euros.
- Simufy (2% discount using our code when making a purchase: SFYOPTF7ZMR98)
- Asetek (5% discount using our code when making a purchase: SIMRACER.ES)
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