Continuing with the final part of the Asetek Simsports La Prima set after the review of the base (which I highly recommend reading), this time we focus on the steering wheel, which Mariano B has been reviewing.
Continuing what we started a few months ago with the Asetek La Prima Direct Drive , this time we bring you the link between the Asetek La Prima wheelbase and our hands, the Asetek Formula La Prima Steering Wheel.
Asetek’s proposal for an entry-level range for their closed modification rims (without complete upgrades) remains a solution focused on the formula ecosystem, directly influenced by its mid-sized sibling, the Asetek Forte Formula .
As of this review, Asetek has already presented alternatives to these steering wheels, including button boxes, also categorized into three levels based on their features, as well as grip options (round, D-shaped, semi-open, etc.). We will discuss them in the near future.
Packaging and Presentation
Nothing changes compared to the previous analyses we brought you for different Asetek products.
They are characterized by flat natural-colored cardboard boxes with a sleeve that includes product details.
Well-packaged in austere wraps that contribute to cost reduction without compromising the product’s storage conditions.
The package includes stickers to customize the rim to personal preference and small clamps to facilitate installation.
Materials and Hardware
Unlike the Asetek Forte Formula , where the carbon compound is visually apparent, the same cannot be said for the Asetek Formula La Prima . However, the reality is quite different. The body of the steering wheel is injection-molded composite reinforced with carbon fiber. The main difference from it’s higher ranked sibling remains in the front plate, which, instead of carbon, is brushed aluminum with a nice black finish.
It maintains the same formula for injected rubber grips, which I personally find increasingly preferable to materials like Alcantara or synthetic leather. For those who need larger handles, interchangeable XL grips were promised months ago.
At the back, the magnetic paddles, characterized by their cable-free design and a fairly pleasant short and precise feel.
Specifications
The steering wheel comes with the following elements:
- x12 Black/orange buttons with quite responsive actions to prevent accidental pressing.
- x3 12-position rotary encoders integrated into the central part of the assembly, delimited by an RGB LED contour.
- x2 Thumb rotary encoders with seven positions each.
- x2 Funky switches with a 4-position D-pad plus rotation and press.
- x15 Revolution indicator LEDs in the central part.
- x2 Contactless magnetic paddles, with the possibility of adding two more pairs.
We have a steering wheel with a maximum diameter of 290mm and a weight close to one and a half kilograms.
Assembly
Probably the shortest section of this review, as attaching the steering wheel to the base, thanks to Asetek’s QR system, makes it a simple task without any play or wear.
Software
The entire setup is managed by the well-known brand software, Racehub, and, according to recent announcements, version 3.0 promises many new improvements.
As for steering wheel configuration, as soon as it is installed on the base, the software detects the component and allows customization of all available functions. This includes button functions, behavior of the revolution LEDs, color range, etc.
Feelings and Conclusions
Here comes the subjective component of the review.
Starting with the grip, it’s outstanding. Comfortable, it adapts perfectly to the position of hands and fingers, with small grooves for resting fingers. Paddle actuation is easy, although personally, I would prefer them to be a bit softer, but the short travel compensates for it.
The button positions are correct and easily accessible with the thumbs, with the exception of those located in the lower half of the front, for which the gesture of pressing them becomes somewhat forced. If you have small hands, you may need to slightly separate your hand from the grip to reach them correctly. The buttons have a high resistance to pressing and a notable clicky feel, preventing accidental presses.
As for the thumb rotarys, they have a good position, although personally, I would have placed them at the top (right where the Forte version has them, leaving a blind spot here for a possible update), as their actuation feels more natural in that position. One thing we noticed is that their actuation is smoother, and precisely measuring the positions we want to advance or reverse may be a bit more laborious.
For the rotary encoders, no complaints. Robust, with marked detents, and there will be no doubt that they have been activated.
Finally, for the funky switches, perhaps due to my small hands, activating them requires removing the hand from the grips. They perform well, and due to the clicky feel, we notice perfectly when we press them and when we don’t, but if you’re constantly adjusting parameters or navigating through the black box, keep that in mind to do it in low-stress situations to avoid errors.
In general, it could be summarized that the steering wheel design has a purely functional focus. From an engineering standpoint, it’s a remarkable product but with room for improvement.
From an aesthetic point of view, we are aware that its sci-fi appearance in the purest Batmobile style may not please everyone, but personally, I think the chosen color combination is visually pleasing. To draw a certain analogy, the shapes remind me of the steering wheel used by Williams in their F1 car in the 2023 season.
As a summary and comparing the price, we could say that there is thorough cost-cutting in this steering wheel compared to the Asetek Forte Formula . The 300 euros price difference in exchange for more LEDs, thumb rotary encoders, switches, and certain material changes may make sense for many users, but others may prefer the pure functionality offered here for much less money. It’s not because Asetek doesn’t give us excellent options to choose from once again.
The wheel can be purchased individually or as a bundle with base and pedals:
- Simufy (add a 2% discount using code SFYOPTF7ZMR98)
- Available on their official website (with a 5% discount using SIMRACER.ES)
