Man does not live by bread alone, and the guys at Granite Device, makers of the Simucube series with the Sport (17Nm), Pro (25Nm), and Ultimate (32Nm) models, do not live by Direct Drive Bases. Something was already suspected when they announced that their bases would be compatible with wireless wheels via their own WiFi connection built into the inside of their bases.
Third-party manufacturers began developing the first Simucube compatible wheels, but it was clear that it would not be long before they released a device of their own design. They present the Tahko GT-21, a 320 mm diameter alcantara-lined D-Wheel.
Presentation
The unit we were given is the Black Edition, a version that differs from the standard in that the front end is completely black, adding an extra level of elegance.
After the introductions, we will discuss the main features of this Tahko GT-21, which we are told are based on feedback and requests from the world’s best simracers.
- Two adjustable digital magnetic paddles made of aluminum.
- 7-function switch (4-way, rotary and push).
- 10 industrial grade buttons of high quality.
- Wireless proprietary technology.
- Weight: 2.1Kg
Features
The first impressions we get when we hold it in our hands are that the wheel’s alcantara covering is far superior to any other type of leather or rubber upholstery. And the weight, which is due not only to the 2.1Kg but also to the extra weight provided by Simucube’s own quick release. It is worth noting right away that we will have to use the wheel while wearing gloves to preserve the alcantara as much as possible. Although Simucube claims that this is a high resistance version of alcantara, any protection of this material seems minimal to us.
Let’s comment a little bit more in depth on the push buttons. At first sight they are a little bit bigger than usual in this kind of wheels and short travel, although we will have to use enough force to operate them to know if we are pressing or not.
The layout is where we find the biggest problem because if we take into account the 320mm diameter of the wheel plus the separation between the buttons themselves we think that they are a bit far apart and if you don’t have a large hand it will be a bit uncomfortable to access the buttons furthest away from the center of the steering wheel, here we are not taking into account the rotary and funky switch because to operate this type of buttons it is always essential to release the wheel anyway. They are distributed in 3 buttons on the upper part, both on the left and on the right, and two on the lower part, equally on the left and on the right.
Since we have already mentioned the two multifunction buttons, we would like to comment that both the funky switch and the rotary have a resistance to rotation typical of the highest quality buttons. For those who are not familiar with the funky switch button, we will say that it is the only button that we believe is essential in any wheel, with it we have 7 different functions in one. ↓ ↑ → ← ↔ and press. Very suitable for scrolling through the different menus within the games. As for the rotary, it certainly does not detract from the funky switch, firm and safe steps, there is no doubt when we move the wheel to one side or the other and we also have a touch function which is a bonus without a doubt.
Paddle Shifters
Let’s go with the jewel in the crown of this wheel. If the button panel leaves us somewhat indifferent and not because it is bad, but simply because it does not provide anything that we have not already seen, in these gearshift paddles the people at Granite Devices have found the solution to the loud sound that usually occurs when the paddles are operated. Yes, the solution was easy, to place some rubber bands that dampen the shock of the paddle magnet when it returns to its position after activating them. What pleases us so much is the way they have implemented it, they have designed the paddle body in such a way that a rubber can be crimped on the body. This solves the problem of loud and annoying noise for the rest of the people in the house, paddles that reconcile simracing and family.
As for the paddles themselves, they are slightly larger than the rest of the steering wheels we have tested, and this is logical as we are dealing with a 320mm wheel and a larger surface area is needed, especially along the length of the wheel, to operate them comfortably. The force to operate them is a little softer than in other wheels but the truth is that it is appreciated. Made in aluminum and with lateral adjustment to be able to move them closer and further away to the taste and need of each one, by default they are adjusted as close as possible to the wheel.
Innovations
The two buttons on the back deserve a separate mention. No, they are not buttons that can be assigned an action. The first one, in white, is simply an ON/OFF button. Remember that we are dealing with a wireless wheel and therefore it is advisable to turn it off once we stop using it in order to save battery life. The wheel is powered by a CR2477N type battery and Simucube claims that it lasts for 5 years with continuous use.
The second button, black, called Simucube button is a new way to change the most common force feedback parameters directly from the ring. When you press it, you will hear a characteristic sound coming from the base to let you know that the force feedback configuration mode is active. It will be with the funky switch and its crosshead movements that we will be able to select the different force feedback parameters to be modified. For example, if we press upwards we enter the “force” field and with the rotary we increase or decrease this value in steps of 0.5.
The truth is that it is a very intelligent way of implementing a system for modifying the parameters of its own bases in the wheel; intelligent and very impractical at the same time, as it will be difficult for us to remember over time to which position of the crosshead one parameter or another is assigned. And yes, we know if we increase and decrease the force for example, but not by how much. If we open the True Force app we solve this problem, but of course if we open the app it is much more comfortable to operate the configuration of the base from the screen and the mouse than from the ring itself; in short, it is a bit disconcerting to use this configuration mode.
Feeling
We mount the wheel to the base using Simucube’s own quick-anchoring system and we start to enjoy this Tahko. When you press the power button, the WiFi transmitter of the ring will be activated and will indicate this by means of a flashing orange light in the lower left-hand side of the button panel. In the app, in the wireless wheels section, we will see a new device appear and after pressing one of the paddles we will be able to pair it to the base. After this first connection, subsequent connections will be made automatically when the wheel is turned on.
All set, to the track. It feels a bit strange, different. Yes, we know that the wheel is big, but until we are seated in our cockpit we are not really aware of it. The position of the arms has changed, we feel comfortable, more relaxed arms without so much tension due to the wider grip in a 320mm wheel.
We make our first laps in a single-seater, we notice that the force transmitted by the base is lower than what we are used to, strange to be honest because we have not modified any parameter of the base, but everything has its explanation. The first, and less influential, is the weight of this wheel. At 2.1Kg it is significantly heavier than the 229/228mm rims and therefore the base has to move more weight with the same force which results in smoother reactions.
The other factor is the diameter of the rim, which is much more significant than the weight, although it may seem strange to us. As the diameter is wider, the force needed to counteract the reactions of the base is less with more amplitude. Let’s remember the law of leverage; the further we move away from the point where a force is exerted, the less effort we have to make to counteract it. And this is the explanation why, even if the base parameters are not modified, we will have a smoother sensation at the wheel.
We don’t really like the sensations when driving single-seater cars, perhaps because we are used to driving with formula-type wheels, it feels a bit unnatural to be honest. We decide to move to GT type cars and here where this steering wheel shines. The lower cornering of this type of car compared to a single-seater fits perfectly with this type of wheel. More rounded turns, greater reactivity of the car on the track, when stepping on the kerbs and going down them make a larger diameter rim much easier to work with. Counter-steering is more comfortable, quicker and more precise. With less effort we obtain the necessary corrections to keep the car on the right track, losing as little time as possible.
If we jump to NASCAR type cars we find the perfect marriage and it is no coincidence that in real life this type of rims and even larger diameters are used. The constant left-hand turns force us to keep the steering wheel turned for several seconds during the course of a lap, which at the end of a race is a long time overloading the right arm, which is the one that bears the most stress and effort of turning to the left. If we also add the fact that this type of car is very delicate when opening the throttle and that tire wear is high, making control of the car even more complicated, we find in this wheel a perfect companion for our adventures in the American ovals.
We make the leap to the world of rallies and here we see that the use of large diameter D-type rims like this Tahko GT-21 is essential. The continuous changes of direction, drifts, counter-steering, jumps and receptions, as well as the different changes of surface not only from one rally to another but also within the same stage, make rally cars one of the types of cars that will put our reflexes and reaction capacity to the test the most. With this ring it will be easier to get the car into the right position before tackling a tight corner or hairpin on the twisty sections of the Monte Carlo rally or to deal with the succession of high speed bends and straights on the red dirt of the Safari rally in Kenya, an unparalleled immersive and enjoyable experience that this Simucube Tahko offers.
It is available on the official Simucube website for 829,82€, shipping costs not included. The quick release is included in the price.
The truth is that Granite Devices have made a tremendous effort and done a great job in finding a perfect companion to their bases, they do not detract one inch from their OSW.
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I’am Simucube Customer, Owner of Simucube 2 Pro. The Tahko GT-21 is too old school, totaly out of time, just have a look and compared with else Wheel rims Brands. May be just good enough for the Nascar or to drive truck. Upset by Simucube 2, not only for the wheel, but also by their support and the True drive Software is poor. Simucube is a good engine for industrial task. not tp practice Esport SimRacing. Just good to use for long training on TEAM Simulator or public Simulator Center, to learn track, a good tool to muscle your arms but not to Race.