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Sep 15, 2023

Review: Asetek Forte Formula Steering Wheel

We continue with the final part of the Asetek Simsports Forte set after the

We continue with the final part of the Asetek Simsports Forte set after the analysis of the Wheelbase (which I highly recommend reading) and now we focus on the steering wheel.

The choice of Asetek's first commercial steering wheel, the Formula variant, is quite interesting as it is usually more challenging to define than a presumed commitment to a GT model. Let me explain: Formula variants require analyzing button layouts, form factors, and hand placement, which companies usually hesitate to do until they have received feedback from their users.

In my opinion, the norm would have been to opt for a 30-31 centimeter GT solution with an almost round form factor, which is usable in all categories and is not uncomfortable to use with open wheel or oval categories. It is a less risky option than going directly for a pure open wheel variant, but it is clear that visually it is much more eye-catching and always looks better in pictures.

Let's begin with a brief introduction to the ecosystem that starts with this steering wheel, Asetek Forte Formula , which will be open to other companies.

This issue of steering wheels and alternatives could be resolved soon, as at the end of 2022, Asetek announced that they were working with seven steering wheels manufacturers who would use the QR (Quick Release) to incorporate their steering wheels into the ecosystem and make them compatible with the bases natively.

Some of them were showcased at this year's SimRacing Expo with working demo units, so it is a completely different strategy from what other manufacturers have done so far:

"I think people have seen the idea of cooperating instead of trying to kill each other."

So, based on what was said and shown last year, we can expect two courses of action. First, manufacturers will offer steering wheels that are fully compatible with Asetek bases, similar to the native wheels offered by the company. Second, an adapter will be sold with a USB connection so that anyone can connect their steering wheel to an Asetek Direct Drive base.

With these solutions on the table, it seems that those who are not satisfied with the design of the currently available steering wheels will not have to wait long to continue using their own steering wheel if they decide to purchase one of the bases. Currently, there are only two models available for sale: La Prima and Forte.

The packaging follows the same style as the brand's other products, being functional and including only the essentials to reduce waste and weight. There is not much to add regarding what has already been mentioned about the base or the pedals.

In this case, we will find hundreds of stickers and a clamp to apply them accurately to the numerous LED lights that make up the wheel.

The steering wheel is made of a composite of carbon, glass, and plastic, giving it a solid and high-quality appearance that is rarely seen in simulation. The grips do not contribute to the rigidity of the structure since they are designed to be interchangeable, with an XL version planned for the future.

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As you can see, the steering wheel is quite modular. I am not sure if the La Prima model, which is the lower-end version, will be upgradeable (it seems so) as promised with other products from the brand, but it is possible considering the design. Currently, the Asetek Forte Formula offers many more button options, including rotary encoders and LEDs integrated into all the buttons.

The lighting, like the base, is customizable through the RaceHub application and serves to indicate different states based on the user's configuration.

Technical Specifications

As seen in the images and as we have discussed on the programs, the Quick Release is an evolution of the one introduced by Simucube in 2019 and preserves its fundamental aspects while offering a new approach.

The Simucube Quick Release, although good, had the problem of "fusing" with its mounting, making it extremely difficult to remove in some cases. More than one person may have experienced an undesired impact because it is clear that Asetek evaluated that problem and solved it. We also have a contact for electronics and a huge clamp to facilitate grip and release of the steering wheel.

So mounting the wheel on the base and removing it is very simple, with an estimated time of less than five seconds to switch to another steering wheel if you have it, and with immediate detection by the software.

There's nothing better than showing the RaceHub software from Asetek in a video by the company itself, showcasing all the wheel configurations. As you can see, you can do virtually anything with the LEDs or with the paddles, rotary encoders, and buttons. If there is something they missed, they will surely add it later.

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Perhaps I miss having a profile selector, just like there is on the base, in case we want to configure the steering wheel differently for different games. I have no doubt that it will eventually be added.

Here, I summarize several points of what can be done through the software:

I like it, although it's not perfect. On the one hand, you can tell it's a high-quality steering wheel where no expense has been spared. If there is a superior version called Invicta, I doubt how they can improve what we have in our hands without using a different design. On the other hand, there are small inconveniences that I think were a matter of more testing and have slipped through for one reason or another. It could also be just me…

For example, the temporary switches on the top that are activated diagonally following the direction of the finger don't have much relation to the rest of the buttons. It's easy for them to be hit during a sudden movement of the steering wheel (they hold up for now), and since they are covered with rubber, they can momentarily "catch" on any shirt or clothing that comes near the steering wheel, accidentally triggering them.

The issue with the grips is also something that doesn't fully convince me. They don't contribute to the rigidity of the structure and are interchangeable, but they end quickly at the top, forcing you to stay within the 9-3 hand position, which not everyone always maintains at all times. This makes it difficult to grip and turn in tight corners.

The injected rubber doesn't provide as much grip as, for example, the steering wheel from Racing Components, so it accentuates the effect of the previous point. It's clear that it's a step forward compared to Alcantara, but it lacks grip.

As you can see, these are minor things that I usually don't notice unless they cause a problem. Overall, the steering wheel has an excellent consistency, and together with the Quick Release, it has no play. All the elements of the wheel are firm enough to avoid accidental inputs and have a clear and precise feel, as demanded by any race car driver.

Steering wheels depend a lot on their size. The smaller they are, the harder they are to turn and the more suitable they are for formulas where inputs need to be very precise. They also become extremely stiff with the same force from the base.

In this case, the size is quite fitting, with 290 mm (294mm with the XL grips) allowing for a lot of different inputs that don't fail in any press. For example, the paddles have a firm but short feel and, above all, are less noisy than in other steering wheels. Most of the buttons are easily accessible for the fingers, so there is no need to release your hands, and we also have the options of the thumb encoders, which are new to me, and can be configured in many different ways.

Regarding the LED lighting, I can only comment based on the video since I use VR, which means I don't need it. However, it seems customizable enough to be really useful in the day-to-day use for those who use monitors, providing a new extension to this type of devices.

The first Asetek SimSports steering wheel called Asetek Forte Formula has very good ideas and serves as a benchmark for the rest of the steering wheels that will be released in the coming months. It seems they have some improvement reserved, as otherwise, they would have named it like the Asetek Invicta series. Nevertheless, the quality of this model is within the higher range, offering a variety of options and configurations that outshine steering wheels at much higher prices.

In general, I find it a very capable steering wheel, and like the wheelbase, it has met the high expectations I had for it. There are a couple of details that I think could be improved, but for the moment, it remains the ideal companion. And although the design may not be to everyone's liking, it is the appropriate partner for this first batch of proposals from the Danish company and a magnificent way to inaugurate their steering wheel catalog.

The wheel can be purchased individually or as a pack with a base and pedals.