It’s been a year since everyone was asking for Asetek round steering wheels for Asetek bases. Well, the Danes have just released their new models. Two HUBs and 6 rims that let you juggle styles without breaking the bank. Another innovation from André Eriksen. Let’s break it down together and see why I think I initially misunderstood the Danish proposal.
Asetek round steering wheels in brief
What do the 2 round Asetek round steering wheels technically achieve?
2 rotary encoders at thumb level.
3 12-position rotary encoders.
2 “Kinky switches”
7 positions.
2 magnetic palettes.
LED surrounds on the three encoders in the center of the steering wheel.
Front finish in brushed aluminum.
Plastic buttons and encoders.
Internal metal structure.
4 rotary encoders at thumb level.
3 12-position rotary encoders.
2 “Kinky switches” 7 positions.
2 Rocker Switches 2 positions.
2 magnetic palettes.
OPTIONAL :
2 clutch paddles.
2 additional magnetic paddles.
LED surrounds on the three encoders in the center of the steering wheel.
6 LEDs for flag display.
Buttons equipped with LEDs for displaying functions.
Carbon fiber front finish.
Plastic buttons and encoders.
Internal metal structure.
Design and ergonomics
When you unpack, you get the center of the steering wheel (the button box) with its paddles, which are not yet installed. Put them aside for later, you’ll only need to install them once you’ve screwed on your rim (wheel, rim… call it what you will!). The case is made of Forged Caron with an internal metal structure. The front panel is finished in carbon fiber for the Forte module and brushed aluminum for the La Prima.
As always with Asetek, these button boxes are packed with features. On the La Prima, there are 64 configurable functions, and 72 on the Forte (4 with the optional additional paddles).
La Prima also features 15 LEDs for the lap counter and pit limiter, and central rotary selectors with LED rings that can also be set. But the Forte wins the display battle, with configurable LEDs for every button and function on the steering wheel (except the 4 thumbwheels). At the rear, there’s a non-detachable Asetek Quick Release system and paddle slots.
The Asetek QR and locations for placing pallets
Important note! Both round Asetek flywheels come with magnetic pallets for gear shifting. On the Forte model, 4 additional pallets can be purchased as an optional extra. BUT BE CAREFUL, even if the notches are present on the rear of the La Prima steering wheel , you can’t install the optional paddles on them. The PCB inside the steering wheel doesn’t have the magnetic sensors to operate them.
I didn’t understand the concept
Well, let’s face it. Personally, the first time I saw these models, I misunderstood them. I think a lot of us did. I tended to see them as hubs on which you could place rims. And as a hub, they lacked one crucial thing in my opinion: the ability to put any steering wheel on them. The problem was that this wasn’t Asetek’s proposition. It was Flo who made me realize my mistake (thanks Flo!).
To find out more: Interview with Asetek’s CEO on the new steering wheels and other surprises!
In reality, these are “round” wheels on which you can change the rim quite quickly to customize your experience. And it’s true that since she made me understand this, I see these two round Asetek round steering wheels quite differently. I felt it was important to point out my mistake, because I think many of us may see these models as Hubs. When, in fact, the idea behind their design is very different.
2 wheels but 6 rim choices for customization
Now that I’ve understood the idea, let’s talk about the choices offered by the brand. Each “Asetek round steering wheel” comes with a choice of 6 different rims. These 6 rims are ALL 33cm in diameter and have the same grip. In other words, the grip is the same every time. However, the materials and shapes vary, giving very different feelings on the track.
These rims are all made from high-quality materials and manufactured in Denmark.
As you can see from the photos and video, most are made from genuine leather and suede, with the exception of the round model in synthetic suede, which is made from a textile 6 times more resistant than Alcantara, and 37% recycled material. So there’s no need to be afraid of using it without gloves! The one you absolutely must use with gloves, however, is the open D in genuine suede. Asetek absolutely wanted to have one in this material to give those who want it the opportunity to get the real feel of the slopes. And even though it will wear out much faster than the others, you have to admit that the feel of genuine suede is something else!
Mounting the rims on the cases
To assemble, take the 6 screws and Allen key supplied with the rim, and simply place the rim in the 3 slots in the case. The screws will secure the rim directly to the internal metal structure of the case. There’s literally no room for bending, and it’s quite quick to do.
Once the rim is in place, you can place the two pallets in their respective slots. TIP! To avoid scratching the pallet magnets with an Allen wrench, place a finger on the magnet as you position the wrench. There’s nothing more distressing than making an unsightly scratch on a brand-new pallet..
At the bottom right of the case, you can see where the rim will be fitted and screwed in place.
RaceHub software settings
Your Asetek round steering wheel is now ready, all you have to do is place it on your base and go to the RaceHub software to configure it. To see all the details, I invite you to watch the video, in which Flo explains everything very clearly! But here’s a summary of the available functions:
| La Prima steering wheel | Forte steering wheel | |
| LEDs | Configure the 15 rev counter LEDs: – Change the color of each LED – Display curve. – Flash at the optimal gear shift point. – Display of the Pit Limiter. Color of the surround of the 3 central encoders. | Configure the 15 rev counter LEDs: – Change the color of each LED – Display curve. – Flash at the optimal gear shift point. – Display of the Pit Limiter. Color of the surround of the 3 central encoders. Customize the LED color of each button independently. Choose a different color when the button is activated. |
| Functions | central rotary encoders 12 positions OR incremental (+/-) Each button can be turned on/off independently with a single press or re-press. | Central rotary encoders 12 positions OR incremental ( +/-) Each button can be turned on/off independently with a single press or re-press. Clutch paddles in button or axle mode. |
Comfort on the slopes
In terms of grip and handling pleasure, once again Asetek has succeeded very well. The rims are all very pleasant although very different in their feel. Which is also very interesting because after all they all share the same diameter and the same shape of grip. Yet each shape and material really gave us different sensations. I am thinking, for example, of open D steering wheels which give a more incisive feeling compared to simple round wheels. Or the synthetic suede model which grips really well under the fingers and which is very very suitable for Rallying.
The housings of these Asetek round steering wheel feature exactly the same button layout as the Formula models. So really, everything is within easy reach, and apart from the three central selectors, all other functions can be accessed without taking your hands off the wheel.
What’s the price?
Well, price-wise, that’s good news too. With French VAT, the La Prima model costs €280 incl. VAT, plus €120 for the rim (or €160 for the synthetic suede model). This gives us €400 to €440 incl. VAT for a top-quality steering wheel made from durable materials with a flawless finish. For the Forte model, add a further 100€ to the bill. That’s €500 to €540 incl. VAT to take advantage of all its extra features.
I’ll leave you to make your own conclusion about the price 😉
Our verdict on the Asetek round steering wheels
Well, we’ve been waiting a long time for these, and they didn’t disappoint. The quality of the grip and the pleasure on the track is just what we’ve come to expect from a brand like Asetek. Once again, they’ve brought a breath of fresh air to the simracing world with “à la carte” round wheels.
Now, though, I’m looking forward to a wider choice of diameters! Although you’ll be quick to tell me that I can do whatever I want and fit any steering wheel on our Asetek bases with an Invicta QR, for example. And you’d be right… But I’m stubborn!
In any case, I’d be very interested to hear your feedback on these wheels. What do you think of the concept? We’ll be happy to discuss it in the comments 🙂
