The world of sim-racing has been enriched by a new competitor. The name? Asetek SimSports is a Danish company initially specializing in water-cooling systems for PCs and data centers. Since 2021, Asetek has chosen to diversify by creating its first pedal sets and then developing an entire SimRacing ecosystem.
But behind these promising, high-quality first models, Asetek has never ceased to surprise us. During our visit to their HQ, André Eriksen explained his ambition for the brand.
And it’s clear that we’re seeing real innovations for the first time in a long time. New ideas that prove that there’s still plenty to be created in the world of sim racing. So, have the Danes succeeded? What quality can we expect from their products? And how is the brand’s ecosystem developing? Let’s find out together 😉
A passion for motor racing drives Asetek
Let’s face it; some brands get into the sim racing business for the money. They copy their competitors’ successful models without bringing anything new. And then there are the others.
In the case of the Danish brand, we can truly speak of a passion for motorsport. André Eriksen himself competed in motor racing for several years. His two children are racing enthusiasts, and his son Valdemar Eriksen is a GT World Challenge driver. The garage for Valdemar’s Audi R8 LMS is located at the Asetek factory in Denmark. A vehicle whose steering column and braking data have greatly helped the engineers in charge of the RaceHub software that adjusts their Direct Drive underpinnings.
See: Asetek’s CEO answers all our questions!
A growing ecosystem
To tell the truth, Asetek got off to a very strong start, first in the world of sim-racing. Its first pedal set, the Asetek Invicta, placed the brand directly in the high-end sector. It is high-end for the quality of feel and finish but surprisingly affordable for the price. This hydraulic crankset brings patented innovations that make the competition sweat. Don’t worry; we’ll talk about it in a few lines!
The second crankset presented by the brand is the Asetek Forte, a mid-range model with a Load Cell brake pedal positioned at a more affordable price for the general public without compromising on design quality.
But André Eriksen didn’t intend to stop at pedalboards, as you’d expect. The Danish brand is preparing a whole ecosystem for us. Accessories such as clutches, footrests, pedal pads, and shoes soon followed. We’ll discuss these further soon. Above all, top-quality Direct Drive chainstays, a full-featured steering wheel, and a Quick Release that opens the door to other brands’ steering wheels on their chainstays.
All these products are grouped into three distinct ranges. Invicta, Forte and La Prima. Each range currently includes at least one pedalboard and one Direct Drive base. Let’s discover them together!
Upgrade your gear over time!
One of Asetek’s great promises is to make their products upgradeable. On the one hand, it allows them to evolve with technological advances over the years. But also to enable players on a tight budget to indulge themselves with top-quality equipment that they can further improve over time, according to their possibilities and tastes.
That’s why “La Prima” products can be converted into mid-range “Forte” models using conversion kits. As for the pedal set, it can be converted into a Forte or Invicta model. So you can start light on budget and, over the months or years, end up with the brand’s top-of-the-range models without mortgaging your Swiss chalet for the third time.
The La Prima range
This is where you’ll find all the brand’s entry-level models. As you’ll soon notice, Asetek’s entry-level models are already capable of crushing other brands’ mid-range and even high-end models. Not surprising when you take a closer look since La Prima products are designed with the same components and materials as the brand’s higher-end ranges.
Asetek La Prima bundle
Available with or without pedals, this bundle includes :
- La Prima Direct Drive Base 12Nm
- La Prima Formula steering wheel
- La Prima crankset
All La Prima products can be converted into Forte models (the range above) by purchasing a conversion kit. As for the pedal set, it can be converted into a Forte or Invicta pedal.
The Asetek Forte range
The Asetek SimSports Forte range includes moderately priced models. These models are in direct competition with the top-of-the-range products of other brands but are still affordable for many players. The Asetek range includes a crankset already on the market, as well as a Formula-type steering wheel and an 18Nm Direct Drive base.
The Asetek Forte crankset in brief
In their quest for uncompromising quality, the Danes have come up with this pedal set. More affordable than the Invicta model, it does without hydraulics.
The Forte has two pedals as standard but can also be upgraded with a Clutch module. The Forte also features a signature brake pedal system.
This system is known as the M.L.C.P.C., a model that closely approximates hydraulic feel while remaining based on an elastomer system and a Load Cell (of course).
In concrete terms, the pedal passes through two braking phases. An interchangeable elastomer manages the first “soft” phase. Then, after a mechanical stop is engaged, pressure is transmitted to a rubber shock absorber, which activates the Load Cell.
The revolution is, therefore, not in the capture of braking force but in the much sharper, harder feel than on “conventional” cranksets.
In terms of adjustment, it’s 100% adaptable without tools. All adjustment screws are hand-operated. And braking pressure can be increased up to 180Kg, so you’ve got something to look forward to, don’t you? A very nice model that costs between 449 and 499€ depending on current promotions.
Oh yes, I forgot, installing the T.H.O.R.P. (hydraulic) module on the Forte model will soon be possible. Keep an eye on this!
The Asetek Forte steering wheel, in brief
The first steering wheel model unveiled by the brand again proves that the Asetek SimSports teams aim to blaze their own trail. From the outset, their very first Formula steering wheel offers the highest number of features of any material in this price range. Uncompromising rigidity and a perfect grip make this an excellent steering wheel, even if its design clearly isn’t to everyone’s taste.
- 15 LED lap counters 2×3 LEDs for displaying flags and loss of grip
- 6 paddles (2 analog clutches 2 magnetic gears 2 magnetic DRS)
- 6 thumbwheels
- 3 rotary encoders in the center
- 2 funky switches
- 12 buttons with dedicated LEDs
- 2 3-position selectors
- Materials: Carbon fiber, forged carbon, plastic
It’s also worth noting that the wheel is customizable. The grip handles can be changed, and you can choose color, hardness, and diameter to really find the perfect model for your hands.
Asetek Forte Direct Drive
Their mid-range Direct Drive base does not compromise the quality of its motor, finish, and, most importantly, encoder. With 18Nm of torque, it’s more than enough for the vast majority of sim racers. It’s a future best-seller that will invade chassis all over the world.
The Asetek Invicta range
This is the real deal. We’re talking about the brand’s top-of-the-range models. Patented hydraulic systems, 100% metal construction, pedals capable of withstanding a maximum pressure of 700Kg… The Asetek teams have carte blanche when it comes to creating Invicta gear, and it’s a pleasure to see!
The Asetek Invicta DD Wheel Base
Asetek’s first Direct Drive base, with 27Nm of torque, competes directly with the top-of-the-range Simucube.
Considered by many testers to be the best base they’ve ever tested, I have to admit that it also made a very strong impression on us during our tests.
With this model, we understand that André Eriksen was right. Asetek is here to stay and to make a lasting impression on the world of sim racing.
The Asetek Invicta steering wheel
We still don’t know much about the Invicta steering wheel. Flo and I were lucky enough to see a visual of the steering wheel during our visit to the factory, but unfortunately we can’t show you anything. All we can say at the moment is that it will be equipped with a large LCD screen and at least as many features as the Forte model.
The Asetek Invicta pedals, in brief
The Invicta model is the first to emerge from the Danish workshops. It features just two pedals, with the clutch on an optional module.
But it’s got a lot going for it.
First and foremost, and this needs to be said straight away, the finish is perfect. The construction is 100% metal, designed and tested to withstand at least 1,000,000 activations, far more than you’d expect from a real racing car.
Behind the brake pedal is a hydraulic system designed and patented by Asetek: the T.H.O.R.P..
Instead of the two pistons usually found on hydraulic pedals, here there’s just a two-stage system. The whole system is factory-sealed, eliminating the risk of leakage.
But how does it work? Well, there are two very distinct braking phases in this system.
How does the T.H.O.R.P. system work?
The first phase is the first 20 to 25 millimeters. During this phase, you compress an elastomer (interchangeable to adjust hardness). This phase simulates the build-up of pressure and the movement of the brake pads towards the brake discs.
This is followed by a mechanical stop that brings the force of your leg into direct contact with the hydraulic pressure. In other words, it’s as hard as a rock (fluids don’t compress). And to bring more or less power to your braking, you’re going to have to apply more or less force to this hard point.
So, you’re going to say to me “But Sam, it’s exactly the same as a hydraulic crankset with a Load Cell then!”
Well, no! With a Load Cell brake, even if it’s fitted with a hydraulic system, you need to have a few millimeters of pedal travel to apply more or less force on the cell. Without this, the pressure simply isn’t applied.
In the T.H.O.R.P. system, the pedal is as hard as a rock, but the pressure is still captured. Just like in a real racing car. In fact, to push the screw, you can push the setting to 200bars, a pressure of 185Kg, just like a Formula 1 car.
Invicta crankset settings
Aside from the braking pressure, Asetek has made a big effort on the crankset settings. Each pedal can be adjusted for stroke length, start and finish zone, hardness, dead zones, spacing, etc., etc…. All without tools. They’ve even put tutorials on their website to help you fine-tune your crankset and riding position. The Danes have definitely understood everything!
What’s more, for a price of €849, this crankset offers excellent value for money compared with its competitors in the hydraulic category.
Invicta Clutch System
A clutch pedal module adjustable in every respect. Hardness, pressure curve, pedal travel length… in short, everything, whether mechanically on the pedal or electronically via the RaceHub!
The promise here is to enable sim racers to get as close as possible to the feel of a race car clutch. While saving milliseconds with every gear change.
The Asetek Invicta Pagani Huayra R crankset in brief
You probably knew that Pagani has the luxury of choosing its customers? So when we learned a few months ago that the Italian hypercar manufacturer was teaming up with Asetek, I have to admit it gave me confidence.
The result of this partnership? A crankset that reproduces the design of the real Pagani Huayra R crankset. A competition model produced in 30 units only.
In terms of on-board technology, Asetek has taken over the structure and T.H.O.R.P . system from the Invicta model, while Pagani has signed off on the design. This is a limited-edition model, and the price is obviously not cheap, coming in at just under €1,200.
I’ve prepared an article in which I’ve compiled all the information on the pedals 🙂
RaceHub software
Top-of-the-range hardware means top-of-the-range configuration software. And RaceHub has obviously been very well thought out.
Here you can calibrate your pedals and adjust their travels individually. This is also where you can set the response curves for each pedal.
The settings you create can be saved and reloaded quickly. Useful when switching from one simulation category to another, for example.
Incidentally, this is also where you can adjust the color and intensity of the LEDs on the pedalboards. LEDs on pedals? Yes, I know I’m only telling you about it now… We agree it’s not the selling point that should sway you, is it? But I wouldn’t spit in the soup: this kind of attention to detail is always a pleasure when discovering new equipment!
Discover: Our RaceHub settings tutorial
The Asetek SimSports range of accessories
Invicta Throttle Footrest
Here’s a rare accessory! A footrest for the accelerator pedal. Designed for sim racers with a passion for endurance racing, this footrest attaches to the accelerator pedal to relieve pressure on the right foot over long distances.
Available in 2 sizes, it is not compatible with the Forte crankset.
Forte Pedal Face Plates
The standard face plates on Invicta and Forte cranksets aren’t really suited to players wearing socks.
This 3-pack will save the arches of many a sim racer’s foot!
Invicta Racing Boots
A pair of sim racing boots designed by the Danish brand for maximum racing comfort, thanks to perforated ventilation and ankle padding.
Currently on pre-order, they will be delivered from August onwards. Available in sizes 38 to 47.
The Asetek Quick Release
Another innovation! Asetek has licensed the Simucube Quick Release model and improved it to make it perfect.
The brand is also developing adapters so that you can use other brands’ steering wheels on your Asetek base.
They’ve really understood that simracers want more openness in their ecosystems. An opportunity for them to quickly take market share!
You can find out more about the Danish QR in the article I wrote on the subject 😉
When will Asetek be compatible with consoles?
Like any self-respecting SimRacing brand, Asetek would love to be able to offer its products on consoles. The problem is that it’s not up to them, but to Sony and Microsoft. To obtain console compatibility, you have to meet several selection criteria, write a big check… But above all, console manufacturers need to have compatibility chips in stock. And of course, when it comes to supplying brands with chips, it’s the brands that are already console-compatible that come first.
So we’ll have to wait a little longer before Asetek bases become console-compatible. BUT. Here again, Asetek wants to do things right. Rather than making you buy a console-compatible base when possible, Asetek’s aim is to offer a conversion kit that will enable all Asetek base owners to make their base compatible!
A new revolution that I hope will come to fruition.
Kevin Magnussen becomes an Asetek Simsports partner
At the beginning of May 2022, Asetek pulled off a masterstroke. To develop a partnership with Danish Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen.
The aim of this collaboration is to take the realism of their simracing hardware to the next level. Magnussen isn’t known for being a fan of simracing, and he’s keen to do his bit to take the virtual world to the next level.
Of course, it’s also a marketing coup for Asetek, who instantly put themselves in the spotlight.
Kevin Magnussen’s contribution to Asetek products
First of all, he helped create a force feedback adjustment specific to Formula 1. This is a setting for the steering wheel base which is available on all Asetek bases. Kévin Magnussen visited the brand’s HQ on several occasions to carry out tests and guide the engineers in recreating THE feel of a real Formula 1 car. Having tested it, we can already tell you that you’re in for a real surprise! (You can see our impressions in the video we made during our visit to HQ)
But that’s not all. Magnussen also helped us find a brake feel almost identical to the one he has in his Formula 1 car. The Long Brake Kit on the Invicta crankset was born of this feedback, among other things. This kit is quickly fitted to the brake cylinders of Invicta cranksets. It extends the pedal stroke very slightly, while providing a feel faithful to that of Magnussen’s Haas.
What we expect next
With its high-quality models, accessories and partnership with Kevin Magnussen, Asetek looks set for a bright future. I can’t hide the fact that I’m expecting a lot from the partnership with the F1 driver. It could also be the opportunity to see the evolution of simracing technology, which, let’s face it, often tends to rest on its laurels.
If you’d like to find out more about their range, just click on the button below. But before I go, I’d like your opinion. What do you think of this new brand? Does the partnership with Magnussen make you salivate as much as it does me? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
