The GSI Hyper P1 steering wheel is one of the top-of-the-range models from American manufacturer Gomez Sim Industries. With its assertive design, large diameter and 72 parameterizable functions, should this simracing steering wheel find its way onto your rig? That’s what we’ll find out in this test!
GSI Hyper P1: prices and delivery
What does the GSI Hyper P1 look like in technical terms?
| Diameter Weight (excluding QR) | 30cm, 1.68Kg in 4-pallet configuration, 1.85Kg in 6-pallet configuration. |
| Materials | CNC aluminum, carbon fiber. |
| Grips | Silicone |
| Pallets | Standard: 2 magnetic shift paddles, 2 analog Dual Clutch paddles. Optional: The 4 paddles seen above in carbon fiber (46€), 2 additional magnetic paddles at top of steering wheel in aluminum (171€) OR carbon fiber (240€). |
| Noise level when using paddles | 80dB |
| Customizable buttons | 12 backlit customizable buttons, 3 7-position switches, 4 thumbwheel rotary encoders, 5 clickable central rotary encoders, A total of 72 functions. (with 6 paddles) |
| Lap counter | 14 configurable LEDs. |
| Flag display | 6 configurable LEDs. |
| Screen | 4.3″ touch screen. |
| Quick Release | Standard: 6x70mm spacer to fit the QR of your choice. Optional: Asetek QR (143.95€), QR Simucube2 (72,95€), Fanatec Podium Hub (218,95€), SRM QR1 Fanatec (232.95€), AH50 and AH100 Hub (71.95€ and 138.95€), SC2-X adapter (37.95€), QRS-1 (194.95€). |
| Compatibility | PC – All bases on the market with QR sold separately. Software – SimHub |
| Options | Full customization ( 165€) |
| Price | From 1554,95€ HT to 1964,95€ HT Please note that prices vary according to euro/dollar conversion… |
Design and ergonomics
The first thing you notice when you unpack the GSI Hyper P1 is that it’s a real eye-catcher! Not only because of its highly stylized design, which features a wealth of 3D elements to highlight its details, but also because of its imposing physique.
As soon as I picked it up, I noticed that it was quite heavy, the version I received for testing weighing in at 1.85Kg, not including the Quick Release. And once again, small hands will have to refrain from using it, as the handles are wide and the buttons quite far from the thumbs. The good surprise, however, is that the handles are more ergonomic than those of the GSI FPE I tested a few months ago. This is thanks to thumb-level passages that enable a better grip.
In the box:
- GSI Hyper P1 steering wheel,
- USB/DIN cable with aviation plug,
- Central sticker sheet.
The rear shell is cut from a single piece of CNC aluminum, while the front is made from 5mm carbon fiber. And all the buttons and display are framed by a piece of aluminum, adding to the superb finish. There’s no doubt about it, this is a luxury steering wheel!
The backlit buttons have a crisp, short click that requires 500 grams to activate. I’ll see you in a few minutes on SimHub to customize it. Without removing your hand from the grip, you can reach 4 rorative encoders (2 on each side), 2 7-position switches, 6 buttons and the 4 to 6 paddles. For the rest of the 72 functions, you’ll need to free up one hand to activate them.
The 4.3″ LCD touchscreen is accompanied by 14 customizable LEDs for the lap counter and 3 LEDs on each side for displaying flags, TC, ABS, etc.
Pleasant but noisy paddles
When preparing your steering wheel, you can choose between the 4-paddle version (2 magnetic paddles for gear shifting and 2 analog paddles for Dual Clutch) or the 6-paddle version, which adds 2 magnetic paddles at the top of the steering wheel to add new, easily accessible functions.
These paddles are available in either CNC aluminum or carbon fiber. In my case, it’s aluminum, which suits me just fine, given that the finish, with its fine chamfers on the edges of the pads, is perfect under the fingers.
On click, the magnetic paddles require a force of 1Kg on activation and produce a rather clattering noise that rises to 80dB. Noisy! So don’t use it in the living room when other people are watching Derrick, it’s likely to create conflicts. But I reassure myself that if you’re interested in this model, it’s because you’ve got a quiet corner to ride in peace and quiet.
As for the clutch paddles, they require 1.8Kg to activate at 100%. I also like the fact that the movement of the paddles hardens as you press them down. A very pleasant feeling that I find more precise than linear-motion paddles. I’m surprised that no other brand has tried to replicate this, because it’s a really good thing about GSI steering wheels.
Installing the GSI Hyper P1 on any base
To install your steering wheel on the base of your choice, the GSI is equipped with 6x70mm screw threads. This will enable us to fit just about any QR on the market to install it on your base. But you can also order different QRs and HUBs directly from the GSI website.
If you choose to install it on a Fanatec base, you’ll need either the Podium HUB to ensure that your base activates its force feedback. Or a Sim Racing Machine (SRM) adapter, which we’ve already seen.
In either case, connection to the PC is via a 2m cable, with an aviation attachment on the steering wheel side to prevent it being ripped off, and USB on the PC side. Unless, of course, you’ve got an Asetek base, in which case you can connect the steering wheel directly to an Invicta QR, so there’s no need for the cable to wander around the chassis.
SimHub settings
What would the world of simracing be without SimHub? Looking at the bevy of steering wheels that depend on this software, one wonders. In any case, it’s now time to configure your displays. Whether it’s the screen or the LEDs, everything is configurable. You’ll be able to change your Dashboards, choose which keys to configure to switch from one display to another. Or make brightness or contrast adjustments even when you’re racing.
As for LEDs, here again, everything is configurable. You can, of course, use them as lap counters, but you can also, for example, add :
- Flag display ;
- Pit Limiter ;
- DRS zone and DRS trigger;
- Spotter (to indicate a vehicle to your left or right) ;
- Fuel level ;
- Release date of next Sam & Flo video;
- Etc!
The whole procedure is detailed in the GSI online guide!
Comfort and sensations on the track
No, no, it’s great to have a steering wheel of this caliber! From the very first turns of the wheel, you get the feeling that you’re dealing with gear designed to last. The general ergonomics may be a little out of proportion for Flo and me (we don’t have big hands…) but despite that, the grips are very pleasant and it’s a lot of fun to ride them. No flexing, no cracking. But that, of course, was to be expected, given the choice of materials and their thickness. The only downside is the paddles, which are very noisy and can be heard even when wearing a helmet.
My only regret, I must admit, is the number of configurable functions. 72 functions is all very well, and most gamers will find something to their liking. But I’m just worried that for some time now, competitors have been starting to develop really, really interesting and innovative functions, while remaining in the same price range. I hope that GSI will work on this point in the future, so as not to end up one day lagging behind in innovation!
As for the rest, whether it’s the screen or the LED displays, everything is perfectly legible and clear on the track. And the GSI clutch paddles never cease to put a smile on my face every time I need to get off to a flying start! In short, it’s a beautiful piece that, with the right hands, will delight its owner.
My verdict on the Gomez Sim Industries Hyper P1
