The Chinese brand, little known to the general public, is about to launch a base model that is causing quite a stir among enthusiasts. It’s the Simagic Alpha Mini, advertised at €500 (excluding VAT). Some see this new model as a direct competitor to the Fanatec CSL DD in the consumer Direct Drive market.
Obviously, many questions are being asked about this new announcement. And I’ll try to answer them as transparently as possible!
What is Simagic?
A Chinese simracing brand that creates Direct Drive bases, steering wheels and pedalsets.
The brand has chosen to nestle at the top end of the market, with models that rival the best Fanatec products in terms of price and features.
The Simagic M10 was already an attempt to make a more accessible model than the Alpha first of its name. Today, the Chinese brand announces the arrival of the Simagic Alpha Mini, an affordable version of the Alpha base.
The known features of the Simagic Alpha Mini
Two years in the making, according to the team, but what’s inside this new model?
Well, actually, we don’t know very much yet! First of all, the manufacturer’s promise of smooth, fluid power. Well, OK. 10NM of power, which means more power than a CSL DD.
In terms of base dimensions , it’s ultra-compact: 110x110x167.5mm
And last but not least, there’s the high-tech side, with a connection between the base and the wheel that’s not made mechanically by pins, but by a wireless 2.4G exchange. Don’t worry, it’s a channel that won’t conflict with your cell phone or Wifi.
The questions on everyone’s mind
Of course, the release of a Direct Drive base at €500 raises a lot of questions! Especially when the announcement comes just a few weeks after Fanatec’s consumer Direct Drive.
Can I use my Simagic Alpha Mini on a console?
Like Simagic’s Alpha and M10 models, the Alpha Mini is not compatible with home consoles. Don’t hold this against Simagic, though: console licenses are very expensive, and console simracers generally remain with mainstream brands.
Is the Simagic Alpha Mini better than the Fanatec CSL DD?
I was lucky enough to test both, and yes, the Alpha Mini is a step up from the CSL DD. It’s also more powerful (10Nm vs. 5 to 8 for the Fanatec), which means you can get more power without reaching saturation points.
I’m a beginner, is this product for me?
Clearly not. First and foremost, beginners should make sure they really enjoy simracing. It’s much wiser to start with an entry-level or mid-range model like the T300RS, for example, or the CSL DD if your budget allows.
After a few months’ use, there’s nothing to stop you selling this initial investment and then moving on to larger Fanatec or Simagic models.
Alpha Mini price
Simagic announced a launch price of €500. We now know that the price will rise thereafter.
But there’s one thing to be careful of! The advertised price does indeed state “from 500€”, and this is a price exclusive of VAT. On top of that, several of us have noticed on Simagic’s Facebook page that the price was first announced at €450 excluding VAT on June 25, 2021. That this first announcement was subsequently removed, only to show a price of €500 excluding VAT.
And don’t forget that this price does not include pedalsets, wheels or shipping costs.
Price of a basic setup
If we start light, with an Alpha Mini GT1 wheel pack at €811.95 and Simagic P2000-P200 pedals at €682.89, we arrive at a price of €1,494.84 incl. VAT.
Here, at least, things are clear. No, Simagic can’t target the general public with a minimum setup at this price. But it’s a very reasonable price, given that you get a complete high-end setup for the price of a Fanatec DD1 base.
Hats off to Simagic!
Price of an advanced setup
Well, let’s indulge ourselves and push the envelope with a setup from hell! So we’ll take our Alpha Mini base alone at €595 incl. VAT, the pedals at €682.89, but this time we’ll take the GT4 wheel with double clutch on the steering wheel for €679. Oh, and here’s a Simagic Q1-P sequential shifter for 380€.
The total comes to €2,336.89 incl. VAT.
Not bad at all, and the price of the Alpha Mini keeps the damage to a minimum, staying under the 3,000€ mark. Not bad 😉
Delivery dates
Deliveries will be made in two stages following pre-orders. The first batch will arrive in our living rooms in July. The next batch in August 2021.
So, is the Simagic Alpha Mini a challenger to the Fanatec CSL DD?
Well, I’m not going to play the suspense game, NO.
The Simagic Alpha Mini doesn’t compete with the CSL DD at all.
But let me tell you why.
- First of all, Simagic is a little-known brand. Today, they don’t have the production capacity of a Fanatec, nor the marketing budget.
- Lesser known to the general public also means a little more complex to resell on the second-hand market. All the more so as, given the price of a new one, there’s no real point in finding a used one…
- The minimum price for a Simagic configuration is €1,494.84. The minimum configuration at Fanatec with a CSL DD is 660€.
My answer is invariable: This article is here to answer the question “is the Alpha Mini a competitor to the CSL DD”. I’m just responding simply with facts.
I can’t help it if Fanatec has decided to sink everyone and offer decent configs to the general public!
- The two bases are not aimed at the same customers. The CSL DD is aimed at the general public. The Alpha Mini is for enthusiasts who already have equipment at home.
- The Simagic ecosystem is still a little limited, which won’t bother the enthusiast public it’s aimed at, but won’t suit the general public.
If you’ve read the alpha Mini review, you know what I think. It’s a marvel! But it’s not a competitor to the CSL DD.
Simagic still has a long way to go before it can reach the hearts and wallets of the general public. Too many frictions are holding back purchases by novices or amateurs on a modest budget.
But don’t worry, the brand will continue to evolve and, perhaps one day, take its place in more and more cockpits!
