I’ve been testing the Simagic NeoX Hub for a few weeks now, and it’s time to give you my full feedback on this very interesting model! Not only is it very attractively priced, but it allows you to install any steering wheel with a 6x70mm center distance, as well as a choice of paddles to suit your needs. I won’t keep you waiting any longer, let’s get down to the testing straight away 😉
Prices, options and deliveries Best Values
What does the Simagic NeoX Hub look like technically?
| Weight | 0.655Kg bare, 1.115Kg with Simagic QR50. |
| Materials | Composite incorporating carbon fiber, plastic, metal. |
| Grips | Standard: supplied without steering wheel hoop 6x70mm center distance for mounting the hoop of your choice. |
| Paddles | Standard: No paddles Optional: Single Paddle Shifter Kit ($40) Double Paddle Shifter Kit ($55) Push/Pull Paddle Shifter Kit (coming soon) 3 Paddle shifter Module Kit (coming soon) |
| Operating noise palettesXX | 60dB (tested with Dual Paddle shifter Module) |
| Customizable buttons | 8 backlit configurable buttons, 2 rotary encoders ( /-), 2 rotary encoders ( /-) positions in center of steering wheel, 2 7-position switches. |
| Lap counterLEDs | 9 configurable LEDs. |
| Telemetry LEDs | No |
| Screen | No |
| Quick Release | Standard: Simagic QR50. Optional: Simagic QR70, MagLink for connecting a third-party QR (50.8mm and 70mm centers). |
| Compatibility | PC – All bases on the market with MagLink, sold separately, by connecting the steering wheel to the PC via USB. Can also be connected via Wifi 2.4G. Software – SimPro Manager, SimHub Flywheels – All flywheels with 6x70mm centers |
| Price | from €179 ex VAT (approx. €219 incl. VAT depending on retailer) |
Design and ergonomics
The first pleasant surprise is that, even though the price (announced by the brand as 179€ HT) is extremely reasonable for a hub, the overall quality is excellent. The shell is made of a composite material including carbon fiber, and the 8 backlit buttons have a short, satisfying click. The 4 rotary encoders are also pleasant to use, even if 2 of them have plastic caps. And there are 2 7-position switches, very useful for navigating game menus, for example.
In the center, we have a 6x70mm center distance that will allow us to install the vast majority of steering wheel hoops on the simracing and automotive markets.
We’re also pleasantly surprised to find a 9-LED bar for the lap counter – again, at this price, it’s a pleasure. And overall rigidity seems perfect. Which isn’t all that surprising when you consider that a metal plate ensures this rigidity inside the Hub.
In terms of pure ergonomics, it’s still a Hub. In other words, you’ll need to move your hand away from the steering wheel to access most of the buttons.
At the rear, there’s a Simagic QR50 that can be changed if you wish to mount the Hub on another brand’s base. In this case, you’ll need to think about purchasing the MagLink, an option that allows you to install another QR and connect the steering wheel via USB directly to the PC with a secure cable.
And finally, I discover the central plastic faceplate which features the Simagic logo and will ensure a clean finish once a steering wheel hoop has been placed on it.
In the box:
- Simagic NeoX hub
- USB-C USB-A cable
- Simagic QR50 (pre-installed)
- Full instructions,
- Sticker sheets.
Need pallets?
One thing I particularly like about this hub is its customizability. The basic version comes without palettes, so if you don’t need them, they won’t be in your pasta and you won’t have to pay for them. On the other hand, if you do want them, then the choice is yours!
At the time of writing, two pallet modules are available. One module with 2 magnetic paddles for shifting gears. And a module with 2 magnetic paddles and 2 analog paddles. This is the one we’re going to install on the Hub NeoX.
Their structures are in aluminum, and the box comes with 3 different types of paddles for shifting and 2 types for clutch paddles. The pads are adjustable in width and depth by means of rails and spacers to suit your hands, but also to ensure that you can use them with different steering wheel diemeters.
Two other modules will be arriving shortly, the first with push-pull paddles and the second with 6 paddles. And to make matters worse, all these modules should be compatible with the GT Neo steering wheel we tested earlier!
As I mentioned earlier, the Simagic NeoX Hub is equipped with 8 programmable backlit buttons . Activation requires 650 grams of pressure. The buttons have borders for easy placement of customization stickers.
How do I configure the NeoX with SimPro Manager?
To set the LED lap counter and backlit button displays, you can either use SimPro Manager, Simagic’s software, or SimHub (much more comprehensive, but also more complex to learn). Let’s face it, it’s still a pretty simple hub, so you won’t have 10,000 things to configure on it:
- Change button colors and add telemetry information.
- Change colors and displays on Rev LEDs and telemetry LEDs.
- Calibrate and parameterize analog paddles.
- Update steering wheel firmware.
On-track comfort and sensations
So, as far as on-track comfort is concerned, I don’t have much to say. Comfort is largely the job of the steering wheel hoop you put on it.
From an ergonomic point of view, if accessibility is average compared to other models, it would have been nice to have 2 rotary selectors positioned at the top of the Hub for easier access with the thumbs. It’s a detail, but after all, we’re here to quibble, aren’t we?
As for the paddles, they do the job perfectly, and they’re also among the quietest we’ve tested to date! With just 60dB on activation and a muffled sound, they go totally unnoticed even if you’re driving through the living room with the family watching a series on the sofa.
My verdict on the Simagic NeoX Hub
