Simagic is a brand of sim-racing peripherals present in several racing simulation segments and categories. The manufacturer’s range caters mainly for drivers with medium to advanced experience, with peripherals for Formula, GT and endurance racing, but also for a little of everything in sim-racing.

We’re now at 2026, and Simagic’s catalog is pretty comprehensive, I must say. Covering the majority of motorsport disciplines, whether with steering wheels, bases, cranksets or other accessories, the brand is well established worldwide.

Speaking of wheels, we have the GT1 on our setup today. This is a wheel aimed at GT, endurance, touring and a little Formula racers, with two material and shape variations too. Fasten your seatbelts, because this test will tell you all about this Simagic entry-level wheel.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Aluminum alloy structure
• Carbon fiber hub
• Available in flat-bottomed and round versions
• Available in a choice of leather or alcantara
• 4 rear paddles
• 8 front panel controls
• Simagic Quick Release derived from D1-Spec at rear
• Compatible with all Simagic wireless bases and other USB bases
• 33 cm diameter
• Weight 1.95 kg

GT1 design

In keeping with Simagic’s styling code, the GT1 is a minimalist steering wheel. On the hoop, we have either leather or alcantara (depending on the shape of the steering wheel), either a round or flat-bottomed wheel, brushed aluminum on the faceplate, a carbon fiber hub, some RGB on the buttons and red stitching, not forgetting the red headband too.

The steering wheel blends black and dark gray to perfection, giving us a wheel that’s not only beautiful, but very sober. There are no flashy elements on the GT1, and the Simagic logo is simple, very motorsport.

Customized assembly

The GT1 uses Simagic’s Quick Release, derived from the D1-Spec. As a result, the steering wheel can be fitted to all the brand’s Direct Drive bases, which use the same QR.

To mount the GT1 on a base, simply pull the red ring, align the steering wheel, insert the QR into the Base Side, and release the ring. Communication with the base is wireless if you’re on the Simagic ecosystem, and if not, there’s a USB Micro-B socket on the back of the steering wheel, with a USB cable to connect to your PC.

Wheel manufacture and finishing

Simagic offers 2 materials for the GT1 rollbar: leather or alcantara. However, the choice of material depends on the shape of the steering wheel. Leather is available on the round and flat-bottomed versions, and alcantara on the flat-bottomed version only.

In terms of build quality, we’re dealing with a Simagic product. As a result, it’s premium, very well finished and with excellent attention to detail. Whether it’s the buttons, the hub, the leather or the alcantara, everything on this steering wheel is of the highest quality, without the slightest flaw.

In terms of finish, Simagic is positioned in the premium sim-racing segment, opposite Moza and Fanatec. The brand’s products follow this principle, using quality materials (aluminum, carbon fiber, leather and alcantara) that are well assembled, and well manufactured too.

Handling the steering wheel

Well, on that note, the wheel is 33 cm in diameter, whatever the version of the steering wheel shape. Depending on your preferences, it could be a large wheel or one that’s easy to grip. As far as I’m concerned, the size of the GT1 is good for certain disciplines, such as GT, rallying or touring in general. I would point out that this wheel is perfectly suited to endurance racing, but note that it can be big all the same.

Let’s move on to the controls. There are a total of 8 controls on the hub and 4 paddles on the rear, 2 of which are magnetic. Overall, the GT1 is easy to handle, with buttons and controls that are close to your hands. However, I should mention that the shape of the steering wheel slightly affects this, as the round wheel has a 9H15 driving position, and the flat-bottomed one is more like 8H20, with hands reaching downwards.

In itself, it’s not a problem, and doesn’t detract from the driving experience. But you’ll have to adapt to this difference if you choose one or the other.

Sensations during play

Let’s move on to the on-track sensations provided by Simagic’s GT1. I paired this steering wheel with a Simagic Alpha, and I must say it was pure bliss. So yes, the GT1 weighs almost 2 kilos on the scale, but once mounted on a base that develops 10 nm or more, you don’t feel its weight at all.

The thickness of the roll bar is superb for riders who like to feel like they’re driving a real steering wheel, not a low-end product. The only difference between the GT1 versions is hand placement. As I mentioned earlier, the flat-bottomed steering wheel has a driving position that tends towards 8H20, while the other is much more standard at 9H15.

Apart from this difference, both wheels are excellent at giving you a high level of immersion on the track, whatever discipline you like. Well, you wouldn’t want to use the GT1 on Formula races, but for a sim-racing beginner who wants to get to grips with a versatile steering wheel, it’s effective.

GT1 compatibility

Like other Simagic peripherals, the GT1 is compatible only with the Windows PC platform. You don’t necessarily need a Simagic base to use this steering wheel on your setup, as it can be connected directly to your computer via a USB cable.

As for software, the GT1 is natively supported by Simagic’s SimPro Manager software. You’ll be able to assign controls, RGB and a host of other wheel-related settings.

Value for money

We’ve talked about it before, the GT1 is available in 3 versions: one round with leather, and two flat-bottomed with leather or alcantara. The all-round steering wheel retails for €370, while the flat-bottomed wheel retails for €395, regardless of the material chosen (leather or alcantara).

Personally, I find Simagic’s GT1 to be good value for money. It’s not the most expensive wheel in the brand’s range, and alongside the GTS, it represents the entry-level wheel.

My verdict on Simagic’s GT1 steering wheel

Like Simagic’s GTS, which is slightly less expensive, the GT1 is clearly aimed at an audience looking for a versatile wheel that does well in many virtual motorsport disciplines. The materials are first-rate, the build quality is top-notch, and you’ll get a good feel for the track.

If you’re looking for a steering wheel that can serve you well for a long time, until you find out what interests you most in sim-racing, then the GT1 is the perfect candidate, especially if you like big wheels. And if you don’t, there’s always the GTS, which is a little smaller, but offers just 2 rear-mounted paddles.