Among the manufacturers of sim-racing peripherals present in the premium segment, we have the brand Simagic brand, which has been active in the field for several years. It’s a Chinese company, founded by racing enthusiasts who were supported by racing drivers.

The brand is currently positioning itself in the premium segment, with peripherals using carbon fiber and high-end materials. Its catalog includes 3 Direct Drive chainstays, several steering wheels, 3 cranksets (one of which is hydraulic), shifters and other sim-racing accessories and peripherals. Compared with the competition, Simagic offers a comprehensive range, appealing to both seasoned and pro riders, and everything in between.

Speaking of steering wheels, Simagic’s top-of-the-range FX Pro is a Formula-style carbon fiber wheel. It represents everything the manufacturer does best, with a central color screen, 6 rear-mounted paddles and more than a dozen controls. In what follows, we take a look at what this wheel has to offer.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Single-seat carbon-fiber steering wheel
• Full carbon fiber structure
• 6 magnetic FC rear paddles
• 4.3″ LCD screen for telemetry display
• 12 backlit buttons on front panel, 5 encoders and 4 rotary switches
• Racing-derived QR50mm at the rear
• USB-C socket on rear also for use with non-Simagic bases
• PC-compatible
• 29 cm diameter, with custom silicone handles to prevent heat build-up and perspiration
• A RevLED on the top of the breastplate

FX Pro design

The FX Pro has a fairly minimalist design, except for the rotary switches, which are close to the thumbs and in red. The rest of the steering wheel is sober, but still offers customization thanks to individual RGB backlit buttons, and stickers for mapping each of them.

As for the faceplate, and the structure too, it’s made of unforged carbon fiber. It’s beautiful, of course, but having forged CF with blue or green accents would have been much better in terms of design. I imagine this kind of material was out of the budget for such a steering wheel, and Simagic’s aim was to be competitive in the segment.

As for the screen and its design, I don’t have much to say about it, except that it’s surrounded by a RevLED.

Customized assembly

The FX Pro is mounted on a DD base using Simagic’s QR50. This Quick Release is very easy to use for the simple reason that it is derived from motor racing and is based on the D1Spec, just like Moza Racing‘s QR, which bears a striking resemblance to it.

In any case, the QR50 is compatible with all Simagic bases, and even those of other brands, but the link with the steering wheel will be via USB-C this time. To install the FX Pro on a base, simply pull the red ring, align the steering wheel and push it into position, then release the ring. Simple, quick and, above all, safe.

Wheel manufacture and finishing

Sporting a full carbon-fiber structure, the FX Pro is no exception to Simagic’s rule of premium finishing in every respect. Inspecting the steering wheel, nothing was detected, whether in terms of spacing between parts, gaps or poor assembly. Everything is perfect, and I would expect nothing less from Simagic, as the manufacturer has accustomed us to exceptional products.

As for the finish, it’s all the same. The buttons don’t stick when you use them, even with the RGB coming through. The paddle shifters are superb, and the screen resolution is identical to that of the competition. All in all, the FX Pro is a premium steering wheel, following the same Simagic codes.

Handling the steering wheel

At 29 cm in diameter and rectangular in shape, the FX Pro is easy to hold, especially around the handles. The controls (knobs, switches and encoders) spread across the faceplate are easy to reach, except perhaps for those at the very bottom, but that’s to be expected.

A total of 6 paddles are located at the rear, 4 of which are magnetic. These can be used for shifting gears, Dual Clutch and other vehicle functions. All six are adjustable, but only in terms of spacing, which is a bit of a shame, as other wheels also offer adjustable height. As for the click, it sounds good, but not deafening like some Moza Racing steering wheels, for example. Oh, and the paddles aren’t Push-Pull, which means you can’t shift gears with one hand, which is a shame, but not restrictive in absolute terms.

And finally, the handles. Simagic has used silicone, but a quality one, and specially engineered to avoid keeping your hands warm and bringing with it perspiration. As a result, you’ll find a natural riding position, even on long racing sessions.

Sensations during play

On a good Direct Drive base, such as an Alpha Mini or Alpha, the FX Pro proves to be a superb Formula-type steering wheel. It’s intuitive to get to grips with, so you’re quickly into the swing of things. What’s more, the wheel’s diameter lets you immerse yourself in every aspect of a single-seater.

With the right settings, the hand position is ideal for single-seater racing, mainly F1 to be honest. What’s more, the silicone grips offer an excellent level of grip, putting heat and perspiration to one side, especially for drivers who race without gloves, something I have to say is very common.

The telemetry displayed on the screen can be customized via SimPro Manager, Simagic’s in-house software, highlighting vital data on the vehicle, track or laps. And, of course, you can easily switch from one view to another.

And as for the paddles, well, they’re superb. The magnetic ones at the top can be used with your index and middle fingers, and the non-magnetic ones at the bottom can be used with your little finger. All in all, they’re easy to reach, although I’d have liked to have been able to adjust the height of the paddles, as the FX Pro currently only offers lateral position adjustment.

Steering wheel compatibility

Naturally, the FX Pro is compatible with all three bases currently on sale from Simagic, namely the Alpha range. And without too much surprise, this steering wheel can only be used on Windows PCs (10 or 11) through the brand’s bases, or other peripherals provided you have the right QR and a USB-C cable.

As far as titles are concerned, the FX Pro is primarily intended for single-seaters, whether Formula or prototype. You can use it for other disciplines, but it will quickly show the limits of its design.

Value for money

The FX Pro is an expensive steering wheel; priced at €900, not everyone will buy it. However, if you take into account the build quality, finish, materials and, above all, placement in the segment, the FX Pro offers not bad value for money, I must say.

Admittedly, there are similar products available at a lower price, such as Moza Racing’s FSR, but it’s no match for the FX Pro in terms of features and premium appeal.

My verdict on Simagic’s FX Pro steering wheel

If you’re looking for a superb single-seater (Formula/Proto) steering wheel, the FX Pro is just what you need. Think of it as an investment that will give you many hours of joy and a super-realistic sim-racing feel. It’s like buying a Google Pixel or an iPhone if you’re a photography fan: the smartphone will deliver excellent results in virtually any situation.

For the FX Pro, it’s all the same: if you need it, buy it, because it’s really worth it.