If you’re looking for a sim-racing steering wheel, you’ve got a wide range of options to choose from, depending on the discipline you’re aiming for, materials, build quality, controls and other features, price and so on.

Fanatec, for example, offers over 40 entries in its wheel catalog, and that’s not counting the other offerings from the German manufacturer.

The brands we all know include Fanatec, Moza Racing, Simucube, Simagic and Asetek, as well as BavarianSimTec and SOELPEC. The latter two manufacturers cover the very top end of sim-racing peripherals.

In the SOELPEC catalog, we have the Spectra XR, a Formula-type steering wheel that occupies the manufacturer’s iron throne. It’s a very premium steering wheel, with a host of controls, and it’s on our setup for a full test today.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Formula steering wheel with rectangular shape, 30.2 cm diameter
• 5″ central touch screen
• 17 RGB buttons, 2 switches and 5 rotary encoders
• Anodized aluminum frame
• Weighs 1.35 kg on the scale
• Silicone handles open downwards
• RevLED on top and sides of front panel
• 2 magnetic paddles and 2 others for dual clutch at rear
• Rear hub with 6×70 mm pattern
• Available in 5 order colors

Spectra XR design

As with virtually all Formula-type steering wheels, the Spectra XR takes on a rectangular shape, with handles that are open at the bottom. What’s most striking about this steering wheel is the colors available on the faceplate and backplate.

The Spectra XR comes in 5 color variants, and these cover the buttons, rotarys, LEDs and rear hub. What’s more, the screen dashboard changes according to the color version selected.

All in all, the Spectra XR is a fine steering wheel, even if the RGB is a little too much for my taste.

Customized assembly

To mount the Spectra XR, we’ve designed a hub on the rear of the steering wheel that can accommodate any Quick Release with a 6×70 mm mounting pattern. This same hub changes color depending on the steering wheel version.

For communication with the platform, there’s an aviation socket on the steering wheel side, and a USB socket to the platform. The aviation socket is recessed to the right when the steering wheel is in front of you, and won’t disturb you when in use.

Wheel manufacture and finishing

Contrary to popular belief, the Spectra XR uses aluminum rather than carbon fiber for its structure. We’re talking very high-end when it comes to price, but SOELPEC is a small manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals, and carbon fiber at their production scale isn’t a wise choice. Aluminum is widely available, solid, and can be machined by CNC machines.

As far as build quality is concerned, it’s on a higher level than Simucube’s offering, and naturally far ahead of Fanatec’s ClubSport. It’s premium, beautiful, superbly well made and very well cared for.

This also applies to the finish, which is just flawless. Nothing is assembled askew, everything is to the millimeter. Quite simply, this is a perfect piece.

Handling the steering wheel

The diameter of the Spectra XR is just over 30 cm, with a rectangular shape. This translates into a natural grip for the Formula, and a riding position that’s 9H15.

The handles are open at the bottom, making them more ergonomic, especially for people with large hands. As for controls, there are 19 on the front panel, 4 paddles on the rear, 2 button actions and the central 5″ screen. Usually, we find smaller screens, but given its 30.2 cm diameter, the Spectra XR can accommodate a larger screen.

The controls are close to your hands, making them much easier to use in the middle of a race. This doesn’t necessarily apply to the rotaries in the center, but it’s the same story on racing cars.

Sensations during play

With its rectangular shape and diameter of over 30 cm, the Spectra XR’s discipline of choice is Formula. This steering wheel is supported by SimHub, allowing you to configure controls, RGBs and screen dashboards.

To get the most out of this wheel, you need a Direct Drive base with at least 12 to 15 nm of torque(Moza r12 or Moza R16, for example). And once you’ve got this marriage of sim-racing peripherals, the Spectra XR proves to be a formidable weapon in racing.

Everything is precise on the steering wheel, whether it’s pressing buttons, pulling a paddle or changing parameters with a rotary. This is a steering wheel that’s aimed at top-level sim-racing competition, and I can tell you that the results are there for all to see.

The grip is ideal for single-seater racing, although you can also use this wheel for GT racing. The wheel structure is ultra-solid in corners, and you won’t see or feel any flex on the Spectra XR.

What’s more, the silicone used on the grips greatly enhances grip. It’s not a perspiration-sensitive material like alcantara, so you can ride with gloves, or even without if you’re not a fan.

Wheel compatibility

Unsurprisingly, the Spectra XR is only compatible with Windows-based PCs. It’s a very high-end sim-racing device, and in this segment, only PCs can make the most of the features it offers.

As far as Direct Drive bases are concerned, there are no real limits to their use. As long as you’ve got a PC-compatible base with a 6×70 mm pattern hub, the Spectra XR will fit right in.

Also, as I mentioned above, this steering wheel supports SimHub for control, RGB and screen settings.

Value for money

It’s well known that sim-racing brands operating in the very high-end segment, i.e. the one above Simucube, often rhyme with a high price. And SOELPEC’s Spectra XR is no exception to this rule, priced at around €1,799 by specialist retailers, regardless of the color chosen.

Given the segment in which the steering wheel is positioned, its materials, build quality, target audience and brand elitism, value for money isn’t all that bad.

It’s true that it’s expensive for a Formula steering wheel, I grant you. But if you can afford it, then price is no object.

My verdict on Soelpec’s Spectra XR wheel

The Spectra XR is an exceptional wheel to use in sim-racing, and on several points, such as grip, build quality, materials, but also immersion. If you have the means, I consider this wheel an excellent candidate to complete your sim-racing setup.

The team behind this peripheral clearly demonstrates its commitment to producing an exceptional product aimed at satisfying an elitist public who are not only fans of racing simulations, but also of professional drivers.