At the time of writing, there are hundreds of sim-racing wheels on the market worldwide, with segments ranging from beginners to professionals to racing enthusiasts.

The sim-racing steering wheel market is particularly competitive, driven by established players such as Simagic, Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech, as well as more specialized brands such asAsetek, Simucube and BavarianSimTec.

Each manufacturer positions itself in different segments, covering several disciplines: from rallying to drifting, Formula, touring or even GT, which remains one of the most popular formats today.

This is precisely the segment in which VNM is positioned with its GT V1 steering wheel. A wheel with a minimalist design, but one that aims for quality. In this test, we’ll find out what it’s really made of.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• CNC-machined aluminum structure
• 30 cm diameter with rectangular shape
• Silicone handles open downwards
• 8 RGB buttons, 4 rotarys, 2 funky switches and 2 thumb encoders
• 2 magnetic and 2 analog paddles at the rear, all adjustable in spacing
• Connection via GX12-4 socket on steering wheel side and USB to platform
• PC-compatible
• Weighs 2.5 kg on the scale
• 70 mm fastening pattern for QR

GT V1 wheel design

The GT V1’s design is minimalist in the truest sense of the word. The faceplate is entirely black, and the controls are RGB, but that’s not really noticeable when the LEDs are off.

Apart from that, the brand’s logo can be found in the center of the faceplate, where a screen should be located, but VNM didn’t deem it necessary to integrate this equipment into the steering wheel. At the rear, 4 paddles surround a 6×70 mm pattern hub.

The GT V1 is a beautiful, simple steering wheel that will go perfectly with any sim-racing setup that focuses on GT racing.

Customized assembly

As I just mentioned, the hub on the rear of the GT V1 has a 6×70 mm pattern for QR mounting. In reality, there are more than 6 holes, but the diameter is 70 mm, which is standard for many hubs and Quick Releases.

To be able to use this steering wheel on a setup, you have two options: use the QR from VNM with its DD bases, or take a hub from the base you have (and its QR too) to attach the whole thing.

The assembly operation will vary according to your setup, as VNM’s QR looks a bit like the old Thrustmaster ones, with a kind of pin-and-tongue mechanism.

Wheel manufacture and finishing

The GT V1’s structure is made entirely of aluminum, machined by CNC machines. In terms of build quality, I’d say it’s on a par with Fanatec’s CSL range, or even some ClubSport wheels. At Moza, it’s on a par with much of the wheel range in terms of build quality.

Even if the brand is young on the market, there’s still a nice finish on the GT V1. I didn’t notice any burrs on the CNC cut-outs, there are chamfers on all edges, and the buttons are well placed in their slots.

The GT V1 is a very solid steering wheel, thanks in particular to the use of aluminum, but this comes at a cost in terms of weight, as the beast weighs 2.5 kg on the scales.

Handling the steering wheel

The GT V1’s grip is geared towards GT racing, thanks to its 30 cm diameter and rectangular shape. Also, the steering wheel grips are made of silicone, to enhance grip, and are closed at the bottom.

As for the controls, the faceplate houses 8 buttons, rotarys and switches, plus funky switches. That’s more than enough, in my opinion, for GT-style racing. However, there’s no RevLED on the steering wheel, and that’s a missed opportunity on VNM’s part as far as I’m concerned.

The rear panel features 4 paddles: 2 magnetic and 2 analog. All paddles are adjustable in spacing, which should please all virtual pilots.

Sensations during play

Before considering the VNM GT V1, don’t forget that the wheel weighs 2.5 kg on the scale, and that you need a base that puts out at least 12 nm of torque to take full advantage of this wheel on GT races, such as a Moza R16 (16 Nm) or a Fanatec ClubSport DD+ (15 Nm). If you opt for a less powerful base, you’ll experience clipping sooner than on another wheel.

Otherwise, for the races it’s aimed at, the GT V1 does pretty well, I must say. Grip is very good, thanks in no small part to the textured silicone grips, which offer a good level of grip when racing.

As for the controls, I don’t have much to say about them, except that the funky switches are smooth. You’ll need more force to operate them, at the risk of your fingers slipping, especially with gloves on.

And as for the GT V1’s second drawback, namely the fact that it doesn’t have RevLEDs, this can be a deal breaker for some, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to using them in racing. As far as I’m concerned, it’s standard equipment that every GT steering wheel should have, especially if it wants to be competitive on the market.

Well, if you’ve got a dashboard, you can skip it. Nevertheless, I’m really keen to see a RevLED on a GT V2, and also to see it come to market in the next year or two.

Wheel compatibility

The steering wheel is compatible with the PC platform only via a cable that terminates in an aviation connection on one side, and USB on the other. Whether you opt for VNM’s DD bases or any other available on the market, provided you have its Quick Release of course, this steering wheel can only be used on a PC.

When it comes to Direct Drive bases, there’s no limit, and all you’ll need is a hub and a QR that can be attached to the back of the steering wheel, i.e. a 70 mm pattern.

Value for money

The VNM GT V1 is sold for under €500 on most blinds, and often close to €400 when on special offer. As far as I’m concerned, it offers good value for money, with quality materials, a solid finish and features that rival those of the competition.

Nevertheless, the absence of a RevLED can tip the balance in the wrong direction for the GT V1, especially if you buy it at an unpromoted price.

My verdict on the VNM GT V1 steering wheel

As far as the GT V1 is concerned, I’d recommend picking it up when its retail price is close to €400, as I think it offers good value for money. It’s not the best in its class, as it still lacks a RevLED, and is heavy, but its attractive price means you can compensate for this and click “Order” without regret.

Gone are the days when Asian brands only offered products with expiry dates that were only a few weeks away. Moza Racing and Simagic have proved that Chinese companies can compete with the big names in the European industry. And VNM is the latest addition to this list.