LeoXZ XF1 Ultimate

Our rating : 9.7/10

LeoXZ is certainly one of the sim-racing brands you haven’t heard much about. It’s a young peripheral manufacturer active in the steering wheel segment, and currently offers 3 entries in its catalog that touch on the Formula/monoplace segment.

The idea behind LeoXZ is to manufacture and market solutions that don’t cost an arm and a leg, that are customizable, and that can be used directly on competitors’ ecosystems, namely Fanatec, Moza and Simagic, notably with the use of their own Quick Releases.

Among LeoXZ’s steering wheels we have the XF1, a wheel aimed at Formula racing in general. It features a central screen, several paddle and QR options, and controls spread across the faceplate. In what follows, we’ll install this wheel on our sim-racing setup and see what it has to offer.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Carbon fiber faceplate and metal backplate
• 295 mm diameter
• Silicone handles open downwards
• 4.3” IPS center screen with 800×480 pixel resolution at 60 Hz
• USB and wireless connectivity (optional) with 2.4 GHz antenna
• Available in 2, 4 and 6 pallet versions, including 4 magnetic pallets
• Available with QR from Fanatec (QR1 or QR2), Simagic and Moza
• 21 controls in total on the front panel, with buttons, switches and rotarys
• RGB on central buttons and rotaries
• RevLED on top of screen
• Standard 6×70 mm rear mounting pattern
• PC and PS4/PS5 compatible with Fanatec base and QRs
• Weight 1.5 kg on the scale without QRs

Design

If you’ve seen LeoXZ products before, well, their steering wheels are very similar, and the XF1 is no exception. It’s pretty straightforward in terms of design, with a carbon fiber faceplate, silicone grips, central display and buttons/RGB that are discreet, I must say, and I like that.

The XF1’s shape is rectangular, as the steering wheel mainly covers Formula and GT racing, and the handles are open at the bottom. In addition, the 4.3″ central display is positioned on the faceplate, slightly upwards. As far as I’m concerned, the XF1 is a fine sim-racing steering wheel.

Customized assembly

The brand offers several mounting options for its flagship steering wheel. First, there’s the standard 6×70 mm pattern, which can hold virtually any Quick Release available on the market.

In addition to this, LeoXZ offers QRs from Fanatec (QR1 and QR2), Simagic and Moza Racing directly for sale on the XF1 product page. I think it’s great to offer this kind of Quick Release with their steering wheel, as LeoXZ currently has no QR offers, or Direct Drive bases for that matter, in its catalog.

Manufacturing and finishing

The steering wheel structure is entirely metal, with silicone grips and a carbon fiber faceplate. Even if the asking price in standard configuration isn’t that high, the XF1’s build quality is good, in my opinion.

The metal is CNC-cut, the carbon fiber has a varnish-like coating to prevent wear, and the edges are bevelled so you don’t cut your hands while racing.

As for the finish, it’s great for the target audience. It’s not on the same level as a Simucube or a Podium from Fanatec, but it holds its own against the competition, especially when you factor in the selling price in standard configuration.

Handling the steering wheel

With its rectangular shape and 29.5 cm diameter, the XF1 is a steering wheel that’s easy to get to grips with. The driving position is 9H15, with downward-opening, non-slip silicone grips.

As for the controls, there are 21 in all, and these include buttons, switches, rotarys, and also paddles on the rear. The faceplate is arranged so that the controls fall perfectly under your fingers in the middle of a run.

As for the paddles, you can choose between 2, 4 or 6 in total, 4 of which are magnetic if you take the maximum number. Unfortunately, the paddles aren’t adjustable in spacing, but they’re well placed I must say, whether top, middle or bottom.

Sensations during play

As for the in-game feel of the LeoXZ XF1, this will depend mainly on the base you have on your setup. Given that this wheel is aimed at Formula and GT competitions, I think it’s necessary to pair it with a base that develops at least 12 nm of torque.

For feedback, the XF1 weighs in at a kilo and a half, without its QR, and the latter adds half a kilo to the whole. Well, it’s a bit heavy compared to the competition, but the metal structure provides a very high level of rigidity, and I’m not going to complain about that.

The steering wheel is easy to grip, thanks to its shape and default driving position. There’s no flex on the wheel, even if you’re using a base that delivers over 15 nm of constant torque, like the Fanatec ClubSport DD+ or the Moza R16.

As for the screen, it displays telemetric data that can only be set on a PC. Clearly, the resolution is what you’ll find in the segment, as is the refresh rate.

Compatibility

XF1 compatibility will depend on the base you’re on. As I mentioned above, this steering wheel is offered with different Quick Release options, and that’s from the factory. You have those from Fanatec, Simagic and Moza Racing, so it’s theoretically compatible with PCs, Playstations and Xboxes too, if you’ve got the right console basics. However, the brand only mentions PC and Playstation (PS4 and PS5) in terms of platforms.

For communication with your platform, you have two choices: wireless connection with a wireless kit, and a USB cable that terminates in an aviation plug on the side of the steering wheel.

Value for money

The XF1 from LeoXZ is a highly customizable steering wheel, in the sense that the manufacturer offers different variants with paddles, QR and the wireless kit. Prices start at €499.95, rising to €778.90 for the full option, i.e. with 6 paddles, wireless and Fanatec QR2.

Depending on your configuration, this steering wheel offers good to fair value for money. I have to admit I love the fact that there are so many variants in terms of paddles and QR, and that’s probably what tipped the price, because the XF1, when used with a Fanatec base, behaves like a German brand steering wheel thanks to the QR that’s been modified to do just that.

My verdict

LeoXZ is a young brand making products that are competitive for the price. So yes, the XF1 is expensive when you tick all the boxes, but it’s the same with the competition from Fanatec and Simagic. The latter two brands offer expensive wheels for everything from Formula to GT racing.

If you want a change from the big names we all know so well, LeoXZ presents a good alternative to them. The build quality is top-notch, as are the finish, materials and handling. As far as I’m concerned, LeoXZ is a brand that can really be considered for sim-racing, as is its XF1. It’s good to see small manufacturers pulling their weight against competitors who’ve been on the market much longer.