Simagic GTS

Our rating : 9.8/10

Simagic is one of the brands that has caused a stir in sim-racing all over the world, except perhaps in France. But fortunately for us, that’s slowly beginning to change, and this manufacturer is nibbling away market share from the big names, like Fanatec.

Simagic’s catalog is comprehensive, covering a wide range of motorsport disciplines. The manufacturer offers both essential peripherals and accessories for a complete setup. You’ll find Direct Drive bases, steering wheels, pedals and other components such as shifters, handbrakes and more.

Among Simagic’s steering wheel offerings is the GTS, an all-round wheel measuring 30 cm in diameter. Its aim is simple: to offer a versatile product that opens the door to Simagic’s ecosystem, and therefore encourages riders to get a complete setup from the same brand.

In what follows, we’ll see what this Simagic GTS steering wheel is worth once installed on our test bench.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Aluminum-magnesium alloy structure
• 30 cm diameter, with leather or alcantara finish for the rollbar
• 2 magnetic rear paddles
• A total of 11 controls on the faceplate, including RGB buttons, rotarys and a RevLED.
• QR on rear Simagic derived from D1-Spec
• Weighs approx. 1.5 kg on the scale
• Compatible with the entire Simagic ecosystem, as well as with other bases and systems via USB connection

Design

The GTS follows the brand’s styling code for steering wheels: black, a few red accents, and total simplicity for everything else. The wheel is entirely round, with either leather or alcantara for the hoop. The choice is yours when you order the steering wheel, and at no extra charge.

As for the rest, we have a pentagonal-shaped faceplate that houses all the steering wheel controls. Speaking of which, the buttons are in RGB, and there’s a RevLED on the top of the faceplate for all the lights. Also, the steering wheel features a red band at its top, which is in the center of the wheel.

Customized assembly

To mount the GTS, we use Simagic’s QR at the rear. This is the Quick Release used for all the brand’s steering wheels and bases, and is derived from the D1-Spec. Incidentally, Moza Racing’s QR bears a striking resemblance to Simagic’s, if you’ve ever seen the latter.

As a result, the GTS can be mounted on any base available in Simagic’s catalog, as well as on other active peripherals not from the same brand, provided you have the QR wheel and base side that go with it, and this is made possible by a USB-C socket on the back of the steering wheel and a USB cable.

Manufacturing and finishing

The structure of the GTS is based on an aluminum and magnesium alloy, with a rollbar covered in leather or alcantara. In terms of build quality, it’s made with heart and craftsmanship. All the parts that make up this steering wheel fit perfectly, and don’t move. The same goes for the roll bar, which is covered in quality material, with red stitching on the inside.

As far as the GTS finish is concerned, it’s just flawless. The wheel is well made, well finished, and premium to boot. Even though it’s technically an entry-level wheel that’s not expensive compared to the others offered by Simagic, the brand has still gone all out on the GTS to ensure a good-looking wheel. The aim here is to encourage racers to dive into the Simagic ecosystem, and I have to say that this has paid off in terms of the build quality and finish of this wheel.

Handling the steering wheel

The wheel is completely round, with a diameter of 30 cm. On size, I’d say it’s neither too small nor too big; it’s right in the middle of what this wheel wants to do. Because of its shape, the GTS is a wheel that shines in many competitions, especially for beginner drivers. Whether it’s rally racing, GT, endurance, truck driving or even Formula, the GTS is a wheel that can do just about anything.

This is accentuated by the fact that the wheel has just 11 controls spread across the front panel, including 7 RGB buttons, rotarys, switches, a RevLED and 2 magnetic paddles at the rear. All GTS controls are positioned very close to your hands, enhancing ergonomics.

The only point on which I could be picky is the rear of the steering wheel: it only includes 2 magnetic paddles, but once you see what market the GTS is aimed at, you quickly realize that this is more than enough.

Sensations during play

Let’s move on to the Simagic GTS playing experience. As previously mentioned, the wheel is 30 cm in diameter, making it easy to grip in most situations.

Thanks to its fully round shape, the GTS is perfect for many sim-racing motorsport competitions, including rallying, drifting, GT, endurance, touring, chill driving on Forza and even Formula racing.

The steering wheel’s hoop is thick enough for a good grip. What’s more, the wheel is perfectly designed for a 9:15 driving position, with moldings where you put your thumbs.

The GTS is a great wheel for those new to sim-racing, and for many reasons. It’s a wheel that lets you dive into the Simagic ecosystem, without dropping an arm. What’s more, the GTS is superb for getting to grips with just about everything in sim-racing, which should help novices build their confidence and then move on to much more specialized equipment, such as Simagic’s FX-C, FX Pro or GT Neo, which focus on GT, endurance and Formula racing.

Compatibility

This steering wheel is based on Simagic’s Quick Release, derived from the D1-Spec. This makes it natively compatible with all Simagic bases, without exception.

But it doesn’t stop there, because the GTS can be used on any other Direct Drive base, as long as you have the hub and the QR wheel and base side that go with it. This is made possible by a USB-C socket, and cable, on the rear of the wheel.

As far as platforms are concerned, Simagic bases are only compatible with PCs, and the same goes for the brand’s steering wheels.

Value for money

The GTS is one of the least expensive steering wheels on offer from Simagic, with a retail price of around €350. Before you start shouting about how exorbitant this figure is, let’s not forget that the GTS uses an aluminum and magnesium alloy, a leather or alcantara-covered hoop (and the price is the same, by the way), and excellent build quality.

As far as I’m concerned, the value for money of the Simagic GTS is very good, as it allows novice riders to get a foothold in the brand’s ecosystem, without breaking the bank.

My verdict

The GTS has proved to be an excellent “Swiss Army knife” type steering wheel: it serves many sim-racing disciplines perfectly, especially with its neutral shape and 300 mm diameter.

The build quality is very good, it’s premium and the design is minimalist as far as I’m concerned. If you’re planning to treat yourself to a Simagic sim-racing setup, the GTS is an all-rounder. It’ll enable you to gradually improve your skills on the track, then move on to a specific wheel if the discipline in question appeals to you.