Simagic Neo X-330T

Our rating: 9.5/10

Simagic really does offer an excellent alternative to the other sim-racing brands on the market. Its products are high quality, premiums, and often sold at attractive prices.

The brand’s catalog is comprehensive, covering all aspects of the equipment needed for sim-racing. Direct Drive bases, steering wheels, shifters , gearshifts, as well as other accessories that are necessary for racing on the small screen. What’s more, Simagic’s products are of the highest quality, made by teams who are passionate about virtual racing, and backed up by real racing drivers. It’s the perfect recipe for outstanding peripherals, if you ask me.

Among Simagic’s steering wheels, we have the Neo X series, which I must say is an atypical approach. Usually, manufacturers offer several steering wheels and wheels spread over a whole range. For the Neo X, Simagic has chosen to offer one steering wheel name, declined in several wheels that share the same hub. In what follows, we’ll take a look at the 330T, an all-round wheel that’s perfect for many sim-racing disciplines.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Steering wheel series available in several versions, from 31 cm to 35 cm in diameter
• CNC-machined aluminum structure for all flywheel variants
• Leather-covered headband, with stitching in different colors
• Wheels available in full-round and rectangular formats
• 14 hub-mounted controls with 4 rear-mounted paddles
• RevLED on top of the hub
• Magnetic gearshift paddles with adjustable spacing
• Simagic QR on rear with USB-C socket on hub for connection to PCs
• Compatible with Windows and the entire Simagic ecosystem, plus other DD bases if you swap the QR

Design

As I said earlier, brands usually offer a steering wheel with a unique design and a specific name. Here, Simagic offers us a series of wheels with slightly different names, and different diameters.

On the whole, the Neo X steering wheels look very similar, except for the 310G, which has a very rectangular shape, reminiscent of the Ford GT steering wheel. But the rest are pretty much the same, with differences in the texture of the leather (imitation leather), the colors of the stitching, and the moldings on the roll bar.

The hub of this series of steering wheels is beautiful, with carbon fiber. It includes all the peripheral controls, with RGB buttons. The Neo X 330T features the brand logo in the center of the faceplate, and orange stitching. It’s a real looker, perfect for a drift or rally setup.

Customized assembly

The Neo X 330T uses Simagic’s Quick Release to ensure connection and communication with the brand’s chainstays. Assembly is just as simple as on the manufacturer’s other wheels, and all you have to do is pull the red ring, align the QR with its base-side counterpart, and insert it. Simple, effective and very solid.

And if you have a base that’s not from Simagic, you can remove the brand’s QR and place your base’s. Communication with the platform for commands is via a USB-C cable on the back of the steering wheel.

Manufacturing and finishing

The structure of the Neo X 330T is made of aluminum, which is CNC machined. In fact, this is the norm at Simagic, which is slightly ahead of Fanatec and Moza Racing when it comes to entry-level steering wheels.

The build quality is very good, as we’re used to seeing on Simagic products. It’s premium, well assembled and, above all, well presented. The leather on the headband is imitation leather, so you wouldn’t expect real leather on a product like this. Nevertheless, it’s a quality material that reinforces the Neo X 330T’s premium appearance.

Handling the steering wheel

Depending on the model, you get either 31, 33 or 35 cm in diameter. The Neo X 330T is 330 mm in diameter, hence the 330T in its name. The riding position is 9H15, with a fairly large rollbar around the wheel.

The controls are located on a hub at the rear of the Neo X 330T, close to your hands. Whether it’s buttons, rotarys or switches, you’ll have no trouble using them in full swing. What’s more, the Neo X 330T features a RevLED on the top of the hub to display engine speed.

The rear of the hub houses the Neo X 330T’s 4 paddles. Those on top, for gear shifting, are magnetic and adjustable in spacing. This should help riders find a good driving position. As for the lower ones, they’re dual-clutch, and unfortunately not adjustable. But then, that’s what all the other manufacturers do on the Neo X 330T range.

Sensations during play

In sim-racing, there’s a debate among racers about wheel size. Some prefer large-diameter wheels, others do not. To put it simply, Simagic has tried to please everyone with its Neo X range, which goes from 31 to 35 cm in diameter, with the Neo X 330T at 33 cm, right in the middle.

Ergonomics are superb on the Simagic Neo X 330T, with controls that are close to you and a good-sized headband. The leatherette is good, offering adequate grip for racing.

As a result, the Neo X 330T is a great steering wheel for rallying, as well as for drifting and touring. It can be used in GT, but some will probably feel like they’re driving a truck. If that’s your case, don’t try the 350W. Nevertheless, the build quality is top-notch, and I didn’t notice any flex at all.

Compatibility

This steering wheel is compatible with all Simagic bases thanks to the QR on the back, from the old Alpha U to the new Evo. As for the platform, it’s PC-only, as all the brand’s other products are computer-based.

And if you’re not in the Simagic ecosystem, you can still use this steering wheel on your sim-racing setup, provided you have the hub that goes with your base. Connection to the PC is via a USB-C cable.

Value for money

The Simagic Neo X 330T costs around €370. As far as I’m concerned, and given the build quality, materials used and premium look of the steering wheel, I think it represents good value for money.

So yes, it’s more expensive than the Moza CS V2P, for example, and even the new Pro, but I think it’s higher quality, and that, in my opinion, justifies the price difference, which isn’t all that glaring.

My verdict

The Simagic Neo X 330T is a good steering wheel for fans of rallying, drifting, touring or GT to some extent. It’s well-built, high-quality, premium and competitively priced.

It offers superb ergonomics and driving position, and you get 4 paddles on the back, plus a USB-C socket if you’re not in the Simagic ecosystem. If you’re looking for a 33 cm steering wheel, the Neo X 330T is ideal. And if you’re looking for something smaller, you’ve got virtually the same in 31 cm: the 310G, but with a very rectangular shape, like on a Peugeot.