Dutch heavyweight Sim-Lab has unveiled its new and improved trio of direct-drive wheelbases. With a release date planned for the end of 2025, there is much to be excited about if you are a Sim-Lab fan looking for a new direct-drive system!
What to expect from Sim-Lab
Following the debut of the wheelbases at the Sim Racing expo in 2024, Sim-Lab has been hard at work behind the scenes developing and improving their upcoming Direct Drive effort. In the current development process, no casing or aesthetics accompanies their technology. The mechanics and technology are encased in a rectangle of steel. So, while we can not tell you how pretty the base will look, what really matters is how it performs on track.Check out our video with Sim-Lab CEO Richard Schouteren for a full breakdown of the good and bad aspects of Sim-Lab's new Direct Drive wheelbase at this year's Sim Formula Europe. Our major highlight was the significant improvement compared to the prototype brought to the Simracingexpo last year. The feedback is much smoother and does not suffer from sudden spikes of unexpected feedback. Of course, they are not ready for release yet, but they are moving in the right direction.
Sim-Lab's prototype 25Nm wheelbase
Brand Loyalty
With these new wheelbases in the Sim-Lab lineup, a turnkey setup is now possible for the growing Dutch brand. This, whilst seeming minimal, is a massive step forward. The option to sell and create entire setups from their gear will significantly benefit those of us who like to stay loyal to one brand on their rig where possible. If you want to change your setup entirely, a bundle like Sim-Lab's could be worth considering.The 25Nm and the 35Nm wheelbases are being developed to challenge the likes of the Asetek Invicta, Simucube's lineup and the top end of MOZA and Fanatec's ranges. No price is set in metaphorical stone yet, but the bases will be released in time for the Christmas holidays in 2025. The 15Nm will be the cheapest of the three and could be a significant upgrade option from a base like the Fanatec CSL DD.
Sim-Lab direct drive wheelbase (2024)
The competition is alive and evolving at this level and price point in sim racing hardware. The Asetek La Prima, Simagic Alpha and Alpha Mini, and Fanatec's DD+ Extreme are just a handful of Sim-Lab's established competition.
Who are these wheelbases for?
With three options available, Sim-Lab is covering all bases—literally. So, which one would be best for you? All three options are direct drive systems that are not to be taken lightly; we would not recommend this line of products for children without parental supervision!New Software
With these new wheelbases comes a fancy new piece of configurable software. This software shows a live graph of force feedback in real time, giving you a detailed breakdown of how your base is reacting to inputs and what could be causing clipping issues.The new basic Sim-Lab software.
You will be able to save full sheets of data for analysis after you have finished your session. Improving your wheel inputs and creating a smoother curve would be the ideal outcome, but this software could also help you analyse any wheelbase issues or health problems that could occur—for example, a sudden loss of power. You can analyse which aspect of the feedback could have failed.
Sim-Lab's new integrated force feedback graph.
Overall, these Sim-Lab wheelbases are heavy hitters in terms of power and potential market presence. All the bases feel good to drive, but they still need a lot of refining. Throughout 2025, leading up to the scheduled pre-Christmas release, Sim-Lab will continue to refine and build upon this up-and-coming platform.
What do you think of Sim-Lab's move into the world of Direct-Drive wheelbases? Let us know in the comments below!
