GT style sim racing wheels are a popular choice among sim racers due to their realistic design and feel. These wheels are modeled after the steering wheels found in real-life GT cars.
When it comes to choosing the right GT style sim racing wheel, there are a variety of options available on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Fanatec, Thrustmaster, and Cube Controls, each offering a range of wheels with different features and price points. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the individual’s budget and personal preferences.
This article will break down GT style rims and offer our perspective on some of the coolest GT rims that you may wish to consider.
GT Sim Racing Wheels mentioned in this article:
Cube controls GT pro zero wireless
Simagic GTC wheel
Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel Mclaren GT3 V2
Cube controls GT sport wireless
Moza ES Steering Wheel
What Are GT Style Sim Racing Wheels?
F1 cars over the years have had many iterations of steering wheels. In the mid 90s F1 teams brought an innovative style in what would now be known as GT style wheels. The wheels were typically a round shape, sometimes with a flat bottom and a series of buttons and knobs that allow the driver to make adjustments on the fly.
GT style sim racing wheels tend to have fewer buttons and rotary encoders than other types of sim racing wheels. Display screens on the wheels are much rarer than in F1, mainly due to GT cars having screens on the dashboard.
Despite having fewer controls, GT style sim racing wheels still offer a wide range of customisation options. They can also map buttons and rotary encoders to different functions, such as adjusting the brake bias or changing the fuel mix.
Features of GT Style Sim Racing Wheels
Size and Shape
They are typically larger in size than other types of sim racing wheels and have a unique shape that allows for a wider maximum steering range. This shape also allows for longer paddles, making it easier to reach for a gear shift from wider positions around the wheel.
These wheels tend to have a wider maximum steering range, allowing drivers to make more precise turns.
Shapes range from full diameter wheels to half oval have flat formula shaped style wheel.
Some GT wheels that have an open end rim similar to a formula wheel. This may be an open rim at the top where modern formula style wheels having an opening at the bottom.
Benefits of GT Style Sim Racing Wheels
Improved Realism
As obvious as it may be GT rims are more suited to sports car racing allowing for a larger range of motion around corners.
GT style wheels mimic the steering wheels offered in real life sports cars and therefore provide the optimum experience when driving these cars.
However due to their versatility they are also suitable for driving F1 cars in the virtual world.
Enhanced Performance
One of the benefits of using a GT style wheel is that they allow drivers to shift gears relatively easy due to the larger shift paddles. This of course is mainly down to the larger diameter of the wheel compared to formula wheels.
Additionally, the longer paddles can help to reduce the chance of missed shifts, which can be costly in terms of time and position on the virtual track.
Choosing the Best GT Style Sim Racing Wheel
Below are some of our recommend picks for GT style Sim racing wheels:
Cube controls GT pro zero wireless
Cube controls Gt Pro wireless is a really nice looking wheel. The wheel is quite narrow despite its 300mm diameter. Built for precision driving the GT pro zero has a nice ergonomic feel. Made from alcantara the grips are comfortable although as we all know it’s often best to use gloves for material preservation.
A great feature of the wheel is that the button box can be switched out. This is great for versatility and choice should you wish to change
The shifters are adjustable however some may find that they are not as strong as other wheels out there.
Simagic GTC wheel
The Smagic GTC is another cut off top wheel. Also Ergonomically nice and comfortable when driving. Alcantara material is used for the grips on this wheel. The shifters provide a nice click response and are pleasurable. Another ascetically pleasing wheel in the GT range which has also been well put together. There are no issues in reaching the buttons around the wheel. All of which feel well distributed, easy to navigate and feel.
led lights also operate on the wheel and add to the enjoyment of the experience racing with this wheel.
Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel Mclaren GT3 V2
The CSL elite Mclarenn GT3 V2 is one of fantaces most popular wheels. Reason being is that it is at a great price and also looks the part.
Race car fans may be aware that this is almost a replica of the wheel used in the Mclaredn GT3 race car.
The wheel has a 300mm diameter and although it is predominantly made from plastic still looks and feels great. Most people can be fooled into thinking that the wheel is made from carbon fibre however this is a coated pattern covered over the wheel.
A tiny small 1 inch screen is included for on the fly adjustments . The grips are made from rubber, but watch out, after some long use you could find yourself with very sweaty palms.
Cube controls GT pro wireless
Our last two entrants are flat bottom to round top surfaced rims. These rims provide versatility to those who wish to race a variety of cars.
The cube controls Feels and looks like quality wheel. Bigger than our previous entrants the wheel is 320 mm. Despite the increase in size the wheel still feels comfortable with it’s alcantara based material.
The buttons are relatively decent and with a good feel especially with the guards surrounding them to help with navigation. Additionally they are responsive with a nice good click, the rotaries are also of good quality.
Some may find that the shifters lighter especially to most formula wheel.
Moza ES steering wheel
The Moza ES is a Leather material wheel and on the smaller side at 280mm. The wheel enters the list as one of the entry level picks. Deceptive in it’s size the wheel actually weighs more than you might think.
We like that the wheel has a console theme with the buttons despite not being compatible with consols, the irony! The controls and buttons are user friendly and easy to reach. Another reason for liking the wheel is the amount of buttons available. This aids in customisation and adjustments.
Although it does not look the most authentic of steering wheels it’s still a fun wheel to drive. It’s versatile and can be modded into a formula style wheel at a low cost.
This wheel Works perfectly with the Moza R5.
Conclusion
After researching and reviewing the best GT style sim racing wheels available in 2023, it is clear that there are many options to choose from. Each wheel has its own unique features and benefits, making it important for buyers to consider their individual needs and preferences before making a purchase.
When it comes to choosing a GT style wheel, it is important to consider factors such as wheel size, button and paddle placement, and compatibility with your existing sim racing setup.
Overall, the best GT style sim racing wheel for one person may not be the best for another. With the right GT style wheel, sim racers can enhance their gaming experience and achieve a more realistic and immersive feel.