This guide helps you choose the right high-end wheelbase for your virtual racing. Learn the key differences between wheelbases in sim racing – and get key tips for making the best purchase.

Why consider purchasing a high-end sim racing wheelbase?

The wheelbase is the engine of your simulator. It turns racing from a game into a more lifelike experience. A high-end wheelbase lets you feel more track details and catch slides better with enhanced feedback.

A quality wheelbase is strong and reliable. It feels the same every time, letting you focus on driving. No worries about changes in feedback – just pure focus on pushing your limits. This helps you control the car better and recover from grip mistakes in corners.

What is a premium sim racing wheelbase?

A premium wheelbase replicates the force feedback signal from the simulator accurately, without interference or quality issues. Think of it like a speaker producing clear sound or a camera capturing true colors. The goal is to reproduce the car’s movement signals into steering wheel actions as they come from the simulator software or modify them exactly as you want.

All premium wheelbases use Direct Drive technology, connecting the steering wheel directly to the wheelbase shaft with a quick release system. The quality of the unit sets apart premium, mid-level, and standard bases.

Why do high-end wheelbases cost more?

High-end wheelbases cost more due to better materials, latest technology, and precise engineering. They last longer and feel smoother and more authentic. You can tweak the settings to fit your style and different racing sims. The extra cost brings you closer to real-world racing.

Premium high-end wheelbases use advanced industrial motor technology, not standard game controller technology. Achieving this level needs expensive signal processing, craftmanship, components, materials and quality control.

Why pay more? You get more from your game. Feel the car better through the wheel. React faster to road changes. Gain confidence as you sense everything between the car and the road.

Is a high-end wheelbase for you?

Deciding on a high-end wheelbase? Here’s how to know if it’s for you.

• You love real racing and/or competitive feeling
  Want realistic driving experience with precise control? High-end wheelbases offer better force feedback and more immersive racing.
• You appreciate long-term value
  High-end wheelbases last longer. They may cost more upfront but save money over time. Many experienced racers wish they had invested in quality gear from the start.
• You try it and it feels good
  Experience a high-end wheelbase if you can. The difference in performance is significant and can enhance your racing.
• You share the point-of-view of other high-end customers
  Read reviews from other high-end sim racers. Their experiences can help you understand the benefits and improvements.
• You are committed
  Are you serious about sim racing? If it’s more than a casual hobby and you spend hours racing each week, a high-end wheelbase is worth considering.

You don’t need to meet all the criteria, but the more boxes you tick, the more a high-end wheelbase makes sense. If you’re dedicated to sim racing and want lasting, high-performance equipment, a high-end wheelbase is a smart choice. It offers better performance, durability, and an immersive experience. Investing in quality now will enhance your sim racing for years.

How to compare high-end wheelbases and decide which is right for you?

When comparing high-end wheelbases and trying to decide the one to purchase, focus on the following key factors.

Build quality

A high-end wheelbase is resistant and made from long-lasting quality materials. It keeps running during your race. Quality wheelbases come with a long warranty, so you can trust on getting help if needed. You can also check, how brands handle customer support, so are they reliable. These cases can usually be found on sim racing discussion forums, like Discord or Reddit.

If you are passionate about sim racing and you are committed to improving your talents, your wheelbase must be durable and reliable. It should handle long races and practice sessions without breaking down, and then keep you in the game.

Software

Good software is a game-changer. It feels intuitive for you to use, and there are the features you need when racing. Easy customization adds value and lets you tweak the settings without a hassle.

Proper calibration and software configuration are key for the best performance. Software like Simucube Tuner lets you fine-tune your setup. Correct setup unlocks the wheelbase’s full potential and enhances your racing experience.

If you take the time to set up your wheelbase correctly, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy a more immersive experience from the race. The tools in the software help you ensure that your wheelbase performs at its best.

Future-proof

Another key factor is long-term support. Make sure the sim racing gear you choose receives ongoing software updates and remains future proof.

One of Simucube’s values is providing long-term support for its products.

For an example, Simucube 1 still gets software updates, eight years after its release. Also, Simucube 2 wheelbases, which has been launched in 2019, continue to receive Simucube Tuner software updates and active customer and RMA support.

When you buy high-end sim racing products, you can be confident that Simucube has your back. Your purchase will be well supported for years to come.

Ease of use

What’s important for your day-to-day racing is ease-of-use and easy adjustability and setup.

Every Simucube 3 wheelbase comes with a new Control Box that enhances usability. It replaces the traditional emergency stop with a smart control center allowing you to adjust torque, damping, and feel on the fly, and to power Simucube Link devices, such as ActivePedals and Simucube 3, with a single button press.

Connectivity to your PC and other sim racing gear

Connectivity to your PC is also a factor to consider when buying a high-end wheelbase.

Simucube 3 wheelbases introduce the Simucube Link Platform, a unified connection system for all your Simucube devices. Through the Simucube Link Hub, your wheelbase, pedals, and accessories communicate seamlessly over one stable, noise-free protocol.

The result is a simplified, future-proof setup that minimizes cables and noise and maximizes reliability.

Key benefits of the Simucube Link Platform include:

• One USB connection for the entire system, reducing noise
• Protection from electrical interference
• Consistent, low-latency data flow
• Expandability for future Simucube devices

Motor

High-end wheelbases have powerful, smooth, and consistent feeling.

Since its introduction in 2019, Simucube 2 has delivered professional-level realism and performance. It continues to be a trusted, smooth, and consistent wheelbase for sim racers around the world.

Each Simucube 3 wheelbase is individually tuned through re-engineered control algorithms that ensure maximum precision and a natural, consistent feel across the entire range. The improved motor design produces powerful yet smooth feedback, translating the car’s movement into detailed and intuitive sensations.

Simucube 3 Ultimate introduces a completely new Spoke-type IPM motor, engineered for exceptional torque accuracy and efficiency. Its dense magnetic field structure enables fast, precise, and energy-efficient responses – resulting in a lifelike and effortless driving experience.

Torque (Nm)

Torque measures the wheelbase’s resistance, and it is in Newton-meters. More torque means stronger, more realistic feedback. High torque is needed for simulating cars without power steering, like Indy cars.

Force feedback detail

Higher force feedback detail means smoother, precise force effects. When force feedback detail is higher, you can feel the small changes in road texture and tire grip.

Budget

High-end wheelbases offer great performance but are expensive. Decide your budget first. Find a balance between power and affordability.

For example, Simucube offers two wheelbase options, Simucube 2 and Simucube 3, which both have three model options (see the table below) all in different price ranges, so there’s something for everyone.

Wireless wheel support and wheel compatibility

Consider purchasing a sim racing wheelbase compatible with your desired sim racing steering wheels or choose a brand that offers an ecosystem of compatible wheels for future upgrades.

Simucube wheelbases, for example, are known for their versatility. With Simucube Quick Release Wheelside Kit, Simucube 2 wheelbases can be used with a wide range of steering wheels, allowing you to customize your setup to match your racing preferences.

Simucube 3 wheelbases introduced the new Simucube Link Quick Release which transforms how your steering wheel connects to the wheelbase. Designed in a P3G polygon shape for absolute stability under high torque, it uses LightBridge technology for contactless, wear-free transfer of both power and data.

This magnetic, self-centering system provides:

• Rock-solid stability lap after lap
• Instant wheel swaps with no cables

The design spreads out force evenly, ensuring a secure and durable connection through even the most intense racing sessions.

Read more about choosing the right steering wheel for Simucube 3 here.

Compatibility Considerations

• Ensure your wheelbase integrates with your PC.
• Check compatibility with your chosen games. High-end wheelbases are best for games simulating cars without power steering, providing realistic resistance and feedback. You can check compatibility with the seller if you are unsure.
• Ensure your sim racing rig can handle the wheelbase’s weight and torque. Check mounting options. Simucube offers a Simucube Mount for easy setup.

What features to compare between different wheelbases?

Here we have gathered a table, what you could use when comparing different wheelbases to each other. We have listed Simucube 2 wheelbase models (Simucube 2 Sport, Simucube 2 Pro, and Simucube 2 Ultimate) and Simucube 3 wheelbase models (Simucube 3 Sport, Simucube 3 Pro, and Simucube 3 Ultimate), and compared their functionalities to each other.

Feature	Simucube 2 Sport	Simucube 2 Pro	Simucube 2 Ultimate	Simucube 3 Sport	Simucube 3 Pro	Simucube 3 Ultimate
Motor Type	Direct Drive, Ultra low torque ripple	High response, Ultra low torque ripple	Maximum response, Low inertia, Ultra low torque ripple	Direct drive optimized SPM motor	High response speed, Direct drive optimized SPM motor	Maximum response speed. Direct drive optimized IPM motor
Wireless Wheel Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (via Simucube Link Hub)	Yes (via Simucube Link Hub)	Yes (via Simucube Link Hub)
Link Wheels	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Native Link Wheels (from 2026)	Native Link Wheels (from 2026)	Native Link Wheels (from 2026)
Max Torque	17 Nm	25 Nm	32 Nm	15 Nm	25 Nm	35 Nm
Angle Sensor	22-bit absolute	22-bit absolute	24-bit Hiperface	23-bit absolute	23-bit absolute	23-bit absolute
Power Supply	280 W	R2 1 × 450 W Peak	1000 W	280 W efficient supply	360 W (450 W peak)	360 W (450 W peak)

In conclusion

Investing in high-end sim racing equipment transforms your experience into a lifelike simulation. Choosing the perfect wheelbase and setting it up correctly is crucial for your whole sim racing set up. User manuals and online guides are available, and customer support can assist if needed.

You can buy premium sim racing gear from specialized online retailers or directly from manufacturers. Brands like Simucube offer detailed product information and reliable support. Testing Simucube products at various locations can help you make the right choice for you.

You can also engage with the vibrant sim racing community through forums, social media groups, and virtual races. Simucube’s Discord community is a great resource for connecting with others and changing thoughts and ideas regarding sim racing gear.

By selecting the right wheelbase, setting it up properly, and joining the community, you can elevate your virtual racing performance to new levels.

Explore more content

Remember to check out our other buyer’s guide blogs, if you are looking for new sim racing gear.

• A buyer’s guide to high-end sim racing pedals
• A buyer’s guide to high-end GT steering wheels
• A buyer’s guide to high-end rally and drifting steering wheels