While you might have a different definition based on your sim racing budget, there’s a new ‘entry-level’ GSI X29 wheel announced by Gomez Sim Industries, and pre-orders being on May 1st.
The price will be $650, or $845 with a dual clutch option, which can also be bought and added later if you prefer. And while that might not seem cheap to many of us, it’s certainly more accessible than the existing GSI range, which range from the GXL Pro at $875, to the Hyper P1 from $1,650. So you can understand why it’s being promoted as ‘entry level’ by a sim racing manufacturer focused on high-end, professional equipment.
If you’re planning on starting sim racing at a fairly high level, or want to upgrade your existing set-up, then you’ll get a full 6061 aluminium construction with direct-injection silicone handles and a Spec 3 coiled cable to connect the rim to your base, with hubs sold separately.
For aesthetics and cost, GSI have opted for white LED buttons, with 10 available, along with three push button rotary encoders and two seven-way multi switches. There are no thumb encoders, but apparently more models will be coming with those options in the future, along with some Simucube base bundles including the new X29 wheel.
The sandblasted front faceplate has integrated button guards and laser engraved graphics, so you won’t be able to choose different functionality for the buttons unless you stick something over the engraving. As a Formula wheel design, the X29 is 290mm wide, and weighs 1.1kg as standard, or 1.2kg with the optional dual clutches, in addition to the CEMS N52 V2 shifters. You can also choose Carbon Fibre paddles for an extra $25.
Pre-orders will begin for the new Gomez X-29 sim racing wheel on May 1st, 2023. You’l be able to order it directly from the GSI site, here. Other retailers stocking GSI products in the UK include Demon Tweeks.
Check out all of our sim racing wheel and pedals news and articles, here, along with more coverage of the Gomez Sim Industries range. And if you’re new to virtual motorsport, we’ve got a guide to the best sim racing wheels for beginners, here.
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