Sim-Lab has recently unveiled an impressive new steering wheel that is sure to catch the eye of racing enthusiasts everywhere. Priced at a hefty $2,499, this steering wheel is touted as an authentic replica of the wheels used by Lewis Hamilton while racing for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. While it may be a stunning piece of hardware, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential financial commitment that comes with diving headfirst into the world of simulators.
For those taken aback by the price tag, it’s important to note that this steering wheel cannot simply be plugged into a PC and used right away. It must be attached to a wheelbase, which not only translates the wheel’s movements and inputs into a racing game but also provides force feedback. These additional components can also come with a sizable price tag, meaning that the overall cost of getting set up with this steering wheel can quickly add up.
So, what makes Sim-Lab’s new steering wheel so expensive? For starters, it is officially licensed by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, who provided the CAD data used to create the steering wheels for their high-performance race cars. This means that Sim-Lab’s wheel is about as close as you can get to racing with the same equipment as Hamilton himself, without actually being behind the wheel of an F1 car.
The body of the steering wheel is crafted from handmade carbon fiber, making it not only lightweight but also incredibly rigid. This ensures that vibrations and resistance from the wheelbase are accurately transmitted to the user’s hands, providing a realistic driving experience without any flex or creaking.
In terms of features, the steering wheel boasts nine rotary dials, 12 buttons, two switches, carbon fiber shifting paddles, anti-static silicone rubber grips, and 25 controllable RGB LEDs that display telemetry data at a glance. Additionally, the center of the wheel features a 4.3-inch LCD screen with data layouts that mirror those seen by Mercedes F1 drivers.
While to many, the price tag of this steering wheel may seem excessive, for dedicated racing simulator fans looking to recreate the thrill of an authentic F1 experience, this investment may be well worth it. The only thing missing from the equation is perhaps having race engineer Bono by their side, urging them on with his famous catchphrase, “Okay, Lewis, it’s hammer time.”
In conclusion, Sim-Lab’s new steering wheel represents the pinnacle of racing simulator technology, offering a level of realism and immersion that is unparalleled. While it may come with a high price tag, for those looking to take their sim racing experience to the next level, this steering wheel is sure to deliver the goods.