Simucube 2 Sport Review: Subtle powerhouse - But will it still hold up in 2025?

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The Simucube 2 Sport is one of the most talked-about direct drive wheelbases on the market. But is it really the gold standard for avid sim racers? In this comprehensive review, I share my personal experiences, technical insights and critical review of this acclaimed wheelbase. From first impressions to long endurance sessions: everything is covered.

As a loyal user of the Simucube 2 Pro, I know what the brand has to offer. For me, the reliability, build quality and consistent steering feel are second to none. Simucube delivers no frills, but pure performance - exactly what I am looking for.

When I decided to build a second simulator for testing purposes and content creation, the choice was quickly made. I wanted to stay within the Simucube ecosystem. Not only because I am a fan of their hardware, but also because many of my steering wheels are already equipped with the Simucube Quick Release system. That made it extra logical from a practical point of view.

The Simucube 2 Sport offered exactly what I needed: a more affordable alternative to the Pro, with the same software, philosophy and robust finish. Yes, the difference in power is noticeable - but the ride feel remains impressive. In this review, I explain why this choice worked out so well for me - and why it might be the right move for you too!

What does the Simucube 2 Sport Wheelbase cost?

The Simucube 2 Sport is the entry-level model within the Simucube ecosystem, but with a price tag of around €1,300 incl. VAT, it is still a serious investment. Still, it is important to put that amount in perspective: you get access to the same software, build quality and philosophy as with the more expensive Pro and Ultimate models.

Premium quality with a price tag to match

Within the range, you can choose from three models: the Simucube 2 Sport, Pro and Ultimate. The Sport is the entry-level model with 17 Nm of torque, the Pro offers 25 Nm for those looking for more headroom and dynamics, and the Ultimate delivers 32 Nm with even more advanced internal processing and precision.

All models share the same premium build quality, quick release system and software platform, ensuring you benefit from the familiar Simucube experience with every model. If you choose Simucube, you choose a long-term solution within an ecosystem that has proven itself in the premium segment. It costs something, but then you get something!

Simucube Pre-Owned: like new for less money

During my search, I discovered the Pre-Owned Service from Simucube. I chose a “Quality 1” model, which would have minimal signs of use. In reality, it looked brand new! No scratches, no dents, no visible weartage. Unpacking it felt like I was holding a brand new product. Everything was neatly packed in original form, including cables, manual and mounting hardware. Really fantastic!

So for about €750, I got a fully checked wheelbase with full factory warranty - that's almost half the new price. The savings are significant, without compromising on experience or performance. Indeed, it actually made me feel like I had made a smart, conscious purchase. In a market where high-end hardware can quickly go towards €1,500 or more, this construction feels like a breath of fresh air.

For anyone with a limited budget or simply doubts about such a big investment, this Pre-Owned route is really recommended. It makes the step to premium sim racing a lot more attainable. And honestly? It doesn't feel like buying second-hand at all - instead, it feels like you've chosen smartly and scored a fantastic deal!

Unboxing - Simple, functional and premium packaging

The first encounter with the Simucube 2 Sport starts at the moment of unpacking. The packaging looks beautiful: premium and stylish, with black and orange colours that immediately feel professional. You first receive a white protective box, which contains the actual product packaging - a smart way to protect the whole thing extra well during transport. The contents are extremely well packed and feature generous amounts of foam, keeping everything firmly in place.

Everything looks to perfection and exudes quality even before you have connected anything. What immediately stands out is the build quality of the base itself. The all-metal casing feels solid and professional. No sharp edges, no rattling parts - everything is right. The included accessories are also neatly designed and immediately usable.

In summary: this is what's in the box

• Simucube 2 Sport Wheelbase (17 Nm direct drive motor)
• USB connection cable
• Emergency stopper including connecting cable
• Power adapter and power cord
• Pin for the Simucube Quick Release
• Antenna for steering wheels with wireless connection
• Quick Release (handlebar and base side) including screws for montage
• Four screws for attaching the base
• Manual and Quick Start Guide

Simucube delivers what is needed, without unnecessary fuss. The unboxing experience fits perfectly with the positioning of this product: premium, functional and aimed at sim racers who know what they want. I'm excited!

Installation and montage: plug-and-play

Installation of the Simucube 2 Sport was surprisingly easy. Thanks to the compact size of the - relatively heavy - housing, the base is easy to position on different types of rigs. In my case, I chose montage on my new Sim-Lab P1X cockpit, a combination that works perfectly together in terms of stiffness, style and compatibility. A good match, then, with the Simucube 2 Sport.

The supplied fasteners are of high quality and the mon1TP3Holes are logically positioned. As a result, the base was securely and correctly mounted within minutes and with only 4 bolts. Everything feels solid, without any movement or play whatsoever. The robust and industrial design of the Simucube 2 makes the wheelbase look very nice in my setup.

Connecting the power supply and USB cable is just as easy. Once connected to the PC, the base is recognised in the Simucube True Drive software. At the heart of the user experience, this software is thankfully clear, intuitive and powerful. Within minutes you can be up and running creating profiles, fine-tuning force feedback and testing the first feedbacks on the wheel. The software is simple, intuitive and does what it is supposed to do, but more on that later.

The Simucube Quick Release system also works in favour here. In my case, I already had several steering wheels with this attachment, which made the switch to the 2 Sport even easier. The whole setup was ready in no time! Everything oozes quality and ease of use - without the typical frustrations you often find with cheaper alternatives.

Simucube 2 Sport

The Simucube 2 Sport is much more than just brute force from its powerful engine. This wheelbase combines refined engineering with high-quality workmanship and an ecosystem focused on durability and maximum control. Below, I take you through the key features that set this base apart from the competition, and why I think this is one of the most complete choices.

Design and build quality

The Simucube 2 Sport exudes solidity and focus in everything. The housing is made entirely of metal, sleekly finished and feels industrial and solid - with no unnecessary frills or eye-catching design elements. What immediately stands out is its compact and minimalist shape: despite its 17 Nm of power, the base looks modest and integrated on your rig. All connections are logically and conveniently positioned at the rear, with solid connectors that inspire immediate confidence. Even the vents are subtly concealed, keeping the whole thing visually sleek and dust-free.

The finish is sublime: no visible screws, no moving panels or fragile parts - everything feels like one solid block of engineering. Even the texture of the casing is pleasant: not smooth, not rough, but just enough grip to grip everything firmly when installing. The device oozes durability, reliability and precision. After weeks of intensive use, multiple handlebar changes and prolonged sessions, the base shows no signs of weartage or loose elements.

Torque and power experience

With a maximum torque of 17 Nm, the Simucube 2 Sport offers a powerful but mostly balanced and manageable driving experience. For most sim racers - whether you drive GT3, Formula cars or historic cars - this is more than enough to feel every nuance of the car and track. The beauty is that even at 40-60% output, you already have a rich, detailed and believable driving feel. Using full power rarely feels necessary, but it's there when you want it.

What particularly impresses me is how refined the force feedback is conveyed. There is no digital “notching”, no unexpected spikes and even during rapid direction changes, the steering image remains calm and fluid and continuous. This contributes to a more natural and realistic steering feel.

You only get the power that matters - without exaggeration, without lag, without digital noise. This builds confidence and makes it easier to constantly drive at the limit without getting tired. Everything feels rich, full and familiar.

High Torque Mode

To use the full torque of 17 Nm, you need to manually activate the High Torque Mode via the Simucube Tuner software. By default, the base is in limited torque mode for safety reasons. When switching it on, you are given clear instructions and must confirm that you understand the risks. Only then is the full power released. A smart safeguard that ensures you consciously choose this more powerful driving mode first - ideal for experienced users who want to get the most out of their hardware. In practice, this mode provides an even more intense, direct connection with the car - as long as your rig and steering wheel are sturdy enough to handle it.

Quick Release system

The Simucube Quick Release system is one of the best thought-out and robust couplers in the industry. Attaching a handlebar is effortless and feels extremely solid: no movement, no play, no clicks or flex. The system works super simply, you just need to attach the pin and the handlebar is locked in place. Simple, intuitive and completely mechanical, with no pins or connectors prone to slijtage or signal loss. This results in a handlebar that really feels like an extension of the base.

When changing between steering wheels - for example, from an openwheel to a GT steering wheel - the mechanism remains tight and reliable. Even after dozens of changes, the clutch continues to close perfectly. This makes the quick release system not only practical, but also a good long-term solution.

Compatibility

The PC-only Simucube 2 Sport is aimed at users who want to get the most out of their simulator. The system supports both wireless Simucube controllers, such as the Simucube Vale GT-23, as wired USB drives. Within its own ecosystem, wireless functionality works perfectly: fast pairing, no hiccups, no disconnects. Input is instant, reliable and without noticeable latency.

Simucube Tuner Software

An essential part of the Simucube experience is the accompanying software: Simucube Tuner. Formerly known as TrueDrive. This software is more than just a configuration tool - it is the brains behind your wheelbase. In 2024 and 2025, Simucube significantly upgraded the software, with a revamped interface and additional functionalities. The result? A stable, clear and surprisingly user-friendly tool.

What sets Tuner apart is its combination of simplicity and depth. Beginners can get started with preset profiles (such as iRacing or ACC presets), while advanced users can fine-tune every parameter imaginable: from slew rate and damping to inertia and friction filters. All adjustments are applied in real-time, so you immediately feel what you are changing. This really works super well.

Another strong asset is the filtering engine. Simucube uses a unique approach including Static Force Reduction, Natural Friction and Reconstruction Filters which convert the raw signal from the sim software into smooth, natural force feedback without delay or digital artefacts.

Thanks to the profile management function, you can save different settings for each sim or car. You switch between a light-sensitive Formula car and a heavy GT3, for example, with a single click. Everything remains consistent, smooth and stable - without restarts or crashes. Again: this works really super well. Tuner runs super stable. Updates are rare, but always focused on improvement. No frills, no unnecessary fuss, just doing what it's supposed to do - and it does that excellently.

My user experience - every metre felt

After countless hours racing the Simucube 2 Sport in my second simulator, I can honestly say: this is still one of the finest wheelbases you can buy. The force feedback is sublime - refined, detailed and powerful - and gives you an incredibly immediate sense of connection with the car. Every bump, kerbstone, tyre deformation or vibration is flawlessly transmitted. It is as if you are really on the tarmac. And that feeling remains, session after session.

I have both the Simucube 2 Sport and the Pro in my rigs and honestly: they are very close in terms of experience. The Sport already delivers insanely tight and detailed force feedback. You feel every kerb, bump or slip crystal clear. With its 17Nm of force, you have more than enough power for almost any sim - especially if you drive without extreme FFB settings.

The Pro, on the other hand, has that extra something. With 25Nm and a higher slew rate (faster power transfer), it feels even more direct and sharp, especially in cars without power steering or at high grip levels. There is simply more headroom in it. Not necessarily more "power" in practice, but mainly more finesse and quietness at high loads. In other words, you are not constantly utilising the Pro's full capacity, but because there is space left (headroom), force feedback remains stable, smooth and controlled in all conditions. Think driving with high forces, a lot of grip or without power steering - that's when that extra margin helps maintain finesse and calmness.

But... is the price difference worth it?

For most sim racers, the Simucube 2 Sport is really more than enough. The difference is noticeable, but subtle. Only if you want to get everything out of it, often drive at high FFB or are really looking for the very best, then the Pro makes sense. Otherwise, the Sport is a brilliant choice, especially for its price. The force feedback is sublime - refined, detailed and powerful - and gives you an incredibly immediate sense of connection with the car. Every bump, kerbstone, tyre deformation or vibration is flawlessly conveyed. It is as if you are really on the tarmac. And that feeling remains, session after session.

What strikes me most is how close the Sport is to my Simucube 2 Pro. Sure, the Pro has more power, but in terms of ride quality, the Sport is surprisingly inferior to it. In iRacing, you feel perfectly how the car slides over the limit, in Assetto Corsa Competizione you notice every bump in the tarmac and in Automobilista 2, the balance of the car comes to life beautifully. Even in Le Mans Ultimate, which is still under development in terms of force feedback, the Simucube 2 Sport performs convincingly. The base remains calm, linear and predictable - and that inspires confidence even in the most chaotic conditions.

What I also really appreciate is the design. Minimalist, industrial, robust and functional. No unnecessary RGB lighting, no crazy shapes - just a block of quality. It fits perfectly into my Sim-Lab P1X cockpit and exudes solidity even when not in use.

The version I use is from the Simucube Pre-Owned Service. For around €750 euros, I bought a base that - frankly - felt like new. Not a scratch, no signs of use, everything perfectly packed and functioning. In my opinion, this makes the Sport an absolute winner in this price range. Should you have to buy it new at full price, I must honestly say that competition is fierce and there are cheaper alternatives that offer similar performance on paper. But: they don't offer the overall package, build quality and ecosystem that Simucube does.

Simucube positions itself in the premium segment for a reason - and you can feel it in everything. The finish, the stability, the confidence you gain when riding on the limit... It makes the Simucube 2 Sport, even years after its introduction, still one of the most complete wheelbases. An investment that pays you back in confidence, precision and riding pleasure with every lap.

Advantages and disadvantages

As with any product, there are strengths and weaknesses. Below is an overview of the main pros and cons.

Conclusion - Is the Simucube 2 Sport still worth it in 2025?

The Simucube 2 Sport may have been around for a few years, but it doesn't feel outdated in any way. On the contrary: even in 2025, this is still one of the most refined, stable and convincing wheelbases you can buy. While testing and using this base, I was particularly struck by how mature the overall package still feels. No gimmicks, no fuss - just pure, thoughtful functionality.

The build quality is simply sublime. The all-metal casing feels industrial and indestructible. Everything is tightly finished, with no rattles or plastic parts. On this point, the Simucube 2 Sport scores a full 5 out of 5 as far as I am concerned. The design is minimalist, understated, but that is precisely why it is so powerful. In my Sim-Lab P1X not only does this base fit perfectly mechanically, but also aesthetically. A 4.5 out of 5 therefore seems more than justified.

Where this base really impresses is in terms of functionality and user experience. The power build-up is smooth, the feedback is rich and subtle at the same time. In various sims - from iRacing to ACC and even Le Mans Ultimate - the Sport showed what it has to offer time and again. For me, the force feedback was nothing short of sublime. Everything you need as a driver is conveyed without noise, without delay.

In terms of functionality (4.0/5), the Simucube 2 Sport offers exactly what you would expect: wireless steering wheel support, a safe high torque mode and a solid Quick Release system. The wheelbase is PC-only compatible and a simple montage into virtually any cockpit frame. These scores underline that this wheelbase still rivals the very best on the market.

The software, TrueDrive, is still one of the best platforms in the sim racing landscape and is a pleasant advance over previous versions, which were frustrating and split into two applications. It offers both plug-and-play convenience and in-depth customisation for advanced users. Updates are rare, but robust and stable. It does exactly what it needs to do - without fuss.

Then the price. And here we have to be honest: new, the Simucube 2 Sport is on the hefty side. With competition from brands like MOZA, Simagic and even Fanatec, it is price tag of around €1,250 euro high. Therefore, as a new model, it scores a 3.5 at this point. But if - like me - you buy it via the Simucube Pre-Owned Service purchases, the picture changes completely. My unit was technically like new and cost me just €750. For that price, this is an incredible offering, and earns the Sport a price rating of 4.8 out of 5. On average, that's a 4.1.

Is this still a good choice in 2025? Absolutely. All in all, then, I arrive at an overall score of 4.4. This makes my answer to the central question clear: yes, the Simucube 2 Sport is still an excellent choice even in 2025. Especially if you get in through the Pre-Owned programme, you get a top-class wheelbase for a price much closer to the mid-range segment. It is still an investment, but one that you feel - in a positive sense - with every lap you drive.

The Sport already offers a rich and powerful steering feel that is more than adequate for 95% of sim racers. Only those who really want to get everything out of their setup - or drive with heavy open wheel settings - might consider upgrading to the Pro. But fair is fair: the differences are small, the added value marginal.

In short: looking for a wheelbase that will deliver years of top performance, built like a tank and inspire confidence every session? Then the Simucube 2 Sport - new or refurbished - is still a phenomenal choice.