This is the brand-new Ares Platinum direct-drive wheelbase paired with the 290GP Steering Wheel, and Conspit is not holding back on the design, quality, and performance of this gear. Sold separately or bundled together, these products are targeted directly toward mid-range consumers, a market dominated by Fanatec, Moza, and Simagic for quite some time. Sent to me by Conspit for review, today I’ll cover all the good, the bad, and what you need to know about this impressive-looking gear.

As shown here, the Ares Platinum direct-drive wheelbase paired with the 290GP steering wheel and Conspit quick-release system retails for $1,500, or $1,300 when bundled with one of Conspit’s other steering wheels, which I’ll discuss shortly. Individually, this 18Nm wheelbase is priced at $800, while the 290GP comes in at a substantial $710. It’s certainly a significant investment, but as I go over the wheel, you’ll see exactly why.

Conspit 290GP Wheel

Fitted with a 4.3” customizable LCD screen, carbon fiber and aluminum construction, and a striking design, the 290GP means business. On the front, you’ll find 12 RGB-backlit buttons, four thumb encoders, two 7-way joysticks, three 12-position rotary switches, and an array of bright shift lights surrounding the screen. Unlike other wheels I’ve tested in the past, the forged carbon fiber faceplate here features a 3D, ergonomic-centric design where the buttons on the side are angled toward your hand for quick, easy reach. Paired with soft, thick rubber handles, this is one of the most comfortable wheels I’ve used, with everything at close reach. As you’d expect, all buttons and dials are of high quality, customizable with included sticker sheets, and offer a satisfying click.

Behind the wheel, you’ll find three magnetic paddle shifters on either side of the CDP quick-release system. Made entirely of 7075 aluminum alloy with a striking gold finish, this quick-release system uses a clasp and ball-type locking mechanism, providing the most secure QR system I’ve ever used. No matter how much force I applied, there was absolutely no movement in the wheel or connection—a quality I can’t say for many others, and it’s the same design used in real formula cars. Notably, this wheel can also be used independently via USB with third-party wheelbases, as Conspit includes a standard mounting adapter and cord.

As you might imagine, the paddle shifters are also well-made. The top ones are bindable and, like those in the center, have a clicky, magnetic feel. One of my favorite features is the rocking mechanism, allowing you to upshift or downshift with a single hand—perfect if you’re grabbing a drink while driving. The clutch paddles underneath are similarly well-made, featuring springy resistance and long travel.

Together, these elements create a fantastic on-track experience. Though the wheel’s look may be controversial, its functionality and quality are undeniable. On-track, it held up excellently, even when attached to an 18Nm wheelbase. There was no flex in the wheel or quick-release attachment, and its ergonomic, driver-focused design provided everything I needed. Unfortunately, at the time of recording, the bright, high-resolution 4.3” display isn’t compatible with SimHub. However, Conspit offers several in-house telemetry displays that can be cycled through via the center rotary encoder and worked seamlessly with all sim racing titles I used. I spoke with the team at Conspit, and they mentioned SimHub compatibility is in development. Even better, they’re expanding their offerings to include a wider range of wheel attachments, not just this formula wheel.

With the Conspit H.AO button module (sold separately), you have cheaper, interchangeable wheel attachments while maintaining much of the functionality and quality of the formula wheel. Conspit is truly building an impressive ecosystem, especially when paired with the pedals I reviewed last week, the cockpit I reviewed last year, and the wheelbase I’m about to discuss. Before we get too excited, let’s dive into the Ares Platinum direct-drive wheelbase, which has several essential features to cover.

Conspit Ares Platinum

Similar in size to mid-range competitors, the Conspit Ares Platinum is the flagship wheelbase in their lineup, serving as the big brother to the 10Nm Ares, which retails for $540. Like the wheel and, frankly, their sim lineup in general, the quality here is impressive, featuring an aluminum alloy casing, a sleek design with bottom and side mounting options, and a wireless quick-release connection. Made exclusively for use on PC, there is much to say about its in-game performance.

First of all, Conspit’s product website includes a lot of technical jargon, some of which I don’t fully understand, so I’ll focus on my experience with this wheelbase after several weeks of testing. Starting off, the 18Nm of max force is immediately noticeable, providing a wide range of available torque, high spikes of feedback at certain times, and little to no clipping in the force feedback signals. The driving experience is as expected, with the wheelbase responding quickly and smoothly, offering enough detail and precision to make me feel immersed and comfortable with my inputs on track. Moreover, it performed well after hours of use, with no overheating issues or decrease in performance on my end.

That said, in my opinion, it lags behind in overall feel compared to the competition at this price point. Conspit has informed me they’re still working on improving their software, and it’s clear why. Although it’s not bad in its current state, many changes I made in the software didn’t produce noticeable differences on track. The wheelbase also seemed to lack the fine details—like road texture and subtle granular effects—that other wheelbases, such as the Fanatec ClubSport, offer at a similar price.

That being said, it’s likely only a matter of time until this gets fully refined, similar to how Moza recently released a game-changing software update for their force feedback model. Overall, even though it lags behind in some aspects, you’re still getting all the performance benefits of a direct-drive wheelbase in a compact, subtle, and quiet package.

All in all, these products from Conspit have once again impressed. The Ares Platinum direct-drive wheelbase and 290GP steering wheel provide a well-rounded, high-quality experience for sim racing enthusiasts looking to upgrade their setup. The build quality is top-notch, with durable materials and an ergonomic design that enhances the driving experience. The wheel feels solid and comfortable in hand, and the quick-release system is easily one of the best I’ve used.

That said, there are still areas where Conspit needs to catch up to more established competitors. The force feedback, while strong and immersive, could benefit from some fine-tuning, and the software, though functional, needs further refinement to bring out the full potential of the hardware. Nonetheless, it’s evident that Conspit is working on these improvements, and with time, this could develop into a truly formidable offering in the sim racing market.

CONSPIT Ares & 290GP FAQ’s

What is included with the Conspit Ares Platinum and 290GP steering wheel bundle? The bundle includes the Ares Platinum 18Nm direct-drive wheelbase, the 290GP steering wheel, and Conspit’s quick-release system. The wheelbase and wheel are also available for purchase separately.

How much does the Ares Platinum direct-drive wheelbase cost? The Ares Platinum wheelbase is priced at $800 on its own, while the 290GP steering wheel is available for $710. The full bundle retails for $1,500, or $1,300 with one of Conspit’s other steering wheels.

What is the maximum force feedback torque of the Ares Platinum wheelbase? The Ares Platinum wheelbase offers a maximum force feedback torque of 18Nm, providing a powerful and immersive experience with a wide range of torque and minimal force feedback clipping.

Is the Ares Platinum compatible with gaming consoles? No, the Ares Platinum wheelbase is designed exclusively for use on PC.

How does the Conspit quick-release system work? The Conspit quick-release system features a mixed clasp and ball-type locking mechanism, made of durable 7075 aluminum alloy with a gold finish. It provides a secure and stable connection with minimal movement, even under high force.

Can the 290GP steering wheel be used with other wheelbases? Yes, the 290GP steering wheel can be used independently with third-party wheelbases via a USB connection. Conspit includes a standard mounting adapter and cord for this purpose.

Does the 290GP steering wheel have a customizable display? Yes, the 290GP features a 4.3” high-resolution LCD screen with several in-house telemetry displays from Conspit, which can be toggled using the center rotary encoder. While not yet compatible with SimHub, Conspit has indicated that compatibility is in development.

Are the buttons and paddles on the 290GP wheel customizable? Yes, the buttons are customizable, and the wheel includes sticker sheets for personalization. Additionally, the top paddle shifters are bindable, and the clutch paddles feature a springy resistance and long travel for added realism.

Does the Ares Platinum wheelbase overheat with extended use? No, the Ares Platinum has performed well in extended use tests, showing no overheating issues or noticeable decrease in performance.

How does the force feedback quality compare to competitors? While the Ares Platinum offers strong and immersive force feedback, it currently lacks some fine-tuning compared to competitors at a similar price point. Conspit is actively working on software improvements to enhance feedback precision and detail.

Does Conspit offer additional wheel attachments? Yes, Conspit offers the H.AO button module, which allows for cheaper, interchangeable wheel attachments, maintaining much of the functionality and quality of the 290GP formula wheel.