Ever since Logitech released their Pro series sim racing lineup of gear, they’ve faced criticism due to the lack of wheels available to be used with their direct-drive wheelbase. However, a few months ago, they finally released the RS Wheel Hub, opening a plethora of doors, including this one. This is the Max Papis Innovations GT330, GT310, and NASCAR third-party wheel mods, and if you own a Logitech direct-drive wheelbase, you’ll definitely want to know more about these.

Made in Italy by MPI Innovations, a company that creates real-world wheels for professional race teams, these wheels are close replicas of those used in real motorsports applications, with identical materials and components. The GT310 is seen on the Ford Mustang in the Supercars Championship, the GT330 on the Audi RS3 WTCR car, and the NASCAR wheel—you’ll never guess what real-life cars use those.

Sent over to me by Max Papis Innovations for review, today I’ll be doing just that as I primarily go over the GT wheels and also give some of my thoughts on the prototype NASCAR rim I also have here.

MPI SIMMAX REVIEW

Starting off, the GT310 Supercar wheel is undoubtedly my favorite of the three. This 330mm D-shaped wheel is minimalistic yet aggressive in design and retails at a pricey $170—this being standard across all three wheels. I say pricey, considering that Logitech’s wheel rims retail for just $70, and MPI’s own SimLink wheels, which are made for the G923 and are a similar concept to this, retail for just $99. Quickly, it’s also worth noting that these rims can technically be used with other button modules, not just Logitech’s, assuming they have the same mounting pattern.

Made to be used with the Logitech RS wheel hub, it fits completely flush into that module, almost seeming like a completely OEM look. The size and shape of this wheel also allow me to comfortably reach all buttons, dials, and the paddle shifters, so there are no complaints regarding the fitment or look here.

Though there’s not too much to go over regarding the wheel rim itself, what is here is very impressive. This wheel features what MPI calls the Extreme Grip RG material, and this still remains my favorite out of all the wheels I’ve ever used. It requires significantly less maintenance and care compared to rubber, suede, or Alcantara, all while providing significantly more grip. Pair that with the hand-stitched microfiber material used on the top and bottom, and the orange leather stripe on the center, and this is a very good-looking wheel.

Out on track, paired with the full 11Nm of torque offered by the Logitech Pro wheel, it also holds up well. Although flex is visible on its outer points when applying pressure there, on track under normal use, I didn’t feel any. Pair that with the grip offered by this wheel and its realistic size and shape, and I felt right at home. Here I’m not getting any of those luxuries you see on higher-end wheels like carbon faceplates or anything of that sort, but I do get all the necessities in a very well-put-together, tidy, and sophisticated package. Very similar things can also be said about the GT330.

MPI GT330

Based on the Audi RS3 WTCR wheel, this one resembles more of a GT/Formula rim and is made of the same materials as the previous wheel. Also with a 330mm diameter, the main difference I noticed on track was quite a bit more flex, with everything else being a very similar experience. As opposed to the previous wheel, where I did have to apply significant pressure to feel any type of movement, this one does seem to have quite a bit more flex. While this still isn’t a massive issue on track, it’s something to consider. Other than that, all buttons and dials were easy to reach, with this wheel also providing an OEM look.

Another important thing to point out is its lightweight design, which completely avoids interrupting the force feedback of the base—something I can say about both wheels.

Overall, both the GT310 and GT330 provide a good and similar experience. Shifting focus to the MPI NASCAR wheel, though, that’s where a bigger difference is seen.

MPI NASCAR WHEEL

Although it’s still in the prototype phase, the MPI NASCAR-inspired wheel does show a lot of promise. Overall, it delivers an authentic feel that’s bound to appeal to oval racing fans with its massive 381mm diameter. It’s fully wrapped in suede, which both looks and feels great. Although my unit has some rough edges, being a prototype, the overall look and feel I’m getting here is very unique.

On track, the 11Nm Logitech base handles it well, though there is some drop in overall detail and feel due to it being such a large rim, but it’s still very much usable. The downsides consist of losing nearly all functionality of the button module, as all of those buttons and the paddle shifters are completely unreachable without letting go of the wheel. However, if you’re looking for a 100% authentic stock car experience, pair this with a sequential shifter, and you’re pretty much there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MPI's range of wheels for Logitech's direct-drive wheelbase offers a compelling mix of authenticity, quality, and performance.

Each wheel brings its unique charm to the table, from the GT310 and GT330's versatile and realistic design to the NASCAR prototype's immersive stock car experience. While the $170 price tag positions these wheels as premium options, their high quality materials, thoughtful construction, and the unmatched OEM feel make them a worthwhile investment for serious sim racers.

MPI SIMMAX FAQ’s:

Are MPI SIMMAX wheels compatible with non-Logitech wheelbases? Yes, MPI SIMMAX wheels can technically be used with other button modules, provided they share the same mounting pattern. However, they are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the Logitech RS Wheel Hub.

What makes MPI SIMMAX wheels different from Logitech's standard rims? MPI SIMMAX wheels offer a premium design inspired by real-world motorsport applications. They use high-quality materials such as Extreme Grip RG and suede, providing better durability, grip, and an authentic racing feel compared to Logitech's standard rims.

3. Are the buttons and paddle shifters accessible with all MPI SIMMAX wheels? While the GT310 and GT330 MPI SIMMAX wheels allow easy access to buttons, dials, and paddle shifters, the NASCAR wheel’s larger size makes these controls nearly inaccessible without letting go of the wheel. This tradeoff contributes to its authentic stock car experience.

How do MPI SIMMAX wheels perform with Logitech’s direct-drive wheelbase? MPI SIMMAX wheels handle the 11Nm of torque from the Logitech Pro wheelbase effectively. There is minimal flex during normal use with the GT310 and GT330, while the larger NASCAR wheel exhibits a slight drop in detail and force feedback precision due to its size.

Are MPI SIMMAX wheels worth the $170 price tag? For sim racers seeking an authentic, high-quality, OEM-like feel, MPI SIMMAX wheels are a worthwhile investment. While they are more expensive than standard Logitech rims, their craftsmanship and realism justify the premium price for dedicated enthusiasts.

What is the material used for the grip on MPI SIMMAX wheels? The GT310 and GT330 MPI SIMMAX wheels feature MPI’s Extreme Grip RG material, which is highly durable, low maintenance, and provides excellent grip. The NASCAR wheel is fully wrapped in suede for a classic motorsport feel.