Our Verdict
Pros
- High build quality
- Button and shifter inputs feel fantastic
- A lot of inputs included
- SimHub compatibility
- Maglink is a great compatibility solution
Cons
- Lack of push input on encoders
- P330-R wheel rim quality is lacking
SIMAGIC is a sim racing brand known for delivering excellent quality at competitive prices, and they’re a company that is really leading the charge of innovation heading into 2025.
During the ADAC SimRacing Expo 2024, SIMAGIC showcased its vision for its new lineup of hardware, and it revolves around modularity and customisation. The NeoX Hub is the newest product from SIMAGIC, and it encompasses the modular concept to a tee.
What is the SIMAGIC NeoX Hub?
This NeoX Hub is a wheel hub that can be used as the base for a large number of combinations. Unlike many wheel hubs, you have much more control over how you configure your wheel. You have a choice of shifter style and placement, compatibility with most third-party wheel rims, and the option to use this wheel hub with almost any third-party brand.
SIMAGIC have been kind enough to send over a bunch of items for review, so lets take a look. Amongst the goodies that I have, are the NeoX Hub itself, the Maglink adapter as I will be using this wheel hub with my Fanatec wheel base. I have the two-paddle modular shifter add-on, and a SIMAGIC wheel rim.
Watch our SIMAGIC NeoX Hub video review
Unboxing
Opening up the NeoX Hub, you’ll be presented with a selection of stickers, the quick guide and a sticker sheet to customise the buttons. You of course, get the hub itself, which is primarily constructed from a composite carbon fibre and comes pre-installed with a quick release.
The hub features a range of inputs including 8 RGB backlit push buttons, two thumb encoders, two front-facing encoders, a couple of funky switches and an LED rev bar.
The paddle shifters come in their own box, and include a really good variety of paddle styles. You have different options to choose from including metal, plastic or carbon fibre, and SIMAGIC also include a couple of expansion pieces and spacers for added adjustability.
I’ve got the Maglink connector which allows for true third-party compatibility. This essentially replaces the pre-installed quick release and includes all connections to allow the NeoX Hub to function even without a SIMAGIC wheel base.
Finally, completing this build is the P330-R wheel rim, which is a pretty standard and really affordable circular rim which is fully compatible with the hub. SIMAGIC do have other rims available or you can use most third-party rims.
How much does the NeoX Hub cost?
The SIMAGIC NeoX Hub costs $199 or €179, and that will net you the hub itself which includes the pre-installed SIMAGIC quick release.
The modular design that SIMAGIC are using with the NeoX Hub means you can then choose to pair the hub with a set of paddle shifters with a few options available to choose from.
You can buy a single paddle shifter kit for $40, or a 2-paddle shifter kit for $55. There are also two other shifter paddles which will be available in the future, and these include a 3-paddle shifter and a push-pull style shifter.
The modular system also applies to the quick release, and if you are not using a SIMAGIC wheel base, you can use the Maglink system to transmit data, which costs just $19.90.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| SIMAGIC NeoX Hub | US: $199 EU: €179 |
| Single paddle shifter kit | US: $40 |
| 2-paddle shifter kit | US: $55 |
| Maglink | US: $19.90 |
| P330-R Wheel Rim | US: $99 |
Comparing this price to wheel hubs available from other brands, it comes out as pretty well priced. Brands such as Fanatec, Asetek, Logitech and Cube Controls sell similar-style wheel hubs, but the majority cost a fair bit more than this SIMAGIC hub.
For example, the Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2 costs $299.95, which is a full $100 more than the SIMAGIC NeoX, and it doesn’t offer as many inputs. Possibly the most comparable third-party hub is the Asetek button box, and their entry-level model is the La Prima at €234.99, again more expensive than the NeoX.
Logitech also have a wheel hub which is priced lower than this SIMAGIC hub, and while that is a great hub, you cannot use it with racing wheels other than Logitech, and the overall build quality isn’t quite on par with this SIMAGIC hub or other brands.
Installing the NeoX Hub
With such a modular design, the first job is to install everything. While four individual boxes of hardware can be pretty daunting, installation is as straight forward as it gets with all tools and screws included.
The first thing to do is assemble our shifters. You get a few different styles to choose from and a spacer panel which gives you extra adjustability. I’ve chosen to go with the carbon-fibre paddles for both the shifters and dual-clutch.
Installation is as simple as securing the paddles to the shifter module with two screws on each paddle. Repeat this step for the other side and we have our shifters ready to install.
The hub itself has covers over the shifter panels, so we need to remove them by unscrewing the two connecting bolts. Then, inside, you’ll find a connection point. This is where the cable from the shifter attaches to the hub, and with that in place, we can mount the shifter module using the two bolts we just removed.
Next up, we have the quick release replacement, and a quick word if you are using a MOZA wheel base. The pre-installed SIMAGIC QR does fit a MOZA QR perfectly, and you can run the data directly from the USB port on the rear of the wheel, so you won’t require the Maglink accessory.
For my use, I’m opting to use the Fanatec ClubSport DD+ so I need to install a Fanatec hub to the Maglink panel. I have the Podium Hub which simply bolts on using the countersunk screws provided.
Then we have to remove the pre-installed quick release which is as simple as removing four bolts. Although, inside there are two connectors which you have to remove as well. Just be careful pulling the quick release away from the hub to avoid damaging these connection points.
We then reverse the process and connect the Maglink cable to the Hub before installing our whole quick release. What I’ve ended up with is the SIMAGIC hub mounted securely to the Podium Hub and QR2 with the Maglink panel sandwiched in between.
Then its time to choose your wheel rim. Most rims are compatible including this Logitech RS wheel rim that I have. You also get a choice of bolt covers with the circular cover being included with the Hub and the triangular plate included with the P330-R wheel rim.
The design of the SIMAGIC Hub
The design of the NeoX Hub is very well considered. The button placement gives you a very universal layout that suites most disciplines within sim racing. You also get a lot more functionality within the hub compared to most competitors.
The main body of the hub utilises a composite carbon fibre material which is something we’ve seen before on the GT Neo wheel. It doesn’t quite feel as robust as real carbon fibre, but is definitely a step up from plastic, and I rather like the texture.
I do like the choice to not include icons on the buttons, as this leans further into the customisation side of SIMAGIC’s ethos. You can use the included sticker sheet to assign your own icons to the buttons.
As a whole, this isn’t a super flashy wheel hub that screams “look at me”. Instead, you get a very solid focus on high build quality and excellent input selection.
Shifters
One area I have been really impressed with is the shifter modules. Priced at just $55, you get multiple paddles allowing you to configure the shifters in a variety of ways. All of the paddles feel nice, with a sleek design and ergonomic shape.
My favourite option is the metal, as it feels incredibly high-quality thanks to the textured design. Although the two metal shifter paddles were just a little on the small side for me to use, so I opted for the carbon fibre ones instead.
You get a lot of adjustability thanks to an extender plate and spacers, so you should be able to find a really comfortable position.
Maglink
Following my high praise of the shifters, the Maglink adapter is equally impressive. It costs under $20 and opens up a world of compatibility. The design of the magnetic connection is neat and makes it easy to swap or remove the wheel quickly.
There is also a neat extension cable included so you don’t need to stretch the coiled USB cable too far, which is such a small but very appreciated inclusion.
P330-R wheel rim
You do get a wide option of wheel rims from SIMAGIC’s own rims to third-party wheels, so I won’t dwell on the P330-R that I have been sent too much. As a whole, the rim feels nice to use, is a good size at 330mm and like most rims at this size, it uses aluminium throughout to ensure rigidity.
My only real letdown with this wheel is the seam that runs across the leather. This detracts a little from the overall quality and could have been avoided. When I compare it to a similar MOZA wheel, having no seam really improves the appearance.
Compatibility
As I mentioned earlier in this review, the NeoX Hub is possibly one of the most compatible wheel hubs around. There is a dedicated USB port on the rear of the wheel letting you connect the hub directly to your PC for easy compatibility.
You can also use the Maglink adapter which is incredibly cheap at under $20, to mount the wheel hub to any third-party quick release. This allows for data transfer directly to your PC and the use of SimHub.
The front of the wheel hub features a 6x70mm mounting pattern which allows you to choose from most third-party wheel rims. While the circular P330-R rim I was sent is fine, I’m much more of an F1 and GT sim racer, so I much preferred swapping this out for the Logitech RS rim which fits perfectly.
Sim Hub Compatibility
Unlike many of its direct competitors, SIMAGIC has gone the extra step to ensure its products are compatible with the SimHub software, and this opens up a whole new way of interacting with your sim rig.
Within SimHub, you can add the NeoX Hub like any other device, and then configure the buttons and inputs to control various elements of your rig. I have a 3DRap dashboard mounted right next to my wheel, and SimHub allows me to program inputs on my wheel to change the dash page, adjust the brightness and dash actions.
When it comes to changing the colours of the LEDs on the hub, you can do this via SimHub, or through SIMAGIC’s own SimPro software.
SimPro works as well as any brand’s software and gives you more granular control over settings, which I really appreciate. A perfect example of this is that you can change the input code for all inputs which is a feature I’d like every brand to include.
There is nothing worse than jumping into a game after swapping wheels and your inputs have all changed due to the different button codes. If you have multiple SIMAGIC wheels, you can adjust the button codes to match to give better continuity in game.
SimPro also allows the creation of profiles or presets for easy switching, along with individual telemetry control and colour choices across every input.
Performance review
And this brings me on to the performance of the NeoX Hub in game, and I have to say, for a sub-$200 wheel hub, it performs very well.
I won’t take this whole wheel apart, but there is a reinforced 5mm steel plate internally, which is included to ensure there are no flex or structural issues. This lets you use this wheel with any high-torque wheel base, and during my time with the wheel, everything felt rock solid.
All inputs feel great to interact with, which is impressive given the relatively low price of this wheel. Pressing the buttons is incredibly satisfying, and I would go as far as saying that the NeoX Hub has some of the nicest button action of any brand. There is very little travel and a really satisfying click.
I do really appreciate the inclusion of two additional thumb encoders, although it would have been nice to have an additional push function on the encoders which is something many other wheels offer.
Around the back, the shifters are incredibly well dampened. They are some of the quietest shifter paddles of any wheel I’ve used, yet they don’t feel overly dampened or squishy when activating.
The shift lights across the top of the wheel are bright with sharp edges, and again fully customisable in both colour and behaviour.
Is the SIMAGIC NeoX Hub worth buying?
That brings me to my final verdict of this NeoX Hub. Normally when reviewing products, I’m looking at them inside a bubble as most brands have their own ecosystem. SIMAGIC really breaks this by making the NeoX Hub accessible for sim racers within any ecosystem.
The Maglink adapter really opens this wheel hub up to all PC sim racers regardless of what wheel base your running. In that context, and for its low price point, the NeoX Hub is a fantastic choice to build from.
I struggle to find any other brand offering this level of functionality, quality and compatibility that this hub provides. Factoring in the accessories, the NeoX Hub, dual shifter paddles and Maglink that I’m running cost around $270. You’ll have to factor in the price of a wheel rim on top of that, but to me, that is pretty insane value for a wheel hub that can literally do it all.
Frequently asked questions
The NeoX Hub features a 6x70mm mounting pattern on the front allowing for the use of most third-party wheel rims, including aftermarket rims from MOMO, Sparco and more.
You can use the NeoX Hub with both Fanatec and MOZA thanks to the Maglink adapter which allows for third-party wheel base compatibility.
Technical Specifications
Review written by Felix König
