Review disclosure: Asetek supplied this wheel as a review unit, and I retained it. The product link below is an affiliate link, which may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you.
The original Forte Formula wheel gave me plenty to enjoy on the Invicta wheelbase: comfortable grips, a solid connection and a useful range of controls. It also had compromises that mattered to me at a little over US$500. This article covers the original wheel I reviewed in June 2024, separately from my later Forte Formula Pro review.
My verdict at a glance
Best suited to: An Asetek owner who values native integration, a firm quick-release connection and lots of illuminated controls.
What stood out: Comfortable finger contours, no noticeable flex while driving and a quick release that was fast and easy to use.
What to consider: The plastic feel, soft paddle action, reach to some inputs and the lighting workflow of the original software.
A compact wheel that felt solid
At 290 mm wide, the Forte Formula sat toward the smaller end of the wheels I used. I found the shape comfortable and easy to settle into with the Invicta base.
The chassis used a moulded composite construction with an internal metal reinforcement. It felt sturdy, with no noticeable flex during driving, although its surface and handling still gave me a more plastic-like impression than some alternatives.
The carbon front layer and orange accents added detail. The overall design was not my favourite, but that was a personal reaction to its appearance rather than a problem with its performance.
I could feel plenty of detail from the Invicta through the wheel. My comments describe the driving experience, not a measured force-feedback transmission comparison.
The grips were a highlight
The silicone grips provided a secure hold and remained comfortable through longer sessions. The small indentations on their backs lined up particularly well with my fingers.
That detail made more difference to me than it might suggest from a photograph. My fingers had somewhere natural to rest, and I felt confident holding the wheel.
The silicone attracted visible dust and dirt, although it was straightforward to clean. I normally prefer a closed grip shape, so the open design was still a matter of taste.
Optional larger handles were available for people who wanted a different fit. I did not treat those as part of the standard wheel price or claim that I had tested every handle option.
An excellent native quick release
Asetek’s quick release was one of my favourite parts of the package. The wheel slid into position from above and locked using the spring-loaded lever, with power and data passing through the connection.
It felt rock solid in my testing. Changing wheels was quick and easy, and I did not notice play between the wheel and base.
The visible lever protruded above the wheel more than I would have liked. That was a minor visual complaint alongside an otherwise very positive experience.
The thicker output-shaft area also affected how low I could place a monitor between the wheel and wheelbase. That is worth considering when planning the whole rig.
My test used the native connection on an Asetek base. The video description mentioned a forthcoming accessory for other wheelbases; I did not test that arrangement. Check current adapters and electrical compatibility for any different installation.
Plenty of controls, with some reach compromises
The twelve push buttons had a firm, crisp press with little travel. Most were easy to use without completely releasing the grip.
I liked the upper and middle thumb encoders. Their detents were clear and they worked well for adjustments while driving.
The lower pair required more of a stretch. I would assign them less urgent functions rather than rely on them for precise adjustments in the busiest part of a corner.
The top toggle switches were angled comfortably, even though they were a little farther away. The three central rotaries gave good feedback but lacked a push input, which I would have appreciated.
Having two seven-way switches was useful for menus and black boxes. I wished at least one sat within easier thumb reach so I could use it without letting go of the wheel.
Why the paddles disappointed me
The standard magnetic shifters were the part I most wanted improved. Their plastic construction did not feel particularly premium to me at this price.
The initial magnetic resistance felt good, but I could pull farther after the input had registered. That extra travel made the endpoint feel less defined and somewhat squishy.
The damping material softened the return as well. It was comfortable and subdued, but I wanted a crisper snap in both directions.
During quick shifts, they did not give me the immediate tactile response I prefer. That is a comment about feel; I did not measure electronic input latency.
Their reach could be adjusted, and extra input or clutch paddles could be added. Those optional paddles were not supplied for this review, so I cannot extend my assessment to them.
Lighting and RaceHub in June 2024
RaceHub made choosing LED colours and brightness straightforward. Its picture of the wheel helped me select the controls I wanted to change, including several at once.
The rev lights could run in different directions with adjustable thresholds and colours. Flag and assist indicators added further options, and the lighting looked bright and vibrant in use.
My frustration at the time was the profile workflow. I could save different wheelbase setups, but the lighting settings were not linked to those profiles in the software I reviewed.
I wanted to keep different LED configurations for different cars rather than manually change colours and rev thresholds each time.
That criticism belongs to the original June 2024 review. Software evolves, so check the current RaceHub capabilities rather than assuming the same limitation remains today.
The price and my final verdict
The original review quoted US$544.99 for the wheel with its native quick release. Treat that as the historical price discussed in the video and check the current listing for the total with your chosen accessories.
The rigid construction, comfortable handles, lighting and large number of inputs made the Forte enjoyable to drive with. The quick release was a particularly strong part of the overall experience.
Even so, the wheel fell short of all my expectations at that price. I wanted more premium tactile materials and shifters with a sharper, more defined action.
For someone already committed to an Asetek base, the integrated connection and familiar software are meaningful advantages. They do not make the paddle feel or control reach irrelevant.
I still enjoyed using the original Forte Formula. My recommendation depends on whether those strengths match your priorities and whether you are comfortable with the compromises I noticed.
Explore the Forte Formula wheel.
Use SIMRACINGDEN for 5% off eligible Asetek products, as listed on my discount page. Check regional terms, exclusions and the final discount at checkout.
DISCOUNT CODESIMRACINGDENAffiliate link: I may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Confirm taxes, shipping and any required accessories at checkout.
About this article: Adapted from my original review script and video review. Driving impressions refer to the original review period. The official original Forte Formula listing was checked for the current product destination. This review covers the original wheel, not the later Formula Pro.
Back to top ↑