Asetek Invicta-S:
a brake that changed my mind.

Review disclosure: Asetek supplied these pedals as a review unit, which I retained. These are my impressions from the original test. The Asetek shopping link is an affiliate link; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

I previously owned the original Invicta pedals and eventually sold them because the brake feel did not suit me. Reviewing the earlier Invicta-S had left me with much the same impression. That history made the T.H.O.R.P. II update interesting: I wanted to know whether it would change the part of the experience I had struggled with, rather than simply refresh the appearance.

What changed with T.H.O.R.P. II

The new brake unit was more compact, and the orange adjustment cap moved to the front. Its locking ring and cap arrangement felt cleaner and easier to access than the older system.

Inside, the elastomer sits between metal end pieces. The early part of the press compresses it; further into the stroke, the mechanism reaches a firm stop. You can then continue increasing braking pressure without needing more substantial pedal travel.

That distinction matters. Reaching the hard stage is not automatically the same as reaching your calibrated maximum braking input. The sensation underfoot changes, while pressure remains part of how you control the brake.

Asetek’s current product information describes the same soft-stage and hard-stage principle. My review focuses on how the revised arrangement felt to me, rather than treating the manufacturer’s real-car comparisons as a measured result of my testing.

The extra initial travel made the difference

The original Invicta felt too stiff early in the press for my preference. With T.H.O.R.P. II, the first stage gave me noticeably more room to work before reaching the firm part of the brake.

It did not feel loose or vague. I found it refined and easier to modulate, particularly when trailing off the brake or easing into a tighter corner. That was the improvement I had wanted from the earlier pedals.

There was a noticeable click as the metal parts met. The first time I heard it, I wondered whether something had come loose. In my test, it was the transition in the mechanism. It did not spoil the experience, but someone sensitive to pedal noise should be aware of it.

The firm second stage still retained the character that existing Invicta fans may appreciate. For me, the improvement was the more natural progression into it. I am describing better control and comfort in my own use, not claiming a measured lap-time gain.

Finding my preferred resistance

The supplied elastomers gave me several resistance choices, and changing them was much easier than a lengthy pedal rebuild. That encouraged me to try the range rather than stop at the first acceptable setting.

The softest olive-green insert felt too mushy to me, and the transition into the hard stage was more abrupt than I liked. Dark green was a step firmer but still too soft for my preference. At the other extreme, dark red made the pedal very stiff, beyond what I wanted.

I came back to the standard red-orange elastomer. It gave me enough movement to modulate the brake while still feeling secure under pressure. The best setting for someone else may be different; the useful part is having a practical way to experiment.

The alternate end cap with a longer pin reduced the travel before the hard stop. I tried it, but preferred the extra travel of the standard arrangement. Shorter travel was an option, not an upgrade I felt compelled to keep.

The throttle and S-Series layout

The throttle was essentially unchanged from my earlier experience: smooth resistance, a clean linear feel and a firm end stop. It was a solid part of the set, although the brake was clearly the reason for revisiting these pedals.

I preferred the S-Series layout because I could choose the spacing between the brake and throttle. That flexibility made more sense for my rig than a fixed combined arrangement. Asetek also offers other Invicta configurations, so check which version is included in a listing.

My review was of the brake-and-throttle pair. The optional clutch is an additional purchase, and I am not presenting this as a test of a complete three-pedal package.

The design details I still wanted changed

I replaced the stock textured pedal faces with the smoother Forte plates early in the setup. I usually race in socks, and the original faces were uncomfortable for me. Someone wearing shoes, particularly with a very firm brake setting, may not share that complaint.

The thin exposed pressure-sensor wire remained another frustration. I did not report it failing in use, but I would have preferred it to be better concealed or secured. It looked less finished than I expected on a premium pedal set.

I was also still unconvinced by the integrated base sections. Their raised grooves and branding bothered me, and I would prefer a layout that made it easier to use my chassis’s own heel plate. The position of the USB connection could be more convenient too.

On my S-Series review unit, the updated brake housing obstructed access to one of the mounting holes. That complicated my installation. Check the current mounting guidance and access for your exact rig rather than assuming the revised mechanism fits identically to an older set.

The pedals were well constructed overall. My criticism was about the details of living with and mounting them, rather than a lack of basic rigidity.

Price and upgrade considerations

My May 2025 review quoted US$849.99 for the Invicta-S brake-and-throttle set. That is historical context, not today’s price. Current offers, regional pricing, the clutch and any mounting or pedal-face extras can change the total.

For someone already happy with an original Invicta, the value of changing depends on whether the added initial travel and easier adjustments solve a problem they actually have. I would not assume every owner needs to replace a pedal they already enjoy.

For someone like me, who had struggled with the earlier brake feel, the revised mechanism was much more persuasive. Be careful to distinguish an original T.H.O.R.P. listing from T.H.O.R.P. II, especially when looking at discounts or used pedals. Ask Asetek about compatibility if considering an upgrade kit rather than a complete replacement.

My final verdict

T.H.O.R.P. II changed my view of the Invicta pedals. The more usable first stage and easier tuning addressed the reasons the original brake had not worked for me, while preserving the firm hydraulic character of the design.

I still wanted improvements to the pedal faces, exposed wiring, base sections and mounting access. The click at the stage transition was also a noticeable part of the experience. The better brake feel did not make those details disappear.

Even with those reservations, this was a clear step forward in my testing. If the earlier Invicta felt too abrupt or difficult to modulate for your preference, the updated version deserves a fresh look. If you already enjoy a firm brake, the adjustment range gives you room to find a setting that suits your own driving.

About this article: Adapted from my original review script and video review. Driving impressions refer to the original review period. The official Invicta-S T.H.O.R.P. II page was checked on September 8, 2026 for current configuration and brake-system context. The opinions and historical price here remain tied to my May 19, 2025 review.