Review disclosure: Simagic supplied the NeoX Hub and review accessories ahead of launch. I retained the review unit. These impressions come from my original January 2025 test. The product link is an affiliate link, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The NeoX interested me because I already had several wheel rims I could use with it. Rather than buying a complete wheel every time I wanted a different shape, I could fit a rim to the same button box. On my Simucube 2 Ultimate, that flexibility worked well. The main compromises were in the reach to some controls and the feel of the paddle module.
My verdict at a glance
Best suited to: Drivers who want to choose their own rim and paddle configuration, including users of non-Simagic wheelbases with MagLink.
What stood out: Solid construction, adaptable mounting and a useful mixture of illuminated buttons, rotaries and seven-way switches.
What to consider: Paddles and rim cost extra, MagLink was required for my SimHub setup, and ergonomics change with the rim you choose.
Price the complete configuration
My original review quoted US$199 for the hub, US$40 for the single paddle module and US$55 for the dual module with clutch paddles. MagLink was another US$19.90.
The hub, dual paddle module and MagLink in my test therefore totaled US$273.90 before adding a wheel rim. Those are January 2025 figures, not a current quote for every available bundle.
That distinction matters when comparing the NeoX with a complete wheel. It can offer good value, particularly if you already own a suitable rim, but the base hub price does not buy the entire setup I used.
Simagic also discussed other paddle options around launch. My assessment here covers the dual module I actually tested, rather than assuming how an untested accessory performs.
Solid construction and interchangeable rims
The internal steel plate gave the hub a solid foundation for the rim, paddle modules and connection hardware. I noticed no flexing or creaking during my test.
The surrounding carbon-fiber composite construction felt appropriate for the price. This is not the same claim as a full carbon-fiber shell; I liked the assembled product for how sturdy it felt in use.
The 6 × 70 mm mounting pattern worked with the Advanced Sim Racing and Sim Racing Bay rims I tried. I could swap rims without removing the hub from the wheelbase, which made experimenting with different shapes convenient.
Check both the bolt pattern and physical clearance of your chosen rim. A common pattern makes more combinations possible, but does not guarantee every rim will place the controls comfortably for your hands.
The controls and the reach to them
The NeoX combines eight RGB buttons, two thumb encoders, two front rotary encoders and two seven-way switches. It also has programmable rev lights along the top and lighting around the front rotaries.
The buttons had a pleasant tactile press, but their caps rotated slightly. Simagic told me that was normal. I found it frustrating for keeping the included labels perfectly aligned, even though it did not stop the buttons working.
The seven-way switches and thumb encoders sometimes required a small hand adjustment with my 330 mm ASR rim. I liked the range of functions, but their position was not ideal for every reach.
The thumb and front rotary encoders had clear detents, though they did not add a push-button function. That is worth considering when planning control assignments.
Ergonomics are closely tied to rim diameter, shape and hand size. A smaller rim may bring some controls closer, but I would choose around the complete wheel arrangement rather than the hub in isolation.
The dual paddle module
The modular paddle assembly attached behind a removable cover and fastened securely to the internal plate. The arrangement made it straightforward to fit the module I needed.
My dual kit included gear-shift and clutch paddles, with ways to adjust paddle reach and distance. Of the shapes I tried, the larger curved paddles suited my GT-style rim best.
The shifts were consistent and quiet, with a light actuation. I would have preferred a more pronounced click, although someone who values quiet operation may prefer exactly that softer feel.
For the original US$15 difference between the single and dual kits, I liked the added clutch functionality. If you mainly use a separate shifter and do not need paddles, the option to omit the module is part of the appeal.
MagLink and my Simucube setup
The hub came with Simagic’s QR50 quick release. To use it on my Simucube 2 Ultimate, I used the optional MagLink connection and compatible quick-release arrangement.
MagLink provided the USB connection to my PC, with a magnetic connector at the rear of the wheel. It worked reliably throughout my test and made connecting and disconnecting the cable straightforward.
In the setup covered by my review, SimHub support required MagLink and USB even with a Simagic wheelbase. The native Simagic connection and a SimHub USB configuration were separate choices.
Account for the complete mechanical and electrical connection when ordering. The current product listing describes support for common quick-release systems, but your exact adapter and wheelbase still need to match.
SimPro Manager or SimHub
Simagic’s SimPro Manager handled button lighting, rev lights and clutch adjustments. I found it easy to use and a good way to get started without extensive configuration.
SimHub added flexibility for LED profiles and customization through the MagLink USB connection. I welcomed having that option rather than being limited to the manufacturer’s own lighting tools.
The RGB lighting looked good and made the controls more engaging to use. As always, I would start with a simple set of assignments for one car and add more effects only when they are useful.
These software observations refer to the original review period. Check the current software and connection requirements for the features and profiles you intend to use.
Driving with motion and haptics
The assembled wheel felt solid on track. Several rims fitted successfully, and the paddle positioning worked well with the 330 mm ASR wheel I used most.
One issue appeared at certain vibration frequencies from my D-BOX motion and haptics system: the buttons occasionally rattled. It did not happen constantly, but it was noticeable enough to mention.
The wheel did not otherwise feel loose or structurally flexible. My criticism was the occasional button noise, alongside the small hand movements needed to reach some controls.
Overall, I enjoyed driving with it. The modular approach gave me different wheel shapes without changing the entire electronic assembly, which was the strongest reason to choose this type of hub.
My final verdict
The NeoX was a convincing modular wheel hub at its original price. The build felt solid, it accepted the rims I tried and the combination of controls covered a lot of useful functions.
I would still improve the rotating button caps and make the paddle click more pronounced. The control reach and occasional haptic-induced rattle also belong in the buying decision.
Those compromises did not outweigh the flexibility for me. It is a strong option if you want to choose your rim and paddle setup, particularly when you already own compatible parts.
I would compare complete configurations rather than the bare hub price. Once the rim, paddles, MagLink and quick release are accounted for, you can judge whether the NeoX is the right alternative to a finished wheel for your rig.
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SIMRACINGDENAffiliate link: I may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Apply SIMRACINGDEN at checkout for the offer listed in my video description. Retailer terms and product exclusions may apply; confirm the discount and your chosen rim, paddles and MagLink before ordering.
About this article: Adapted from my original review script and video review. Driving impressions refer to the original review period. The official NeoX listing provides current options and specifications. The assessment covers the hub, dual paddle module and MagLink used in my original test.
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