A steering wheel that embraces minimalism

Some steering wheels rely entirely on color screens and LED strips. The F28-SC V2 takes the opposite approach. No display, no RPM band—just an aluminum shell, well-placed buttons, and two joysticks. The moment you pick it up, the message is clear: you’re holding a tool of the trade, not a gadget. Every control serves a purpose, and this simplicity becomes an asset when you’re trying to stay focused lap after lap.

Manufacturing: Solid, No Compromises

The entire shell is machined from aluminum, and the assembly exudes quality. At first, the 285 mm diameter seemed a bit small to us, but we quickly forgot about that: the curved rim fits comfortably in the palms, with or without gloves, and is equally suited to GTs, prototypes, and single-seaters. The twelve buttons provide crisp, responsive feedback, with no play, and four of them are protected by covers—perfect for housing functions you definitely don’t want to trigger by mistake. The raised rims help you navigate by touch without taking your eyes off the track.

Magnetic palettes: the real issue

The feature that interested us the most was the shift paddles. They’re made of anodized aluminum and use magnets, with a tension adjustment tool included in the box. This allows you to adjust the resistance from very firm to much lighter, depending on which magnets are installed. In practice, we preferred a middle setting, which reduces the clicking noise while maintaining a crisp actuation point. It’s an addictive mechanism, and being able to adjust it to your hand really makes a difference in comfort over time.

On the Track: Reading the Grip and Long Sessions

With the controller in hand, what really stands out is the responsiveness. Built on a robust Direct Drive platform, the F28-SC V2 filters nothing and adds nothing: you can feel the front end starting to slide as you enter a turn, you modulate acceleration based on feel rather than sight, and this neutrality helps you maintain a consistent pace throughout a full lap. The two 7-way joysticks—a rarity on a wireless steering wheel—prove invaluable for adjusting engine mapping or brake bias without losing your line. During long sessions, the rim doesn’t tire your hands, and the lack of a screen—far from being a drawback—removes a source of distraction.

Wireless, no screen—so what?

The wireless connection eliminates one of the classic weaknesses of these steering wheels: the cable that eventually breaks. The connection is established almost instantly via the True Drive software, with visual and audible confirmation, and you don’t have to think about it again. As for power, the small ER 14250 battery costs just a few euros and lasts two to three years with heavy use, eliminating the need to charge it. On the other hand, keep in mind that the wireless version is designed for the Simucube ecosystem: the Simucube 2 natively, and the Simucube 1 via a receiver module. This isn’t a steering wheel you plug into a console, and it’s best to check its quick-release mechanism before purchasing, as the screws are recessed directly into the shell.

Who, in the end,

The F28-SC V2 is designed for PC gamers with a sturdy setup who prioritize precision and reliability over flashy features. Those who dream of a brightly lit dashboard should look elsewhere. For everyone else, it’s a reliable and engaging tool that feels more like driving a real racing wheel than using a mere accessory.