Struggling to find that perfect connection to your virtual race car, where every input feels precise and every corner is an extension of your will? Well, for many sim racers out there, the Rexing formula steering wheel is that game-changer. It’s not just another piece of gear. it’s a commitment to a premium, immersive, and incredibly tactile racing experience that truly puts you in the cockpit of a Formula machine. Today, we’re going to really break down what makes these wheels so special, focusing on models like the Rexing Mayaris 2 and Mayaris V1.1, and why they’ve become a top recommendation for serious sim racers.
If you’re looking to elevate your sim racing setup, especially for open-wheel or formula-style cars, a Rexing wheel often comes up in those “must-have” discussions. These wheels are built with an almost obsessive attention to detail, using high-end materials like carbon fiber and packing in more customizable inputs than you might think you need—until you start using them, that is! They’re designed to give you an edge, making you feel more connected to the track and allowing for lightning-fast adjustments on the fly. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of whether a Rexing formula wheel is the upgrade you’ve been searching for, and how it stands out in a crowded market of sim racing wheel recommendations.
What Makes a Rexing Formula Steering Wheel So Special?
Let’s be real: when you first see a Rexing formula steering wheel, it just looks right. It screams high-performance sim racing. But it’s more than just looks. Rexing, a brand based in Croatia, has really carved out a niche by focusing on top-tier, handcrafted sim racing equipment. Their formula wheels are built from the ground up to replicate the experience of driving a real-world Formula car.
The core philosophy behind these wheels is simple: uncompromising quality and functionality. They aim to give you every tool you could possibly need right at your fingertips, so you can focus purely on your driving. This isn’t just about throwing a bunch of buttons on a wheel. it’s about thoughtful design, robust construction, and seamless integration with your sim racing setup.
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The Rexing Mayaris Lineup: Mayaris 2 vs. Mayaris V1.1a
When people talk about Rexing formula wheels, they’re usually talking about the Mayaris series. The two main stars are often the original Rexing Formula Steering Wheel Mayaris V1.1 and the newer, even more advanced Rexing Formula Steering Wheel Mayaris 2. Both are fantastic, but the Mayaris 2 builds upon its predecessor with some serious upgrades.
Rexing Mayaris V1.1a: The Solid Foundation
The Mayaris V1.1a set a high bar for formula wheels. It features a full carbon fiber body, which means it’s incredibly lightweight at around 1.10 kg and super rigid. It comes with a 4.3-inch USBD480 LCD display, 11 RGB LEDs for RPM, and 6 additional marshal RGB LEDs – all configurable to telemetry data. You also get 10 illuminated push-buttons, two 8-position switches, and thumb rotary encoders, giving you plenty of inputs to manage your car. The grips are made of polyurethane rubber, designed for comfort during long races.
Rexing Mayaris 2: Pushing the Boundaries
Now, the Rexing Mayaris 2 really takes things up a notch. Many reviews, including some quite recent ones from late 2024 and early 2025, call it one of the most unique and impressive sim racing wheels available. Your Complete Guide to Installing the Rexing DT2 Dual Channel 1080p Dash Cam
Here’s what makes the Mayaris 2 a standout:
- Even More Inputs: The Mayaris 2 boasts an incredible 125 customizable inputs, allowing you to map almost anything from sim racing controls to even Windows settings. This level of customization is pretty wild and lets you tailor the wheel exactly to your preferences and the demands of any sim.
- Advanced Display: It steps up to a larger 5-inch touchscreen LCD display with a resolution of 854×480. What’s more, it adds three additional OLED screens above the central switches, which can display real-time data or custom text, all with RGB backlighting. This means you get a ton of critical information right in your line of sight.
- Premium Construction: Just like its predecessor, the Mayaris 2 is constructed with a hand-made full carbon fiber casing, making it lightweight around 1.15 kg without the quick release and incredibly rigid. This lightweight design is a huge plus because it means more of your wheelbase’s force feedback is transmitted directly to your hands, giving you a clearer feel for the car and the track.
- Enhanced Paddles: It features carbon fiber magnetic paddle shifters for precise and tactile feedback. Plus, you can often get optional top paddles with push and pull functionality, offering even more versatility with up to four configurable positions. The hall sensor clutch paddles are also digitally adjustable, perfect for perfecting those race starts.
- Ergonomics and Comfort: The polyurethane rubber grips are designed for endurance, ensuring comfort and a secure hold even during the most intense racing sessions. Many users praise the ergonomic layout, noting that all buttons and dials are easily reachable.
In short, the Mayaris 2 is essentially a souped-up version of an already excellent wheel, offering more screens, more inputs, and a slightly refined build for those who truly want the best.
Why a Formula Wheel is a Game-Changer for Sim Racing
If you’ve mostly used round wheels or more generic sim racing setups, you might wonder if a dedicated formula wheel is really “worth it.” And trust me, for a certain type of racing, it absolutely is!
Unmatched Immersion for Open-Wheel Racing
When you’re racing in iRacing’s Formula 4, Assetto Corsa’s F1 mods, or the official F1 games, a formula wheel instantly transports you. The compact, rectangular shape and the sheer number of controls laid out in a familiar F1 style make you feel like you’re actually in the cockpit of a high-performance open-wheeler. This isn’t just about looking cool though it definitely does. it’s about the psychological effect that enhances your focus and enjoyment. Dylan Rexing Evansville IN: A Closer Look at the Man Behind Rexing Companies
Precision and Control at Your Fingertips
Formula cars require constant, minute adjustments. Brake bias, differential settings, MGU-K modes, fuel mixture, traction control – there’s a lot to manage. A good formula wheel, like the Rexing Mayaris, is designed with all these controls easily accessible.
- Numerous Inputs: With many buttons, rotary encoders, and multi-switches, you can map every essential function to the wheel itself. This means you’re not fumbling for a keyboard or mouse mid-race.
- Faster Reactions: Having controls within thumb’s reach allows for quicker adjustments. Need to tweak brake bias going into a corner? No problem. This can genuinely shave off tenths of a second and give you a competitive edge.
- Enhanced Force Feedback: Formula-style wheels are typically smaller in diameter around 290mm for the Mayaris models. A smaller diameter rim can actually amplify the feel of your force feedback, giving you a more detailed and immediate sense of what the car is doing. Coupled with the Rexing’s lightweight carbon fiber construction, this results in a very clear and direct force feedback experience.
Compatibility and Setting Up Your Rexing Wheel
Getting your Rexing formula steering wheel up and running is generally straightforward, but there are a few key things to know to ensure a smooth setup.
PC Only, No Consoles Here!
First things first: Rexing wheels are designed for PC sim racing only. They aren’t compatible with PlayStation or Xbox consoles. This is pretty standard for high-end sim racing gear, as it relies on PC software like SimHub for full functionality and customization.
Quick Release Systems and Wheelbase Compatibility
Rexing wheels are “addon wheels,” meaning they attach to your existing direct drive wheelbase. They’re built with a universal mounting hub that accepts both 50.8mm and 70mm bolt patterns, making them compatible with popular quick-release systems from brands like Simucube, Fanatec Podium Hub, Asetek, and more. If you’re using a Fanatec DD1, for instance, you might even need a plastic spacer to resolve potential grounding issues, which is something Rexing is proactive about helping with. Unpacking the Reading Accent: A Blend of West Country Charm and London Buzz
Powering Up and Software Essentials
Your Rexing formula wheel connects to your PC via a high-quality coiled USB cable. For the best experience, especially if you want those vibrant LEDs and bright screens to shine their brightest, you’ll need to plug the wheel into a powered USB hub. While some newer Mayaris 2 wheels might work without one for basic functions, a powered hub is highly recommended to avoid any issues like flickering or connection drops.
For software, SimHub is your best friend. Rexing wheels have native SimHub support, allowing you to seamlessly configure all the LEDs, displays, and button mappings. SimHub gives you immense control over what data is shown on your screens RPM, gear, lap times, tire temps, etc. and how your LEDs react to in-game telemetry. Older Mayaris V1.1 models might also be compatible with software like USBD480, Simdash, or Z1, but SimHub is usually the go-to for modern Rexing wheels.
Setting up the inputs is usually done through your sim racing software or a calibration tool. For example, you can calibrate analog axes like clutch paddles within Windows’ game controller settings. Many racers like to map their essential controls like brake bias, pit limiter, and communication buttons for quick access.
The Feel of a Rexing Wheel: Beyond the Specs
Numbers and features are one thing, but how does it feel in your hands? This is where Rexing really shines for many users. How to Easily Log In to Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress (and What to Do If You Forget Your Password!)
- Premium Tactile Feedback: The buttons aren’t just buttons. they’re high-quality, often illuminated, and have a satisfying, positive click. While some might find the button feel a little “echo-y” due to the hollow carbon fiber shell, it’s actually quite similar to real race car wheels built for lightness.
- Rotary Encoders: You get a mix of different rotary encoders, some with softer clicks like the Alps brand and others with a more sturdy, defined feel like Elma brand. This variety allows for precise adjustments, whether you’re rapidly scrolling through black box pages or fine-tuning an engine map.
- Shifter Engagement: The magnetic paddle shifters provide a crisp, precise engagement, which is crucial for quick gear changes. The option for additional dual-action paddles for clutch or other functions adds another layer of control that feels very natural.
- Grip Comfort: The polyurethane rubber grips are a highlight for many. They offer excellent grip, whether you’re wearing gloves or not, and are designed for comfort over long stints. This helps reduce fatigue, letting you maintain peak performance for longer.
- Weight Advantage: As mentioned, the lightweight carbon fiber construction is a big deal. It means your force feedback signals come through with almost perfect clarity, allowing you to feel every subtle detail of the track and the car’s behavior. When comparing it to heavier wheels in the same price bracket, the difference in FFB fidelity can be quite noticeable.
Who is the Rexing Formula Steering Wheel For?
The Rexing formula steering wheel, particularly the Mayaris 2, is a premium piece of kit, often retailing around the €1360 – $1500 mark. This places it firmly in the high-end luxury category of sim racing.
So, who’s it for?
- Dedicated Formula and Open-Wheel Racers: If you primarily race F1, IndyCar, or other open-wheel categories, this wheel is designed specifically for you. It provides the most authentic and competitive experience for these disciplines.
- Serious Sim Racing Enthusiasts: Those who are looking for the absolute best in terms of build quality, functionality, and immersion will find a Rexing wheel incredibly compelling. It’s for the sim racer who wants to squeeze every last bit of performance and realism out of their setup.
- Racers Seeking an Upgrade: If you’re coming from a mid-range wheel and want a significant leap in feel, quality, and input options, a Rexing wheel will definitely deliver. It’s an investment, but one that many find transforms their sim racing experience.
It’s probably not the first choice for someone just getting into sim racing or someone who primarily drives rally or truck sims, where a rounder, larger wheel would be more appropriate. However, for formula aficionados, it’s often considered a top-tier Rexing formula sim racing steering wheel option.
A Quick Note on “Aftermarket Steering Wheel Laws”
While doing some research, you might stumble upon topics like “laws on aftermarket steering wheels” or “is aftermarket steering wheels illegal.” It’s really important to clarify something here: these laws apply to real cars, not sim racing equipment. Reading, England Weather: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Dry (or Sunny!)
In real-world vehicles, replacing an OEM steering wheel especially one with an airbag or specific safety certifications with an aftermarket one can have serious legal and safety implications. Quick-release steering wheels, for example, are typically only legal for track use in real cars.
However, for your Rexing formula sim racing steering wheel, none of these real-world regulations apply. Sim racing wheels are peripherals for a computer and don’t affect the safety or legality of a real vehicle. So, rest assured, you can enjoy your high-tech, carbon fiber Rexing wheel without worrying about road laws!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rexing Mayaris 2 compatible with game consoles like PlayStation or Xbox?
No, the Rexing Mayaris 2, like most high-end sim racing wheels from Rexing, is designed exclusively for PC use and is not compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox. This is primarily because it relies on PC-specific software like SimHub for its advanced display and customization features.
What is the main difference between the Rexing Mayaris V1.1a and the Mayaris 2?
The Mayaris 2 is an upgraded version of the V1.1a. Key differences include a larger 5-inch touchscreen LCD display vs. 4.3-inch USBD480 LCD on V1.1a, three additional OLED screens Mayaris 2 only, and a significantly higher number of customizable inputs up to 125 on Mayaris 2. The Mayaris 2 also features a dual-core ARM processor for enhanced performance. Reading, England: A Deep Dive into its Population
Do I need a powered USB hub for my Rexing formula steering wheel?
Yes, it’s highly recommended, and often required for optimal performance. While some Mayaris 2 wheels might function without one for basic use, a powered USB hub is essential to ensure maximum brightness for the LEDs and touchscreen display, and to prevent any power-related issues or disconnections.
Can I use a Rexing formula wheel with any direct drive wheelbase?
Rexing formula wheels come with a universal mounting hub that supports both 50.8mm and 70mm quick-release bolt patterns. This makes them compatible with most popular direct drive wheelbases from brands like Simucube, Fanatec Podium Hub, Asetek, and other common quick-release systems.
What software do I need to run the Rexing formula steering wheel?
The primary software for Rexing formula wheels, especially the Mayaris 2, is SimHub. It provides native support for configuring the LEDs, displays, and all the various inputs on the wheel. For older models or specific display types, you might also use applications like Ultimate Game Tech Manager, Simdash, or Z1, but SimHub is the most common and comprehensive solution.
Is the carbon fiber construction purely for aesthetics or does it offer functional benefits?
The full carbon fiber construction of Rexing wheels is definitely visually appealing, but it offers significant functional benefits. It provides maximum rigidity and durability, while also making the wheel extremely lightweight around 1.10-1.15 kg. This low weight reduces inertia on your wheelbase, allowing more of the force feedback to be transmitted directly to your hands, resulting in a clearer and more responsive feel for the car and track.
Is a formula steering wheel better than a round GT wheel for all types of sim racing?
Not necessarily for all types. Formula wheels are specifically designed for open-wheel and formula-style racing, offering a compact form factor, extensive button layouts for in-car adjustments, and a lightweight design that enhances force feedback. For other types of racing, like rally, drifting, or even some GT cars where you might need to turn the wheel more than 90 degrees frequently, a larger, rounder GT-style wheel might be more comfortable and appropriate. However, for the high-downforce, precise movements of formula racing, these wheels are generally preferred. Reading Eggs Homeschool: Your Go-To Guide for Making Reading Fun!
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