Struggling to get that authentic F1 feel in your sim rig? Choosing a Rexing sim racing wheel, especially models like the Mayaris or Mayaris 2 Formula, might just be the game-changer you’re looking for, offering a level of immersion and build quality that’s hard to beat in the high-end market. These wheels are truly crafted for serious sim racing enthusiasts and professionals who demand nothing but the best, combining cutting-edge technology with real carbon fiber construction to deliver an experience that feels incredibly close to a real-world race car. If you’ve been on the hunt for a wheel that elevates your virtual laps with precision, durability, and a plethora of customizable options, then sticking with us will give you the full lowdown. We’ll explore why Rexing wheels stand out, what makes them tick, and whether one of these premium pieces of kit should find a home on your direct drive wheelbase.
Rexing: A Brand for Serious Sim Racers
When you hear “Rexing” in sim racing circles, it instantly brings to mind high-quality, specialized gear, particularly for those who live for open-wheel racing. This European brand, specifically from Croatia, has carved out a distinct niche by focusing on the very top end of the market. They aren’t trying to cater to everyone, and that’s precisely why their products resonate so strongly with dedicated sim racers. Rexing is all about attention to detail, providing customers with a luxurious product designed to stand out.
What sets Rexing apart right from the start is their expertise in carbon fiber technology. It’s not just a fancy faceplate glued onto an aluminum frame. we’re talking about wheels built entirely from carbon fiber, often hand-assembled in the EU. This commitment to materials and craftsmanship results in an incredibly lightweight yet rigid wheel, a crucial factor for getting the most reactive and responsive force feedback from your direct drive wheelbase. If you’ve ever felt the difference a lighter wheel makes, especially with quick direction changes, you’ll appreciate this aspect of Rexing’s design philosophy.
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Unpacking the Mayaris Formula Series
Rexing is primarily known for its Formula-style wheels, with the Mayaris and its successor, the Mayaris 2, being the stars of the show. These aren’t just pretty faces. they’re packed with technology designed to give you an edge and deepen your immersion.
The Original Mayaris Formula
The original Rexing Mayaris Formula wheel laid down a solid foundation, offering a premium experience with a strong focus on high-quality components. It typically featured a 4.3-inch USBD480 LCD display compatible with popular sim racing software like SimHub, Simdash, and Z1. You’d find a generous array of inputs, including 10 illuminated push-buttons, 11 RGB RPM LEDs, and 6 additional marshal LEDs, all fully configurable to telemetry data. The grips were and still are made from polyurethane rubber, mimicking real-life racing wheels for comfort and durability during those long stints. Many of the knobs and the LCD bezel were crafted from aluminum, adding to that high-end feel. Magnetic paddle shifters and hall sensor clutch paddles with bite point adjustment were also standard, providing crisp and reliable gear changes and precise launch control. The Ultimate Guide to the Rexing S1 Pro 1080p Dash Cam
Introducing the Mayaris 2 Formula: What’s New?
The Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula is the evolution of that original design, bringing significant improvements and additional features to an already impressive package. It’s built for the most demanding sim racing professionals and enthusiasts, taking everything up a notch.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the larger 5-inch touchscreen display with an 854×480 resolution. This higher-resolution screen makes it easier to read crucial telemetry data in an instant, a real plus when you’re focusing on the track. The Mayaris 2 also ups the ante with three additional OLED screens positioned above the bottom rotary encoders. These small screens are incredibly useful for displaying various functions of the central switches, which means you can quickly see what your traction control, ABS, or engine map settings are without guessing, especially handy if you race a variety of cars.
The input count also sees an increase, with the Mayaris 2 boasting a total of 123 to 125 programmable inputs. This includes the 10 RGB illuminated push-buttons now with adjustable brightness and color in SimHub, multiple rotary encoders including premium Alps and Elma brands for varied tactile feedback, and multi-switches that combine rotary encoder, digital joystick, and push-button functionality. The new magnetic shifters are designed to be firm yet quiet, a point that Rexing highlights as a significant achievement. Plus, there’s an optional third set of paddles that offer a unique dual push-and-pull action, providing even more configurable inputs for things like brake bias adjustments or other strategic controls.
Underneath all this, the Mayaris 2 is powered by a dual-core ARM processor with a 4-layer PCB, ensuring smooth operation and quick response times. It’s also entirely hand-made from carbon fiber in the EU, maintaining that lightweight yet rigid construction that Rexing is known for.
Key Features That Make Rexing Stand Out
Let’s break down some of the standout features you’ll typically find on Rexing wheels, especially the Mayaris 2, that make them a top contender in the premium sim racing segment: Rexing S1 Pro Enhanced Dash Cam: Your Ultimate Guide to On-Road Security
- Full Carbon Fiber Construction: This isn’t just aesthetic. The hand-molded, full carbon fiber body contributes to the wheel’s exceptional rigidity and incredibly low weight, often around 1.15 kg for the Mayaris 2. This lightweight design is critical for direct drive wheelbases, as it reduces inertia, allowing for faster, more detailed, and more reactive force feedback.
- Advanced Display and Lighting: The large 5-inch touchscreen display, coupled with customizable RGB RPM and marshal LEDs, provides a wealth of real-time telemetry and car status information. The additional OLED screens further enhance this by giving you quick visual cues for various settings. You can fully customize layouts and colors through SimHub.
- Unrivaled Input Options: With over 120 programmable inputs, Rexing wheels offer an insane level of control. From high-quality Apem push-buttons to Alps and Elma rotary encoders, and multi-switches, every function you could possibly want to map is available at your fingertips. This allows for incredible customization to suit your exact racing style and game needs.
- Precision Paddle Systems: The magnetic paddle shifters provide crisp, satisfying shifts, often with rubber stoppers for reduced noise. The analog clutch paddles feature Hall sensors and a digitally adjustable bite point, which is super helpful for nailing those perfect race starts. The optional dual push-and-pull paddles further extend your control, letting you assign extra functions with a unique tactile feel.
- Ergonomics and Durability: The polyurethane rubber grips are designed for endurance-level comfort, mirroring real-world racing wheels. Combined with CNC-machined aluminum accents for knobs and bezels, these wheels are built to withstand countless hours of intense racing.
Why a Rexing Wheel Might Be Your Next Upgrade
So, with all these features, why should a Rexing wheel be on your radar, especially if you’re already rocking a high-end sim rig?
The Immersion Factor: Beyond Just Buttons
One of the biggest draws of a Rexing wheel is the sheer immersion it offers. When you’re holding a wheel that’s entirely made of carbon fiber, just like those in real racing cars, you immediately feel a connection to the professional motorsport world. The tactile feedback from the premium buttons and encoders, the crisp click of the magnetic shifters, and the smooth, progressive feel of the analog clutches all contribute to a heightened sense of realism. Plus, having all that telemetry data and customizable LEDs right in front of you, integrated seamlessly with SimHub, means you’re not constantly glancing at an external monitor for crucial info. This keeps your focus where it needs to be: on the track.
Build Quality That Speaks Volumes
In the high-end sim racing market, build quality is paramount, and Rexing absolutely delivers. Every individual piece of carbon fiber is carefully molded, and the wheels are hand-assembled in the EU. This meticulous process ensures exceptional durability and a flawless finish. Reviews often highlight the Mayaris 2’s impressive rigidity despite its lightweight construction, a testament to Rexing’s engineering. You’re investing in a product that’s designed to last, to withstand the rigors of competitive sim racing, and to look absolutely stunning while doing it.
The Edge in Competition
For serious sim racers, every millisecond counts. A Rexing wheel can provide a tangible advantage. The lightweight nature, as mentioned, allows your direct drive wheelbase to operate with maximum responsiveness, translating subtle force feedback cues more accurately. The sheer number and intuitive placement of programmable inputs mean you can access critical car adjustments and strategies without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Features like the adjustable clutch bite point help you master race starts, while customizable displays keep vital performance data instantly accessible, helping you make split-second decisions that can win or lose a race. Unlocking the Road Ahead: Your Guide to the Rexing S1 Pro Enhanced Dash Cam
Getting Your Rexing Wheel Ready: Setup & Compatibility
Setting up a high-end wheel like a Rexing Mayaris might seem a bit daunting at first, but it’s pretty straightforward, especially for experienced sim racers.
Connecting to Your Direct Drive Base
Rexing wheels are designed as add-ons for PC games and simulations. This means they don’t come with their own wheelbase. instead, they connect to popular direct drive systems. The good news is they feature a universal mounting hub, typically accepting both 50.8mm and 70mm bolt patterns. This makes them compatible with a wide range of top-tier direct drive wheelbases and quick releases from brands like Simucube, Fanatec Podium Hub, Asetek, Simagic, and others. Some retailers or Rexing itself might even offer the option to have your Mayaris 2 delivered with a pre-installed Asetek Quick Release if you’re planning to use it with an Asetek base.
It’s important to note that Rexing wheels are PC-only. they are not compatible with console platforms like PlayStation or Xbox. This is largely due to their reliance on advanced customization software like SimHub, which doesn’t run on consoles.
Software, Calibration, and Customization
Your Rexing wheel connects to your PC via a high-quality coiled USB cable, which usually comes included. For optimal performance, especially to ensure maximum brightness for all those LEDs and displays, it’s highly recommended to plug your wheel into a powered USB hub. If you’re using an extension cable, make sure it’s a high-quality one, no longer than 2 meters, and ideally plugged directly into your PC’s back USB connector. Mastering Your Rexing S1 Pro Installation: A Complete Guide
For customization and to get the most out of your wheel’s displays and LEDs, SimHub Native Support is a key feature. SimHub allows for seamless integration with real-time telemetry, LED configurations, and screen layouts. You’ll need to install and configure SimHub to truly unlock the wheel’s potential, setting up everything from screen displays to button mapping and LED flag indicators.
Calibration for the analog joystick and clutches can typically be done through Windows’ game controller settings, where you’ll find your “Rexing game device” and can run through the calibration wizard. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, especially for the clutch bite point adjustment, which sometimes requires turning the potentiometer all the way right before calibration.
Rexing Against the Giants: A High-End Comparison
In the high-end sim racing market, Rexing operates among some truly formidable brands. Names like Simucube, Asetek, GSI, Cube Controls, and Ascher Racing are often mentioned in the same breath. So, how does Rexing stack up?
While brands like Simucube are renowned for their wheelbases and overall ecosystem, and Asetek has made a big splash with their customizable Invicta wheels, Rexing distinguishes itself with its unwavering commitment to full carbon fiber construction for the entire wheel body. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick. it directly impacts the feel and responsiveness, making it incredibly lightweight compared to some competitors that might use aluminum frames with carbon fiber faceplates. This focus on a full carbon shell results in superb rigidity and less rotating mass, which means your direct drive wheelbase can perform at its peak, delivering maximum detail in force feedback. Rexing S3 1080p: Your Ultimate Guide to Triple-Channel Dash Cam Protection
Many high-end wheels, including those from GSI and Cube Controls, offer fantastic build quality, numerous inputs, and vibrant displays. However, Rexing often pushes the envelope with the sheer number of available inputs over 120, for example and the combination of a large touchscreen with additional OLED screens, offering a dense but highly customizable information hub right on the wheel. The optional dual push-pull paddles are another unique feature that adds to its versatility and appeal.
Price-wise, Rexing wheels, particularly the Mayaris 2, sit in a similar bracket to other premium offerings like some Asher Racing McLaren Artura wheels or certain Gomez wheels. They’re definitely an investment, with the Mayaris 2 starting around $1,599 USD or €1,360 excluding VAT. This positions them firmly in the “money no object” category for many sim racers, but for those seeking the ultimate F1 experience, the value in Rexing’s specialized design and material choice is clear.
Is a Rexing Wheel Right for You?
Given the price and specialized nature of Rexing wheels, they’re not for everyone. But if you fit the bill, it could be the best upgrade you make to your sim rig.
You’re a serious open-wheel enthusiast or professional sim racer. If you primarily race Formula 1, LMP, or other open-wheel categories, the ergonomic design, button layout, and intricate telemetry displays of a Rexing wheel will feel right at home. It’s designed to mimic real-world Formula cockpits, and that’s where it truly shines. Mastering Your Rexing Dash Cam with the Smart Hardwire Kit and 360° Motion Detection
You have a high-end direct drive wheelbase. Rexing wheels are designed to complement powerful direct drive systems from Simucube, Asetek, Fanatec Podium, and others. The lightweight carbon fiber construction allows these bases to deliver their full range of detailed force feedback without compromise. If you’re running a lower-powered wheel, some of the benefits might be lost.
You value exceptional build quality and premium materials. If you appreciate meticulous craftsmanship, real carbon fiber, and high-quality components that are built to last, Rexing delivers in spades.
You love customization and data. With SimHub integration and a massive array of programmable inputs and displays, you’ll spend hours fine-tuning your setup to perfection. If you enjoy having all the data at your fingertips and making quick adjustments on the fly, a Rexing wheel is a dream come true.
You are a PC sim racer. This is crucial. Rexing wheels are exclusively for PC use and are not compatible with consoles.
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Taking Care of Your High-Performance Wheel
Just like any premium piece of gear, your Rexing sim racing wheel will benefit from proper care to ensure its longevity and performance.
- Handle with Care: The carbon fiber body is durable, but it’s still best to handle the wheel with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to sharp impacts.
- Keep it Clean: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the grips and surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the carbon fiber finish or the displays. Rexing also advises against touching the screen with your fingers when holding or carrying the wheel to keep it pristine.
- Protect from Elements: Keep the steering wheel away from water, excessive humidity, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can degrade carbon fiber finishes over time.
- Cable Management: Ensure your coiled USB cable has enough slack and isn’t overly tight to prevent damage or premature wear. Proper cable routing is essential for any sim rig.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check the Rexing website for firmware updates. Keeping your wheel’s firmware up to date ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and optimal performance.
Real Talk: What Sim Racers Are Saying
When you look at discussions around Rexing wheels, especially the Mayaris 2, on places like Reddit and in reviews, a consistent picture emerges. Many sim racers consider it one of the most unique and impressive wheels they’ve owned. People rave about its magnificent design, exceptional build quality, and the sheer potential for customization. The all-carbon fiber casing is frequently highlighted as a major selling point, providing maximum rigidity and a super lightweight feel that enhances force feedback.
However, no product is perfect, and some subjective points come up. A few users have found the polyurethane grips, while high-quality, to be a little uncomfortable or “sticky” compared to other options. There’s also the observation that the buttons can sometimes “echo” through the hollow carbon fiber shell, though some argue this is actually realistic for a lightweight race wheel. While Rexing’s support is generally praised for being helpful, there have been isolated reports of magnetic shifter issues, though these seem to be addressed through warranty and replacements. The general consensus, though, is that if you can swing the cost, especially if you’re heavily into Formula racing, it’s an exceptional wheel that can truly elevate your sim racing experience.
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Price, Value, and Where to Find One
Let’s be upfront: Rexing wheels are a significant investment. The Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula, for instance, typically retails around $1,599.00 USD or approximately €1,360 excluding VAT, with optional features like the third set of push-pull paddles adding another €120 or so. This places them firmly in the premium, high-end category, alongside other top-tier offerings from brands like GSI, Cube Controls, and Ascher Racing.
When considering the value, you’re not just paying for a steering wheel. you’re investing in a piece of meticulously engineered, hand-crafted equipment built with aerospace-grade materials. The performance benefits from its lightweight, rigid carbon fiber construction, the unparalleled customization options, and the deep immersion it provides for open-wheel racing really justify the price for its target audience.
You can typically find Rexing sim racing wheels through specialized sim racing retailers and distributors online, such as Trak Racer, Simufy, Ricmotech, and SimUltimate. Always check the official Rexing website rexing.eu as well for the latest models, specifications, and direct purchase options. Given that these are high-demand, boutique products, sometimes stock can be limited, so if you see one available, it might be worth snagging it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Rexing sim racing wheels stand out from other brands?
Rexing wheels, particularly the Mayaris series, stand out primarily due to their full carbon fiber construction entire body, not just the faceplate, which results in an incredibly lightweight yet rigid wheel. This design maximizes the responsiveness of direct drive wheelbases. They also feature extensive customization options, high-resolution displays like a 5-inch touchscreen on the Mayaris 2, numerous programmable inputs over 120, and premium components like Alps/Elma encoders and Apem buttons, all hand-assembled in the EU. Understanding the Rexing R316 Series: What’s the Difference?
Are Rexing sim racing wheels compatible with consoles like PlayStation or Xbox?
No, Rexing sim racing wheels are only compatible with PC setups. They are designed as add-on wheels for PC games and simulations and rely on software like SimHub for their advanced features and customization, which is not available on console platforms.
What direct drive wheelbases are compatible with Rexing wheels?
Rexing wheels feature a universal mounting hub that accepts both 50.8mm and 70mm bolt patterns, making them compatible with a wide range of popular high-end direct drive wheelbases. This includes systems from brands like Simucube, Asetek, Fanatec via Podium Hub, and Simagic.
Do I need a powered USB hub for my Rexing wheel?
Yes, it is highly recommended to use a powered USB hub when connecting your Rexing wheel to your PC. While the wheel might function without one, a powered hub ensures maximum brightness for the LEDs and displays and can prevent connection issues, especially if you’re using longer USB extension cables.
Can I customize the display and LED settings on my Rexing wheel?
Absolutely! Rexing wheels come with native SimHub support, which allows for extensive customization of the 5-inch touchscreen display, additional OLED screens, RGB RPM LEDs, and marshal LEDs. You can configure them to show real-time telemetry data, change colors, adjust brightness, and map various functions to the lights.
What is the price range for Rexing sim racing wheels?
Rexing wheels are in the premium, high-end segment of the sim racing market. For example, the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula wheel typically costs around $1,599.00 USD or €1,360 excluding VAT. Optional features, such as additional push-pull paddles, can add to the total cost. Rexing R316 Review: Your Ultimate Guide to a Reliable Dash Cam
Are the grips on Rexing wheels comfortable for long racing sessions?
Rexing wheels use polyurethane rubber grips, designed to mimic those found in real-life racing cars for endurance-level comfort. While generally praised for their feel and durability, comfort can be subjective, and some users might find them different from other materials like Alcantara or traditional rubber.
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