The Conspit 290 GP Formula Wheel attracted my attention for quite some time. Not only because of its striking and aggressive design, but also because of the reputation Conspit has built up within the sim racing community in a relatively short time. My previous experience with the Conspit CPP Lite Pedals was positive, so I was very curious to see if this wheel would offer the same quality and innovation.

With a unique 3D printed aesthetic, an advanced control panel and a price tag that falls in the mid-range of sim racing wheels, Conspit positions this wheel as a serious option for avid sim racers. Conspit makes a convincing leap towards the top with the 290 GP - but is that enough to Fanatec and Cube Controls wake up?

And how well does it perform in practice? Is this steering wheel a real gamechanger or just a nice-looking product with flaws? I tested the wheel extensively and am happy to share my experience in this Conspit 290 GP Review.

Price of the Conspit 290 GP

The Conspit 290 GP is offered at a price of €779. This places the steering wheel in the upper mid-range segment of the sim racing hardware market. Compared to other high-end formula-style wheels, the 290 GP offers a competitive price, especially considering its extensive features and high-quality materials.

For beginners, the price may be a barrier, but for more advanced sim racers looking for a durable and functional steering wheel, it offers attractive value for money. And to be perfectly honest, Conspit positions and prices its products incredibly well. This price is fair and justified for what you get in return.

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Conspit 290 GP Specifications

• Screen: 4.3-inch LCD, 800×480, adjustable brightness
• Indicators: 18 RGB LEDs
• Dimensions: 290x175x100 mm
• Weight: 1400 g (without quick release)
• Grip width: 290 mm
• Front cover Material: Carbon fibre
• Main material: Aluminium Alloy
• Buttons: 12 x ErgoTouch RGB buttons
• Switch paddles: "MagFlip" Rocker-Type Magnetic Paddle Shifters
• Additional controls: 4 encoders, 3 rotary switches
• Clutch: Double clutch paddles
• Montage: 3x 50mm M5
• Platform: Windows PC
• Connection: USB direct, Conspit CAN
• Cable: USB cable
• Software: Conspit Link 2.0

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Unpacking

Upon opening the box, it is immediately clear that Conspit has an eye for detail. The packaging is thoughtful, looks good and gives a premium feel. The outlined animations on the box give it a futuristic look and the protection of the wheel is excellently done. This experience, like the CPP Lite Pedals, very positive.

What else comes in the box? In addition to the steering wheel, you will receive the following:

• USB-A spiral cable: A sturdy cable that is flexible enough without getting in the way.
• Tool kit: Handy set with the necessary tools for montage and any adjustments.
• Screws and fixing materials: No search for the right nuts and bolts, everything is included.
• Sticker sheets (4x): This lets you personalise the buttons, although I was not impressed with the sticker quality. They feel thin, the quality is poor and they let too much light through. But more on that later.
• Additional stickers: Handy if you need a spare or want to try a different style.
• User guide: Short and sweet, but enough to get started quickly.
• Warranty statement: An extra assurance, always nice!

First impression: A striking design

When I opened the box, the unique design immediately caught my eye. The Conspit 290 GP radiates motorsport. No excessive RGB lighting or weird gimmicks. It is sleek, functional and tough. The carbon frontplate, 3D design and solid buttons impress immediately.

When grasping the handlebar, you immediately notice that it is a solid and well-finished product. The handlebar feels solid, relatively light and ergonomically pleasing. The handles are covered with a fine rubbery texture that provides plenty of grip. You immediately feel that you are not holding a plastic wheel in your hands, but a wheel made for serious sim racers. Not for show, but for performance.

The combination of its compact 290mm size and no-nonsense looks makes it clear: the Conspit 290 GP Formula Wheel is for people who take speed, sim racing ánd design seriously. Because honestly, doesn't the 290 GP look fantastic?

I have now had dozens of handlebars in my hands, from entry-level to premium ones. What immediately stands out with the Conspit 290 GP is how "finished" it feels and how solidly built it is. It is a mature product at a very interesting price.

Montage and Installation

Installing the Conspit 290 GP is easy, provided you know what you need. The handlebar comes without a quick release, so you either need the optional Conspit CDP QR, or use a standard 70 mm QR with the included USB spiral cable. You connect that directly to the back of the handlebar, where it is held neatly in a recess.

A big plus is that Conspit has improved the USB connector in newer ones. Whereas in earlier models it was still fixed to the PCB - making changing boards a drama - it is now a swappable connection. That works much better and makes your setup much more flexible!

Conspit 290 GP Formula Wheel

That the Conspit 290 GP impresses is immediately apparent as soon as you get to work with it. But where exactly is the power of this wheel? Time to take a closer look at the most important features one by one.

Build quality and design

The Conspit 290 GP impresses as soon as you take it out of the box. Everything about this handlebar exudes quality. The front is made of real cast carbon fibre, which not only gives it a high-quality look, but also contributes to an extremely stiff construction. Combined with the CNC-machined aluminium backplate, the result is a handlebar that is light but at the same time feels unyielding - exactly what you want when you ride on a direct drive base where every input counts.

Weighing 1400g (without quick release) and measuring 290mm wide, the handlebar is perfectly balanced. It feels firm in the hand without being heavy. The dimensions are roomy enough for a comfortable grip, but remain compact enough for fast and precise steering. Even with firm inputs or abrupt corrections, the wheel remains solid and tight. No flex, no play - just a robust and professional build that gives you instant confidence.

What strikes me is how tightly everything is put together. No rattling parts, no unnecessary edges or sharp corners. It is clear that Conspit has paid a lot of attention to the finish. Every part fits together seamlessly, from the carbon front plate to the aluminium knob edges. This handlebar is built to last - and you can feel that in everything. All in all, I can say that I am very positive about the build quality!

Innovative 3D design

What really sets the Conspit 290 GP apart from many other handlebars is its fully three-dimensional design. Where most brands get stuck in a flat, traditional layout, Conspit dares to go off the beaten track. And with success. Everything about this handlebar is built around the natural position of your hands and thumbs. Buttons, switches and encoders are right where you need them - without having to move your grip or search while riding.

Conspit itself calls this the 'Spatial Thumb Operating Zone' and that is no empty marketing term. In practice, it works brilliantly. The layout is inspired by the HOTAS principles from aerospace, with all key functions directly within reach. The result is a wheel that not only feels more comfortable in your hand, but also allows you to switch between settings faster and with more confidence during a race.

What I personally find strong is how Conspit combines ergonomics with visual design. The steering wheel looks sleek, technical and modern, but everything is designed with a clear purpose. No unnecessary frills, just smart choices that lead to more control and comfort behind the wheel. This is not just a handlebar that performs well, it also feels really well thought out.

Ergonomics & Enduro Grips

What struck me immediately when I held the wheel in my hands for the first time was how right everything is in terms of ergonomics. Thanks to the 3D-spatial design and HOTAS-inspired layout, all the buttons are right where you want them: within thumb reach, without having to move your grip. So in the heat of a race, you can switch between functions at lightning speed without thinking or searching. It feels intuitive, fast and, above all, very familiar.

The Enduro Grips contribute plenty to that. They are a bit firmer than standard rubber, but that is precisely why they give that extra control and stability you want in long races. Even after an hour of steering, you will notice how comfortable they remain. The specially developed TPU material keeps its shape, is hard-wearing and stays looking like new even after intensive use. The design is just right - whether you steer with two fingers at the bottom of the handlebars or prefer a more classic grip.

The ergonomics of the Conspit 290 GP are simply fantastic. Everything sits where it should, feels as it should, and performs as you would hope. This wheel is built to race hard, but feels surprisingly natural and comfortable.

Thump-Tick Encoders

One of the unique feature of the Conspit 290 GP is the so-called 'Thump-Tick' thumb wheel encoders. The four thumb encoders are cleverly placed: one in the handle and one on the side. You operate them without moving your hands, which is ideal while driving.

These thump-tick encoders have been developed based on the natural movement and force a thumb provides in an upright position. The result is a high-precision thump-tick encoder with instant, clear feedback. The diameter, resistance and click response are optimised for fast interaction. Ideal for functions you regularly adjust such as brake bias or ERS mode.

These are so conveniently placed that you use them almost automatically. While driving, I can quickly adjust settings, such as brake bias or engine mapping, without thinking. The feedback is tight, with clear clicks per step, so you are never in doubt whether an input has been registered.

Which is a pity, by the way: the material of the encoders feels a bit light and plastic, and I also find the little screws underneath less nicely finished. Fortunately, you can easily put a sticker on these to get rid of them! Functionally, they do their job very well, but in terms of finish, they lack that high-quality feel that you do experience with the rest of the wheel. That contrast is striking, especially since the rest of the Conspit 290 GP feels so solid and premium. Nevertheless, I continue to enjoy using them - simply because they work so well.

Innovative MagFlip Magnetic Switch Paddles

One of the biggest strengths of this wheel are the unique and intuitive MagFlip magnetic shift paddles. These paddles offer a unique push-pull functionality and are based on the rocker-type system you see in real Formula One cars. This means you can shift gears in two ways-you can pull the paddle towards you or push it away. This not only feels natural, but can also improve your reaction speed, especially in intense racing situations.

The unique feature of the MagFlip system is the combination of a powerful magnet and an internally integrated Hall-effect sensor. This creates a click feel that is both tight and mechanical, with no moving external parts.

In addition, Conspit uses Hall-effect sensors, which means no physical weartage occurs. Many cheaper boards use microswitches that lose their precision over time-here, you don't suffer from this.

The shift stroke is short, sharp and mechanical, providing a direct and satisfying shifting feel. This is definitely one of the better shifting systems I have tested in this price range! Incidentally, it is not possible to change the distance of the paddles. However, I don't find this disturbing. One small point to mention is that there is little space between the shift and clutch paddles.

Whereas I was initially a bit sceptical about this system and preferred more traditional shifters, I'm coming back to that! The MagFlip shifters are a very interesting feature of the Conspit 290 GP Formula Wheel!

Other controls

The Conspit 290 GP offers plenty of control options. From buttons to encoders and funky switches - everything is on there, AND well positioned. The twelve RGB buttons feel clicky and solid, are easily distinguishable by feel and can be fully customised in colour. Even with gloves on, you won't miss a single input.

On both sides of the steering wheel are funky switches that are perfect for menus, cameras or MFD controls. They click in all directions and have an aluminium finish that ensures grip even with clammy hands.

Below the LCD display you will find three 12-position rotary knobs. Two are freely adjustable, the middle one you use to scroll through dashboard layouts. So not everything is fully mappable to your liking, but that's a minor limitation. And I actually like the fact that this middle rotary knob is used for that by default.

All in all, the set of controls feels logical, functional and pleasant. The placement is smart, the usage intuitive, and it helps you switch between functions focused and fast during the race. Exactly what you would expect from a high-end wheel!

Sticker sheets Substandard quality

With 4 sticker sheets (two black and two purple), there is more than enough choice to personalise the handlebars to your liking. I like that Conspit gives you the option to choose between two colours. What I do find unfortunate is that the colours are identical to each other, so basically you only have a choice of a black and a purple sticker sheet. On top of that - and this is personal - I find the options to choose from limited and the icons or abbreviations used not quite my style. Too bad!

Another aspect I find disappointing is the quality of the stickers. On the one hand, they do not stick well and come off quickly if you rub a sticker with your finger or glove. On the other hand, these stickers are too thin and let a lot of light through. Something I just don't like the look of.

Another criticism and something that slightly irritates me is how poorly the stickers are cut out. You see this especially - at least in my case - with the stickers for around the three dials. Also on some of the round stickers, the icons were not centred. Such a shame!

All in all, I can only say that I find the included stickers disappointing. It is a pity that Conspit leaves it a bit off on details like these. I hope Conspit takes this signal to heart and does something with it. Because this detail does detract a little bit from a wheel that is fantastic on almost all fronts.

4.3-inch LCD dashboard

What immediately strikes me - and really appeals to me - is the size of the display. The 4.3-inch screen that Conspit uses here is just right as far as I am concerned. In fact, I prefer this size to the larger 5-inch screens you see on steers like the Cube Controls GTX2, the Pokornyi HYP-R or the F499 wheel. Bigger is not automatically better in my experience. On the contrary, the compactness of this screen calms your line of sight and makes the whole thing more visually balanced. I noticed this earlier with the Zen's Simwheels Simdash-Elite, where I also really liked the 4.3" format.

The screen itself has a resolution of 800×480 pixels and runs at 60 Hz, with a brightness you can adjust up to 500 nits. While racing, the centre rotary gives you direct access to various dashboards that you can set up in the Conspit Link software. All relevant telemetry is clearly displayed.

What I am less enthusiastic about is the colour contrast of the screen. Compared to, say, the Vocore displays, this screen looks a bit bland in terms of colour saturation. The colours lack depth and sparkle in my opinion, which is a shame! Finally, it is good to know that this display is not a touchscreen. By the way, I don't find the lack of this a problem at all. In fact, I don't even miss it. The more authentic, the better 😉

Removable USB connector

One of the biggest frustrations I had with the first copy of the Conspit 290 GP I tested was the way the USB connector was concealed. The cable was connected directly to the PCB, without the intervention of a GX12 connector.

So in practice, this meant that changing the steering wheel was quite a hassle, as the USB cable was tangled up in a tangle of cables behind my monitors. If, like me, you change your steering wheel regularly, this is just hugely inconvenient. It takes time, is frustrating and it just doesn't feel thoughtful.

The good news: Conspit has clearly listened to that feedback from the community. All new versions of the 290 GP now come standard with an interchangeable USB cable that you simply snap into a pre-installed hub on the handlebar. Because my handlebar - unfortunately - broke, I was the first to receive and test this updated version.

No more fiddling with stuck cables, just plug and unplug quickly. That makes changing handlebars a lot more efficient and user-friendly. The connector itself feels a bit compact and fragile, but so far it functions smoothly and does what it is supposed to do. For me, this is a huge step forward and an improvement that makes the daily use of the handlebars considerably more pleasant.

Conspit Link 2.0 Software

One of the major shortcomings of the Conspit 290 GP is that SimHub is not supported. And yes, I personally find that a major shortcoming. Now, I know they are working on this, but at the time of writing it is not clear when this support will come. And so that means you are bound to the manufacturer's own software: Conspit Link 2.0.

By the way, Conspit 2.0 is a good programme that allows you to tune almost every aspect of the wheel to your preference. It does what it needs to do and works just fine. You can easily create profiles, assign buttons, adjust colours, set bite points, synchronise LEDs with telemetry and even customise the dashboard. It basically does everything you need and it works well!

Because SimHub is not supported, that also means you can't use popular dashboards like Lovely Dashboard. Is that a loss? Yes, in all honesty it is. Although I must admit that the dashboards included are not bad at all. They give you all the telemetry data you need and you can choose from multiple dashboards.

The interface is generally clear and user-friendly, allowing you to make changes quickly without having to search endlessly through manuals. This makes the wheel not only technically advanced, but also practical for everyday use.

User experience: the Conspit 290 GP in action

After dozens of hours of racing with the Conspit 290 GP, I can confidently say: this wheel has positively surprised me. Not just in how it performs on the track, but especially in how it feels during long stints and how thoughtfully it has been designed. The spatial 3D design provides an ergonomics you rarely see in this price range. Everything is right where you expect it to be, and the Enduro Grips are downright fantastic. They give the handlebars a solid, sleek look as well as being extremely comfortable to hold - even after several race sessions in a row.

What I especially appreciate is that Conspit really listens to feedback from the community. My first copy still had a fixed USB connection on the circuit board - not exactly convenient if you change the handlebars often. Fortunately, this was solved in the new version with an interchangeable connector. Small detail, big impact. The same willingness to improve was also evident when my first wheel broke down after a short time: the MagFlip paddles gave up the ghost and the wheel went into an unsalvageable DFU mode. Frustrating? Definitely. But in no time I had a replacement in house. Conspit's customer service is fast, clear and customer-oriented - something you can't always take for granted.

Talking about those MagFlip shift paddles: where I was a bit hesitant at first - I normally prefer traditional shifters - I am now completely won over. They shift tightly, sound mechanical and make you feel like you have a real grip on every input. The push-pull system feels intuitive and is a valuable addition in practice.

Are there any downsides? Yes there are. The sticker sheets are really underwhelming. They are poorly cut, don't stick well and look a bit cheap. Also, the forged carbon used is personally not my favourite - I think it looks a bit messy. Fortunately, that does little to detract from the experience of the handlebars as a whole. It is sturdy, light and feels professional.

One point I was sceptical about beforehand is the lack of SimHub support. At first, that seemed like a dealbreaker, but in practice, the standard Conspit dashboards are just fine. All important data is clear to read and easily customisable via Conspit Link 2.0. And it is nice to know that SimHub support is on the roadmap - that gives confidence towards the future.

All in all, the Conspit 290 GP is a wheel that I thoroughly enjoy racing with in my favourite sim: the wheel feels fast, precise and reliable. Conspit shows that it not only competes, but also dares to innovate. For a relatively young player, this is an impressive product. And if this is a harbinger of things to come, we are going to hear a lot from Conspit.

Advantages and disadvantages

Conclusion

The Conspit 290 GP is without doubt one of the best Formula handlebars in its price range. Its build quality, innovative 3D design, MagFlip shift paddles and clever button layout take this wheel to a level you would normally only find in a higher price range. From the first moment, the wheel feels thoughtful, solid and race-ready - and that feeling remains even after dozens of hours of intensive use.

Based on six fixed criteria, the Conspit 290 GP an average grade of 4.6 out of 5. That score is the result of a solid overall experience: the build quality is convincing with a tightly finished housing and rigid chassis, with only the thumb encoders lagging slightly behind in terms of finish. The design is distinctive for its ergonomic, three-dimensional approach, with each element perfectly within reach. The price is competitive, especially considering the extensive feature package and the overall quality of the product.

In use, the wheel performs intuitively, directly and comfortably, and is suitable for both sprint races and endurance stints. Functionality is ample, with plenty of input options and a pleasantly working dashboard, although the absence of SimHub support remains a minor shortcoming for now. In terms of ergonomics, the wheel scores highest: thanks to the thoughtful button placement and comfortable Enduro Grips, prolonged racing is a pleasure.

That said, there are some points that Conspit may improve. The quality of the included decals is really substandard and detracts from the otherwise well-kept overall picture. Also, the finishing of some details, such as the encoder caps, could be a bit more refined. Still, none of this outweighs the strong overall picture.

What gives me particular confidence is how quickly and effectively Conspit handles feedback. The switch to an interchangeable USB connector is a great example of that customer-focused attitude, as is the quick resolution of a defective handlebar under warranty.

For sim racers looking for a wheel that offers more than just looks and is truly built for performance, the Conspit 290 GP is an excellent choice. This wheel doesn't feel like a compromise, but a well thought-out product that stands out for innovation and ease of use. It is an impressive calling card from a young manufacturer that is already showing that they are serious players at the top of the sim racing market.

Top Pick

Conspit 290 GP Formula Wheel

The Conspit 290 GP is a high-end formula steering wheel, with an innovative 3D design and excellent ergonomics. Equipped with MagFlip shift paddles, RGB buttons, a 4.3" LCD display and high-quality Enduro Grips, this handlebar offers maximum control and comfort during long racing sessions. The build quality is impressive, with a carbon front plate and aluminium rear. A serious upgrade for those seeking top performance.

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