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When I was at SFE (Sim Formula Europe) for the first time the then newly introduced Cube Controls GT-X2 saw and was able to test it, I was initially sceptical. The steering wheel initially left little impression on me. However, now that I have had the opportunity to test it extensively, I am curious to see if that feeling has changed.

With the option to choose between a 30 cm or 32 cm steering wheel diameter, the GT-X2 offers a customised experience that will appeal to any racer. The steering wheel plate is made of a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, available in four colours, which not only offers aesthetic variety but also promises solid durability.

With the advanced functionality of a 5-inch touchscreen, backlit buttons, and a multitude of switches and encoders, the GT-X2 presents itself as a technological powerhouse. In this review, we examine whether this steering wheel delivers on its promises and dive deep into the performance and features of the Cube Controls GT-X2! Are you ready for a long but substantive ride? Then read on quickly!

Cube Controls GTX2

Cube Controls GT-X2: A Bridge between Simulation and Motorsport

A fun fact is that the Cube Controls GT-X2 shares its roots with real motorsport and is a bridge between sim racing and real motorsport. Indeed, the GT-X2 was designed specifically for J.A.S Racing's Honda Civic FL5 TCR cars competing in the TCR World Championship. The GT-X2's design captures the essence of these race cars with its robust construction and advanced technological integrations. This not only shows the aesthetic connections to motorsport, but also translates real racing functionality into the world of sim racing. Super cool!

Unboxing of the Cube Controls GT-X2 Steering Wheel

Upon unboxing the Cube Controls GT-X2 steering wheel, you are immediately struck by the care and attention that has gone into its presentation. You notice from everything that Cube Controls has put a lot of thought into the design of the packaging. The box has a sturdy and futuristic design, which immediately makes it look like a premium product. When you open the box of the Cube Controls GT-X2 steering wheel, you will find the following items carefully packed:

  1. GT-X2 Steering wheel
    The central component of your purchase, beautifully finished and ready to take your sim racing experience to the next level.
  2. Q-CONN USB cable
    A high-quality USB cable with a sturdy and reliable connection, essential for connecting the steering wheel to your setup.
  3. Stickers 3.0 Sheets
    A sticker sheet with Cube Controls logos to personalise your steering wheel or rig.
  4. Tool set
    A handy set of tools that includes everything you need for montage and maintenance:
    • Torx screwdriver (red)
    • Philips screwdriver (black)
    • TX10 Allen spanner
    • TX20 Allen spanner
    • TX25 Allen spanner
    • Nylon tweezers
  5. Fixing material
    The box contains various bolts and nuts for montage:
    • 3x M5x10 hex bolts
    • 3x M5x16 hex bolts
    • 3x M5x10 TORX bolts
    • 3x M5 nuts

Top Pick
Cube Controls GTX2 Black

Specifications Cube Controls GT-X2

  • Handlebar diameter: 300 mm / 320 mm
  • Display: 5-inch touchscreen with 854×480 resolution
  • RGB Momentary Buttons: 10 specially designed buttons
  • RGB LED Indicators: 15 RGB RPM LED bar & 3+3 RGB LEDs for flags or notifications
  • Switches: 2 on/off micro-toggles with status LED (front) & 2 bidirectional micro-toggles (rear)
  • Joystick and Encoders: 2 multidirectional joysticks with integrated encoder, 2 front rotation encoders & 2 thumb rotation encoders
  • Paddles and Shifters: Paddles with Hall Sensor technology, 2 all-aluminium PRO shifters & 2 aluminium PRO clutches
  • Materials: Main construction in cast aluminium and Front in nylon and carbon fibre composite (2mm)
  • ConnectivityUSB with Q-CONN magnetic connector
  • Compatibility: Support for SimHub software
  • Weight: 1408 grams
  • VR-friendly: Yes

These extensive features and innovations make the Cube Controls GTX2 a versatile and powerful steering wheel. With customisable LED indicators, high-quality materials and extensive compatibility options, the steering wheel offers a personalised and immersive racing experience.

Cube Controls GT-X2

The Cube Controls GT-X2 steering wheel is a masterpiece of technology and design, designed for sim racer looking for style, ultimate control and personalisation. This steering wheel combines innovative features with robust construction, resulting in an unparalleled driving experience. We now delve deeper into all the key aspects of this steering wheel to get a better understanding of what makes the Cube Controls GT-X2 so unique.

Price of the Cube Controls GT-X2

The Cube Controls GT-X2 is undeniably a luxury product with a premium price tag. For the basic version with the black HUB you pay - at the time of writing - around €1,753 including VAT. With that, you 'benefit' from free shipping when you buy directly from Cube Controls order. This version comes with a black finish.

If you want another colour, such as blue, green or red, you will pay a bit more. The price for the blue, green and red variants is €1,771. There is also the option to add the handlebars with the extra-large 32cm GT-X2 grip, which adds another €109 on top of the current price. And that's all together.... a lot of money!

Excellent ergonomics

The ergonomics of the Cube Controls GTX2 handlebars delivers one of the best experiences I have ever tested. The attention to detail in the design is evident in the way the grips sit in the hand. The material not only feels soft and comfortable, but also provides the right amount of grip, making prolonged races less tiring on the hands. The contours of the handlebars are designed to perfectly fit the natural shape of the hand, resulting in an intuitive and relaxed riding experience. This allows for hours of racing without discomfort, making the GTX2 an excellent choice for serious sim racers.

Cube Controls excels in terms of ergonomics and handles, which simply feel outstanding. Something I have already noticed with the Cube Controls F-Core experienced. This is very impressive to say the least!

cube controls gtx2

Colour options and aesthetic design

When designing the Cube Controls GTX2, great attention was paid to both functionality and aesthetics. One of the key aesthetic elements of the GT-X2 is the choice of four different colour options for the front panel. Namely, you can choose from black, white, green and red.

At least the choice of colour makes the GT-X2 visually appealing, so there is always a colour to suit you. Although I was not initially very keen on these coloured panels, I must now honestly admit that I think it looks nice and stylish.

The ability to customise the colour of both the steering wheel and illuminated buttons via SimHub software completes the picture, offering extensive options for personalisation.

This allows you to not only enjoy the GT-X2's technological advantages and performance, but also visually personalise your sim racing experience. This makes the Cube Controls GTX2 an excellent choice if you want to integrate both functionality and style into your setup.

Innovative design elements

Although the GT-X2's design may not initially appeal to everyone due to its unique colour choices and style, it offers well a super distinctive and stylish look. My first thoughts were also ''Aij, bah..... I don't like this'. But now, after several months of using this wheel intensively, I have completely changed my mind and find the GT-X2 one of the nicer racing wheels.

The combination of a 5-inch touchscreen with bright LED indicators makes the wheel not only functional, but also an aesthetic highlight. The ability to customise LED profiles via SimHub software allows you to fully customise your steering wheel. So in terms of creativity and options, this steering wheel is definitely not lacking!

Materials and construction

The Cube Controls GT-X2 stands out for its use of innovative materials that contribute to a unique driving experience. The steering wheel is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (PA66 and CF30), a choice that not only offers durability but also contributes to improved force feedback (FFB) communication. The specific choice of materials allows the GT-X2 to transmit higher frequencies and finer details from the steering wheel to you as a sim racer. This is a feature often lacking in steering wheels with an aluminium chassis. OK, this may be a plus, but unfortunately the steering wheel is and always will feel like it is made entirely of plastic. And for a steering wheel in this price category, that aftertaste is quite a drawback.

Interchangeable handles

A unique feature of the Cube Controls GT-X2 is the ability to choose between 300 mm or 320 mm diameter grips. This interchangeability gives you the flexibility to adapt the steering wheel to your personal preference and racing style. The 300 mm size is ideal for those who prefer a more compact setup, allowing for faster and more direct input. On the other hand, the 320 mm option offers a more traditional racing feel and is particularly suitable for long-distance racing where comfort and precision are essential.

The grips can be easily replaced, allowing you to quickly switch between the two sizes without hassle. This flexibility is a rare advantage and underlines Cube Controls' commitment to providing a customised experience. By offering the option to adjust the size of the grips, each racer can achieve his or her optimal comfort and control. While I personally prefer the 300 mm grips, I find the option that you have the ability to swap relatively easily very interesting.

Weight and Balance

The weight of a sim racing steering wheel is often a crucial factor affecting its overall performance and user comfort. With the Cube Controls GTX2, this aspect has been carefully considered to ensure that the steering wheel offers an optimal balance between robustness and agility. The overall weight of the GT-X2 is about 1408 grams, which I personally find very pleasant. This ensures that the steering wheel is - for me - in the perfect sweet spot in terms of weight and comfort. The steering wheel offers solid control without getting tiring during longer racing sessions.

The GTX2's weight distribution is designed to keep the centre of gravity low, giving you a stable and controlled riding experience. Weight is evenly distributed across the steering wheel plate and grips, which optimises balance during fast steering movements and reduces the risk of fatigue.

The choice of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers contributes to the GT-X2's light weight without compromising structural integrity. This material not only ensures durability, but also has a positive impact on the handlebar's responsiveness. This combination of lightness and strength makes the Cube Controls GT-X2 particularly suitable for beginners and experienced sim racers alike.

Front-end functionalities

The layout and design is smart and thoughtful. One of the most striking aspects of this wheel is undoubtedly the front: a carefully designed panel full of knobs, dials and switches that combine functionality with a premium look. The first thing you will notice about the front of the GT-X2 is its clear layout. The front of the Cube Controls GTX2 handlebar is equipped with an array of buttons, switches and encoders. All functionalities are placed symmetrically, making navigation during races intuitive and allowing all buttons to be ergonomically placed. Let's quickly discuss all functionalities in detail!

Full control at your fingertips

The Cube Controls GT-X2 has no less than 12 front pushbuttons, complemented by two 7-way funky switches and two toggle switches. This gives you full control of all buttons and functionalities at your fingertips.

The two toggle switches in particular stand out in my personal opinion. The two 7-way funcky switches also offer multi-directional input, making them ideal for navigation in menus or quick access to complex functions. Personally, I often use them to switch HUD elements or dashboards to quickly navigate menus during a race. At first, they might be a bit overwhelming because of their versatility, but with a bit of practice they soon become second nature!

RGB Illuminated Momentary Buttons and Anodised Aluminium Rotary Encoders

The RGB momentary buttons themselves have fine, clickable feedback and require just the right amount of force: not too much, but also not so little that you press them accidentally. As someone who appreciates precision, I find this a big plus. These illuminated buttons feel very good, can be adjusted to your liking and offer easy operation even in dimly lit environments. What I personally really like is that there is no over-load of buttons present. Everything feels so perfectly balanced which makes for an aesthetically beautiful-looking layout.

The anodised aluminium rotary encoders also feel solid, with a clear click at every turn. These rotary encoders are ideal for quickly adjusting brake balance or ABS while driving, for example. Responsiveness is great and these encoders feel qualitative and durable.

Impressive 5″ Touchscreen Display and RGB LEDs

The impressive 5-inch touchscreen display has a resolution of 854×480 pixels and offers real-time telemetry, and numerous dashboards are available via SimHub, such as Lovely Dashboard. The large display is particularly pleasant and allows you to easily track all telemetry data during races. This functionality is a considerable plus point of the GT-X2!

Around the display are no less than 15 RGB RPM LEDs, which you can also customise via SimHub with profiles like Daniel Newman Racing. On both the left and right sides of the display, you'll find another 3 LEDs that you can configure as spotter or for flags. Handy!

Three Encoders and Innovative Toggle Switches

Three encoders are placed under the display for precise control while racing. These encoders also have a high-quality feel and are surrounded by LED lighting, making them light up nicely during use.Furthermore, two funky switches can be found at the top of the steering wheel. These innovative toggle switches, which are characteristic of Cube Controls steering wheels, add an extra dimension of interaction and customisability. The toggle switches light up when switched on or off. I love this functionality because it offers an authentic experience. Wonderful!

Rear functions

At the back of the Cube Controls GT-X2 are several carefully designed components that significantly enrich the user experience. Here I share my personal experience and the technical specifications of each of these components.

Powerful and Intuitive Magnetic Connector

One of my favourite features is the magnetic connector that ensures a stable and reliable connection between the wheel and your PC. The Q-CONN magnetic connector was developed specifically to meet the needs of sim racers. This system is super intuitive and easy to use. No more hassle with connectors where you have to look carefully how you connect it and secure it with a ring. Just plug-and-play!

With my Cube Controls F-Core, I was and am unfortunately less enthusiastic about this system, as the magnetic connector often comes loose. With the GT-X2, I have not experienced this at all. This probably has to do with both the position of the connector and the width of the steering wheel.

In fact, the F-Core is 1 centimetre less wide than the GT-X2. I mainly experienced problems with this system during sharp steering movements, such as exiting the pit box as well as crashes. Fortunately, I haven't had these problems with the GT-X2 (yet) and the system for this steering wheel seems a lot better integrated. In any case, the magnetic connector adds greatly to the appeal and functionality of the Cube Controls GT-X2!

Convenient On/Off Button & Extra Long Toggle Switches

On the right side of the magnetic connector you will find the power button. This is strategically placed and - relatively - easily accessible. The actual button is placed fairly deep, which prevents you from accidentally turning off the steering wheel during races.

On the back, as on the front, there are two (longer) toggle switches. These switches offer additional control options that, in all honesty, are super handy! For example, I use these toggle switches to flash the lights or change the brake balance. A great and valuable addition!

Precision Paddle Shifters

The Full Aluminium PRO Shifters are beautifully designed and visually appealing. Equipped with an advanced hall sensor for precision, the rear paddle shifters ensure that every shift is instant and reliable, with solid audible and tactile feedback. Personally, I would have preferred the shift force to be higher, as the current activation force is a bit too low for me. There is also a lack of damping on the shifters, which for me results in a clicking noise that I do not find pleasant. I have previously identified this noise as a drawback with the F-Core. Although this is my personal opinion, the shifters do indeed make a lot of noise, which can be disturbing for some.

Innovative Paddle Clutches

My experience with these clutches is very positive; they offer great power and wide travel, making for enjoyable use. The innovative paddle clutches on the back of the handlebars are remarkable for their adjustability and fantastic feel due to the relatively heavy spring. With a full aluminium construction, they offer durability and are easily adjustable in length via integrated screws. The clutches are equipped with hall sensor technology, ensuring precise and smooth operation, and support both single and dual mode settings. The ratios between slave and master clutch are configurable, allowing full personalisation.

Advantages and disadvantages of the GT-X2

The Cube Controls GT-X2 offers an excellent combination of advanced technology, aesthetic design and user-friendly features, but it also has some points of interest. Let's list the pros and cons of this premium steering wheel.

Pros

  • Versatility and personalisation
  • Excellent ergonomics
  • High-quality construction
  • Stylish and aesthetic design
  • Magnetic connection
  • Lightweight and well-balanced

Cons

  • A (too) high price
  • loud and loud click of shifters

My Personal Experience

When I first saw the Cube Controls GT-X2, I initially had no intention of buying the steering wheel and was somewhat sceptical about its reviewen. But after several months of intensive use, I have to say that my experience very positive is.

What immediately stands out is the large display, which is fantastic and makes a great addition to the wheel. Not to mention the toggle switches on both the front and back, which give the handlebars an authentic look-and-feel. Although the green variant is not my personal preference, I must admit that it looks very stylish. Personally, I would go for the black version, which looks a bit more 'safe' and realistic.

The handlebar's design is simplistic, but thus absolutely aesthetically pleasing. The credo "Less = more" seems to apply perfectly here. The grips feel great and offer just the right amount of control during intense racing sessions. In terms of ergonomics, this steering wheel is among the better ones I have experienced. The clear layout contributes to a brilliant user experience.

The handlebar's construction is both sturdy and reliable. Despite the shifters producing a less pleasant sound, as with the F-Core, it is not a deal-breaker for me. The overall performance and feel during use weigh more heavily for me. Weighing 1408g, this steering wheel is surprisingly light. While the use of high-quality and durable materials is positive, this sometimes makes it feel a little less luxurious, as if it is mainly made of plastic. As far as I am concerned, this doesn't quite coincide with the higher price tag attached to it.

While I never expected to become so positive about this wheel, I must now acknowledge that the Cube Controls GT-X2 is currently one of my favourite steering wheels. Despite finding the price tag higher than justified - in my opinion, an amount around €1200 would be more appropriate - I must honestly admit that I would love to add this wheel to my personal collection.

Conclusion Cube Controls GT-X2

In summary, the ergonomics and interchangeable handles of the Cube Controls GT-X2 take the steering wheel to unprecedented heights. The GT-X2 exudes style and elegance in every respect. Its carefully thought-out design, combined with the possibility of personalising the grips and a choice of multiple colours, offers an exceptionally comfortable and personalised riding experience, optimising both performance and riding pleasure. For the serious sim racer looking for a remarkably stylish and robust steering wheel with excellent ergonomics and functionality, the Cube Controls GT-X2 is the ultimate choice, even if it requires a significant investment.

Cube Controls GT-X2 Review

'Stylish and elegant design, but unfortunately overpriced'

Wonderful handlebars
Cube Controls GTX2 Green

Cube Controls GT-X2 Review

The Cube Controls GT-X2 is a premium sim racing steering wheel that perfectly combines technology and style. With a 5-inch touchscreen, RGB-lit buttons, magnetic paddle shifters and interchangeable grips, it offers ultimate personalisation and control. The wheel is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers, ensuring durability and a lightweight design. Designed for both serious racers and lovers of precision and aesthetics, the GT-X2 delivers an unparalleled riding experience, although with a price of €1,753 it falls in the higher end.

Wilco Verhaegh

Over 18 years ago, my passion for sim racing began with Grand Prix 4. My passion for racing, motorsport photography and gaming knows no bounds. With Motorsport-Pictures.com, I capture racing cars on film. Moreover, I am proud of my book 'Mastering The Art Of Sim Racing', in which I share my knowledge and insights with aspiring sim racers worldwide!

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