For the first time ever, I got my hands on a complete Asetek SimSports bundle, and the hype was real. This review covers the La Prima wheelbase, Invicta pedals with THORP 2 hydraulic tech, Forte Formula button box, and the OXS Audio soundbar and neck speaker. All in all, this setup costs $6,000 - not including the PC. I installed everything on the Next Level Racing Elite Ferrari Edition cockpit and took it all for a proper drive in iRacing. Spoiler: it wasn't all perfect, but some of it seriously blew me away.

Unboxing the Bundle

The Asetek Invicta THORP II pedals were the first thing I unboxed, and wow, just unboxing them felt premium. Asetek’s packaging and branding are top-notch, and everything down to the orange anodized accents screamed high-end. These pedals are attached to the pedal plate and can't be removed from it, unless you opt for the S-Series (it's only $50 more, and I recommend you get that), but you do get a lot of adjustability packed into the base unit. If you want to add a clutch, you'll need to spend an additional $249. The price for the THORP II two-pedal set is $799 and $849 for the S-Series.

Next up was the La Prima wheelbase, Asetek’s 12Nm entry-level direct drive base. Right out of the box, it was noticeably heavier than other 12Nm units like the MOZA R12 and Simagic Alpha Evo. The construction combines extruded aluminum with plastic end caps. It’s rugged, but personally, I’d prefer a cleaner look. Functionally, it delivers a 22-bit encoder with 4 million steps of resolution, which sounds impressive, but as I’ve mentioned in past reviews, it’s tough to feel that difference in real-world driving.

Rig Installation & Initial Impressions

I mounted everything to the Elite rig, but ran into a slight issue with the wheelbase mount. It didn't fit my top mount setup, so I had to improvise. It worked for testing, but a front mount is highly recommended. That said, I love how easy Asetek’s quick release is to use - it feels light going in but locks super securely.

As for the pedals, installing them was straightforward. The integrated pedal plate makes things easier, though it does limit placement flexibility. Setup-wise, you can fine-tune the brake feel with travel guides, elastomers, and the hydraulic force resistance. I started with a lighter setting using the green elastomer and tweaked the pedal arm angle. The build quality of these pedals is incredible, and the look? Easily one of the best on the market right now.

THORP 2 Hydraulic Pedals: Driving Feel

Let’s get into what matters most: the driving experience. These pedals are fundamentally different from traditional load cell sets. The THORP 2 system introduces a two-stage brake feel. The first stage is controlled by elastomer resistance, and the second engages the hydraulic piston. It’s stiff, deliberate, and meant to mimic a real race car.

The benefits? Faster pressure application, easier muscle memory development, and way more control during trail braking. I had to play around with RaceHub software and custom braking curves to make it more manageable - especially in the beginning. The default linear curve made the pedal feel too heavy, so I adjusted it to allow 50% braking in the soft zone. It made a huge difference. Over time, I moved to firmer elastomers and started appreciating just how consistent this pedal can be once you're dialed in.

La Prima Wheelbase: Great Performance, But Pricey

In use, the La Prima wheelbase feels smooth and well-controlled. I didn’t notice any cogging or rough feedback. Compared to my Simucube 2 Pro, it lacks that same "invisible base" immersion, but it still gets the job done. I felt a tiny bit of grain in very low-speed corners, but I’m chalking that up to the force feedback settings more than the hardware.

With a 22-bit encoder, it technically beats the 21-bit encoders of MOZA and Simagic, but again, it’s hard to feel that difference. What you can feel is the refinement in Asetek’s force feedback tuning. It’s accurate, direct, and trustworthy. That said, it is a bit more expensive than competitors with similar specs, so value-wise, it’s a tougher sell unless you’re fully bought into the Asetek ecosystem.

Forte Formula Button Box: Looks Incredible, But Not Perfect

I’m obsessed with how the Forte button box looks. The carbon fiber face, bronze accents, and integrated RGB are all stunning. Functionally, it delivers everything you’d want: 12 push buttons, two funky switches, six thumb encoders, and multiple toggles. The build feels lightweight yet solid, and everything clicks satisfyingly.

The weak point? The grips. I tested the LMP handles, and they’re made from a soft plastic-like material that I just didn’t enjoy. They’re slippery, plasticky, and awkward to hold for long sessions. I ended up wearing gloves, which helped, but I’d recommend getting the suede or open-bottom handles instead. They also offer XL grips for larger hands, which is a nice option.

RGB Lighting & RaceHub Software

Once everything was installed and plugged in, I was greeted with some really cool surprises, like the RGB strip on the Invicta pedals. It responds to telemetry data like throttle and brake pressure, and it looks amazing. Same for the button box; once lit up, the entire setup just feels premium.

Asetek’s RaceHub software is straightforward to use. You can customize braking curves, RGB lighting, and telemetry effects. It doesn’t do anything groundbreaking, but it works, and it’s easy to navigate. I had no issues setting everything up and saving multiple profiles depending on which car I was driving.

OXS Thunder Pro Plus: Sound That Changes the Game

Ok, let’s talk audio. I added the OXS Thunder Pro Plus soundbar to this setup, and holy crap - it completely transformed the immersion. This 7.1.2 channel system features Dolby Atmos, a 180W soundbar with upfiring speakers, side speakers, and a secondary "neck pillow" speaker that I strapped to the back of my seat.

Setup was a bit tricky. You need to use HDMI directly from your GPU to unlock Dolby Atmos, and the Thunder Pro Plus basically becomes a second display. Then, you install the Dolby Access app to access surround sound. Once dialed in though? Absolutely insane. I was hearing birds, tire squeal echoes, and subtle environmental effects I’d never noticed before in iRacing. And the moment I fired up the Formula Renault 3.5? Goosebumps.

Final Verdict

If you’re thinking about diving into Asetek’s sim racing ecosystem, this setup shows off their best and worst. The Invicta THORP 2 pedals are the standout here. Yes, they take time to get used to, but they deliver a level of realism and consistency I haven’t felt in any other pedal set, including load cells and active pedals. For $799, they’re a solid alternative to more expensive active systems.

The La Prima wheelbase performs admirably, but it’s priced a bit high considering its competitors. Still, the 22-bit encoder, sturdy build, and smooth force feedback make it worth considering if you want to stay within the Asetek ecosystem. The Forte Formula button box is gorgeous and well-made, but the grip options need improvement.

And the OXS Thunder Pro Plus? Total game-changer. If you’ve been racing with headphones, try this soundbar just once and you’ll understand what I mean. It’s light, portable, immersive, and adds a completely new layer of realism to sim racing. The neck speaker, when added behind your seat, adds more immersion.

So, would I recommend this setup? If you're chasing realism and want gear that delivers both performance and aesthetic, then yes absolutely. Just be ready to make a few tweaks (like handle swaps and mounting) to get the most out of it.