Simagic Alpha Mini Direct-Drive Base 2024 Review

This is the Simagic Alpha Mini, paired with the GTS wheel. Bundled together they make for an extremely appealing, relatively affordable bit of kit, that is designed to take your sim racing experience to the next level.
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Products sent by Simagic for Review Purposes
Intro 0:00
Alpha Mini 0:50
Quick Release 2:41
Software 3:27
GTS Wheel 4:28
In-Game Performance 7:00
Conclusion 8:52

[@OCRacing]

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[@Max__apex]

Dan Suzuki on his KZbin review held it at 13.5nm at the bump stop for 10mins Can you check your ALPHA MINI power supply is it 252w or 216w ?? Supposedly the new Mini base has 216w supply but can you confirm which PSU was sent to you ?? That’s why I’m asking what is your POWER supply watts ??

[@BeachClub_1]

Great review, thanks. What about the oscillations compared to other brands?

[@notyou2935]

Ironic that I searched your channel last night to see if you had reviewed this. It's been on my radar to replace my Fanatec GT3RSV2 when it finally dies. I wish they had sent you the FX Pro wheel. Also like to see a review on the GT-Pro hub because i have my own oval style wheel. I like the traditional style QR as well. Nice job on the review.

[@DrAlanQuan]

Nice video as always :) I'm really looking forward to getting some hands on time with the Mini to see how my experience compares to yours.

[@smallsoop7671]

ive been watching u for so long and its been amazing seeing ur growth man. keep it up

[@OCRacing]

Thanks a lot!!! Lots of exciting videos coming up so stay tuned 👀

[@Liam-sucks-at-dneh]

Watched your review … Now I’m in debt. Thanks to you.

[@OCRacing]

Welcome to the club!

[@CrappyCanadianContent]

I was thinking of getting a simagic base since I live close to six sigma and they carry them. Its nice to see my favourite reviewer making a video on it.

[@OCRacing]

Hope it was helpful! Cheers :) I’m actually doing something exciting with 6Sigma very soon!

[@CrappyCanadianContent]

@@OCRacing I'm hyped to see what you two will do!

[@hypnotiq]

can vouch for simagic, had my alpha & gt4 wheel for about 5-6 months now and cant complain about anything

[@thermgraphics6937]

So glad you're reviewing Simagic products! Would love to see you review their other wheel rims + shifter.

[@OCRacing]

Definitely interested in reviewing the simagic shifter soon!

[@andrewskordilis9033]

ive owned the mini for 8 months or so now with the fx wheel. great combo have not had any issues been loving it ! perfect for drifting also.

[@OceanTechh]

thank u for the info I'm looking for which one to buy from all the brands and this helps a lot

[@wangte27]

It's a true servo motor that's punching out 13nm in reality and with higher quality encoders. Btw Moza R9 or 12 use brushless motors with low quality encoders.

[@mehdi-3763]

@@wangte27 yh i've got an r9 And im looking at this vid because i cant drift competitvly with it, the FFB is too wobbly. Currently thiinking of getting the mini or the asetek la prima

[@wangte27]

@@mehdi-3763 Simagic is the official equipment of Formula Drift and VDC. More pro drifters both in real and eSports use them, so it must mean something

[@winky_pi]

What do you prefer between this, the csl dd (with boost kit), and the moza r9?

[@Fessy77]

Thanks for video, i just got the Alpha mini. curious what is your settings for Iracing? for some reason i dont feel the rumble strips in game like i do for AC?

[@mini3886]

Just ordered my alpha mini eith the gt4 wheel before the weekend - i can not wait for the weekend to be over 🤣 (lol not used to saying something like that) and hopefully recive my package within the first days lf the week…. Thanks for the video mang

[@OCRacing]

That’s exciting! Let me know your thoughts on it :)

[@curacto6207]

Great choice

[@Uathankicks]

Good video. Important to mention price though it’s the cheapest, refined 10nm+ wheelbase. Enthusiast born company as well

[@jess_o]

That wheel looks like Moza's CS's big brother. I really like it

[@StancedInertia9]

if anyone is curious about the GT Pro Hub/ GTC wheel on the Alpha Mini it feels great for racing/gt4/f1 but is too heavy for rally or drift since the wheel return speed is not quick enough even with wheel rotation speed at max. it's not impossible to drift with that configuration just more difficult to keep consistent with the weight of the wheel and hub. it however works as it should with a lighter weight wheel and was natural with my knock off deep dish Vertex 330mm wheel.

[@curacto6207]

For rally or drift race, you only need circle wheel. Without gt hub.

[@BurningBroadcast]

Interesting, Simagic always talks about how good their bases are for drifting. I have had no issues with my Asetek La Prima (12nm) with a round wheel and button box. Perhaps my wheel is lighter, or the wheelbase has a high slew rate.

[@Jules-69lol]

Can i stick the wheel on a simucube 2 pro? I just want a circular wheel with buttons that doesnt break the bank. The tacho is atrociously expensive

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Nice review! How about doing reviews on all the Simagic hubs & products to compare to other manufacturers 😉✍️👍

[@donovansouders4821]

Ive currently owned the mini and gts wheel for over 6 months now and its great.. 0 complaints so far!! thanks for the review.

[@OCRacing]

Great to hear! You’re very welcome :)

[@mArvAlcao71]

I have the same package, and my only complaint is the power switch on the cable gave up after 2 months. Not a big deal as I use wall plug adapter with a switch to culircumvent that but I wish they made a switch on the wheelbase

[@vt6020]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@mArvAlcao71I’ve had my Mini and GT4 wheel for a few months. I thought it was weird not to have a power button on the base, too. I actually think this is better in terms of repair. It’s easier to replace a broken inline switch on a power cable than having to send the whole base to have a new switch installed, in my opinion.

[@JaredPaul01]

Same here, I have had my mini for two years now, still as sharp as the day I got it.

[@vt6020]

@@JaredPaul01 It’s good to hear from people that have owned Simagic gear long term and haven’t had any issues. It makes me feel more confident in my decision to go with their products.

[@brdoyle14]

The GOAT has made another epic review

[@OCRacing]

THAT'S WHY HE'S THE GOOOOAAAATTTT

[@shadowz1_071]

great video when are the gloves getting released? been waiting for what feels like over a year 😵

[@nlp8394]

Not forgetting about the 100k face reveal

[@hecker3459]

Nice vid man I love your vids

[@OCRacing]

Thanks a lot! Exciting videos to come :)

[@BeroTTo]

Which one can I drift easier with? Moza simagic t300

[@Mark3FocusRS]

I have this exact combo and absolutely love it! Definitely a Simagic fanboy now lol.

[@OCRacing]

Right on!

[@rogerdiz3520]

I've had the alpha mini for almost a year now and never thought once that i need 'more'.

[@veizii6096]

so you dont think buying the alpha 15nm over the mini is worth the extra $200? help im trying to make a purchase

[@mArvAlcao71]

@@veizii6096 Depend on your need.

[@johnjones276]

Should i get the R9 and KS Steering Wheel Bundle or Simagic - Alpha 10nm Mini Wheel Base neo.

[@RichAbe23]

Good quality videos!

[@OCRacing]

Thanks! I try 😅

[@y0x435]

could an alpha mini work with a ks stearing wheel? I read some comments on google and im not sure if its true but some people said that it could work with a moza hub

[@AlexTurbo]

Yes, Moza hub allows for that

[@Titan145]

I’ve seen in older reviews the on/off switch is located on the power cable is this still the case or is there a button on the wheelbase itself?

[@OCRacing]

Located on the power cable, a little annoying but not that big of a deal at the end of the day.

[@Missch_1]

I have almost the same kit. Except my GTS wheel is made out of alcantara. Also i have P1000i inverted. Simagic is literally the best simracing company on the market right now. Simucube build quality, Fanatec prices, Moza accessibility. All in one.

[@cemi_8945]

How do you like your inverted pedals. Are they worth buying?

[@richardpinter4688]

Holi Fuk it is expensive in the UK, £600 for the base only. My T300 is serving me really well(sure it will never be as good as DD). Just need better pedals and an H shifter(and of course more time to enjoy games).

[@bigdoge]

Are there any benefits to d shaped wheel rims because I see a lot of people hating on it?

[@OCRacing]

In real life, D-shaped wheels are for additional cockpit room and are generally on vehicles that only require 180 degree rotation to go from lock to lock. In Sim-Racing, people who use D-shaped wheels usually do so because they look cool lol.

[@RichRacin]

About to order one in the next couple days....LAWD JESUS I CANNOT CONTAIN MYSELF 😭

[@Paul_85-]

Nice review. I have the exact same setup along with the GT4 rim. This may be different for everyone but I have a few problems with my setup. First the base sometimes switches on and shows 240 v red abnormal in the settings tab and I have to switch it on and off a few times for it to show 35v green normal. Second the base gets very hot and yes I understand that the casing is designed to be the heat sync but I think this should be mentioned with a warning or sticker similar to the simcube bases. Reaching 45 degrees Celsius seems a little excessive. And finally the quick release system is brilliant however I have found that after about 8 months of use they stick and do not click into place when attaching to the base. This means you have to manually make the quick release click in and out about 5 to 10 times for it to finally attach to the base. Very frustrating 😢 The wheel rims are a fantastic shape and weight but the grips are just a bit too thin compared to other manufacturers and feel very hard in the hand. A bit of extra padding or thicker leather would be appreciated in my opinion. Overall a fantastic brand and a big step up from the likes of Moza and fanatec. I just hope they start bringing out more wheels

[@Nicklz5555]

Can I ask why this is such a big step up from a moza r12 for example ?

[@Thatdude144]

Looking to upgrade my Logitech G923 and can’t decide between the R9, R12, or the Alpha mini. Currently leaning towards the Alpha Mini with the P1000 pedals. How do you think simagic compares to Moza? Could we perhaps get a comparison video because they are in a similar price range?

[@Mark3FocusRS]

If this helps I was torn between the R9 and Mini as well and after a lot of research I decided on the Mini and absolutely love it. There was reoccurring feedback I saw on Moza products saying their wheel bases easily overheat and cut FFB. Also saw a lot of people complain about Moza's lack of mounting options and/or not being compatible with a lot of wheel base mounting plates. This was 7 months ago so these issues may have been resolved by now. Good luck!

[@kamilcuniak8412]

@@Mark3FocusRSwhat pedals you went for?

[@Mark3FocusRS]

@@kamilcuniak8412 Currently Fanatec CSL LC. Will be getting Simagic's P1000s in the next few months.

[@wangte27]

Dan Suzuki just released a Moza R12 review...it was less powerful than an Alpha mini at supposedly 10nm lol😂. Wonder what else Moza claims is believable.

[@lemondigitaldesign]

@@wangte27 In this case I think it's that the Alpha Mini is under reported. Most people say it feels a lot stronger than the 10NM reported value and that it's prolly a 12NM in desiguise :)

[@noahh6032]

New video lets goooooo

[@Team_SpaceX]

Hey I mean if you got the money it’s worth it lol. Good vid oc

[@OCRacing]

I would agree, cheers :)

[@ethanbrown9970]

Best wheel base for the price imo

[@maximilliank6339]

Simagic released that QR for sim racing applications a long time before Moza copied it, but it's always struggled with marketing and exposure in comparison, especially after the kerfuffle with Boosted Media. It also has a long list of patents but no one knows about it. It's a real shame that it hasn't achieved the popularity that Moza enjoys, given the much higher quality-to-price ratio that Simagic offers across its lineup.

[@Paul_85-]

Boosted media / Will is a clown. I don't blame simagic for refusing to work with him he knows sod all about SIM racing, isn't any good at it , and has a weird chip on his shoulder thinking he needs to give us updates on his life. If you want to learn about SIM racing don't watch that crap.

[@wangte27]

It's unfortunate not many know this. Also Moza power claims are liberal vs Simagic. R12 won't feel stronger than a supposed 10nm Alpha mini. It uses brushless motors and lower bit encoders vs Simagic true servos and higher bit encoders but most are not aware and just look at claimed NM published. Would love to see a direct comparison.

[@WalkingLegacy]

what kerfuffle is that? I've been scouring reviews at what is a great optimal setup that won't cause my wife to divorce me. getting a sim setup to mount at my desk for the new Forza coming out on PC.

[@hypnotiq]

@@WalkingLegacyi wouldnt bother getting a wheel just for forza. all forza games feel like muddy dog piss on a wheel.

[@BurningBroadcast]

According to WIll from Boosed Media Simagic wanting to review and approve videos before they released. They threatend to cut off a supplier for supplying a wheelbase to Boosted Media and a certain employee of Simagic banned a simracing youtuber off their facebook page and discor and encouraging members to bully said youtuber. All for leaving a negative review. General unprofessional behavior. Boosted Media didn't want to work with them after that and they had a falling out. Been years but relationships have been restored now it seems. This is multiple years ago @@WalkingLegacy

[@TJBPlayz]

Nice video

[@OCRacing]

Nice comment

[@michakesicki831]

How come Simagic sends V1 version to the reviewers and sells v3 version that has weaker ffb?

[@Riley2Good]

Me still here saving my $25 until i get a g29 and i am watching this waiting to get one 😂

[@AceBlake]

I received my mini yesterday. Hooked up to iRacing and was both wowed by the power, and underwhelmed by the lack of road texture to a worrying degree. Spent ages trying to dial the finer details in and simply couldn't. I went into Assetto Corsa, used default settings across the board expecting it to feel the same... But all the detail was crystal clear. I finally understand why people say iRacing FFB is lacking in detail.

[@Flexium_GG]

Did you find better settings for iracing?

[@AceBlake]

@@Flexium_GG yeah I managed to make it a load better. I set all of the 'Simpro' settings to zero (apart from FFB of course). All the extra options were adding a spongy feel to it and taking away the detail. It's also track dependent. I.e Silverstone and Spa felt rubbish because they're old tracks not scanned very well, where as Mugello and Sebring felt way better. Still not as much clarity as AC, but a load better.

[@Flexium_GG]

@@AceBlake encouraging to hear lad. Think the mini has me covered for life or should I get the alpha? Coming from a csl dd pro 8nm

[@AceBlake]

@@Flexium_GG Personally I'll be happy with it for the next 5/10 years easily. I'll only change if and when there's new tech released that is unmissable. Right now I'd only want something more powerful for the novelty of it. I can see why for some people it's not powerful enough though... but honestly i'd say totally person preference. If 8nm is good for you then the 10-13nm from the Alpha Mini will be a good step up

[@albey1816]

@@AceBlake - If you buy the Mini today it is 10nm ( Not 13nm anymore ) - They have all been revised.

[@luciusthegod]

r9 vs aplha mini, im stuck between which to buy

[@wangte27]

Simagic is at a totally different level in both feel and quality despite the similarities. AM uses true servo motors that are smooth. R9 brushless motor that are notchy and use software to mask it. R9 bottom mount only. AM any way you want. R9 low bit rate encoders. AM high bit rate encoders. R9 9nm...peak. AM 10nm sustained...13nm peak. Simagic innovated the QR system that R9 copied. No cheap plastic parts. Better detail and selected as the official sim equipment by Formula Drift. Stronger customer service. All facts. You decide.

[@luciusthegod]

@@wangte27 thanks for the info

[@letsride5116]

Finaly simagic

[@mordys6305]

If you like that type of music try Mafia 1.

[@Max__apex]

Can you compare this to fanatec DD 12nm in extended test and track details and ffb quality video

[@bullandrew4922]

Hey! Will you do iracing videos at some point? I miss those! :)

[@OCRacing]

Soon 🫡

[@reviewforthetube6485]

This is the best sub 15nm base in the market period and it's really 13.5nm.

[@albey1816]

Not anymore it is 10nm now ( Whats advertised ) - Its a new revision ( V3 ) - In fact Simagic have updated all their Servo Motors, and they all only produce the advertised torque figures.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

@albey1816 the mini is the only one reduced. They reduced the wattage/Amos on the power supply. The alpha and ultimate are still the same it was due to the heating issues on the mini. We hsve 2 people who hsve tested the alpha and all found it to be over 18nm on the v3. Even hsve a KZbin video up on it. There is alot of false I formation going around regardless the v3s are better and hsve more detail. I own a v1 alpha and a v3 ultimate. I also own the dd+. The ultimate is my daily driver and it's the best bade I've ever used. But it's also as strong as the simucube pro. It's 23nm holding torque by my torque meter. It hits peaks over 25nm Again the mini is the only one that's been reduced not 1 person has shown any proof of the alpha or ultimate being less the only one in talks is the mini. It's because of the change in power supply. The others were not changed. The design of the casing on the base was to help mounting the motors are identical when opened with some slight improvements to the cpu. It's now 40000hz instead of 20000.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

@albey1816 max apex has a video of a v3 alpha he posted up with his brand new v2 with a torque meter and he tested 18.5nm same tool dan suzuki used when testing the v2 minis. Just saying don't speak false information about the alphas or the ultimate not a single person has talked anout reduced torque on those because those weren't having the issues the minis did. You could cook eggs on the mini after 2 hours of use. But even if they changed all 3 models which they haven't, they are still better then they once were. They used to lack details and now they don't. They are also the only brand to use 5 pole servo motors just like simucube/asetek do. So they are fast af super responsive and just really really good. But the upgrades they have made are really nice. It's also buttery smooth and no longer has the notch feel in the middle. Even when off it's smooth.

[@thatsmealrite8102]

So 900€-1000€ is now relatively affordable? Hot damn x) If Simagic would make a cheap 150€ wheel they'd probably dominate the market

[@mArvAlcao71]

It's around $550, which, it is.

[@thatsmealrite8102]

@@mArvAlcao71 You need a wheel aswell. unless you have a very strong grip and don't need any buttons

[@mArvAlcao71]

@@thatsmealrite8102 Still not to the point it reach €900. Still comparatively affordable compared to its direct competitors.

[@louismakilay3894]

This or the moza r12?

[@wangte27]

Moza 12nm doesn't feel as strong as this. It uses cheaper brushless motor and lower bit rate encoders. Don't get fooled by their marketing. It's great for low entry for it's price but that's about it. You can compare quality of both brands and see that Simagic products are a whole level higher whether it's wheelbase, pedals, etc.

[@louismakilay3894]

@@wangte27 thanks for this! Will be getting the alpha mini with gts wheel bundle🤍

[@limpetarch98k]

At long fucking last. Now review their higher end wheels.

[@OCRacing]

Bare with me 😂😂😂

[@maveryk27]

Fanatec tutta la vita

[@sosa3202]

Compare this to cammus please

[@JaredPaul01]

Simagic is miles ahead in all aspects

[@dhilanpatel4097]

Hey Oc. I sent you a dm about my project racing2raise but you never responded. Are you still interested?

[@OCRacing]

I’ll take a look soon! I receive so many DM’s they tend to get lost sorry!

[@dhilanpatel4097]

@@OCRacing No problem! Great video! Are you going to be reviewing the simagic shifter?

[@OCRacing]

@@dhilanpatel4097definitely will try to!

[@dhilanpatel4097]

Btw my username is Dbugatti if that helps find the message

[@BRS.F1]

Moza R3 review when?

[@OCRacing]

Currently not allowed to release my review. I was told it can go live whenever the product releases to the public 🤷‍♂️

[@BRS.F1]

Thanks for replying to my comment! Watched you for a long time

[@OCRacing]

@@BRS.F1thanks a lot :)

[@wallyedmonds8199]

It’s ok

[@Aria23482]

Still waiting for moza r3 review

[@Sigmamale973]

First ( claim your early ticket here)

[@OCRacing]

Legend 🫡

[@Sigmamale973]

🤝

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Please god work on clean transitions they are to harsh you dont need it. You may like the effect but its jarring to the eyes/mind. Also what is with all of thede brands eanting to do software with 50 options? You knoe ive been able to get the same experience and feel from my fanatec off the wheel as i do fanalab? If anythjng all of thode srttings throws things off. I think simagic software is plenty the perfect amount of options. What should be happening is these brands tune the wheels to how they should feel right out of the box. Then give us like 8 settings to adjust as thats all that is needed. These brands should be shpwing us how there wheels shoul feel not making us go through and set it all up. We should hsve ropm for adjustments with preference but some settings being released were always done by devs in the past. We dont need them imo. I hope sim magic stays simplistic.

[@edcadlick2650]

😋👍

[@OCRacing]

Thanks Ed :)

[@nicolasiancu7959]

can you give me the wheel for free instead of me buying it thanks its not like youre gonna use it lol

[@OCRacing]

I’ll think about it

[@THESHADOW97139]

@@OCRacing 🤣🤣

[@bamm6181]

@@OCRacingno me 😂 I’ve lost money after sending my r5 back. Should’ve went with simagic from the start

[@SmallPotato95]

Lol

[@MrBreakthompson]

Nice review. but those flashy transition effects are annoying as hell dude. Less is more. You don't need it.

[@morenutshell1565]

Nawww I love it

[@AdamEHuss]

Explain​@@morenutshell1565

[@neilemborgomusic8081]

I didn’t even notice it

[@glenquagmire7724]

Yeah it’s too much (reminds me of commercials). Less is more. Distracting.

[@Kevin-vg5uw]

It's the internet, u can't please everyone, if the creator is happy that's cool, no one's forced to watch any of it. The person put a bunch of time and effort into making and editing the vid, instead of putting ur 2c in here just don't leave a like or what ever, no one's coming to your office and telling u how they feel about how you do ur job besides ur boss hopefully.

[@regibson23]

They're not buddons. They're buttons.

[@Max__apex]

Dan Suzuki on his KZbin review held it at 13.5nm at the bump stop for 10mins Can you check if your ALPHA MINI power supply is it 252w or 216w ?? Supposedly the new Mini base has 216w supply but can you confirm which PSU was sent to you ?? That’s why I’m asking what is your POWER supply watts ??

[@ni7e]

Did you ever figure out if it's true the new minis have a lesser PSU? I'm assuming that means they put out the 10nm stated rather than the 13.5nm

[@albey1816]

@@ni7e - Maybe, but having a lower Power supply will mean the Servo motor will never over heat - and be more reliable.

[@albey1816]

@@ni7e - I will check my power supply when my mini arrives in a couple of days.