SIMAGIC Alpha U - Ownership Review

After spending an enormous amount of time playing with this base, I found it fit to make a video on its performance so far, and the changes it has gone through to shape up. There are a lot of differences between when I first played with it and now. It is impressive to see the progress Alpha U has achieved.
Thanks for Watching. Enjoy :)
00:00 - Introduction
00:27 - Why such a Powerful Base?
03:42 - Reliability
05:03 - Software and FFB Changes
09:32 - Final Thoughts
Affiliate Links ↙
VirtualRacingHub - Code DARTHSNAPE to get 10% off
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Find me ↙
Instagram - / darthsnapeyt
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My Gear ↙
Wheel Base - Simagic Alpha U
Wheel Add-on - Simagic GT1-R Wheel
Shifter - VNM Shifter
Handbrake - VNM Handbrake V1.5 - Rally version
Pedals - Heusinkveld Sprint
Cockpit - Next Level Racing GT Track
Monitor - MSI Optix G32CQ4 QHD
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Setup - Lenovo Legion 5 pro
Processor - Ryzen 7 5800H
GPU - RTX 3070
RAM - 32GB DDR4

[@GeneAuyeung]

I haven't seen a single review of direct drive wheelbases that compares firmware over time. That segment was very very useful. Thanks for doing the hard work flashing and testing

[@darthsnape]

Thank you. I thought that it was necessary to find out how far it has come!

[@TarzanGTI]

Second video I’m watching of yours, your production quality is on another level. Hope to see this channel grow big. I think you’ve solidified my decision to go with the Alpha U and not the regular Alpha or mini.

[@darthsnape]

Wow! 😄 I’m glad my videos could help.

[@jgatlabayan86]

Great long term review. I agree how the software have come a very long way. I was lucky enough to acquire one of the first few Alpha U outside China almost 2 years ago in March 2022. Back then, I had to use Alpha Manager. During that time, I was blown away already with the ffb details as I was coming from the M10. Little did I know that the performance then was far behind with the likes of Simucube 2 pro. Then SimPro came out, new firmwares, and now the latest version of SimPro... boy everytime I update, I always feel incremental improvements. Ffb became clearer. Simagic always had the hardware locked in from the start (for the price), but their gradual software improvements show their dedication to the product and their customers. Lucky also where despite having an early unit, I haven't had any hardware problems even to this day. Cheers!

[@darthsnape]

I wholeheartedly agree. Their software game was lack luster from the beginning. But even at that point of time, I too experienced a lot of details coming from a Moza R9. They have improved quite a lot and would love to see where else they can take their product. The hardware is good, software is getting better by the day.

[@Ianroxs]

Absolutely solid review and definitely deserves more views! Thanks so much man!

[@darthsnape]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@erengamingtamil]

Your channel deserves more subscribers 💙

[@darthsnape]

Cheers Eren!

[@WoroM1]

thanks for the video! Really liked the simucube joke xD

[@darthsnape]

I might get it. Maybe? I think so 🤔

[@wilsonfrancis4572]

Totally relatable and commonsense review. I'm seriously considering the alpha mini upgrading from a g29. This is helpful.

[@darthsnape]

I’m glad the video helped you. Also, great upgrade! You’ll love the dd.

[@Tomte88]

You're really good at this. I love the in-depth research you do to explain more in detail, it gives us (the consumers) more information than what we only can read online. That you take time to install old firmwares and comparing to new one's for example is astonishing. I've been thinking about the mini or the ultimate. I had the Simucube 2 Sport before I sold my rig to get a Kawasaki Z800. Since then the price has gone up about 250 euros here the SC2 Sport is too expensive. Bought my Simucube 2 sport for around 1200 euros in early 2022 and now it's up just above 1400 euros. I think, after watching this review, that the Alpha Ultimate is the way to go. The only thing I miss that I loved with Simucube is the online library with car profiles. I liked to test new settings to see what I could with my own settings to specific cars. IF Simagic were able to put that in to the software it would be huge since they already have reasonable prices for the bases and the wheels if we compare to Simucube and Asatek. Once again, great review(s) and you have a new subscriber! Cheers🥳

[@darthsnape]

Thank you very much Tom. I really appreciate it. Though if you are asking if Simagic has the option to store wheelbase settings depending on car on the cloud, it has that now. (Or is in works. I saw it being a part of the beta) Edit - The cloud based system exists.

[@Tomte88]

@@darthsnape We should thank you. I must check that right away! Thank you for replying so quick🥳

[@darthsnape]

@Tomte88 Happy to help Tom😄

[@Max__apex]

Amazing review

[@darthsnape]

Thanks Max 💪🏼

[@Arvidje]

thanks for your great review again. I have a question about the alpha U, do u think the details outputing now in games with this new firmware is comparable with the ffb details Asetek forte gives you?

[@darthsnape]

I'm not really sure about the Asetek as I don't have access to it. But talking from personal experience, the force feedback quality & details are atleast 2-3X better than what it was providing.

[@Arvidje]

@@darthsnape thanks..must be equal then..

[@darthsnape]

@Arvidje For the most part, yes. Racebeyondmatter compared Alpha U to Simucube 2 pro and he said that he couldn’t spot any difference. Most people would fail in a blind test.

[@John_Rambo864]

Is the 23 Newton sustaind or peak torque? Thanks for the detailed review 🎉

[@darthsnape]

Thanks! Though no one dares to test it, Simagic’s track record shows that it can sustain said torque.

[@FedericoFilaVaudana]

Great review. Are you using alpha U with nlr 2.0? How you feel with it?

[@darthsnape]

Thanks for watching! I'm using the GT Track, not the 2.0. I will upgrade soon.

[@DuaneHavemann]

Great review

[@darthsnape]

Thanks!

[@sas2dj]

I love my Alpha U, have it for 8 months now.

[@darthsnape]

We share a similar timeline. I too have had it for about 7/8 months.

[@DragonFlySlayer-wf6ne]

Thanx! I'm looking at VRS, Asetek, Simucube, Sim Magic. My current set up is a Fanatec GT-DD Pro with a 2.5 CS with Podium paddles. For Pedals I have VRS My thoughts are not so much sheer strength but with a larger wheel base, perhaps the information set at a lower level yet stronger than 8NM, would produce a finer information. What I mean by finer is more advanced info coming through my hands from the wheel like road surface with the tires and different vibes that are well...."finer" One guys review who had a very healthy custom sim rig and is quite the pro, stated that Simucube 2 Pro was his "go to" base. But he said the Sim Magic Alpha U surprised him and that this is the only wheel base that has touched his Simucube in his own words. He said something about a filter setting and he seemed to adjust it through the Sim Magic FX Pro wheel display. He says that once he found settings within the software manager he said he was able to find the right setting. I keep jumping around wondering which direction I should take. You've answered some cool questions. How strong to you set your NM settings? And did you find that by investing in a larger system, you could pump it up a tad but really have a finer action due to a larger base system? I thought you mentioned this? Thanks. Marc California

[@darthsnape]

I'm really glad that you found the video helpful. And to answer your question, the budget and availability plays a huge role. From the bases you mentioned, VRS and SC are the only ones to not have a cha-ching QR. But I don't think it matters that much to be honest. But you can't go wrong either way. I definitely felt the granular details more popping when switched to a high end base. Losing the rear end of a car and the suspension travel was way more vivid. It doesn't necessarily have to be a 20+Nm base. Even the 15Nm Alpha would be able to provide you with plenty of details. But it isn't about the torque, like you wrote. It is about the powerful base being able to produce finer quality ffb. Also, I play at around 12-14Nm range and it surely was something which I needed. I switched from Moza R9 which I quickly found out, wasn't going to be enough.

[@DragonFlySlayer-wf6ne]

@@darthsnape Thank you Nice vid!!

[@jean-pierresarti7069]

Excellent review with useful information. I’m wondering, based on what you said, whether improved firmware is more important to providing better feel than a more powerful motor? Are we seeing DD makers do what American car makers did in the sixties by putting big motors in small cars while European makers were concentrating on better handling? Power vs. software, in a way.

[@darthsnape]

Very interesting question. I believe that in the world of DD bases, software can be fixed, hardware cannot. From what I have experienced, Simagic always had good hardware (better encoder, faster slew rate, great advertised torque of 23nm) but the software was something which was lacking. Like I have shown in my video, after testing the frequency of the updated firmware, the ffb difference was more than noticeable. So, to answer your question, a powerful motor is necessary, but without a proper firmware/software, it is going to run like crap. Same is the other way around. If hardware is the limiting factor, there’s only so much you can do to bring out the details. You need a proper balance of hardware and software. If I had time pick, I’d always pick better hardware, because like I said, software can be fixed. Hardware cannot.

[@jean-pierresarti7069]

@@darthsnape You would think wheel makers would brag about the controller boards more since these define the potential of the software.

[@darthsnape]

@jean-pierresarti7069 If only that were the case.

[@lusl1490]

i have the same base bro i love it

[@darthsnape]

Same here brother! Amazing piece of hardware.

[@jaronbrandes5054]

I’m waiting for my alpha u to come in with my fx pro. I’m switching from a dd1. I wanna try other eco systems. Never had an issue with fanatec

[@darthsnape]

Please do update your thoughts and experience here once you get it! I would love to hear what you have to say.

[@DuaneHavemann]

I just ordered that bundle. supposedly the distributor will receive it February 5th

[@RedLP5000S]

I will be getting a Simagic Alpha very soon. Most likely the Mini. The peak torque of 13Nm should be enough for me. With my budget, I'm not sure that I can justify the 15Nm base. In your opinion will the Alpha Mini satisfy all expectations? Thanks.

[@darthsnape]

Hey Red, it will be hard to say it mini will justify your needs as the playable torque output is highly subjective. But in my time of testing, I felt that Alpha mini could easily suffice a lot of people who are not looking to wrestle a polar bear.

[@Benedict00]

Only reason I'm thinking about the alpha or alpha u instead of the mini is because then you can turn down the ffb to 70-80% and it will run cooler and more optimum for longevity...I think? Lol

[@darthsnape]

​@@Benedict00 Yeah absolutely. There won't be an issue if you're running the mini on max torque, but, why risk it? Or should I say, buy once cry once?

[@svtcontour]

I've got the Alpha and love it 😀

[@darthsnape]

Alpha is really underrated. A lot of people buy the mini. But I believe that Alpha is the correct choice.

[@svtcontour]

@@darthsnape Thanks :) Ya I was initially on the fence because I was like, well, I'm stepping up from a G29 Logitech and for sure the mini is enough, but then I knew I was going to get a better rig, better screens..etc later and the $300 cost difference in the end would be nothing in the grand scheme of things, so saved one more month and got the Alpha. So happy I did!

[@darthsnape]

@svtcontour Solid choice man. Enjoy!

[@tkdmp5698]

Dude im going crazy. Im definately gonna buy the alpha regular. But for 245 should i get the U with killswitch? It costs as much as the chair i want to buy. But i know its gonna be a buy once situation and its not gonna wreck me financially. Mind that now i use the lower end of gear drive trustmaster. Would you think the Alpha is enough and the U is just overkill or has something more to offer?

[@darthsnape]

I don’t think the Alpha is going to lack any details or anything. The advertised torque output of alpha is 15nm but according to some speculations it is capable of peak torques upto 17/18nm. I don’t think that U has anything extra to offer that Alpha cannot. It is plenty capable and will last you forever.

[@tkdmp5698]

@@darthsnape Thats what most people that has it say abou it. And some with U would prefer to have got the alpha and spend the money on a wheel or pedals. Mostly people that havent tried it said go with the U for buy once cry once its only 245. But the alpha is arleady a best and grat value

[@darthsnape]

@tkdmp5698 Precisely. Anywhere from 13-17Nm is more than enough for a lot of people. You can get something else for the remainder sum. Perhaps chip in a bit extra and get the GT neo while you’re at it.

[@tkdmp5698]

@@darthsnape From my understanding of sales having a high end product for the people who are willing to buy the best is profitable. That's why high end products exist.Its the same product just excessively expensive to target different groups of people. Live the very expensive suite in a hotel or bussines seats in the airplane. Not actually better experience but good for the company margin.

[@darthsnape]

@tkdmp5698 I believe that the slew rate comes into play when buying 20+nm bases, but it is almost imperceptible. You have to play on all three bases to notice a slight difference between all of them.

[@mrcod2083]

You just opened my eyes to the VRS DD Do you think vrs WB is more like equal to the simucube? And is it better than the simagic in term of the feeling of the details of the FB In fact, I am thinking of buying DD and I am confused what to buy Should I buy cheapest dd now like cammus lp8 or moza r9 and wait like two years for the simucube 3 Or I should buy the alpha mini and see if i need more or not Or just buy the VRS DD if it’s like the simucube and better than the simagic But there isn’t many reviews for the VRS

[@darthsnape]

If you’re not sure where to begin with, Alpha mini and Moza R9 are great options to see how you feel. But imo, you can opt for VRS if you have been eyeing it for a while. It is the most affordable 20Nm base with only 2 things which sets it apart. 1- No cha-ching Quick release like Simagic or Moza 2- A bit odd looking motor with external controller. If you can live with those two things, 100% go for it. It is a top shelf product alongside SC2 and Alpha U. You can wait for SC3, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for it. SC2 is already a solid product and it would be hard to say whether in a couple of years they’ll announce a successor or not.

[@mrcod2083]

@@darthsnape so in term of FB quality and details not FB force the VRS is better than the simagic? sc said in expo that they are working on sc3 but not planning for particularly time So I’m guessing it will be in two years maximum

[@darthsnape]

@mrcod2083 Better is a subjective term as it depends on the ffb settings. But they’re really close. Won’t be able to tell them apart.

[@TheRivalryDrifting]

first off i cant really recommended cammus not only have they been cought useing alt reddit accounts to boost positive feedback and have bribed people to take down negative post or change negative to positive thare also a supper small chinese company that you cant buy from a distributor so good luck with support(i dont even recommended buying direct for moza or simagic for the same reason as you want the extra support form a distributor)

[@TheRivalryDrifting]

but here my option as a vrs user. the vrs only advantage other than its 20nm with a 22bit encoder is the ffb can be ran rawer than any other dd on the market. it can be ran with no damping or effects if you want to so if you like raw ffb than its the wheel base for you. but its down side is if you want a wheel with buttons than it needs to be a usb wheel wich limts you wheel options and 90% of them are expensive boutique wheels. honestly i always just recommend the simagic mini. i have a lot of friends with dds and ive talked to all of them about them and ive never heard anyone have a single regret with buying a mini. and even though i love my vrs if i had to start over i would probably go with a mini as i could get a mini and a round wirless wheel for the same price it cost me to get my vrs to canada. the Alpha would be tempeding but the most i use is 13 and the mini has been tested to peek at 13 honstly you need to think about how much you want to spend and what your gonna do with it cus you have one clue what you want and this hole reply is probly a waste of my time. i have to ask what wheel you have now if you have and what you do. cus honstly you come off like you dont have any wheel

[@Benedict00]

Great video! Ive been looking for this exact review and youre the only person that ive seen do this. You convinced me to get simagic instead of the other one i was thinking about.

[@darthsnape]

That's awesome, Benedict. Can I ask what other bases were you considering?

[@Benedict00]

@@darthsnape it was between the fanatec clubsport dd or dd+ or simagic alpha. I was just afraid if the road textures/details weren't good in the simagic vs the fanatec. But with all the issues fanatec is having right now in the company I think I'm just going to go with simagic.

[@darthsnape]

@@Benedict00 Yeah, Fanatec needs to get their stuff together. It's honestly a bit sad to see them in this state.

[@Benedict00]

@@darthsnape it is sad. I feel like it stems from them being greedy, but oh well.

[@markod7662]

Samir, you are breaking the car! 😂

[@darthsnape]

Listen to me calls 😂

[@markod7662]

@@darthsnape Thats it 😁. Im glad you are having fun. Watch out for injuries with such a powerful wheel. 🖖

[@darthsnape]

@markod7662 Thanks man! I will😄

[@DrAlanQuan]

Haha Simucube 2 😅 looking forward to your thoughts on that

[@darthsnape]

I hope I don't drill a hole in my pocket. 😅

[@Kpaxlol]

Maybe if there is sc3 😂​@@darthsnape

[@darthsnape]

I really hope it doesn’t come out until late this year.

[@Kpaxlol]

@@darthsnape it's gonna be years. If it comes out sooner , i'd be surprised.

[@darthsnape]

@Kpaxlol I wonder if it will come with a new QR?

[@frankd.b.9233]

It's about the better details on a continuous level, not because you don't want to pay to go to the gym

[@darthsnape]

Continuous level of detail > Torque output. Somedays when I don’t feel like going to the gym, Alpha U helps me out tremendously.

[@alphatribe01]

Bro I've had g29 with shifter from logitech But i find it not even 5% close to Real driving feel. I need to upgrade My need is drifting I don't play much f1 Earlier i wanted to go high end Now i think i should go with something practical. Should i go with Simagic alpha or alpha mini And please suggest other parts too. That's what I got from vrh Mid range Simagic alpha mini Gt1 wheel Simforge pedals Vrh 1 rig Racing seat with sliders and recliner Moza hgp shifter Moza hbp handbrake Clutch 2.30 lakh

[@darthsnape]

If drifting is your main thing and not racing, go for mini. You don't need a lot of torque of drifting. Also, Alpha mini can offer peaks upto 13Nm.

[@alphatribe01]

@@darthsnape yup I've watched your video where you explained all about alpha mini I liked that And that's why I'm considering it. Can you suggest me best components with this one As I've mentioned a quotation i got already

[@darthsnape]

@@alphatribe01 Sure! For drifting, like you have mentioned, you should go with the GT1-R. You can opt for the GTS, but it's a smaller rim. Can't speak for the Pedals as I haven't tested them yet. But from what I have seen and heard, they're worth the price. Rest, all is great.

[@alphatribe01]

@@darthsnape thank you brother

[@darthsnape]

@alphatribe01 Anytime

[@alphatribe01]

And about monitor I've 2 options 34" ultrawide 2k 1ms 45" ultrawide lg (45GR95QE) 240hz 0.3ms Though very expensive one So again confused

[@parthivroy817]

How about 32:9 ?

[@darthsnape]

Monitor wise, I can't really give a good suggestion. But if I had to pick one, I would either go for 21:9 or 32:9. But the best option is to go for triples.

[@parthivroy817]

​@@darthsnapei guess 32:9 is a better option for rally compared to triples, because Rally Games don't have triple support for now.

[@darthsnape]

@@parthivroy817 Agreed. Not native support for triples but you can watch Dan Suzuki's video for a working method on triples for EA WRC.

[@evgenii2kirin130]

What rig do you use?

[@darthsnape]

NLR GT Track

[@ArturGordinho]

x2

[@gamercube6404]

Hey there I am new to sim racing I know brands like simagic,moza,fanatec,thrusmaster, Logitech,etc but wtf are leobodnar or vrs and many more there are absolutely no on date videos about them mentioning it except for you so I am asking you wtf are they. Are they just normal dd or anything special??(may the down force be with you!)

[@darthsnape]

Leo bodnar & Accuforce are some of the oldest DDs. They were the best but to use them, you’d have to tweak a lot of things. Newer dds are more user friendly, hence not a lot of people are using them. VRS is new-ish as well. It is a Mige motor based DD similar to Simucube 1. It is the best bang for buck if you’re looking for a 20Nm base. Only downside is you need to pick a rim out with a QR. Newer bases have eliminated all the hassle.

[@gamercube6404]

@@darthsnape what about ffb and slew rate are they any better or equal and can I pair a moza qr with it??.and what is a migi motor?what's the difference between a migi vs a normal"" one like the one on moza or fanatec(is the vrs one worth buying over a simagic u or asetek Invicta or sc2 pro. I am planning to upgrade from my g923 directly to a base that I won't worry about upgrading in any way :⁠-⁠)

[@darthsnape]

Without complicating it further, if you’re coming from a G29, any base would be an upgrade. Assuming you opted for VRS, you won’t have other bases to compare it to. So you won’t know if something is better or worse. If an endgame setup is what you’re after, then you can’t go wrong with VRS, Alpha U, Or Simucube. Slew rate is something which cannot be felt most of the time. Like I said, it can be felt if you have tried multiple DDs for a period of time. Jumping from G29 will make any base feel like a Titan. Sure Asetek is good, but their QR seems a bit off to me. (Haven’t tested it)

[@tigerbalm666]

Mor Nudies-meters does not make you go di di mau...

[@spayrex_]

option c i like to train my arms and option d you drive real life cars without servo steering and you get bored from eveything under 15nm

[@darthsnape]

I like option C. I could use some arms 😄

[@Kpaxlol]

Get p1x/ p1x Pro it will make a huge difference ;) Front mount if possible. best purchase for me for sure.

[@darthsnape]

I might have to buy it. With a GT style rim, the rig starts to shake a little (13-15Nm)

[@Kpaxlol]

@@darthsnape oh but you already have a 40 80 rig. My bad. well the P1x has a thicker base and side profiles. Definitely more sturdy. But not sure if it would be worth for you. maybe if you can sell yours on a decent price, and get the p1x pro on a discount.

[@darthsnape]

@@Kpaxlol I do want the P1X. It seems great for the price. I might sell my current rig in the future and get P1X with both front mount and deck.

[@Kpaxlol]

@@darthsnape good luck man! It's gonna be also an improvement if you use the monitor stand! As you can put the monitors closer to your wheel. Which means better realism. You can line up you physical wheel to the car better with higher fov. Also i recommend a shaft extender so that your monitor can be infront of your wheelbase!

[@darthsnape]

@Kpaxlol Absolutely! I was thinking of getting a monitor arm though. I heard they’re good too?