CONSPIT MAX 01 Steering Wheel – Review

CONSPIT MAX 01 Steering Wheel – Review

With the MAX 01 Steering Wheel, the manufacturer CONSPIT is launching its fourth steering wheel on the sim racing market. With an aluminium housing, a carbon front plate, a four-inch IPS display and fully SimHub-compatible LEDs, it is clearly aimed at the high-end sector. Read this test review to find out how it performs in everyday use.

Ordering and shipping

For its latest steering wheel, CONSPIT is also relying on its usual distribution concept. In Europe, there is a whole range of distributors who supply the steering wheel directly from stock. For Germany, for example, this is our partner Sim-Motion. CONSPIT’s recommended retail price for the MAX 01 Steering Wheel is $729excluding VAT or €799 including VAT.

• CONSPIT 290GP Formula Wheel: 799€
• CONSPIT Quick Release CDP: 99€

The product tested here was provided by the manufacturer. No influence was exerted on this review at any time.

Technical data

Below you will find the technical data of the CONSPIT MAX 01 steering wheel.

Scope of delivery

As usual with CONSPIT, when we open the stylish packaging we are greeted by the steering wheel itself with spacer, a matching USB cable as well as mounting material, stickers, quick start guide and tools.

• Steering Wheel
• 50mm to 70mm adapter
• USB cable
• Bolt package
• Stickers
• Warrany card
• Manual
• Tool kit

Compatibility / QR

CONSPIT has retained the concept of the previous wheels and expanded their functionality. There are two different options for using the wheel on the PC:

• CONSPIT Quick Release CDP: With the CONSPIT Quick Release CDP, the steering wheel can be connected directly and without the optional spacer, whereby a cable is then routed inside the QR (see CDP image). In conjunction with a current wheel base from CONSPIT, it is therefore possible to use the steering wheel without an additional spiral cable; data and power are then made available directly via the base. Unfortunately, this feature could not be tested as the ARES Wheel Base available for the test was not from an early batch and is therefore not yet compatible with the MAX 01 Wheel.
• USB spiral cable: In contrast to the 290GP wheel and the H.A0 hub, the USB spiral cable is no longer an integral part of the wheel (previously clamped between the spacer and QR), but can be removed in a matter of seconds as with other manufacturers.

Features

The CONSPIT MAX 01 is packed with inputs and, with a diameter of 30 centimetres and a weight of around 1440 grams including spacer, combines all the features you would expect from a high-end steering wheel in 2025:

Inputs

The inputs of the MAX 01 are distributed across the following functions:

• 12 buttons: CONSPIT has installed a total of 12 buttons, 10 of which have integrated, adjustable RGB lighting on the front and 2 buttons without lighting on the back. The latter are particularly easy to reach while driving and are therefore ideal for frequently used functions. The buttons have a clearly defined pressure point and are comfortable to operate.
• 4 rotary switches: The four rotary switches in the lower section of the wheel are fitted with non-slip aluminium caps and are in the middle range in terms of release force. The highlight here lies in the settings that can be made via software:
  • Encoder mode: In classic encoder mode, the switches behave like normal encoders that output a constant signal (+/-) when turned in both directions.
  • Switch mode: Set as a rotary switch, each position outputs a fixed value (12 different values each)
  • Remap mode: Remap mode allows you to influence the function of the two purple thumb encoders. Each position changes the mode of the two encoders. For example, ABS, TC and BB can then be assigned to a single thumb encoder.
  • Macro mode: The macro mode offers another interesting option. Here, for each position of the centre switch, none, one or any two positions of the two outer switches can be simulated. For example, you can set TC to the value X and ABS to the value Y at the same time with one turn. This opens up interesting possibilities, especially in e-sports, where different settings are often used for different curves.
• 4 thumb encoders: The thumb encoders (+/-) are each fitted with aluminium caps and are very large compared to other wheels. This makes them very easy to operate, but also offers less resistance when actuated.
• 2 Funky switches: The input range is rounded off by two Funky switches with the familiar functions: Turn left and right, press, left, right, down, up.

Paddles

A total of four paddles are located on the back of the MAX 01:

• Shifter: The (magnetic) shift paddles are probably the most frequently used feature of any wheel. CONSPIT has opted for an aluminium housing in combination with width-adjustable carbon grip surfaces. In addition, the manufacturer has installed a damping system that significantly reduces the shifting noise without taking away the crispness of the shifting feel. The shifters are very comfortable to operate and are most comparable with the equally excellent shifters of the Artura Wheels from Ascher Racing.
• Dual clutch: In addition to the shifters, CONSPIT has two analogue paddles, which are usually used as a dual clutch. However, it is also possible to use the two analogue axles separately, e.g. as throttle and brake. The paddles are pleasantly smooth to operate and the built-in spring provides medium resistance.

LEDs

With the MAX 01, CONSPIT uses a large number of LEDs distributed across different areas:

• 15 RPM LEDs: 15 RGB LEDs are located in the centre above the display, which are characterised by very good illumination and, in contrast to the manufacturer’s previous wheels, have a round design.
• 2 x 3 telemetry LEDs: The RPM LEDs are supplemented on each side by three additional LEDs in the same design. They are predestined for displaying waved flags, for example.
• 8 label LEDs: There is an illuminated label for each of the four rotary switches, the two Funkys and two of the encoders, which can also be customised in terms of colour. Unfortunately, the included stickers are of somewhat poorer quality and not very precisely manufactured.
• 10 button LEDs: The buttons on the front are equipped with very even RGB lighting. CONSPIT also relies on stickers here.

Display

A four-inch IPS display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels is installed in the centre. However, the biggest and most sought-after innovation here is not the display hardware, but the now realised compatibility with the popular simracing software SimHub. This means it is now possible to choose from a large number of ready-made dashboards and customise them as required. In terms of quality, the brightness-adjustable display does a very solid job.

Grips

For the grips, CONSPT has opted for a shape that has already proven itself on the 290GP steering wheel. The review sample tested here was still equipped with fairly hard grips, while the version for the end customer should be significantly softer. A material sample of the new grips, which was supplied, was very pleasing, but of course could not yet be tested extensively in practice.

Materials

The CONSPIT MAX 01 weighs approx. 1440 grams and has a very good material feel, whereby the black anodised aluminium housing of the wheel in particular is very well made. In combination with the carbon front plate and the other aluminium components used, such as the encoder caps or the paddle housings, the wheel has nothing to hide from its current competitors, some of which are priced at over 1000 euros. Only the stickers are to be criticised.

Software

A combination of CONSPIT Link and SimHub is now used for the software:

CONSPIT Link

The basic functionality of the wheel is managed in the familiar CONSPIT software. For example, the paddles or the function of the rotary switches can be configured here. The function of the individual buttons can also be checked here and customised profiles can be saved and loaded.

SimHub

SimHub brings the steering wheel to life. Thanks to a cooperation with SimHub, the steering wheel can be configured with just a few clicks and is recognised directly with the appropriate profiles for the RGB lighting. Functions such as the RPM LEDs, various telemetry effects and the illumination of the buttons are already pre-configured, but can of course also be customised as required. The CONSPIT GT Theme Dashboard (CONSPIT GT.simhubdash – see image), which provides various information in CONSPIT style, is also part of the overall package.

For SimHub beginners, CONSPIT provides a 12-page guide that accompanies the user through the first steps with the software, but could have been a little more detailed for absolute newcomers.

Driving impression

Conclusion

The MAX 01 Steering Wheel from CONSPIT is the next great steering wheel from the manufacturer, which now also offers full SimHub support for the first time. Combined with the use of high-quality materials, a whole range of different inputs and freely controllable RGB LEDs, you get an absolute high-end steering wheel at a price that is still in the three-digit range. Small compromises in the stickers are gladly accepted and compensated for by points such as the good display or sophisticated nuances such as the different modes of the rotary switches. All in all, the MAX 01 is an excellent steering wheel that was a lot of fun to use during the many test laps.