Cube Controls Astra Review: Premium Feel Below €500?
Source video: SerialDriver — Cube Controls Astra review: a premium wheel below €500?
The French Simracer verdict in 30 seconds
The Cube Controls Astra delivers the premium sensations that matter most—rigid construction, comfortable silicone grips, carbon paddles and low inertia—without forcing an integrated display into the design. Its 295 mm diameter works for GT, Formula and prototypes, and it is particularly coherent in VR. The main compromise is integration: direct PC connection uses the Q-CONN magnetic cable, while an internal JST connector requires a correctly pinned custom cable for USB pass through. The Base variant is currently listed at €489.90; verify live price before purchase.
A 295 mm wheel built around feel
The Astra uses a die-cast aluminium chassis, a 4 mm carbon front plate and silicone grips. The TFS product page lists a weight of approximately 1,150 g including the hub. That combination matters on a Direct Drive wheel base: lower rotating mass reduces inertia and lets rapid FFB changes reach the hands without a heavy display assembly filtering them.
The open 295 mm shape sits between compact Formula wheels and larger GT designs. SerialDriver found the grip material comfortable with or without gloves, although hand position may need to move slightly lower for the best support. As always, grip geometry remains personal.
GT, Formula and prototype versatility
Low inertia including the hub
Rigid load path for Direct Drive FFB
USB and SimHub environment
Paddles and controls: the strongest premium signal
SerialDriver highlights the carbon shift paddles as one of the clearest reasons the Astra feels above its price class. They provide a pronounced, controlled action rather than a toy-like click. The wheel also includes clutch paddles; the video notes that the Base version does not remove them.
RGB buttons, toggles, rotary encoders, thumb encoders, mini-joysticks, rev lights and flag LEDs cover the functions required by modern GT and prototype cars. Not every secondary control is reachable without moving a hand, so mapping priority matters more than the total input count.
Base or Premium?
| Version | Current TFS listing | Main distinction discussed |
|---|---|---|
| Base | €489.90 | Plastic button caps; lower entry price; select the required mounting solution |
| Premium Black / Blue | €549.90 | Metal buttons and hub included according to the video discussion |
Prices and availability were read from Shopify when this draft was created and can change. Always verify the live product page.
Q-CONN, mounting and USB pass through
For direct PC use, the Astra connects through Cube Controls’ magnetic Q-CONN cable. The magnetic hold was considered secure during the test. Mounting depends on the selected hub and Quick Release; the Premium configuration is relevant when a 70 mm interface is required.
For pass through, SerialDriver shows an internal JST connector. It can be adapted, but the four wires must follow the correct pinout. There is no simple internal USB-C port to plug directly into a USB-equipped QR. That makes a custom JST-to-USB cable necessary for some installations.
Compatibility check: The current Simagic QR-A page lists the Astra among jointly tested wheels. This does not remove the need for the correct hub, cable and pinout. Never improvise a JST cable.
Astra in iRacing, LMU, ACC and VR
iRacing and Formula cars
The 295 mm diameter stays quick enough for Formula and prototype steering, while thumb controls can handle brake bias and differential changes. The lack of a display is not a drawback in VR.
Le Mans Ultimate
LMU benefits from rev lights, flag LEDs and multiple rotaries for Hypercars and prototypes. Drivers who want a large dashboard on the wheel should compare the Cube Controls CSX-3; the Astra instead prioritises low mass and simplicity.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
For GT3 and GT2, 295 mm remains versatile and the silicone grips suit longer stints. A 310 mm licensed GT wheel may feel more authentic for some cars, but it will be more specialised.
SimHub and software
The TFS product data lists SimHub compatibility for RGB and control mapping. Use the official Cube Controls software and firmware workflow for calibration, then configure LEDs and game telemetry in SimHub where supported. Verify each game profile rather than assuming one LED map works everywhere.
Strengths
- Rigid aluminium and carbon construction
- Approximately 1,150 g including hub
- Premium-feeling carbon paddles and clutches
- 295 mm versatility and strong VR fit
Consider before buying
- No integrated display
- PC only
- Mounting depends on hub/QR choice
- JST pass-through cable requires exact pinout
Who should choose the Cube Controls Astra?
The Astra is a strong fit for a PC simracer who already has a capable Direct Drive wheel base and wants a lighter, more tactile wheel rather than a dashboard-heavy flagship. It suits VR, GT3, prototypes and Formula categories particularly well.
Choose another model if the display is central to your cockpit or if you require a zero-custom-cable pass-through installation. Within Cube Controls, the CSX-3 adds a display; the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition targets a larger, licensed GT shape.
Discover the Cube Controls Astra
Compare the Base and Premium variants, then select the hub and Quick Release required by your wheel base.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cube Controls Astra suitable for VR?
Yes. Its low mass, tactile controls and lack of a redundant display make it particularly coherent in VR.
Does the Astra include clutch paddles?
The test and current TFS product information describe the Astra with shift paddles and clutch paddles; verify the selected variant before ordering.
Can it use USB pass through?
It can be integrated through the internal JST connector, but some Quick Releases require a custom cable with the exact pinout.
Is it compatible with Simagic Alpha EVO?
The Simagic QR-A product page lists Astra among jointly tested wheels. Correct hub, QR-A, cabling and PC setup are still required.