Cube Controls Phoenix Review: Grip, Paddles and Verdict
Watch the Cube Controls Phoenix review by Serial Driver, also known as Maxence Lesprillier.
The 30-second verdict
The Cube Controls Phoenix Extreme nearly becomes Serial Driver's everyday wheel. He loves its sculpted grips, tactile buttons and distinctive design. The deciding compromise is paddle noise: too intrusive for evening racing near bedrooms in his home. The longer shift travel takes some adjustment, while the hub and quick release change the wheel's distance from the driver. For a premium PC GT setup, it deserves consideration if its grip size suits your hands and paddle noise is acceptable. The Premium version offers a less expensive route if one clutch paddle meets your needs.
What Serial Driver actually tests
In his video published on 11 October 2026, Serial Driver tests a Phoenix Extreme in Purple. The driving section uses RaceRoom, with the wheel connected through a SIMAGIC EVO base and QR-A. He compares the Phoenix's layout with the Lamborghini GT3 wheel shown in the game, without treating it as an officially licensed replica.
His relationship with the product is clear: Serial Driver works at The French Simracer. He says this demonstration unit came from TFS launch stock, rather than being bought personally or supplied by Cube Controls for the video. He also says neither the manufacturer nor his TFS colleagues have editorial control. The following assessment reflects his experience with that unit, not a long-term durability test.
Grips and buttons are the real attraction
Cube Controls specifies a 300 mm wheel. Serial Driver's strongest praise concerns how naturally his hands settle into its sculpted grips. He likes their support, texture and slight softness, and finds the controls easy to reach while driving. For his predominantly VR use, the absence of an integrated display is no drawback.
Fit still matters. He finds the grips thicker than those on earlier Cube Controls wheels and warns that very small hands may be less comfortable. He can also feel the join between the front and rear grip sections, although he forgets about it on track. Those details are more useful to a buying decision than assuming an expensive wheel suits everyone.
The buttons combine noticeable travel with a clear click, a balance he particularly enjoys. He also praises the well-defined encoder and multi-directional switch detents, plus the rear buttons reached with his index fingers. These details are useful when you need to identify and operate controls by feel, particularly in VR.
Good shift feel, but listen before buying
The shift paddles have a firm magnetic breakaway and more travel than Serial Driver expects from Cube Controls. The movement initially surprises him, then becomes enjoyable as he adapts. He separates that personal preference from his main objection: the sharp mechanical noise.
His side-by-side demonstration with his Bavarian wheel makes the difference easy to understand, but it is not a calibrated sound-level comparison. Room acoustics, mounting and recording all affect what you hear. In his own home, with bedrooms nearby, the Phoenix is too loud for evening sessions. That is the reason he decides not to keep it, despite liking almost everything else about the driving ergonomics.
For a dedicated room, the same noise may be acceptable. For a shared living space, listen to the video demonstration and make this a priority before choosing the wheel.
Phoenix Premium or Extreme: what does the extra cost buy?
The TFS catalogue lists the Phoenix Premium at €1,169.90 including VAT and the Phoenix Extreme at €1,429.90 including VAT. Check the selected configuration, current price and delivery costs on the product page.
| Version | Main differences | Reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | One clutch paddle and an aluminium hub | Phoenix ergonomics when a single clutch is enough |
| Extreme | Two clutch paddles and a titanium hub | Dual-clutch starts and the Extreme finish |
The €260 difference should answer a real need. Serial Driver considers Premium the sensible entry into the range, but dislikes having to move to Extreme to get two clutches. He is unconvinced that the titanium hub's extra sophistication delivers a worthwhile benefit in his driving. The video does not demonstrate a performance advantage from that material.
Serial Driver also mentions the BavarianSimTec Delta PULSE among comparable alternatives. TFS lists this display-free wheel at €1,389.90 including VAT, €40 below the Phoenix Extreme. At such similar prices, compare grip fit, control placement and paddle noise around your own priorities.
PC connection, mounting distance and SimHub
Cube Controls specifies PC compatibility, a Q-CONN connection and USB-C pass-through support. The direct cable route connects the wheel to the PC. Pass-through instead needs a compatible base and quick-release arrangement; the demonstrated SIMAGIC EVO and QR-A combination should not be generalized to every wheelbase. A mounting hub is not the same part as a quick release.
Measure the full assembly before buying. Serial Driver finds that the Phoenix hub plus QR-A brings the wheel closer to him than other wheels he uses. Moving the seat compensates for his arms but also changes his relationship with the pedals. If you frequently swap wheels, compare the complete mounted depth.
The Phoenix's SimHub integration groups lighting and control configuration together. Serial Driver demonstrates clutch calibration, bite-point adjustment and selection of which clutch controls that point. A central selector can change the functions assigned to six encoders, allowing several sets of controls without adding physical buttons. Start with the functions you actually use rather than making every position different immediately.
Verdict: a strong fit for the right hands and room
Serial Driver's conclusion is unusually close: the Phoenix wins him over on appearance, grip comfort and controls, and he considers its premium positioning defensible against comparable wheels. Paddle noise prevents it replacing his everyday wheel. That is a specific usage constraint, not a rejection of its overall construction.
Choose Premium if you want the Phoenix layout and one clutch is sufficient. Consider Extreme if dual-clutch starts matter to you and you value its finish. In either case, check hand fit, mounted depth and the complete PC connection path. For night racing near other people, settle the noise question first.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Phoenix compatible with consoles?
Cube Controls specifies PC. This review does not establish PlayStation or Xbox compatibility.
Does the Phoenix have a display?
No integrated display is fitted. Serial Driver is comfortable with that because he mainly races in VR.
Do both versions have two clutch paddles?
No. Premium has one clutch paddle; Extreme has two.
Why does Serial Driver decide not to keep it?
The shift-paddle noise is unsuitable for his evening sessions near bedrooms. He otherwise especially likes the grips, buttons and design.