GSI Interlock Review: Is This Modular Wheel Hub Worth It?
Source video: SerialDriver — GSI Interlock review: modular premium steering-wheel hub tested
The French Simracer verdict in 30 seconds
The GSI Interlock is a premium modular hub for drivers who regularly switch between round, GT and oval rims without giving up carbon paddles, dense controls or USB pass through. The LED Matrix is more useful than its unusual position suggests, especially for gear, flags and shift alerts. Current TFS pricing starts at €799.90 for the Base Module, €869.90 with Matrix LED and €979.90 with a rim plus Matrix. Its finish and modularity are excellent; fixed button legends, compact rev lights and the price make it difficult to justify for occasional round-wheel use.
A modular hub built around interchangeable rims
The Interlock places the controls, four carbon paddles, electronics and optional Matrix in a reusable core. A compatible 70 mm rim then mounts around it. The concept is different from buying several complete wheels: keep the premium controls and change the diameter, material or shape.
The current TFS listing offers a bare Base Module, Matrix LED configurations and complete combinations with GT 300 mm, GT 320 mm or Oval 320 mm rims in Perforated or Suede finishes. The separate Interlock Ultra adds the dedicated 300 mm butterfly-style rim with integrated Matrix design.
| Current TFS configuration | Price checked 14 July 2026 | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Base Module / no Matrix | €799.90 | Available |
| Base Module / Matrix LED | €869.90 | Available |
| Base + GT/Oval rim / no Matrix | €899.90 | Depends on finish |
| Base + GT/Oval rim / Matrix LED | €979.90 | Depends on finish |
| Interlock Ultra complete wheel | €979.90 | Available |
The video quotes €869.90 as the entry point because TFS then focused on the four-carbon-paddle version with the Matrix. The current product structure now exposes a €799.90 configuration without the Matrix. This article uses the current Shopify variants rather than freezing the launch selection.
Premium controls, four carbon paddles and fixed legends
SerialDriver’s clearest positive impression is consistency: firm buttons, marked encoder detents, aluminium structure and four carbon paddles deliver the expected premium feel. The hub offers enough controls for rally, road cars, GT and endurance, including thumb encoders and seven-way switches.
The drawback is labelling. The button legends are permanent rather than replaceable caps or stickers. You can map another function, but the printed label remains. This gives a clean finish and avoids worn stickers, yet reduces personalisation.
Is the central LED Matrix useful?
The central Matrix occupies the traditional horn opening. It can show gear, flags, alerts and shift information without adding a full LCD dashboard. In the video, its strongest use is rapid, high-contrast information rather than dense telemetry.
The Matrix also makes the modular concept more restrictive: a rim needs a suitable centre opening. GSI’s own rims are designed around it, while many conventional 70 mm rims with a standard centre cutout can work. Verify the physical opening before combining third-party parts.
SerialDriver found the conventional rev-light strip rather narrow and the individual LEDs small. The Matrix compensates with prominent shift alerts, but drivers who want a wide wall of rev lights may prefer another interface.
GT 300, GT 320, Oval 320 or Ultra?
- GT 300 mm: quicker, compact choice for GT and mixed use.
- GT 320 mm: more leverage and a more relaxed road-car feel.
- Oval 320 mm: the most natural option for rally and road cars.
- Ultra 300 mm: butterfly-style rim with the Matrix integrated into its visual design.
One module can support several disciplines, but swapping rims is not as quick as changing a complete wheel through the Quick Release. The value appears when the same premium controls are used frequently across multiple rim shapes.
USB pass through and Quick Release mounting
The Interlock supports direct USB through the supplied coiled cable and includes an internal USB-C path for compatible pass-through systems. This is relevant with current bases and adapters such as Simagic QR-A, Asetek or compatible CONSPIT solutions. USB pass through still requires a verified complete chain; it is not universal just because both ends use USB-C.
The rear uses a 70 mm PCD. SerialDriver warns that the QR threads can be difficult to catch cleanly: start every screw by hand, keep the QR square and never force the first turns. Cross-threading a premium hub is an avoidable installation failure.
Strengths
- Premium buttons, encoders and four carbon paddles
- Modular GT, oval and Ultra rim choices
- Matrix for gear, flags and alerts
- Direct USB and pass-through-ready design
- Current configurations from €799.90
Consider before buying
- High price for occasional round-wheel use
- Permanent button legends
- Narrow conventional rev-light strip
- Rim centre opening must fit the Matrix
- QR screws require careful alignment
Who should choose the GSI Interlock?
Choose it if you use round or GT rims frequently, already own a capable Direct Drive wheel base and want one premium control module to cover several shapes. The Matrix version is the coherent choice when the central display is part of the appeal.
Choose a simpler hub if round-wheel driving is occasional. At that frequency, a less expensive hub can deliver the necessary buttons and paddles without tying nearly €1,000 into one interface.
Configure the GSI Interlock
Compare the Base Module, Matrix and rim variants before choosing the exact combination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting price of the GSI Interlock?
The current TFS listing starts at €799.90 without the Matrix. The Matrix configuration starts at €869.90.
Can the rim be changed?
Yes. Compatible GT 300, GT 320 and Oval 320 rims are listed, and third-party fit depends on the 70 mm pattern and centre opening.
Does it support USB pass through?
It has an internal USB-C path, but the Quick Release, base, power and USB chain must all be compatible.
Is the LED Matrix a full dashboard?
No. It is designed for concise information such as gear, flags and alerts, not dense telemetry pages.