Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Moza Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, Driver Labs earns from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, Driver Labs earns from qualifying purchases.
Asetek La Prima and VRS DirectForce Pro are both direct-drive wheels with a significant torque output. Asetek boasts 12Nm, while VRS edges out at 20Nm. Both have a standard quick release mechanism and are PC-compatible. On paper, it's a close competition.
I've seen users struggle with the La Prima's lack of finesse in older cars or non-open-wheeler classes. The wheel feels cool, but some users miss the round shape of older wheels. Customer support is excellent, but issues arise when dealing with a new company still ironing out kinks in their products. I've heard tales of pedals feeling "off" and requiring adjustments – if you're not used to it, it's a real pain. Some users have even reported problems with the quick release mechanism breaking. Users are reporting difficulties getting the wheel recognized by certain games (DR2 being a notable offender). It takes some tweaking to fix this, but it's a hassle that shouldn't be part of your sim-racing experience. I've also heard whispers about Asetek's base and pedals being somewhat lacking in quality control – not exactly what you want from a premium product. On the other hand, VRS DirectForce Pro users rave about their experience. They praise its feel and size, but some mention the lack of thumb encoders as a drawback. I've heard rumors of issues with Rally games, but it seems that's more of a game-specific problem rather than a hardware issue. The base is sturdy, and mounting shouldn't be a problem if you have a TREQ One cockpit like one user mentioned.
Given the options, I'd recommend the VRS DirectForce Pro for most users. It edges out the La Prima in torque output and seems to have fewer issues with game recognition and customer support. The base is sturdy, and users rave about its feel. If you're looking for a premium experience that won't leave you frustrated, VRS is the way to go – but be prepared for a premium price point. For those on a tighter budget, Asetek's La Prima might still offer some value, but it's not without its quirks.