Best Leoxz Xf1-sport Sim Steering Wheel Review Complete Buyer’s Guide
Leoxz XF1-Sport Sim Racing Steering Wheel – In-Depth Review
The Leoxz XF1-Sport is a Formula-style sim racing steering wheel designed specifically for PC sim racers who crave a compact yet feature-rich wheel for F1 and open-wheel racing titles. With its small 275 mm diameter rim and an integrated 4.3″ IPS dash display, the XF1-Sport offers an impressive range of features that make it a compelling mid-range option in the sim racing market.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the XF1-Sport, the first thing that stands out is its compact and lightweight design. It feels tidy and purposeful even before installation, which hints at the quality that Leoxz aims to deliver. The wheel’s diameter is one of the smallest commonly seen in sim racing, clearly signaling its focus on formula-style racing where quick hand movements are essential.
Design & Build Quality
Materials & Construction
The build quality of the Leoxz XF1-Sport is impressive, utilizing a combination of high-grade materials:
- Front Plate: Made from 5 mm 3K carbon fibre, ensuring rigidity while keeping the weight down.
- Rear Housing: CNC-machined aluminum with an anodized finish for enhanced durability.
- Grips: Polyurethane molded grips that offer a smooth yet grippy feel, comfortable whether you’re wearing gloves or not.
- Paddles: Magnetic Hall-effect paddles constructed from carbon fibre, providing a reliable and satisfying shifting experience.
This combination of carbon, CNC aluminum, and ergonomic grips makes the XF1-Sport feel premium and capable on both lower-powered and direct drive wheelbases.
Controls & Interface
The XF1-Sport is equipped with a comprehensive range of controls designed to enhance the user experience:
- Buttons & Switches: Features 15 momentary push buttons strategically arranged for easy access.
- Rotary Controls: Includes 3 pressable rotary encoders and 2 thumb rotary knobs for quick adjustments during races.
- Joystick: One multi-directional joystick (5-way) allows for intuitive menu navigation.
The button layout supports common racing commands and is generally intuitive. However, some buttons located further down the wheel may require a bit of adjustment to reach comfortably.
Integrated Display & LEDs
The central 4.3″ IPS screen (480×272, 60 fps) is a standout feature, providing a clear view of telemetry dashboards including RPM, lap times, and other crucial race data without having to divert your eyes from the virtual track. Surrounding the wheel are several LED indicators:
- 12 fixed color RPM indicators
- 6 RGB flag LEDs
- 4 RGB status LEDs
These indicators deliver quick, glanceable feedback, enhancing the overall racing experience.
Ergonomics & Driving Experience
The 275 mm diameter rim is particularly suited for formula racing cars, allowing for agile response and precise steering control. The polyurethane grips are not only comfortable but also non-tacky, ensuring good control even during extended racing sessions.
The positioning of the magnetic paddle shifters aligns perfectly with the middle fingers, enabling easy gear changes while keeping the thumbs free for additional functions like clutch or auxiliary controls. Overall, the XF1-Sport performs admirably in open-wheel and formula sims, although users with larger hands may find the compact size a bit snug.
Compatibility & Software
The XF1-Sport connects to PC via USB or Bluetooth, easily integrating with SimHub using the SimBridge plugin for telemetry and dash display functionality. This integration requires minimal configuration, making the setup process straightforward.
Moreover, it supports quick-release hubs compatible with major brands like Fanatec, Simucube, Moza, and Simagic, ensuring broad wheelbase compatibility. However, unlocking torque on certain systems may necessitate a specific adapter or hub.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✔ Compact Formula-style design ideal for open-wheel racing sims.
- ✔ Integrated 4.3″ IPS dash display with easily readable telemetry.
- ✔ Quality build materials including carbon fibre and CNC aluminum.
- ✔ Magnetic paddles and rotary controls for reliable and precise input.
- ✔ Good value at its price point compared to similar wheels.
Cons
- ✘ Compact size may feel small for users with larger hands.
- ✘ Limited customization options for dashboards and LEDs via SimHub at launch.
- ✘ Some lower panel button reaches may take time to get used to.
Conclusion
The Leoxz XF1-Sport Sim Racing Steering Wheel offers a feature-rich experience that delivers solid performance, high build quality, and an array of functionalities at a mid-range price. Its compact rim, integrated display, and comprehensive button layout make it an excellent choice for fans of F1 and open-wheeled sim racing. While it may not be perfect for everyone, particularly those with larger hands, the XF1-Sport stands out as a highly competitive option for dedicated formula racing enthusiasts looking to enhance their sim racing experience.
My name is Michael “Mick” Carter, and I’m a dedicated sim racing enthusiast with a deep love for motorsport. I first discovered sim racing in 2015 when a friend introduced me to a Logitech G27 and Assetto Corsa—an experience that immediately hooked me. Since then, I’ve gone from basic gear to advanced direct drive setups, VR headsets, and custom racing rigs, constantly refining my driving technique and equipment.
I mainly race in iRacing, ACC, and rFactor 2, focusing on GT3 endurance and open-wheel events. I’m not a professional driver—I’m simply someone who enjoys the craft of racing: learning car behavior, improving lap times, and battling for position with respect and skill.
I share what I’ve learned so others can build setups they enjoy and grow their own passion for sim racing. For me, the joy is in improving, one race at a time.
Owner at SimRacingCockpits.Com
