Ascher Racing F64 V3 Review

Ascher Racing F64 V3 review – an affordable Formula Wheel boasting exceptional quality and an astonishing array of inputs and features!

The latest generation of Ascher Racing wheels continues to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and build quality that fans have come to love. The F64 V3 stands out with its CNC-machined, anodized aluminium housing and a robust 5mm thick aluminium faceplate. This design ensures unparalleled strength and rigidity, embodying the high standards that the company is renowned for…enjoy our Ascher Racing F64 V3 review guys.

The Ascher F64 V3 SIM wheel has undergone some behind-the-scenes changes, which some of you may have been concerned about. Rest assured, we’re here to address those.

There are two variants of this wheel available: The Ascher Racing F64 V3 USB version and an SC (Simucube-specific wireless) version. They both look identical from the front and have the same feel and feature set in terms of inputs.

The USB version connects directly to your PC and is compatible with any wheelbase. If you’re using a Fanatec wheelbase, you’ll need either an emulator or a Fanatec official hub to enable force feedback, but it mounts via a 70mm stud pattern and is broadly compatible.

The SC version uses Simucube’s proprietary Bluetooth protocol and is only compatible with Simucube 2 bases or Simucube 1 with an upgraded Bluetooth module. Be sure to choose the right version for your setup. Both versions are priced the same and are PC-only compatible, the F64 V3 wired version connects via USB and works with software like Joel Real Timing or SimHub.

Ergonomics and feel are critical, and the Ascher Racing F64 doesn’t disappoint. The Ascher Racing F64 V3 boasts a 285.5mm diameter, ideal formula-style driving.

The wheel weighs 1140 grams, with no difference between the USB and Simucube versions. As always with Ascher Racing, the build quality is impeccable.

The F64 V3 is packed with inputs. It has 14 push buttons positioned around the wheel, easily reachable without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the screen. Some buttons have plastic shrouds for tactile differentiation, ensuring you press the right one. These buttons have a satisfying mechanical click, providing haptic feedback.

The Ascher Racing F64 V3 is a revolutionary Formula Sim wheel that caters to everyone, from beginners to seasoned Sim Racing legends!

The wheel includes two seven-way switches (funky switches), which can be pushed left, right, up, and down, and function as rotary encoders. On the Simucube version, one switch can adjust force feedback settings on the fly. These switches have anodized aluminium tops, giving a cool-to-the-touch feel and a solid click in each position.

At the top of the Ascher Racing F64 V3 are two rotary encoders with push-button functionality, featuring nice, clearly defined in-dents. They’re resistant enough to avoid accidental activation with gloves on. The Simucube wireless version has a switch on the back to toggle between push-button and shift mode for these encoders, allowing dual functionality.

The bottom of the wheel has two 12-position switches. These multi-position switches are always recognized in the same position by the game, unlike rotary encoders which can lose track of their position. You can switch these between 12-position mode and rotary shift mode, providing 12 individually mappable functions per encoder.

The wheel features two magnetic paddle shifters with a satisfying click and adjustable resistance via included neodymium magnets. While you can’t adjust the throw or paddle position, the shifters are well-placed and made of CNC-machined aluminium, ensuring durability.

The analog paddles at the bottom can be configured as a dual-stage or bite-point clutch, or mapped to individual axes. They have a long stroke for precise control and are made of robust aluminium.

Overall, the Ascher F64 V3’s construction is top-notch, with CNC-machined aluminium throughout and minimal plastic components. The wheel has a stylish brushed aluminium faceplate, adding rigidity and a sleek look. The grips are moulded to the aluminium and are ergonomically designed for maximum comfort.

In summary, the Ascher Racing F64 V3 is an impressive wheel both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. If you’re in the market for a high-quality sim racing wheel, the F64 V3 is unlikely to disappoint. We hope this review has been helpful.👍

Ascher Racing F64 V3 Review – Key features of the USB / SC versions.

Ascher Racing F64 V3 review – USB Sim Wheel Specs

Additional features of the SC version

• Average battery runtime: 800h (rechargeable)
• rechargeable via USB-C (approx. 6h)
• 2 modes of the top two encoders, adjustable by switches on the back (push btn / shift)
• push btn. = regular encoder incl. push button
• shift = double encoder (normal turn / push and turn)
• e.g. normal turning = encoder 1 = TC
• e.g. push & turn = Encoder 2 = ABS
• 2 modes of 12-position rotary switches, (12-pos. / shift)
• 12-pos. = regular mode, each position gives a signal shift = shift function of the thumb encoder
• e.g. 12-position rotary on position 1 = thumb encoder output 1 (e.g. TC)
• e.g. 12-position rotary on position 2 = thumb encoder output 2 (e.g. ABS)
• e.g. 12-position rotary on position 3 = thumb encoder output 3 (e.g. volume)
• e.g. 12-position rotary on position 2 = thumb encoder output 2 (e.g. ABS)
• e.g. 12-position rotary on position 3 = thumb encoder output 3 (e.g. volume)

64 Inputs

• 14 x push buttons with positive tactile feeling
• 2 x protective button guards
• 2 x multifunctional 7-way joysticks (4 directions / rotate clock- anticlockwise/ push button)
• 2 x encoders inc. push-button functionality, aluminium knob2 x thumb encoders
• 2 x 12-position rotary switches, aluminium knob
• 2 x paddle shifters
• 2 x clutch paddles with electronic bite-point calibration

Ascher Racing F64 SC V3 General information

• 285 mm wheel diameter
• 6 x 70 mm bolt pattern
• robust, shielded coiled cable with industrial Binder M16 connector
• coiled cable connector length approx. 64mm
• spacer may be required to create sufficient clearance to the wheelbase
• M5 x 12 mm stainless screws to mount QR included
• Quick Release not included
• to mount M5 threaded QRs, use captive screws
• mass: 1140 g

High-quality finish

• Maximum grip level from closed, ergonomic rubber grips
• machined out of automotive aluminium
• black anodized and laser-engraved
• brushed front plate surface finish
• glass bed blasted paddle surface finish

Contactless clutch paddles

• CNC machined and anodized out of automotive aluminium
• contactless hall sensor
• smooth operation for maximum control

Magnetic paddle shifters

• CNC machined and anodized out of automotive aluminium
• strong snap-action force
• alternative magnets to reduce force included
• reliable automotive switches

Button labels

• 50 pcs button labels each black and white
• 72 pcs encoder labels (blue, green, red, black, yellow, white)
• labels for various common steering wheel inputs

Electronic bite point calibration

• precise adjustments in 1.0 % and 0.1 %
• 1. push both joystick buttons for 1s to access bite-point mode
• 2. LED lights up to indicate calibration mode
• 3. rotate the left joystick for 1.0 % increments / right joystick for 0.1 % increments (LED flashes to indicate changes)
• 4. exit calibration mode by pushing both joysticks again for 1s

Recommended procedure for finding the best settings

• 1. enter calibration mode and set bite-point to high value, e.g. 80 %
• 2. pull the slave clutch only
• 3. apply throttle
• 4. reduce bite-point in 1.0 % increments (left joystick) until the vehicle starts moving
• 5. make test starts to fine-tune the desired bite-point setting
• 6. exit bite-point calibration mode

Recommended procedure for quick race starts

• 1. pull both master and slave clutch
• 2. apply throttle
• 3. race start -> let master clutch snap
• 4. it will take less than 20 ms to reach the desired bite point
• 5. slowly release the slave clutch

Ascher Racing F64 V3 new features

• Compared to its previous V1 model, the F64-USB V3 features new 12-position switches which provide improved feedback, a closed shape and motorsport rubber grips
• Improved grip ergonomics including slightly larger diameter, thinner lower section, and different top shape to push the top button
• Rubber grips: are not showing any tear
• offers much more grip
• perfect hardness (not too soft, not too hard) for much easier endurance racing without getting exhausted
• can be used without using gloves (also with sweaty hands)
• better hygienics
• new 12-position rotary knob
• better usability in “encoder mode” (rotational symmetry)
• much better feedback