Asetek SimSports Forte sim pedals review Leave a comment
The Forte is the second pedalboard launched by Asetek Simsport during 2022. The Danish company had already surprised us with the Invicta, a pedal set that revolutionised the market by introducing a proprietary T.H.O.R.P hydraulic system. The Forte shares many technical features with the Invicta, from which it draws profound inspiration in terms of design and build quality.
The most important differences can be found in the new pedal plates, with a design more suitable for use without shoes, and a new braking system based on a load cell mechanism. The Forte two-pedal version is offered by Asetek at around €500, a very competitive price considering the qualities of this pedalboard.
The Forte is made entirely of die-cast aluminium and features contrasting details in orange anodised aluminium. The dimensions remain the same as the Invicta, as does the fixing system. The plate features the Asetek Simsport logo and contrasting CNC-machined finishes in the area between the two pedals and in the heel pad area. On the plate we also find an RGB LED strip that can be fully customised in colour and light intensity using RaceHub software.
Behind the gas pedal we find a plastic cover that protects the proprietary 16bit Asetek control board. The pedals retain the same design and construction qualities already seen on the Invicta. They are made of die-cast aluminium with contrasting CNC-machined details and feature a central trellis structure that guarantees a high level of pressure resistance.
The movement is ensured by a ball bearing and a torsion spring that offer an extremely smooth movement and a total absence of unwanted movement. Both pedals are equipped with an aluminium double-ring mechanism for adjusting the initial inclination.
THROTTLE
The throttle pedal is perfectly identical to the one on the Invicta. The only difference is a new pedal plate with a smoother finish that ensures greater comfort.
The mechanism consists of a steel pin that slides inside a plastic slot. Pressure resistance is provided by a compression spring that can be adjusted in preload via an aluminium ring nut. Asetek supplies a second spring with a larger harmonic wire diameter that offers significantly higher pressure resistance. The signal is managed by a Hall sensor that Asetek calls TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) inserted inside the aluminium base. The stroke reading comes via a magnet positioned at the base of the pedal inside a plastic cylinder that excites the Hall sensor.
The signal is surprisingly precise and responds perfectly to every slightest change in pedal inclination. The overall feeback provided by the gas pedal is really good with excellent smoothness and widely adjustable pressure resistance.
BRAKE
The main structure of the brake pedal of the Forte retains the same aesthetic features as seen on the Invicta and the only substantial difference is the pedal plate which is now much more comfortable even without dedicated shoes.
The mechanical operation of the brake, on the other hand, has been profoundly revised by Asetek and the Forte adopts a proprietary system called M.L.C.P.C. This system uses a small load cell mounted at the end of a die-cast aluminium expansion cylinder. The load cell is activated directly by a small compression spring housed inside the steel pin attached to the back of the pedal.
The load cell is subjected to very little mechanical stress in order to preserve its durability. Feedback is provided by an elastomer that is compressed between the compression chamber and an anodised aluminium preload ring. The elastomer is compressed inside the cylinder and gradually expands until it touches the inner walls of the compression chamber.
The feel can be adjusted by replacing the elastomer. In fact, Asetek supplies two elastomers in addition to the default one. The M.L.C.P.C designed by Asetek gives a gradual feedback on the brake pedal that becomes harder as the pressure on the pedal increases, simulating the sensations felt on the brake of a real car.
CONCLUSION
The Forte is controlled by the excellent Race Hub software with attractive graphics and all the settings a simracer needs, including the ability to import and export calibration profile saves. The Forte is undoubtedly an excellent value-for-money pedalboard that combines excellent build quality with a realistic and convincing feel.
