Struggling to find a sim racing wheel that truly feels like a high-end Formula experience? Well, the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula wheel is a must, packed with innovative features and incredible build quality that really puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s truly a top-tier choice for serious enthusiasts. This isn’t just any steering wheel. it’s a command center for your virtual race car, designed to give you that competitive edge with its advanced features and immersive technology. Crafted with a full carbon fiber body and boasting multiple high-resolution displays, this wheel offers deep customization through SimHub, making it a significant investment. However, many dedicated sim racers who demand the best consider its around €1360 / $1500 price tag worth every penny for the immersive performance it delivers. Just remember, this beast is built for PC use only, so console racers might need to look elsewhere.
What Makes the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula Stand Out?
When you’re shelling out for a premium sim racing wheel, you expect something special, right? The Rexing Mayaris 2 doesn’t just meet expectations. it often blows them away. From the moment you lay eyes on it, you can tell this isn’t your average peripheral. It’s the kind of gear that makes you lean forward in your seat, ready to shave seconds off your lap times.
Unboxing the Future: First Impressions
Let’s be real, the “wow” factor often starts before you even plug anything in. With the Rexing Mayaris 2, that moment is undeniable.
The biggest showstopper for me, and for many, is its entirely hand-made carbon fiber casing. This isn’t just a carbon fiber faceplate. we’re talking about the whole structure, front to back, lovingly crafted in the EU. It glistens under the light and gives the wheel an incredible sense of rigidity, which is super important for feeling every bit of force feedback your wheelbase throws at you. Plus, this extensive use of carbon fiber keeps the weight down to a ridiculously light 1.15 kg without the quick release, making it significantly lighter than some of its rivals like the McLaren Artura Ultimate or the Asetek Invicta. That lightweight design translates directly into a more detailed and clearer force feedback experience, letting you feel everything the car is doing on track.
Now, when it comes to holding onto this beauty, the polyurethane rubber grips are designed for both comfort and durability. With an oval grip section of 42x26mm at its thickest, it feels substantial and well-contoured in your hands. Some folks, myself included sometimes, find these types of rubber grips can feel a little “sticky” or pick up dirt and skin cells, especially if you’re not wearing gloves. But honestly, if you’re serious about sim racing with a wheel like this, you’re probably rocking a good pair of racing gloves anyway, which makes this a non-issue and enhances the feel even more. It’s all about getting that secure, confident grip through intense racing sessions.
A Visual Feast: Screens and LEDs Galore
One of the first things you’ll notice when you power up the Mayaris 2 is just how much information it can throw at you, right there on the wheel. It’s like having a mini dashboard built directly into your hands. Rexing M2 2K Front and Rear Mirror Dash Cam: Your Complete Guide
At the heart of it all is a vibrant 5-inch touchscreen LCD display with a sharp 854 x 480 resolution. This isn’t just for show. it’s your primary window into vital telemetry data, lap times, tire temps, and whatever else you configure via SimHub. The display is large enough to see easily and reacts quickly, crucial for making those split-second decisions mid-race. Around this main screen, you’ve got RGB LEDs that you can customize to light up with your RPMs or flash for marshal flags, adding another layer of visual feedback that helps keep your eyes on the track.
But wait, there’s more! Above the central switches, you’ll find three additional OLED screens. These little displays are incredibly handy. They show you what functions your central switches are currently set to, or you can customize them to display specific text or data. This means you’re not just guessing what that rotary encoder is doing. you can see it clearly, making on-the-fly adjustments much more intuitive.
And then there are the 10 RGB illuminated push-buttons. These aren’t just any buttons. they’re high-quality Apem brand with a satisfying 3.5N actuation force and 1mm travel. You can configure their brightness and even their color though the color itself is fixed for each button, you can adjust the backlight intensity to match your setup or racing preferences. Combined with the 11 RPM RGB LEDs and 6 additional marshal RGB LEDs, your wheel becomes a dynamic, colorful indicator of everything happening in your race, pulling you deeper into the simulation.
Unrivaled Control: Inputs and Paddles
What truly sets a high-end sim racing wheel apart is the sheer amount of control it offers, and how intuitively you can access that control. The Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula is a masterclass in this, giving you an almost overwhelming number of options right at your fingertips. Rexing M2 Camera: Your Ultimate Guide to a Safer Drive
Buttons, Encoders, and Multi-Switches
Let’s talk numbers: this wheel boasts an impressive up to 125 total available inputs. That’s a huge amount, probably more than you’ll ever need, but it means you’ll never be short of a button or a dial for that crucial setting. You can map these inputs to just about anything – car controls, Windows settings, or even motion platform commands, which is incredibly convenient.
You’ve got six thumb rotary encoders – four by Elma with a firmer, defined click, and two by Alps with a softer click. The middle left and right encoders even have a push function, adding another layer of control. These are perfectly placed for quick, intuitive adjustments like brake bias, ABS, or traction control without taking your hands off the wheel. Then there are two multi-switches that are super clever. they act simultaneously as a rotary encoder, a digital joystick, and a button. This gives you a ton of versatility for navigating menus, adjusting in-car settings, or even using them as a funky switch for black box navigation in iRacing. Everything from the knobs to the LCD bezel is crafted from aluminum, giving you a premium, tactile feel with every interaction.
The Art of Shifting: Magnetic and Clutch Paddles
Shifting gears should feel precise, satisfying, and responsive, and the Mayaris 2 nails this with its magnetic paddle shifters. They use hall sensors for precision, and Rexing has engineered them to be both firm and quiet, thanks to clever rubber stops that reduce the click sound. This means you get that satisfying, tactile “thunk” without waking up the whole house.
For those crucial race starts and tricky pit exits, the hall-effect clutch paddles are a dream. They offer a linear output and, critically, a digitally adjustable bite point. You can even save up to six bite point presets directly on the wheel and choose between two different modes fixed main/secondary or auto-priority, giving you ultimate control over your launches. This level of on-the-fly adjustment is a huge advantage when every millisecond counts.
And if you want even more control, there’s an optional third set of paddles. These are a marvel, offering dual push/pull action, meaning each paddle gives you two inputs. They also feature additional latching actions where a button stays “pressed” until you press it again and the ability to set multiple button presses for each paddle position, from 2 to 20 presses. This is incredibly useful for things like rapidly adjusting brake bias or other quick, repeated inputs without repeatedly mashing a button. It’s a truly innovative feature that shows Rexing’s dedication to advanced functionality. Rexing Mayaris 2 Review: Is This Carbon Fiber Beast the Ultimate Sim Racing Wheel?
Seamless Integration: Software and Compatibility
Having all these buttons, screens, and paddles means nothing if you can’t make them work for you. Thankfully, the Rexing Mayaris 2 plays nice with the software that matters most to sim racers.
SimHub: Your Customization Powerhouse
The Mayaris 2 comes with native SimHub support, and this is where the magic really happens. Rexing doesn’t provide its own proprietary software, which might seem odd at first, but leaning on SimHub is actually a huge advantage. It means you get a powerful, community-driven platform for configuring and customizing every single display, LED, and button on the wheel. You can create custom dashboards for the main 5-inch screen, personalize the RPM and marshal LEDs to react precisely to in-game telemetry, and map all 120+ inputs to your heart’s content. Whether you want to show tire temperatures, fuel levels, or your position relative to competitors, SimHub makes it possible, giving you an unparalleled level of visual and functional customization.
Beyond SimHub, the wheel also offers some handy on-wheel settings. You can adjust the clutch bite point, tweak the brightness of your shift lights, buttons, and central switches, and even configure advanced features like “quick shift” modes for reverse or neutral, “brake magic” to slightly engage brakes for heating during safety car periods, and “throttle hold”. This blend of deep software customization and convenient on-wheel adjustments gives you a lot of flexibility to fine-tune your setup without constantly alt-tabbing out of your race.
Plug-and-Play Mostly: Connectivity
Now for compatibility: the Rexing Mayaris 2 is designed exclusively for PC use. So, if you’re primarily a console racer on PlayStation or Xbox, unfortunately, this wheel won’t work with your setup. This focus on PC allows for the deep SimHub integration and high level of customization that console platforms typically don’t support. Is the Rexing S1 Pro Dash Cam Worth It? My Honest Review
Attaching the wheel to your wheelbase is straightforward thanks to its non-proprietary universal mounting hub. It accepts both 50.8mm and 70mm quick release systems. This means you can easily pair it with popular direct drive wheelbases from brands like Simucube, Fanatec with their Podium Hub, Asetek, Moza Racing, and many others, assuming you have the correct quick release attachment. This flexibility is a huge plus, as it means you’re not locked into a specific ecosystem.
For power and data, the wheel connects to your PC via a high-quality USB spiral cable. While the wheel can function without one, Rexing and user experience highly recommends using a powered USB hub. This ensures maximum brightness for all those glorious LEDs and the touchscreen display, and helps prevent any potential power-related issues, especially if you have a long cable or multiple USB devices connected.
The Driving Experience: Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, all the features and specs come down to one thing: how does it feel when you’re racing? And more importantly, does it justify the premium price tag?
On-Track Performance
When you get this wheel on your rig and start driving, it truly shines. The lightweight carbon fiber construction 1.15 kg isn’t just a talking point. it’s a critical factor in the driving experience. Because the wheel is so light, the force feedback from your direct drive wheelbase is transmitted with incredible clarity and detail directly to your hands. You’ll feel subtle nuances on the track, curbs, and tire slip much more vividly than with heavier wheels, which can dampen those sensations. This enhanced feedback translates into greater control and a more immersive connection to the virtual car. As one reviewer put it, “all the details and force of the wheelbase are more clearly conveyed back to my hands”. Charging Smart: Everything You Need to Know About the Rexing Level 1 EV Charger
Despite its lightness, the Mayaris 2 is incredibly rigid. There’s absolutely no flex or unwanted movement, even during aggressive steering inputs. This solid, confidence-inspiring feel is a testament to the hand-made carbon fiber construction. Everything feels planted and responsive. The precise input mapping, seamless integration with SimHub, and responsive controls create an experience that feels as close to real-life racing as you can get from a simulator. You’ll find yourself making intuitive adjustments, reacting quicker, and ultimately feeling more at one with the car.
The Price Tag: A Premium Investment
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. Retailing at around €1360 / $1500 before VAT and any optional extras like the push/pull paddles or a pre-installed quick release, the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula is firmly in the luxury category of sim racing wheels. It’s competing against some big names and established brands in the high-end market.
So, is it worth it? For dedicated sim racing enthusiasts, especially those who focus on Formula-style racing, the answer from many users is a resounding yes. Reviewers often praise its “unparalleled functionality and customization options” and “exceptional build quality”. Some even go as far as to say that this wheel “will change your life and your vision of sim-racing” if you primarily race Formula cars. While it’s a significant investment, the value it offers through its innovative design, the immersive experience it provides, and the sheer level of control it puts in your hands makes it a compelling choice. It’s for those who aren’t just looking for a good wheel, but for one that pushes the boundaries of what a sim racing peripheral can be, delivering a truly elite-grade experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quick release systems are compatible with the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula?
The Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula steering wheel features a non-proprietary aluminum hub that is compatible with both 50.8mm and 70mm quick release patterns. This means it can easily be used with popular direct drive wheelbases from brands like Simucube, Fanatec with their Podium Hub, Asetek, Moza Racing, and others, provided you have the appropriate quick release adapter. Unlocking Road Safety: Your Guide to Rexing Dashcams – The Ultimate Digital Co-Pilots
Does the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula require additional software?
Yes, the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula requires SimHub software for its full functionality. Rexing itself doesn’t provide dedicated proprietary software. SimHub is essential for configuring the main 5-inch touchscreen display, the three OLED screens, all RGB LEDs RPM, marshal, and button backlights, and for mapping the extensive number of inputs to your preference.
Can I use the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula with a gaming console?
No, the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula is designed exclusively for PC use. It is not compatible with gaming consoles such as PlayStation or Xbox. This PC-only focus allows for its deep customization capabilities through software like SimHub, which are not available on console platforms.
How many inputs does the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula offer?
The Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula is packed with control options, offering a total of up to 125 programmable inputs. These inputs include 10 RGB illuminated push-buttons, 6 thumb rotary encoders with push functions on some, 2 multi-switches functioning as an encoder, joystick, and button, 3 central switches, magnetic paddle shifters, hall-effect clutch paddles, and optional push/pull auxiliary paddles.
Is a powered USB hub necessary for the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula?
While the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula can sometimes work without one, using a powered USB hub is highly recommended and often required for optimal performance. A powered hub ensures that the wheel receives sufficient power to run all its displays and RGB LEDs at their maximum brightness levels without issues, especially if you’re using a long USB cable or have many other USB devices connected to your PC.
What type of grips does the Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula use?
The Rexing Mayaris 2 Formula steering wheel uses polyurethane rubber grips. These grips are designed for both comfort and durability, providing a secure hold during intense racing sessions. The grip section has an oval shape, measuring 42 x 26mm at its thickest point. While some users might find this type of rubber to be a bit “sticky” or prone to picking up dirt without gloves, it generally offers excellent ergonomics and a confident feel. Is J1772 a Fast Charger? Unpacking EV Charging Speeds
|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Rexing Mayaris 2 Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
Leave a Reply