Asetek SimSports XL Handles: Fit, Grip and Care Guide

By AdvancedSimRacing.com | North America's leading | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: How-to Guides

Make your Asetek formula wheel fit properly with XL handles. Follow the fit checks, install steps and grip care routine that keep your hands comfortable and your wheel tight.

Quick answer

Install Asetek SimSports XL Handles only on compatible Asetek formula button boxes and formula wheels, then adjust your seating and wheel position so your fingers wrap the grips without stretching. Clean the grips regularly and recheck the mounting hardware to keep the fit secure.

Why handle size changes more than comfort

A larger handle changes how your hand closes around the wheel, which affects wrist angle, steering precision and how long you can drive without cramping. If your fingers overlap or your palms sit awkwardly on the standard grips, an XL handle can bring your hand into a more natural position.

The trade-off is that a larger grip is not automatically better for every driver. Smaller hands may struggle to reach buttons or paddle shifters with XL handles, so treat the upgrade as a fit decision rather than a performance upgrade.

Compatibility limits you should check first

Asetek SimSports XL Handles are designed for Asetek Racing Formula Button Boxes and Formula Wheels, including the Forte Formula Steering Wheel. They are not a universal grip and should not be forced onto other wheel platforms. If your wheel is not an Asetek formula model, the XL handles are not the right part for you.

Because the catalog does not list every compatible wheel model, confirm your exact wheel and button box before ordering. This is a decision limitation, not a reason to guess.

Step-by-step: fit, install and care for XL handles

Confirm your wheel and button box: Identify your exact Asetek formula wheel and button box model, then verify it against the compatibility list. Common mistake: assuming any Asetek wheel accepts the XL handles without checking the formula-specific requirement. If your wheel is not an Asetek formula model, stop and choose a different grip solution.
Remove the original handles carefully: Power down the simulator, then remove the standard handles using the correct fasteners for your wheel. Keep the screws and any spacers together in a tray. Common mistake: rushing the removal and stripping a screw head or losing small hardware. Lay out the removed parts in order so reassembly is easier.
Test-fit the XL handles before tightening: Place each XL handle on the wheel and check that the mounting holes align and the handle sits flush against the button box. Common mistake: tightening one side fully before checking the other, which can pull the handle out of alignment. Both handles should sit flush before you apply final torque.
Tighten evenly and check clearance: Secure the fasteners in a cross pattern, then check that the handles do not interfere with paddles, buttons or your fingers at full lock. Common mistake: over-tightening and cracking the handle or button box. Turn the wheel lock to lock slowly and listen for rubbing or creaking.
Adjust your seating position: Move your seat and wheel base so your wrists stay neutral and your fingers wrap the XL grips without stretching. Common mistake: keeping the old seating position and reaching for the wheel, which defeats the purpose of the larger handles. A short test drive should feel relaxed in the hands and shoulders.
Clean and inspect the grips regularly: Wipe the handles with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth after heavy use, and check the fasteners for looseness every few sessions. Common mistake: using harsh solvents that degrade the grip surface or ignoring a handle that has started to move. Add a quick grip and fastener check to your regular rig maintenance.

Product facts

Asetek SimSports XL Handles: The XL Formula Handles are compatible with Asetek Racing Formula Button Boxes and Formula Wheels, including the Forte Formula Steering Wheel. Check your wheel against this list before buying, because these handles are not a universal fit.
Asetek SimSports XL Handles