Sports steering wheel for a car - what are there and how to choose the right one

Most motorists work hard to make their iron horse as presentable as possible. For this, there are different options for budget tuning. We have previously covered one of these options is sticker bombing.

Now let's talk about the internal equipment of the car. Replacing some standard elements with an analogue gives the ordinary interior a touch of sporty style. An example of this is the installation of a sports steering wheel. This element is especially required if the car body already has a sporty finish or the car participates in competitions.

But before you start choosing an accessory, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Any tuning has its advantages, but there are also some disadvantages. So, here are the benefits of installing a sports steering wheel:

• The interior of the car is changing. Even an ordinary budget car acquires original features, thanks to which it stands out from the gray mass.
• Any sport-graded steering wheel is designed for improved grip and maximum concentration for the driver.
• Improves vehicle responsiveness when cornering.
• Most often, a sports steering wheel has a reduced diameter, which increases the free space around the driver. Tall drivers will especially appreciate it.

On the other side of the "scales" are the following factors:

• The reduced handlebar diameter will affect the effort required to turn the wheels. This is especially noticeable for models of steering racks that are not equipped with an amplifier.
• During an accident, a sports steering wheel is more traumatic than a conventional analogue, because it is most often based on metal.
• In addition to the steering wheel, sports cars are equipped with special seats and other elements that increase driver safety. In road cars, all this is missing, which is why installing only the considered accessory can be more dangerous than practical.
• There is a high likelihood of getting a fake model of a leading manufacturer. It may not even meet government standards, which increases the risk of serious injury.
• The sports version does not provide for the installation of an airbag.
• Individual Incompatibility - A new accessory after installation may obstruct important dashboard readings or road views. Sometimes, due to an incorrectly selected model, it becomes inconvenient for the driver to activate the steering column switches.
• If the car undergoes a technical inspection, then in most cases it is this accessory that will immediately attract the attention of specialists, and they will force you to change it to a standard one.

After the driver has taken into account all the advantages and disadvantages of such a modification, you can proceed to the choice of accessory and factors that should be taken into account during installation.

Types of sports steering wheels

The modern auto accessories industry offers its customers a huge selection of different options. Moreover, there is not only the opportunity to choose from what material the model will be made, but also what shape it will have.

For example, round, flattened at the poles, with two or three needles, with increased overhang and so on are designed. Many handlebars have lugs that improve grip.

Most companies offering budget products often sell fakes, but very similar to the original. It is better to look for a store for purchasing such an accessory that sells original parts from leading manufacturers. For example, good models can be found among the products of the Momo, Nardi or Sparco companies. Of course, such a "steering wheel" will cost decently, but the driver will be sure that the steering wheel will not cause an accident in an emergency.

How to choose a sports steering wheel?

The easiest way is to go to the nearest car market and choose your favorite steering wheel from the category of sports accessories. However, you should not expect quality from such products, because it is still a fake, although the performance is sometimes good.

Do not immediately rush to the model with the inscription of a famous brand. Often this is just an advertisement, which many people take for a brand name. To be sure that the original part is being purchased, it is better to go to a specialized store. Such a company must provide a certificate of quality - this will be powerful proof that the accessory is not fake.

What to consider

These are the factors to consider when choosing a sports steering wheel modification. First, its shape should be as round as possible. This design is the most convenient for a comfortable turn for several turns.

Secondly, the steering wheel should be comfortable to use. This is more important than the beauty of the item. A practical model should be chosen. In places where the driver will most often hold his hands (for how to properly hold the wheel, read in a separate review), the wheel must be covered with leather or perforated leatherette. This will prevent the palms from fogging.

Third, leather is less practical on sports cars than on road cars. The reason is that when making difficult maneuvers during sporting events, the driver must be more active at the wheel. And because of stress and frequent maneuvers, his palms will sweat more. For this reason, it is best to use a suede braid.

Fourth, if the driver is tall and the car is cramped, then a model with a cut-off steering wheel in the lower part is useful. This will increase comfort during embarkation and disembarkation. But it should be borne in mind that the reduced steering wheel will require more effort to turn. And one more thing - when choosing an accessory, you should consider whether it will be compatible with the signal button and steering column switches.

Sports steering wheel requirements

In addition to personal preferences, the motorist must take into account the requirements that apply to the vehicle controls. You need to select a model based on the characteristics of the owner of the car: grip, arm length and height.

Here are the important parameters to pay attention to:

1. The sports steering wheel should not cover important tidy signals, although in the case of a reduced diameter this cannot be completely avoided;
2. The new element should not interfere with the use of the switches located on the steering column;
3. In a car equipped with airbags, the installation of a sports "steering wheel" automatically implies the dismantling of one of the most important parts of the driver's safety. This is the biggest disadvantage regarding the purchase of such products;
4. In a car without power steering, too small a diameter of the steering wheel will lead to rapid driver fatigue, as he will have to exert more effort, especially when driving at low speeds and in parking lots.
5. When deciding on the model of the accessory, you should pay attention to the mount. It may differ from the standard one, so a special adapter may be required.

The next criterion (upholstery material) can be divided into several categories:

1. Leather. This modification looks rich and goes well with the leather interior. However, budget models often have too thin material, which tears quickly with considerable effort. In order for the leather to retain its beauty and durability, you need to take care of it (for some recommendations on caring for leather goods in a car, read here).
2. From leatherette. This material is most often used, since it is cheaper and less likely to crack. It is perforated to prevent fogging of the palms.
3. Alcantara. The material is more pleasant to the touch, and also resistant to constant contact with hands. Does not absorb cigarette smoke and does not need any special care. The color does not fade if the car is parked in an open parking lot.
4. Made of plastic and rubber. This is the very last thing a driver who wants to make his car sporty can agree to. Punching is impossible on such materials, and when the palms start to sweat, the steering wheel can slip out of the hands.
5. Combined modification. This modification is also common in the market. When choosing this option, you should pay attention not only to the aesthetics of the product, but to how practical and safe it will be.

When buying an original steering wheel, it will always be a high-quality and reliable accessory. If we dwell on budget models, then the very first thing that happens in their case is that they lose their appearance relatively quickly.

One of the most practical modifications that can be used in cars without power steering is a steering wheel with a diameter of at least 350 millimeters. In parking lots and in narrow alleys, the smaller option will be very inconvenient. If the car has an amplifier, then you can choose any convenient accessory.

Table: comparison of characteristics

Here is a small comparison chart of some of the popular sports-grade handlebars:

Model:	Manufacturer:	Dimensions:	Material:	Structure:	Features:
Simoni Racing x4 Carbon Look	Italy	35 see.	Grip - genuine leather; carbon look insert	Three-spoke	Inseam; Irregular circle with different lugs for improved grip; Depending on the car model, the dashboard does not overlap and the steering column switches are not too far away
Simoni Racing Barchetta Leather Plus	Italy	36 see.	Leather, perforated leatherette	Three-spoke	Spoke pad, which must be removed to fix the steering wheel to the column; It is possible to choose the color of the inner insert; Shape - circle
Simoni Racing x3 Competition	Italy	33 see.	Perforated leather	Three-spoke, flattened at the poles	Exceptionally sporty option; Inconvenient for turns for several turns - unusual interception; It is possible to choose the color of the skin; Immediately striking; At the level of the thumbs there are buttons for a sound signal; In the upper part above the mount to the speaker there are three LEDs that can be connected to as additional indicators, for example, activation of a turn signal or brake lights
Sparco LAP5	Italy	35 see.	Perforated leather; suede leather	Three-spoke	Simple and stylish design with a regular circle shape; The horizontal spokes have grooves for the thumbs, which increases grip comfort; To reach the switches on the column, you do not need to take your hand off the steering wheel; The tidy in most cars does not overlap
Sparco Color	Italy	33 see.	Plain or perforated leather	Three-spoke	It is possible to choose the color of the casing; The steering column switches are available; More often the instrument panel closes slightly due to the reduced diameter
PRO Sport Type R	U.S.	35 see.	Perforated or regular leather	Three-spoke	On the 9/15 and 10/14 levels, lugs are made for better grip; Restrained colors; Shape - perfect circle; Well suited for production cars without tuning
PRO Sport Rally	U.S.	35 see.	Genuine Leather	Three-spoke	Ideal for a car participating in rally competitions, since the shape is a perfect circle, and the spokes are bent so that the driver does not constantly cling to the steering column switches; In urban conditions, a little uncomfortable, since the switches are far away, which is why you need to throw the steering wheel to turn on turn or wipers

Important points to consider when installing a sports steering wheel

First of all, when purchasing a similar modification of an accessory, you need to pay attention to its fastening. In most cases, the sports model is not fixed directly to the steering column, but through an adapter.

It is worth checking with the seller how dangerous a particular product is during an accident. Of course, no one is planning to get into an accident, and let these accidents become less and less around the world. But the reality does not yet allow us to neglect the elements of passive safety.

Another plus in favor of original parts - before being certified, they undergo a set of tests not only for reliability, but also for safety. Since the sports steering wheel is devoid of an airbag, it should be of better quality than the standard analogue.

Current rating

Here are some of the popular models:

1. The three-spoke steering wheel from OMP Corsica is a rally model, as the spokes have an offset of almost 10 centimeters;
2. Sparco model R333 has a small offset (almost 4 centimeters), wheel diameter - 33 cm;
3. OMP Rally model - another rally, but already two-spoke modification, the diameter of which is 35 cm;
4. Sparco Model R383 is an original 33-spoke model with thumb buttons. For convenience, you can make a multimedia steering wheel out of it. Diameter - XNUMX cm. Ideal for cars with hydraulic booster;
5. The original Momo GTR2 sports steering wheel has a beautiful design and multiple lugs for a comfortable grip. Wheel diameter - 350 mm .;
6. Monza L550 from Sparco. Departure - 63 millimeters, diameter - 35 centimeters;
7. Sparco Mod Drifting. Silicone braid, diameter 35 cm, overhang - almost 8 centimeters. Perfectly true to its name and suitable for similar competitions;
8. Another model from Sparco is the Sabelt GT. The sheath is suede, without overhang, and the wheel diameter is 330 millimeters. Very similar to the racing car model;
9. The same Italian manufacturer offers the Ring L360 for cars participating in circuit competitions. Facilitates the precise maneuvers of a powerful vehicle. The manufacturer offers two options for braiding: leather or suede. Wheel diameter - 330 mm;
10. Competition 350 from Momo. The shape of an ideal circle, however, it is worth considering that its center may be slightly displaced;
11. One of the smallest accessories is the OMP model, which measures only 30 centimeters in diameter;
12. An elegant and convenient option is presented by Sabelt. The Sardinia SW699 has a suede braid and a wheel diameter of 330 millimeters;
13. The Momo Quark Black models also look stylish. They have polyurethane and leather inserts. Diameter - 35 centimeters. The buyer can choose several color options.

This is just a small list of models presented by the world's leading manufacturers of sports accessories for auto tuning. When purchasing a steering wheel, you should require documentation - if there is no certificate, then it will be a fake.

In conclusion - a short video about installing a sports modification instead of a standard steering wheel:

Classic momo sports steering wheel | Height adjustment of the steering wheel VAZ-2106