HORI Racing Wheel Apex: Wheel Drift & Setup Issues Review

Data basis: I analyzed hundreds of buyer comments and product feedback collected from written reviews and video demonstrations between Feb 2022 and Jan 2026. Most feedback came from written reviews, supported by video demos, with a mix of first-time buyers and repeat users.

Top failures

Why does the wheel seem to steer itself or feel offset after setup?

Regret moment: You notice the car pulling or inputs feeling wrong during the first race, making precise turns hard.

Pattern: This is a primary complaint that appears repeatedly across buyers.

When it shows up: It appears during first use and can return after firmware changes or long sessions.

Category contrast: Drift is more disruptive than expected because mid-range wheels usually hold stable after simple calibration.

What's wrong with the pedals and braking feel?

• Early sign: Pedal travel feels soft from the first session and lacks firm resistance.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary issue seen commonly, especially by users who race longer than 30 minutes.
• Cause hint: Pedal springs or mechanisms appear less durable than category norms.
• Impact: Soft pedals reduce braking precision, making lap consistency harder to achieve.
• Fix attempts: Buyers report temporary fixes like pedal angle changes, but these add extra steps and rarely fully restore precision.

Why does the clamp or mount shift during long play?

• Early sign: The wheel moves slightly on tight corners or when you push hard on the wheel.
• Usage anchor: This happens during long sessions and when the clamp isn’t perfectly tightened.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary but persistent complaint across many buyers.
• Root cause: The clamp system feels basic compared to heavier-duty brackets found on other mid-range wheels.
• Impact: Shifting mount affects steering consistency and immersion in race sims.
• Fixability: Users often add aftermarket support or desk pads, adding cost and setup time.

Why is setup fiddly, and why is 270° rotation limiting for serious racers?

• Initial stumble: Out of the box, the wheel needs firm calibration to feel usable in many sims.
• Pattern: Setup friction is a primary pattern seen in many threads and demos.
• When it worsens: It becomes obvious when switching games or using customized control maps.
• Category contrast: Typical mid-range wheels often offer wider rotation or easier switching, so 270° feels limiting for some titles.
• Hidden requirement: Serious racers need to use the manufacturer app for firmware and profile changes to get acceptable performance.
• Impact: Extra app use adds time and complexity before you can race comfortably.
• Attempted fixes: Players reduce in-game steering sensitivity, which compromises realism and handling.

Illustrative excerpts

Excerpt: "Steering slowly pulls left after five minutes of play, ruins a clean lap." — Primary pattern.

Excerpt: "Pedal felt soft and spongy even after adjusting angle and tension." — Secondary pattern.

Excerpt: "Clamp creaked and shifted during a long endurance race." — Secondary pattern.

Excerpt: "Had to use the app every time I switched games, annoying extra steps." — Edge-case pattern.

Who should avoid this

Competitive sim racers: Avoid if you need tight steering precision and firm pedals right away.

Long-session players: Avoid if you play long endurance races and cannot tolerate clamp shifting or pedal fatigue.

Buyers wanting plug-and-play: Avoid if you expect minimal setup and no firmware or app fiddling.

Who this is actually good for

Casual racers: Good for casual play where perfect precision is not required and occasional recalibration is acceptable.

Budget-conscious buyers: Good if you accept trade-offs on pedal feel and mounting for a lower price point.

Console-first players: Acceptable for PS4/PS5 users who want an officially licensed product and don't need higher rotation or force feedback.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation (reasonable for category): A mid-range wheel will require minimal calibration for stable steering.

Reality: The Apex often needs repeated calibration and app tweaks, making setup harder than expected.

Expectation: Pedals should feel firm enough for consistent braking during long sessions.

Reality: Pedal softness reduces braking precision and adds regret for players expecting better feel.

Safer alternatives

• Pick firmer pedals: Choose wheels with known pedal upgrades or metal pedal sets to neutralize soft pedal feel.
• Prefer wider rotation: Look for wheels offering 900° or adjustable rotation if you need full-range realism.
• Check clamp reviews: Buy models with reinforced clamps or included mounting rigs to avoid mid-session shifting.
• Minimal app dependence: Favor plug-and-play wheels if you want less firmware and profile maintenance.

The bottom line

Main regret trigger: The combination of wheel drift and soft pedals creates real frustration for precision driving.

Why it exceeds category risk: Drift plus pedal weakness together is more disruptive than typical single-issue problems on similar wheels.

Verdict: Avoid this model if you need precise steering and firm braking without extra setup and aftermarket fixes.