Asetek Invicta Pedals Comparison: THORP II vs. THORP I, Which are Worth the Money?

If you're considering your next pedal upgrade for your sim racing setup, chances are you've come across two very interesting options from Asetek Racing. On one hand, you have the brand new Asetek Racing Invicta Pedals THORP II, and on the other, the refurbished Asetek Racing Invicta Pedals THORP I, Refurbished. This guide aims to answer precisely that question: which of the two is worth your money?

This Asetek Invicta pedals comparison is written for those who truly want to understand the difference between the two products, not just read a superficial feature list. We'll delve into hardware, feel, adjustment options, and especially the price versus what you actually get.

What are Asetek Invicta THORP Pedals, really?

Before we go into detail about differences and similarities, it's worth understanding what the THORP series represents. THORP stands for "The Hydraulic Open-design Racing Pedal," and that says a lot about the ambition behind the design. These are pedals built with hydraulic brake feel at the center and an open frame design that gives you access to every single component.

Asetek Racing is not a brand that makes sim racing equipment for fun. Their tagline says it all: "Created by racers, for racers." This is evident in the level of detail in the THORP series. From the modular construction to the interchangeable load cells, nothing is left to chance.

But the question remains: is it necessary to buy the latest generation, or can you get most of the experience with the THORP I Refurbished at a lower price?

THORP I Refurbished: What do you actually get?

A refurbished product often has a bad reputation, but Asetek Racing is very clear about what "refurbished" means to them. These are units that have been returned, inspected, and serviced to factory standards. You won't receive a product that has seen better days.

THORP I is the first generation of Asetek's flagship pedals and it is still a formidable piece of sim racing equipment. Let's look at what characterizes them:

Hydraulic Brake Simulation
This is the cornerstone of the THORP design. The hydraulic system provides a progressive, natural brake feel reminiscent of a real race car. There's no spring that feels "fat" or "slack," as the system behaves organically.

Load Cell Technology
The brake pedal uses a load cell rather than a traditional position sensor. This means the system reacts to force, not position. This is the same technology used in professional sim setups costing hundreds of thousands of kroner.

Adjustable Geometry
THORP I allows you to adjust pedal placement, angles, and separation, so you can set it up precisely like a real car. This is not a small thing, as pedal feel greatly depends on ergonomics.

Open Frame Design
The open aluminum chassis provides easy access to all parts, making maintenance a simple affair.

As a refurbished product, THORP I gives you access to hydraulic sim racing pedals at a level that would otherwise cost significantly more. This is the primary advantage of this variant in an Asetek Invicta pedals comparison.

THORP II: What's new and what's improved?

Now for the latest generation. THORP II is not a cosmetic update; it's a comprehensive refinement based on feedback from both professional sim racers and the wider community. Here are the most significant improvements:

New Hydraulic Master Cylinder
THORP II comes with an updated hydraulic master cylinder that provides even more consistent brake response. It's subtle but noticeable for those who race regularly and have a good benchmark.

Improved Pedal Platform and Angle Adjustment
The platform's adjustment system has been refined. THORP II offers a more intuitive setup and more adjustment points than its predecessor, which is a clear improvement for those who spend time perfecting ergonomics.

Upgraded Load Cell
The new generation load cell is calibrated to provide even finer graduation in brake response. This is where professional racers and highly engaged enthusiasts will notice a real difference, especially in racing scenarios where every percentage point of brake modulation counts.

Improved Software Integration
THORP II supports Asetek's latest software with more detailed calibration and telemetry options. For those deeply involved in data-driven training and setup work, this is a real advantage.

Material Selection and Finish
Although more aesthetic than functional, the THORP II's finish and surface treatment are more refined. It simply looks sharper on the simulator.

Direct Comparison: What sets them apart?

Here's the core of our Asetek Invicta pedals comparison. Let's pit the two generations against each other on the parameters that actually matter for your driving experience:

Brake Feel and Hydraulics
Both versions have hydraulic brake response, and both are clearly superior to standard spring-based pedals. The THORP II's updated cylinder provides a more consistent and precise response, but the THORP I's hydraulics are certainly not bad. For 90% of sim racers, the difference will not feel dramatic.

Adjustability
THORP II wins here. More adjustment points and a more intuitive system give you more control over the setup. THORP I is still very adjustable compared to mid-range pedals, but THORP II is better.

Software and Calibration
THORP II clearly wins on the software side. If you want to spend time fine-tuning settings and working with data, THORP II is the right choice.

Price
Here the picture changes. THORP I Refurbished sells at a significantly lower price than a new THORP II. The price difference could well equate to what you would otherwise spend on a separate mid-range pedal set. And if you're already satisfied with the basic performance of the THORP I, you're talking about really good money spent.

Warranty and Condition
THORP II is new and comes with a full warranty. THORP I Refurbished has been inspected and certified by Asetek, but it is naturally not the same as an unused unit. Asetek guarantees the quality, but it's a nuance you should be aware of.

Who should choose THORP I Refurbished?

This part of the Asetek Invicta pedals comparison is about your starting point as a sim racer. THORP I Refurbished is an obvious choice if:

• You are moving up from entry-level or mid-range pedals and want to experience hydraulic brake response for the first time.
• Budget is a real factor and you want maximum quality for your money.
• You don't depend on the latest software integration or need the most advanced adjustment options.
• You are satisfied with "extremely good" rather than "absolutely best on the market."

It's also worth noting that THORP I as a refurbished product is a sustainable choice. You extend the lifespan of hardware that might otherwise sit unused, and that's an angle that counts for many.

Who should choose THORP II?

THORP II is the answer for you if:

• You are an experienced sim racer who has already tried hydraulic pedals and wants the absolute best.
• You work seriously with setup data and calibration and want the most advanced software integration.
• The price difference between new and refurbished is not crucial to your decision.
• You want a full warranty and the peace of mind that comes with a new product.
• You are building a complete high-end setup, perhaps combined with, for example, a MOZA R21 Direct Drive WheelBase or Asetek Racing Invicta Wheelbase 27 Nm, Refurbished, and you want a setup that matches in generation and performance.

Mounting and Compatibility: What you need to know

Regardless of whether you choose THORP I or THORP II, it's important to understand the mounting. Both pedal sets are designed to fit standard rig mounts, but depending on your cockpit setup, you may need additional accessories.

If you're using a setup that requires special mounting, take a look at the Asetek Racing Bottom Mount, which is designed specifically for Invicta pedals and ensures stable and precise mounting in your rig.

Both versions communicate via USB and are plug-and-play compatible with all major sim racing titles including iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Le Mans Ultimate. The Asetek software is free and regularly updated.

What about other pedals in Asetek's lineup?

For completeness, it's worth mentioning that Asetek has other pedal alternatives if the THORP series doesn't match your needs or budget. The Asetek Racing Forte Pedal Set is a strong contender in a lower price range, and the Asetek Racing Initium Pedals are the entry-level solution for those new to the game. But if you're serious enough to consider the THORP series, you're probably ready to invest in the hydraulic experience.

Our conclusion on this Asetek Invicta pedals comparison

It's not a simple answer, but it's not a difficult choice either when you know your own priorities.

THORP I Refurbished is an exceptional deal for those who want top-class hydraulic pedals without paying top-class prices for the latest generation. The performance is excellent, Asetek ensures quality in the refurbishing process, and you get access to an experience that normally falls into a significantly higher price segment.

THORP II is the right choice for you if you want the best without compromise. The improved hydraulics, deeper adjustability, and advanced software integration make it the absolute flagship, and it shows.

Whatever you choose, both products deliver on the promise of sim racing built by racers for racers. It's not marketing rhetoric; it's a real difference you feel the first time you press the brake pedal and feel the hydraulics work.

Ready to upgrade? Find the right pedals for your rig here

Have you decided, or would you like to compare directly? Here are the two options:

If you want the latest and greatest, go directly to the Asetek Racing Invicta Pedals THORP II and experience the second generation of hydraulic pedals from Asetek Racing.

If you want maximum quality at the best price, then the Asetek Racing Invicta Pedals THORP I, Refurbished is your answer. Certified, inspected, and ready to take your sim racing to the next level.

Do you have questions about the choice, mounting, or compatibility with your current rig? Write to us, we are sim racers just like you and will help you find the right setup.