Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II Review: A Top-Tier Hydraulic Pedal Set

The Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II is the flagship Sim Racing pedal set from Asetek Racing. It combines a hydraulic brake pedal with a standalone throttle pedal, making it ideal for drivers who want precise brake control, improved trail braking, and greater braking consistency compared with entry-level pedal sets.

Its main strength is not simply the stiffness of the brake pedal, but its two-stage braking system, which is designed to reproduce a feel closer to the braking system of a real race car. The initial stage allows the driver to modulate brake pressure precisely before moving into a firmer second stage with stronger and more clearly defined resistance.

The T.H.O.R.P. II also addresses feedback from the original version by offering increased pedal travel and more adjustment options. This allows it to suit both drivers who prefer a short and firm race-car-style brake pedal and those who prefer longer pedal travel for easier pressure control.

Materials and Design of the Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II

The Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II uses aluminum as its primary construction material, giving it a strong, solid, and premium feel. It is clearly designed for installation on a serious cockpit or aluminum profile rig.

The pedals come in a black finish with orange and silver accents, giving them a distinctly motorsport-inspired character rather than the appearance of a conventional gaming pedal set. In person, the design and finish genuinely look as premium as the price suggests.

Because this is an S-Series model, the brake and throttle pedals are separate units. Users can independently adjust the spacing and position of each pedal to match their seating position, body size, and cockpit layout. This provides more flexibility than pedal sets mounted on a single shared base. Asetek states that the distance between the brake and throttle can be adjusted up to 400 mm.

The pedal set is compatible with PC only. It can be connected directly to a computer through USB or connected through a compatible port on an Asetek wheelbase.

Because of the weight of the pedals and the amount of braking force involved, the set should be securely mounted to a strong pedal plate. It is not suitable for loose placement on the floor because it may move under heavy braking. This is especially important because the brake pedal is relatively firm, similar to other high-end pedal systems.

Hydraulic Brake Feel and Trail Braking Control

The heart of this pedal set is the T.H.O.R.P. II Hydraulic Brake, which is designed to simulate the pressure and behavior of a hydraulic braking system through a two-stage mechanism.

During the initial stage of pedal travel, the driver can gradually increase or release brake pressure with greater precision. This makes braking modulation and trail braking into a corner feel more natural and controllable.

When the pedal is pressed further into the second stage, resistance becomes firmer. This creates a sensation similar to a real braking system building full hydraulic pressure.

The T.H.O.R.P. II offers pedal travel of up to approximately 40 mm, which is more than 40% greater than the previous version. Users are therefore no longer limited to a short and extremely firm brake pedal feel.

The system can be adjusted to suit GT, Formula, Rally, or other driving styles. This flexibility allows drivers with different preferences to tune the pedal feel more freely.

The included elastomers can be removed and replaced to adjust pedal firmness and brake travel. The light green elastomer provides the softest level of resistance, while the red elastomer provides the firmest level.

Based on feedback from reviewers and media who have tested the pedals, the increased initial travel makes braking modulation and trail braking easier than on the previous version while preserving the strong resistance at the end of the pedal stroke.

The throttle pedal provides smooth and progressive resistance with a clearly defined end stop, making it suitable for gradually applying power on corner exit.

Pedal Adjustment and Tuning Through RaceHub

Asetek designed the main adjustment points of the T.H.O.R.P. II system to be easy to access. Orange components are used to make the adjustment areas clearly visible.

Several adjustments can be made without tools, making it easier to experiment with different brake settings during the setup process.

The package includes elastomers with multiple levels of firmness. Users can select the amount of resistance during the initial stage of braking to match their preferred foot pressure.

Components are also included for increasing or reducing pedal travel. The elastomers can be changed from the front of the brake cylinder, so the pedals do not need to be removed from the cockpit every time the setup is adjusted.

On the software side, the pedals can be configured through RaceHub. Users can adjust maximum brake force, deadzones, and the calibration of each pedal.

Pedal curves can also be customized to control how physical pedal pressure is converted into in-game input. For example, the initial throttle response can be made softer for better traction control, or the brake response can be made more aggressive depending on the driver’s preferences.

RaceHub can save the selected settings to the device’s onboard memory, so the pedals do not need to be reconfigured every time the game is changed or the computer is restarted.

What Sim Racers and Reviewers Generally Think

Feedback on the Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II has generally been positive, particularly regarding brake feel, trail braking control, and the flexibility of pedal travel adjustment.

Many reviewers consider the T.H.O.R.P. II a clear improvement over the original model. It retains the firm, race-car-inspired brake character while adding more pedal travel and adjustment options, making it suitable for a wider range of drivers.

The quick elastomer replacement system and the straightforward RaceHub software are also commonly mentioned as positive features.

There are a few points to consider. The Invicta pedal faces have pronounced holes and edges, so users who drive in socks may find them less comfortable than users who wear racing shoes. Another option is to replace them with Forte Pedal Face Plates.

The brake mechanism may also produce a clicking sound when it reaches the firmer second stage. The throttle end stop can be relatively loud if the pedal is pressed or released aggressively.

The pedal set also comes with a high price and requires significant braking force, so it may not be suitable for every user. A strong cockpit is recommended, and users should be prepared to spend time adjusting the elastomers, pedal travel, and calibration to suit their preferences.

Who Is the Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II For?

This pedal set is best suited for drivers who compete online seriously, want to develop more consistent braking habits, or are looking for hydraulic Sim Racing pedals that provide a feel closer to a real race car than conventional load cell pedals.

Drivers who race GT3, Formula, and Prototype cars are likely to benefit the most because these categories frequently require threshold braking and trail braking.

The separate brake and throttle design is also suitable for users who want to position each pedal independently to match their seating position and cockpit layout.

However, if you are still using a flexible wheel stand, only play racing games occasionally, or prefer a soft brake pedal that requires less leg force, this system may be more advanced than necessary.

In those cases, a mid-range load cell pedal set may be easier to install, adjust, and use.

Final Verdict: Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II Review

The Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II is a flagship Sim Racing pedal set that stands out for its two-stage hydraulic braking system, firm yet highly controllable brake feel, and improved flexibility in pedal travel and resistance adjustment.

Its main strengths include high-quality aluminum construction, independent pedal positioning, an easy-to-change elastomer system, and detailed calibration and pedal curve adjustment through RaceHub.

These features allow drivers to configure the pedals according to their foot pressure, preferred driving style, and the type of car being driven.

For drivers who want to improve braking precision, achieve more consistent lap times, and experience a brake pedal that feels closer to a real racing system, the Asetek Invicta S-Series T.H.O.R.P. II is one of the most compelling options in the high-end hydraulic Sim Racing pedal category.

The main trade-offs are the premium price, the need for a strong mounting solution, and the time required to find the most suitable setup during the initial adjustment period.