Quick answer
Choose the ASR 3 if you want a sturdy, affordable cockpit that builds fast and leaves room for upgrades. Choose the Novus X Cage if you need an ultra-light, race-grade rig that handles the strongest direct-drive wheels without flex.
Budget and build speed
The ASR 3 costs about a third of the Novus X Cage, making it an excellent entry point for sim racers who want a solid profile rig without overspending. Its Generation 2 design uses fewer parts and a simplified assembly process, so you can get racing sooner. The Novus X Cage demands a larger investment, but that money goes into aerospace-grade materials and precision engineering that pay off over years of hard use.
Rigidity and weight trade-off
The Novus X Cage is built from space-grade aluminum with a precision-bent structure that is both exceptionally light and extremely strong. This makes it ideal for racers who move their rig between events or want zero flex under 20+ Nm wheelbases. The ASR 3 uses extruded aluminum profiles with a new flat-face design that improves rigidity over older profile cockpits, but it is heavier and not as portable. If you never plan to move your rig, the ASR 3's stiffness is more than enough for most setups.
Compatibility and adjustability
Both chassis accept all direct-drive wheelbases and most pedal sets. The Novus X Cage features a dedicated pedal platform that fits nearly any pedal brand, while the ASR 3 offers a new wheel deck design with greater adjustability for wheelbase positioning. The ASR 3 also lets you choose your wheelbase mounting type and powder coat color, giving you more personalization out of the box. The Novus X Cage's adjustability focuses on ergonomic fine-tuning for different driver sizes, with a sleek deep black and NOVUS blue finish that stands out.
Decision rules: ASR 3 vs Novus X Cage
- Your budget: If you want to spend under $600 and get a full cockpit, choose the ASR 3. If you can invest over $4,000 for a premium, lightweight rig, choose the Novus X Cage.
- Your wheelbase torque: For wheelbases up to 15 Nm, the ASR 3 is perfectly rigid. For 20+ Nm or professional use, the Novus X Cage's space-grade aluminum eliminates any flex.
- Portability needs: If you attend events or move your setup regularly, the Novus X Cage's light weight is a major advantage. If the rig stays in one place, the ASR 3's heavier profile is not a drawback.
- Customization options: The ASR 3 lets you pick wheelbase mounting type and powder coat color. The Novus X Cage offers a fixed deep black and blue finish but provides more ergonomic fine-tuning for different driver sizes. If personalization matters more than portability, the ASR 3 gives you more visible choices.
Product facts at a glance
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ASR 3 Chassis: Generation 2 design with a new wheel deck for greater adjustability and a flat-face extruded aluminum profile for improved rigidity. You get a faster build with fewer parts and a stiffer cockpit that handles mid-range direct-drive wheels without breaking the bank.
ASR 3 Chassis
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Novus X Cage Chassis: Precision-bent space-grade aluminum construction makes it exceptionally light yet extremely strong, compatible with all direct-drive wheelbases. If you run a high-torque wheelbase or need to move your rig, this chassis delivers pro-level rigidity without the weight penalty.
Novus X Cage Chassis
Which chassis fits you?
Best for
- Racers on a budget who want a solid, upgradeable profile cockpit
- Sim racers who prefer quick assembly and don't need to move their rig
- Drivers using mid-range direct-drive wheels (up to 15 Nm)
Not for
- Racers who need an ultra-light rig for frequent transport
- Drivers running high-torque wheelbases (20+ Nm) who demand zero flex
