10 Reasons The AIM MXG Is the Best Data System

Driver Gear, Reviews I By Tom Martin I January 27, 2017

Let’s assume that you know you want a data system for your race car, because you want comprehensive data for review after a session on track. You also want a dash capable of displaying critical information like predictive lap times, shift lights and alarms so that you can do a better job in real time when you are behind the wheel.

For many people with these needs, we think the AIM Data Systems MXG is the best option. “Best” in this case means “all the features you are going to want at a price many drivers can afford”. Are there more complex data systems? Yes. Are there cheaper data systems? Yes. But the MXG is in that Goldilocks territory of “not too complex, not too expensive…just right”.

In our experience, many drivers find that the MXG the best performance/price dash because:​​​​​​

1. In high level club racing and semi pro racing, AIM is the most common system. Therefore, you're almost guaranteed that your coach is familiar with and comfortable with using an AIM data system. In addition, other drivers will often have AIM data, making data comparisons much simpler.

2. It allows for more than 60 channels of data. This means that unlike simpler systems (e.g. the MXL2), you're never going to find yourself in a situation where you need extra channels to add sensors and you are out of capacity. OBD II alone takes up a lot of channels on most cars, and then you start adding wheel sensors and you can get to 40 or more channels surprisingly quickly. The MXG has potentially useful headroom to protect your investment.

3. The MXG offers many alternative display layouts. This means that you can adapt the display layout, not just which parameters are displayed. This can be helpful in orienting the display to you for quick and easy reading.

4. Information on the MXG display can be color coded. Using the MXG's "Display Measure" feature, you can have a data element like oil temperature change color when it reaches a certain number. Many drivers find it easier to recognize color change in their peripheral vision than to read specific numbers, which requires them to remove their focus from the track.

5. The MXG has an ambient light sensor. If you're an endurance racer, this is a great feature because it lowers brightness rather than blinding you at night, while keeping the display bright and visible during mid-day stints.

6. The MXG's alarm function is separate from the main page display; no matter what display you have on screen, the alarm functions will be visible. The MXG offers eight LED alarm lights, in addition to programmable shift lights across the top of the display housing.

7. A conditional output function is available to automatically run external systems can turn on fans, coolant pumps, diff pumps, etc. This feature can send telemetry back to your pit box (e.g. the MXG could automatically signal the pit that your car is low on fuel).

8. Available in two sizes; if you have a small car with a small steering wheel, AIM makes a variant of the MXG called the MXS with a 5 inch display for formula cars, sports racers and other cars with tight cockpits or small steering wheels. The MXG has a 7 inch display, which is great if you want to use a lot of the data functions without going through multiple pages.

9. AIM products are industrial strength. The components are robustly built, using mostly metal cases and high quality connectors and buttons. Just as importantly, AIM has a full line of sensors, accessories and cables, so that you can build a configuration that meets your needs.

10. The MXG is only $600 more than the MXL2, which is AIM's baseline, very good system.

AIM MXG data systems start at $2599.

To discuss your requirements, and get a custom AIM configuration, contact the WR Performance Shop.

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

The 5 Best Auto Racing Gloves

Here’s our pick of the top-5 best auto racing gloves currently on the market – who reigns supreme: Alpinestars, Sparco, or OMP?

May 23, 2023
WRR’s 5 Best Auto Racing Shoes Under $250

Here are our picks for the best auto racing shoes under $250, with a wildcard winner!

March 14, 2023
WRR’s 5 Best Auto Racing Suits Under $1,000

Racing can be very expensive, so it got us thinking; what are the best auto racing suits under $1,000?  There are plenty of high-end professional…

March 03, 2023
Review: Bell Racing RS7C LTWT Carbon Helmet

The Bell Racing RS7C LTWT Carbon is a pretty compelling helmet. It offers best in class ventilation and airflow, in addition to being one of the lightest helmets in its category.

September 20, 2022
Gear Review: The Garmin Catalyst — The Best Lap Timer?

All-in-all, we really enjoyed using and reviewing the Garmin Catalyst Driving Performance Optimizer for HPDE/track day purposes.

March 14, 2022

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.