As a seasoned flight simulation enthusiast and self-proclaimed "Boeing fan," I never had a strong urge to invest in A320-series hardware—until the Rowsfire team reached out to invite me to review their Rowsfire A106 Pro A320 Pro Light Overhead Panel (OVH)-V2.0 (hereinafter referred to as "A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0"). What intrigued me even more was the brand's teaser about upcoming Boeing-series products, prompting me to test this A320 overhead panel first to gauge Rowsfire's product capabilities. To my surprise, this lightweight panel delivered more than expected. Today, I'm excited to share my detailed experience with you!
I. Unboxing Experience: Details Make the Difference—Top-Tier Protection & Accessories
My first impression upon receiving the package was "solid"—Rowsfire didn't cut corners on packaging. The outer layer is a thick cardboard box, wrapped in ample bubble wrap and an extra bubble envelope. The dual-buffering design effectively prevents damage during transportation, and the A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0 was in perfect condition when unboxed, instantly boosting my impression.
Inside the box, the accessories are neatly arranged: besides the panel itself, there's a printed instruction manual, a QR code card, and a USB-C braided cable. I must highlight the instruction manual—many brands now only provide QR code links to save costs, but Rowsfire's printed manual is exceptionally well-crafted. It’s packed with detailed content, including safety warnings, product usage guidelines, software compatibility instructions (such as MobiFlight and FSUIPC7 installation), and even driver download steps. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, you can easily follow along.
The USB-C cable was an unexpected delight: the braided material feels premium and much more durable than ordinary plastic cables. The orange connector design is also eye-catching, showcasing quality in the details—something rare in products at this price point.
II. Design & Build Quality: Metal Body + Practical Details—A Compact Powerhouse
My first impression of the A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0 when I took it out was "compact and exquisite." It’s roughly 1.5 times the length of a standard smartphone, and my medium-sized hand can almost cover the entire panel. The lightweight design saves desk space, making it ideal for enthusiasts with limited desktop layout.
Highlights: Metal Body + Precise Design, Recreating Cockpit Authenticity
What impressed me most is the body material—100% metal construction. It has a substantial feel without being overly heavy, ensuring structural durability (it won’t easily break if accidentally dropped) while maintaining portability. The buttons and switches on the panel are also thoughtfully designed to align with A320 cockpit logic, with meticulous attention to detail:
- The buttons offer clear tactile feedback, producing a crisp "click" sound when pressed. They feel firm and not loose, with just the right amount of pressure—comfortable even during prolonged use.
- The switches are precisely matched to their functions: three-way switches for features requiring three-level adjustment (such as seatbelt signs and no-smoking signs) and two-way switches for functions that only need on/off control (like some light switches). There’s no redundant operation, perfectly mirroring the logic of a real cockpit.
- The added backlight adjustment knob is a standout feature, supporting stepless brightness control from soft to ultra-bright modes. Whether used day or night, the button labels are clearly visible, significantly enhancing immersion.
Minor Drawbacks: Room for Improvement in Details
Of course, no product is perfect. The knobs on the panel are 3D-printed—while the texture details are well-executed, they have slight looseness and can rotate. Although I understand this is to replicate the design of a real cockpit, as a practical user, I wish the knobs were more stable. Additionally, there are two minor scratches near the USB port, presumably left by the drilling process during production. They don’t affect functionality but slightly compromise the overall refinement. I hope the brand optimizes quality control in future iterations.
III. Installation & Setup: Beginner-Friendly, 5-Minute Sync
As someone who "hates hassle," I was most worried about complicated installation processes. However, the A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0 completely put my mind at ease—the process was surprisingly simple, especially with the optimized V2.0 configuration file for more precise operation:
- Preparation: Install MobiFlight and FSUIPC7 in advance (these are commonly used adaptation software for flight simulation hardware, available for free download from their official websites).
- Download Configuration File: Download the corresponding configuration file from the Rowsfire official website. Since the product itself is version V2.0, directly select the file labeled "Compatible with A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0" (the metal shell version is already matched by default, no need for additional differentiation).
- Device Binding: Open MobiFlight, import the configuration file, select "Rowsfire A106 Pro A320 Pro Light Overhead Panel (OVH)-V2.0," complete one-click binding, and click "Run."
- Launch Simulator: No additional debugging is required. Simply open Flight Simulator or XPlane, and the panel will sync perfectly with the simulator. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes, making it easy for beginners to get started.
IV. Practical Experience: Precise Functionality, Immersive Performance
I tested the panel with the Fenix 319 (officially listed compatible model) and also tried it with the Inabuilds A350 and FlybyWire A320. The overall performance of the A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0 exceeded my expectations:
1. Compatibility
- Simulators: Fully compatible with Flight Simulator and XPlane.
- Aircraft Models: Perfectly compatible with the Fenix 319 and Inabuilds A350; partial functionality available for the FlybyWire A320 (core functions remain unaffected).
2. Functionality Testing: Responsive & Lag-Free
I tested all switches and buttons on the panel one by one. Every operation accurately synced with the simulator without any lag or malfunction, fully matching the functional optimizations of the V2.0 version:
- Light Control: Strobe lights, beacon lights, navigation lights, landing lights, runway turnoff lights, etc.—the lights in the simulator respond synchronously when switches are toggled, and brightness adjustment is smooth.
- Core Functions: External power control, Battery 1/2 switches, fuel pump control, IRS navigation system activation, APU startup/bleed air, air conditioning packs (Packs), etc.—the operating logic is consistent with a real cockpit. It even supports differentiated short-press/long-press operations (e.g., long-pressing the APU bleed air switch to toggle functions).
- Immersion Boost: The simulator emits corresponding prompt sounds (such as button beeps and APU startup sounds) during operation. Combined with the panel’s backlight effect, it instantly enhances the immersion of flight simulation.
What surprised me most is that the A106 Pro (OVH)-V2.0 fully delivers on its official promises without any "functionality cuts." For a lightweight product priced at $169-$199, this performance is truly "value for money."
V. Pricing & Purchase Recommendations
- Product Model: Rowsfire A106 Pro A320 Pro Light Overhead Panel (OVH)-V2.0 (Metal Shell Version)
- Price: $169-$199—highly competitive among similar flight simulation overhead panels.
- Promotions: A Black Friday sale was ongoing when I published this review, with significant discounts. Enthusiasts can follow the official website for future promotions.
- Purchase Channel: Buy directly through the Rowsfire official website for guaranteed authenticity and convenient after-sales service. Note "Version V2.0" when placing an order to ensure you receive the correct model.
VI. Conclusion: Who Should Buy This Panel?
After a period of use, my overall rating for the Rowsfire A106 Pro A320 Pro Light Overhead Panel (OVH)-V2.0 is "highly recommended." Despite its lightweight design, it excels in core functionality, build quality, and ease of use. In particular, the optimized configuration of the V2.0 version ensures more precise adaptation and simpler installation. It’s especially suitable for two types of users:
- A320-series flight simulation enthusiasts: Those seeking a cost-effective, space-saving overhead panel to meet daily flight operation needs.
- Beginner players: Those who don’t want to spend a fortune on complex equipment but still want to experience authentic cockpit operations. This panel is easy to install and practical—an excellent entry-level choice.
As a Boeing fan, I’m already looking forward to Rowsfire’s upcoming Boeing-series products! If you’re in the market for a reliable A320 overhead panel, give the Rowsfire A106 a try—it might surprise you as much as it did me.
Finally, if you have any questions or have already purchased this panel, feel free to leave a comment below to share your experience. Happy flying!
