Rowsfire is one of those hardware manufacturers that continues to sit right on the edge of something genuinely great. Over the past couple of months, we have seen the company steadily expand its catalogue of Airbus-focused panels, offering simmers the chance to build modular cockpits without committing to full-scale flight decks. It will help bridge the gap for those wanting to take their simulation experience to the next level.
I previously reviewed the A107 overhead panel in its earlier form, and since then, Rowsfire has iterated again with the A107 V3. Alongside it sits the A105, an all-in-one radio and audio control panel designed to complement Airbus-style operations. I tested both in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, using Rowsfire’s latest software stack alongside the usual third-party dependencies.
I’ve included both products in this review, but broken them down into their own segments as both carry similar genuinely good qualities and similar flaws.
A107 V3 – A More Mature Overhead, With Caveats
There is no denying that the A107 V3 immediately feels like a more confident piece of hardware compared to earlier iterations. The first and most noticeable improvement comes from the buttons and switches themselves. Everything feels more solid, with firmer detents and less of the vague movement that occasionally undermined confidence in the previous version. Toggle switches in particular feel sturdier, and that alone goes a long way in improving immersion during high-workload phases of flight.
Overall, the build quality has also taken a step forward. The panel feels more rigid, with fewer creaks or flex points. This is especially noticeable when compared directly to the earlier A107, which, while functional, always felt like it was just one iteration away from something better. In that sense, the V3 largely delivers.
One welcome improvement is the increased level of button control across the panel. Rowsfire has clearly listened to feedback and corrected several mistakes from the previous iteration, refining layouts and improving the usability of certain sections.
Installation has also been partially improved thanks to a new Rowsfire panel application. This helps guide users through the setup process and makes initial detection more straightforward. However, it is important to be clear that this does not eliminate the need for FSUIPC and MobiFlight. Those tools remain central to getting the panel fully functional in MSFS 2024, and while experienced users will manage just fine, newcomers may still find the process more involved than it needs to be.
But for all of the improvements, the A107 V3 panel does stumble in a few key areas, which prevent me from saying this is a perfect upgrade.
Above: Comparisons of the v3 (left) versus v2 (right).
The new lighting switches now feel generic, lacking the character and specificity you would expect from a panel marketed towards realism-focused Airbus simmers. It is a small change, but one that stands out precisely because so many other aspects of the hardware feel more refined.
The movement and placement of the APU bleed button simply do not make sense in its current form. Swapping it with Pack 1 would have resulted in a far more intuitive layout, especially for those familiar with real-world Airbus overhead flows. It is an odd oversight, particularly given that other layout issues from earlier versions have been corrected.
Above: v2 on the left, v3 (the new one) on the right.
Taken as a whole, the A107 V3 is a flawed but generally positive upgrade. Some areas represent clear improvements, while others feel like compromises. Build quality is significantly improved, and the panel feels more robust and satisfying to use. It is not perfect, but it is undeniably a step in the right direction. I can’t recommend this for those who already own the V2 panel, but for first timers, this would certainly be the model I would opt for.
A105 – A First Impression That Divides
The A105 was my first hands-on experience with this particular unit, and it occupies an interesting space in Rowsfire’s lineup. Designed as an all-in-one radio management and audio control panel, it aims to deliver immediate functionality with minimal configuration.
On a positive note, the frame itself feels solid. There is a reassuring heft to the unit, and once mounted, it does not feel flimsy or under-engineered. In practical use, the panel inputs instantly into the simulator, which is a genuinely satisfying experience. Dial changes and button presses are reflected immediately in MSFS 2024, and that responsiveness should not be underestimated.
Unfortunately, the controls themselves let the unit down somewhat. Buttons and knobs feel a little loose, lacking the precision and resistance you would expect at this price point. While they work reliably, the tactile experience feels at odds with the premium positioning of the product.
That sense is reinforced by the price. At around $250, the A105 feels costly for what is, ultimately, a relatively small unit. When compared to similarly priced hardware on the market, it struggles to justify its cost purely through build quality or feature depth.
The setup also proved less than smooth. As with other Rowsfire products, initial configuration can be confusing, with some glitches during first-time setup. While nothing here is going to ruin the immersion once set up, it contributes to a pattern that suggests Rowsfire’s software and documentation still need refinement.
The A105 is functional, and in some scenarios genuinely useful, but it feels like a product that isn’t quite ready to reach its full potential, especially as such a high price point.
Overall Value and the Bigger Picture
There is no question that Rowsfire is making some good products. The potential here is obvious, and the A107 V3 in particular shows real progress. However, there is also a sense that the company is trying to move too quickly, releasing new hardware before fully refining installation, software, and manufacturing consistency.
Across both panels, installation and software remain the most consistent pain points. The new Rowsfire panel app is a step forward, and it does help streamline certain aspects of setup, but it does not fundamentally change the dependency on external tools such as FSUIPC and MobiFlight. I hope this changes significantly moving forward.
That concern extends to upcoming products, including the much-anticipated 737 panel. While exciting, there is a light worry that it could fall into the same trap as the A320 overhead, requiring multiple variations and revisions before reaching its ideal form.
Naming conventions also do Rowsfire no favours. With multiple versions and overlapping product names, even experienced reviewers can find themselves confused. Simplifying and clarifying this would help customers understand exactly what they are buying.
