A sim racing handbrake is one of the most overlooked but fun additions you can make to your rig. They can take your setup to the next level of immersion. Perfect if you play rally games where you want to get around hairpin corners as quickly as possible. Pressing a button as a handbrake might get you the same results, but it just isn’t the same as pulling on a handbrake is it?
In this blog we will go over everything you need to know about sim racing handbrakes. Answering questions such as ‘Do I need one?’ and ‘How do I set one up?’.
But why exactly should you consider one for your rig? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about sim racing handbrakes.
What is a Sim Racing Handbrake?
Let’s get some ground work in before we move into why you should consider a sim racing handbrake. These are designed, like the wheel and pedals, to enhance your immersion when racing/rallying or whatever other types of competition you are getting involved in on your rig.
A purpose built sim racing handbrake aims to fully replicate the look, feel and functionality of a real car’s handbrake. Think of the tall handbrake WRC drivers use or the likes of Vaughn Gittin Jr and Mad Mike use in their purpose built drift cars. The sim racing handbrakes go as far as mimicking the grip, length and resistance needed to operate them in a real car, which is often adjustable, depending on the model you buy.
Do You Need a Handbrake For Sim Racing?
Strictly speaking no, you don’t need a handbrake for sim racing. You don’t even need a steering wheel or pedals, but that’s nowhere near as immersive as having them. Same goes for the handbrake, you don’t ‘need’ one but having one increases the enjoyment you can get from your rig.
If you want a visual explanation of them in use, we tested the Heusinkveld Engineering sim Handbrake by placing a real GT3 race driver and a sim racer on our rig. They loaded up a stadium truck to see how close the handbrake felt to the real thing. *Spoilers*, they found it added another ‘dimension’ to the sim, broadening the scope of what’s possible – plus they said it was a “huge amount of fun”.
Why You Should Consider a Handbrake For Sim Racing
You should definitely consider a sim racing handbrake if you have the capability and space to add one. They can significantly enhance your immersion when sim racing, especially when rallying or drifting.
Most modern racing simulators, including rally games and iRacing, support the use of external handbrakes. This compatibility ensures that the investment in a handbrake is worthwhile if you’re on the fence about taking the plunge to get one.
Investing in a sim racing handbrake adds another layer of realism to your experience, especially in rally and off-road racing games. Using a handbrake offers precise control and a more authentic feel, making it a much more fun choice over using a simple button to activate it.
Factors to Think About When Choosing a Sim Racing Handbrake
You might think a handbrake is a handbrake and there isn’t much difference between them, well we are here to say there is a huge amount to consider, from grip diameter and mounting options to length and functionality. Let us explain each so you can make a decision on what’s important for you:
Design and Functionality
As mentioned, sim racing handbrakes are crafted to emulate the feel and function of real-world hand brakes as closely as possible. This involves using high-quality materials like CNC-machined aluminium and/or steel, which ensure durability and a realistic feel. Many handbrakes, such as the Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake, feature load cell technology, allowing for precise measurement of force and providing a highly responsive and accurate braking experience. This technology ensures that the harder you pull, the stronger the in-game braking response, mimicking real-life.
Grip Diameter
The diameter of the grip is another thing to consider, as it impacts comfort and control. Handbrakes like those from Heusinkveld offer a thicker grip, which can provide a more secure and comfortable hold, especially during intense racing sessions. On the other hand, some hand brakes might have a narrower grip, which could be preferable if you have smaller hands or those who prefer a different tactile feel.
Vertical or Horizontal
The ability to mount a handbrake vertically or horizontally adds to its versatility and realism. For example, the Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake can be mounted in both orientations, allowing you to replicate the exact setup you want. This feature is particularly useful if you switch between different types of racing, such as rally and drifting, which may require different handbrake setups.
Comfort and Usability
Comfort and usability are paramount in sim racing handbrakes, because if you’re rallying you’ll be gripping that thing for a while… Handbrakes designed with ergonomic grips and adjustable travel settings, like the MME SimSport sim racing handbrake, enhance your comfort and control. These features allow you to customise the handbrake to your preferences, reducing fatigue and improving overall performance during longer sessions.
Mounting Options
Something big to consider if you’re in the market for one. Mounting options vary significantly from handbrake to handbrake. Some models come with clamps for desk mounting, which is useful if you don’t have a dedicated sim racing rig. Others, like the Heusinkveld handbrakes, are designed to be mounted either directly onto a racing cockpit, or to a mounting plate. The flexibility in mounting options ensures that you can find a suitable solution regardless of current setup.
Make sure to read up on this before making your purchase!
Shaft Length
The shaft length is something to consider, although maybe not as crucial a consideration as some of the other points on this list, it can be useful to think about. Depending on how you have your rig set up, the length can impact comfort and useability. If you can’t reach the handbrake properly this will impact performance and fun, so make sure it’s the right length for your requirements.
Budget
The price of sim racing handbrakes can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models. For example, some offer nice features and build quality at a lower price point, making it accessible for more casual sim racers. On the other hand, premium models like the Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake and MME SimSport sim racing handbrake are more expensive but offer superior build quality, precision, and customisation options, for if you demand the best performance.
By considering these factors, you can select a sim racing handbrake that best suits your needs and enhances your racing experience, ensuring you have the right tools for the most immersive and realistic simulation possible.
What Else to Know Before You Buy a Sim Racing Handbrake
As with everything, there are things to know when it comes to a sim racing handbrake. We are here to give you the honest truth about them, so you can make a fully informed decision about whether you want to invest your energy and money into one:
Enhances Realism in Sim Racing
As has been mentioned a few times now… A sim racing handbrake really does replicate the function and feel of a real handbrake, adding a layer of authenticity and immersion that will take the overall experience to a new level.
Easy to Mount and Use
Most sim racing handbrakes are designed for straightforward installation, often with multiple mounting options, such as desk clamps or direct rig mounts, making them accessible and user-friendly. But make sure they can fit to your rig before buying, the team at Demon Tweeks can help if you have questions.
Simple Software Setup with Plug-and-Play Functionality
Modern hand brakes typically offer plug-and-play compatibility with common sim racing software, simplifying the setup process. This ensures you can quickly integrate the handbrake into your existing system and start using it straight away. There’s nothing like the ease of a plug and play setup! Again, make sure itll connect to your setup before spending your money.
Price, Especially High-End Models
High-quality sim racing handbrakes, particularly those with advanced features like load cell technology, can be costly. This can be a significant investment, so make sure to get the best deal.
Compatibility with Certain Games or Setups
Not all sim racing games support external handbrakes, and some setups may require additional configuration or adapters to work correctly, potentially complicating the integration process.
Space Requirements for your Sim Rig or Desk Setup
A dedicated handbrake needs physical space within your sim racing setup. If your setup has been thrown into a narrow, cramped space, this might be the time to rethink and ask your partner nicely if you can move it somewhere else!
The positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to sim racing handbrakes, but it’s important to know the potential issues when it comes to upgrading your rig with one.
Top Picks for Sim Racing Handbrakes
There are a few options available on the market as of 2024 when it comes to sim racing handbrakes, these are our favourites right now, at 2 different price points with loads of tech and features. Whichever you pick, we guarantee you’ll enjoy them.
Let’s start off with a handbrake we’ve mentioned a few times already…
Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake
This is a real standout product in the space, the Heusinkveld Engineering Sim Handbrake is pretty much the gold standard for sim racing handbrakes. It’s super solid, made from CNC laser-cut steel with a sleek black powder coat finish. This thing isn’t just for show—it’s built to last and handle some serious use. It uses load cell technology, which means it can sense up to 22kg of force on the lever. So, when you yank on it, it feels just like a real car handbrake.
What’s cool about it is how customizable it is. You can adjust the lever to be vertical or horizontal, and you’ve got a lot of wiggle room to tweak the angle just right for your setup. They even give you different elastomers to change the resistance—soft, medium, or stiff—so you can get the exact feel you want.
Mounting it is pretty flexible too. It can be attached directly to a rig using the mounting holes, or you can use an adapter plate for aluminium profiles, which gives you even more ways to adjust the position. This makes it really adaptable no matter what kind of rig you’ve got.
Plus, it comes with Heusinkveld’s SmartControl software. This lets you fine-tune everything from output curves to dead zones without having to recalibrate every time. You can save different profiles for different cars or types of races, which is super handy.
It’s not the cheapest option out there, but considering the build quality and the level of customization, it’s a solid investment if you’re serious about sim racing. And if you ever need support with setup, Heusinkveld is known for having top-notch customer service.
MME SimSport Handbrake
Next up we have the MME SimSport Handbrake is crafted from 7075 aluminium, which is a top-notch material known for its strength and durability. This means it can handle a lot of stress without bending or breaking, which is crucial during those intense sim racing sessions. The finish is hard anodized, giving it a sleek look and ensuring it’s resistant to wear and tear. When you hold the lever, which is 24mm in diameter, it feels substantial and solid, giving you confidence that it’s built to last.
One of the standout features is the Hall Effect position sensor. Instead of using a load cell, which measures force, the Hall Effect sensor measures the position of the lever. This might not offer the same level of precision for some elite racers, but for most, it provides smooth and consistent braking performance. The sensor setup is mounted on a professional-grade PCB, which means it’s very reliable and accurate.
When it comes to mounting, this handbrake is super versatile. It comes with a robust mounting plate made from the same high-quality aluminium. You can mount it securely to your sim rig, and it even allows for some ergonomic adjustments to make the pulling motion more comfortable. If you have one of MME’s shifters, you can mount both together using the available double mount, which is a neat feature if you’re looking to streamline your setup.
Adjustability is another strong point. While the internal spring isn’t designed to be easily swapped, you can still adjust the resistance to get the feel just right. This is great because you can tweak how much force is needed to pull the lever, making it more customizable to your preferences. The handbrake also comes pre-calibrated, so you can plug it in and start using it right away without a complicated setup.
Now, the price puts it in the premium category, but given the build quality, durability, and performance, it’s a solid investment if you’re serious about sim. Plus, MME’s lifetime warranty shows they stand behind their product, which is always a good sign.
In short, if you’re serious about sim racing and want a handbrake that’s built to last, feels great, and offers a lot of adjustability, the MME SimSport Handbrake is definitely worth considering.
Tips for Setting Up and Optimising Your Sim Racing Handbrake
Mounting Position
First up, mounting position. This is super important. You want to make sure your handbrake is in a comfortable and accessible spot. Ideally, it should be next to your shifter, similar to where you’d find it in a real car. This makes it easier to reach without straining, especially during those intense moments. If it’s too far away or awkwardly placed, you’ll struggle to use it effectively, which can throw you off your game.
Adjust Resistance
Next, adjusting the resistance. Most good sim racing handbrakes will let you tweak the resistance to get the feel just right. This is key because different types of racing might need different levels of resistance. For example, drifting might require a lighter touch, while rally racing might benefit from a stiffer feel. Play around with the settings to see what works best for you. Many handbrakes come with adjustable springs or elastomers, so take advantage of that to fine-tune your setup.
Accessibility and Comfort
Positioning your handbrake for accessibility and comfort is crucial. You should be able to grab it quickly without having to stretch or shift your position too much. This is why mounting it alongside your shifter is a good idea. It keeps everything you need within easy reach, so you can focus more on your driving and less on fumbling for controls. If your rig allows, angle the handbrake slightly towards you to make pulling it more natural and less strenuous.
Practical Tips:
Test Different Positions: Before settling on a final mounting spot, test out a few different positions. Sit in your usual racing position and make sure you can reach the handbrake comfortably without moving your hand too far from the wheel.
Use a Sturdy Mount: Ensure your handbrake is securely mounted. A wobbly handbrake can be distracting and reduce your precision. Use a solid mount and double-check all bolts and screws are tight.
Calibrate in Software: Once you’ve got it physically set up, don’t forget to calibrate it in your racing software. This can help fine-tune the input and ensure it matches your physical adjustments.
Practice Makes Perfect: Spend some time practising with your new setup. It might take a little while to get used to the new position and resistance, but with practice, it’ll become second nature.
Watch Tutorials: Check out some online tutorials or setup guides specific to your handbrake model. Sometimes, there are little tips and tricks that can make a big difference in your setup.
Sim Racing Academy: If you’re stuck on what to buy, you can also come on down to Demon Tweeks HQ in Wrexham to try products on our own state of the art rig, so you can get a feel for it, to know if a handbrake is for you.
Remember, the goal is to make your sim racing experience as seamless and immersive as possible, so take the time to get your handbrake setup just right.
To sum up
If you’ve made it this far, you’re pretty serious about sim racing handbrakes. Whether you’re into rally racing, drifting, or just want that extra bit of realism, a good handbrake can make a huge difference. We’ve talked about everything from choosing the right handbrake, considering factors like design and functionality, grip diameter, and mounting options, to setting it up for maximum performance.
Remember, if you’re looking to get one, the key is to find a handbrake that fits your specific needs and setup. Make sure it’s easily accessible and comfortable. Once you have it, adjust the resistance to match your driving style, and secure it well to avoid any wobbles. Don’t forget to calibrate it in your software to get the best performance.
Investing in a quality handbrake, like the Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake V2 or the MME SimSport Handbrake, can really elevate your sim racing experience.
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