It’s no secret that there are many different types of motor racing, with different cars and different classes. For sim-racing, it’s more or less the same. Of course, all configurations are similar to a certain extent, with the equipment required for every setup. I’m talking, of course, about bases, steering wheels and pedals.

However, some configurations are different, adapting to the specific needs of drivers. Some racers prefer to have extra peripherals to be able to race rally or drift, for example. And the same applies to the equipment required, including steering wheels specific to certain disciplines.

I have to say that the world of sim-racing is just as vast as that of motor sports, with configurations that reflect the specific needs of each rider. Some racers love rallying, so they’ll have 3-pedals, a shifter and a handbrake. Others are Formula 1 fans, and will use steering wheels and chainstays specific to the premier competition.

Speaking of handbrakes, we’ve got a good selection on the market right now, with some budget-friendly options and others that can be used squarely in motorsport. In what follows, I’m going to introduce you to some of the peripherals I consider to be the best.

Is a handbrake useful in sim-racing?

The answer to this question can by no means be objective, as every racer’s needs in terms of sim-racing peripherals differ. We may have a player who prefers to use a handbrake, while others are not at all attracted by this peripheral.

We also need to understand the context of sim-racing: most racers who are fans of this discipline are much more attracted by GT, touring and Formula racing, than by rallying and drifting.

However, a handbrake can be a crucial element in your setup, especially if you make much use of rear wheel locking. As a result, this device is worth considering if you need it.

The best handbrakes on the market.

Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake

Heusinkveld is a major player in the sim-racing industry, and is considered by some to be the best. The brand’s product catalog is not as extensive as that of Fanatecbut the emphasis is exclusively on quality and premium.

Among the products offered by Heusinkveld, we have a Load Cell handbrake called the Sim Handbrake. At first glance, it’s easy to see why Heusinkveld products are so expensive. Its handbrake can easily be used in motor racing, without the slightest problem. The structure is made entirely of metal, with 2 colors available: black and anthracite. Well, to be honest, the difference between the two colors is really minimal. But as for the rest, it’s simply magnificent, with a very high level of customization, whether it’s the positioning of the handle, its inclination, its mounting and so on.

To measure the level of force applied to the handbrake, the Sim Handbrake uses a Load Cell, just like on a top-of-the-range crankset. The 2-stage load cell allows ultra-precise reading of rider input.

For many, Sim Handbrake is considered the best in its class, but it’s not without its faults. In terms of feel, immersion and feedback, it’s perfect. But in terms of price and compatibility, it’s not going to please everyone. The Sim Handbrake costs around €280, with PC compatibility only. As far as I’m concerned, that’s not a fault at all, because quality has to be paid for.

The Simagic TB-1

The Simagic brand is one of the best in the world of sim-racing, with bases that are simply perfect for the competition. But the Chinese manufacturer doesn’t just make bases and steering wheels, it also touches on the handbrake with its TB-1.

Design-wise, the TB-1 sports an all-black dress and a metal structure throughout. It’s truly beautiful, and I love it, especially if you put it on a black chassis too. As for build quality, I have nothing to say, given that it’s a Simagic product.

Let’s move on to the mounting. Here, it pales in comparison to Handbrake’s Sim Handbrake, because the TB-1 can be mounted horizontally, and that’s it. But that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for sim-racing riders.

The pressure sensor is also a Load Cell, with a maximum pressure of 100 kg. Already on a crankset, this pressure is excellent, and on a handbrake I don’t even need to tell you more about it. It’s ultra-precise, highly responsive and superbly well proportioned for racing.

The Load Cell is also 2-stage, with a spring and elastomer support. The first few millimeters of travel are rather soft, but this changes as soon as you touch the elastomer, giving you feedback that’s precise, hard and, above all, without any dead-zone. It’s a simply perfect device.

Let’s move on to price and compatibility. The TB-1 retails for €230 from Simagic’s official representative in France, and is PC-compatible only, as are all the manufacturer’s sim-racing products, and that’s no different.

The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5

Let’s turn now to Fanatec‘s handbrake, the ClubSport Handbrake V1.5. The design of this handbrake is simply stunning, with a black casing and silver handle. It’s gorgeous as far as I’m concerned, a hair less beautiful than the others we’ve seen, but very distinctive.

As far as build quality is concerned, I have nothing to say except that this is Fanatec through and through: metal everywhere and attention to detail, and a rather heavy weight (nearly 2 kg on the scales). Its design allows it to be mounted on a table or its edge, with little adaptation required.

Now for the feel. The ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 uses a potentiometer coupled to an analog sensor, with a spring for resistance, offering an excellent alternative to the Load Cell of other handbrakes. For feel, it’s realistic, as the analog sensor allows precise reading of data, and not like an On/Off switch, or a button. It’s very precise in use, especially if you’re coming from a lower-quality handbrake.

For the price, expect to pay €130 on the Fanatec website, with compatibility on PC and consoles. However, this compatibility is assured via Fanatec’s bases. Quite frankly, it’s an excellent handbrake for those on a budget who don’t want to switch to Load Cell.

Moza Racing HBP

Let’s finish with a newcomer to the world of sim-racing, Moza Racing. This young Chinese brand offers a comprehensive catalog of peripherals, including a handbrake called HBP.

In terms of design, it’s beautiful, very sober thanks to its black color, and above all, adjustable. As far as I’m concerned, this handbrake will go perfectly with any sim-racing setup. Its construction uses metal for the entire structure, and a spring inside for the resistance, coupled with a 16-bit digital sensor.

In terms of feel, it’s excellent, practically on a par with Fanatec’s handbrake. What’s more, the Moza HBP has virtually no dead zone when you pull back on the stick, which is just perfect for those little handbrake pulls in rallying, for example.

As far as adjustments are concerned, the handle can be adjusted to suit your riding needs, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. The structure is very solid, even when you’re going hard on the stick during rally stages or drift sessions.

Let’s move on to price and compatibility. The Moza Racing HBP retails for around €130 from the brand’s representative in France, and is compatible only with PCs via a USB connection. For the price, it’s reasonable as far as I’m concerned, as you’ll get more or less the same sensations as with a Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake. However, the compatibility is a bit spotty, especially as Fanatec’s handbrake works on all platforms.