Monday 16th Sept Update: Please note Fanatec has been liquidated, we recommend checking all other products as an alternative during this period of acquisition.
Adding a handbrake to your rig can be a great addition because it adds a whole new level of immersion to your experience. So, let’s dive into what they are all about.
When you’ve got your sim racing rig, equipment and a platform of choice, you can begin to think about the accessories such as a sequential shifter, or handbrake.
Amongst the various Sim Racing titles you may have experienced, have you found yourself in need of a handbrake that isn’t just an awkwardly placed button you bound on your wheel? Today we will answer the age-old question of is a handbrake is needed, and which handbrakes are on the market.
If you are still looking to tie your set-up together and don’t have a rig yet, we’ve curated a guide to the best Sim Racing Rigs in 2024 so you don’t have to.
Do you need a handbrake for sim racing?
To put it simply, in a rally or drift game they are not a necessity, but they are certainly helpful if that’s what you are interested in. If you want to have the motion and connection to the car as you would in real life, then we recommend a handbrake.
It gives more feedback than pressing a button on the wheel, and it is also a lot more fun!
There are a lot of different handbrakes on the market, all with differences in quality and price class. So, we’ve made a list of different handbrakes from different Sim Racing equipment providers from various price ranges, whilst also delving into features, build quality, and how to use the handbrake for you.
The Handbrakes
| Name | Price | Pros | Cons |
| Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V1.5 | Budget | – Easy set-up if in the Fanatec ecosystem– Good value for money | – Extras are needed if you don’t have a Fanatec base |
| Aiologs Hydro Handbrake | Budget | – Strong middle-ground option– Lots of customisation options | |
| MOZA HBP Handbrake | Budget | – Good value for money– Integrates with Moza software | – Uses a rotation sensor instead of a load cell |
| Thrustmaster TH8A | Mid-Range | – Also dual-use– Perfect for a first handbrake | – Lacking some high-end features |
| Simagic TB-1 Handbrake | Mid-Range | – Strong loadcell– Easy to set and adjust | |
| VNM Handbrake V1.5 | Mid-Range | – Powerful loadcell– Easy to set up | |
| Heusinkveld Handbrake Black | Mid-Range | – Great value for what you get– Packed with features | |
| Thrustmaster TSS Sparco mod | Top-End | – Easy to adjust– Great quality for the price– Dual use as a shifter | |
| DSD Hydraulic Handbrake | Top-End | – Hydraulic system– Excellent build | – Very pricey compared to other options |
| Simagic TB-RS Hydralic Handbrake | Top-End | – Hydraulic system– Provides tactile feedback | – Expensive |
| Simtag Hydraulic Simulator Handbrake | Top-End | – Hydraulic system– Great for an experienced Sim Racer | – Most expensive option on our list |
Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V1.5
The Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V1.5 is made from steel with a foam handgrip, making it aesthetically pleasing. However, not only does it look good, but it functions just as well.
Firstly, you can adjust the angle and the pressure, which is a great feature. The settings are not as adjustable as some high-end handbrakes, but it is a good and solid handbrake for under $150.
With the Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V1.5 also comes a cable that goes directly into a Fanatec base, making it easy to set up if you are already within their ecosystem. If you don’t have a Fanatec base, you can use a Clubsport USB Adaptor, and then you can use this handbrake with every wheel and base on the market.
Overall, this handbrake is of great quality. If you have a Fanatec base – or any other Fanatec products such as the Fanatec Clubsport V3 pedals – we would highly recommend it, especially if you use your rig also for Xbox or Playstation games.
Aiologs Handbrake
The Aiologs Handbrake is built from clean-cut aluminium, with quality internals. There are a few customisable options, including an extension rod to increase the travel length of the handle to give more precise inputs.
There are also two different lengths of the handle and the option of the standard polished aluminium or matt black handle, culminating in a lot of possible personalisation to best suit your comfort and needs.
You can use a clamp instead of mounting the handbrake directly on the rig. The handbrake includes a clamp and a USB cable, and it works entirely plug and play. For under 200 USD, it’s a solid mid-range contender.
Thrustmaster TH8A
Many people don’t know they can use the Thrustmaster TH8A as an analogue handbrake. To convert the TH8A into a handbrake, turn the metal plate 90 degrees, and then you can move the stick up and down.
If you don’t already have the Thrustmaster TH8A driver installed, you need to install the software on your PC, and when the driver is installed, you need to change the software to assign the handbrake in the game. Then, it’s ready to use as a handbrake!
Although not the most premium handbrake on the market, its dual capabilities are a plus, and for the price, it’s not a bad beginner’s handbrake. As per all other Thrustmaster accessories, you can use this with anything from their ecosystem, meaning it’s flexible and can work no matter your setup.
MOZA HBP Handbrake
Moza HBP Handbrake comes in at a very reasonable 99 USD. It connects via USB and integrates with Moza’s software, allowing you to customise the input curve. You can also tweak the travel distance and resistance from a long, smooth pull to a short, snappy one.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly handbrake with solid adjustability and the reliability of a well-known brand, the Moza HBP is worth considering. While it’s affordable, Moza hasn’t cut corners on quality. The construction is mostly metal, apart from the control module. The box includes the handbrake base, the upper half of the handbrake with the handle, an alternative spring and rubber bushing to adjust the feel, the necessary tools for swapping parts and connection cables.
The handbrake uses a rotation sensor instead of a load cell, which helps keep costs down. While it’s not as premium as a load cell unit, the Moza software allows you to set it up to behave similarly. In the Moza Pit House app, you can tweak the input curve to suit your style.
The combination of software and physical adjustability makes the Moza HBP a standout option in its price range. It’s versatile enough to satisfy a wide range of sim racers, from casual players to those with more demanding needs.
Simagic TB-1 Handbrake
Simagic’s TB-1 Handbrake is astounding for what it costs. A load-cell handbrake that increases with resistance the more pressure is applied, its design means that it can attach to any conventional rig both in a standard road handbrake position and in an inverted position like you would expect from a race car.
Using the SimPro Manager software, you will be able to adjust the dead zones and calibrate your handbrake to suit your driving style. With the handbrake itself rated up to a whopping 100kg, it is something that you’re probably going to need to do if you’re not a regular down at the gym.
VNM Handbrake V1.5
The previous version of the VNM Handbrake (V1) had a load cell capable of withstanding 100 kg of force, making it one of the strongest handbrakes on this list. The V1.5, designed for rally racing, offers more angle and height adjustments than the V1. The current price is 239 USD.
The handbrake is solid, sturdy and looks premium. It comes with three different stiffness springs, which can be fine-tuned with a preload adjustment knob. The angle and height are also adjustable, making it versatile for different racing styles like drifting or rally.
The VNM software is another standout feature. While most handbrakes offer a linear braking force, the VNM software allows for non-linear configurations. You can switch between several pre-configured modes, like one that applies full braking force when the handbrake is pulled halfway, then reduces force when pulled further. This level of customisation is impressive and adds a lot to the overall experience.
Heusinkveld Handbrake Black
This handbrake is regarded as one of the more high-end options, not only because of the Heusinkveld brand but also due to its 310 USD price tag. This is a significant amount of money for a piece of equipment you might only use occasionally, but when you need it, you want to rely on it.
The Smart Control software offers a familiar experience if you’re used to Heusinkveld’s other products. Beyond calibration, you can set curves to impact how your handbrake behaves. You can save multiple profiles and easily share them with others.
Heusinkveld accessories are always high quality and very functional, and this handbrake is no exception. There’s a lot of adjustment, and you can get every setup from soft to super hard thanks to the 120kg load cell. With the three different rubbers included, you can adjust the feel and pressure of the handbrake too.
Thrustmaster TSS Sparco Mod
The Thrustmaster TSS Sparco Mod is a handbrake that can be used as a sequential shifter. The handbrake is easy to adjust in height and angle, whilst the grip can also be adjusted to the height that you find preferential.
The TSS comes with a USB cable, which you can plug into your PC. When you plug the USB in you can calibrate the handbrake or shifter with the drivers found on the Thrustmaster website, which will allow you to enhance your experience.
If you want a handbrake and a shifter, and you’re not using them simultaneously, we highly recommend the Thrustmaster TSS Sparco Mod. But, if you are also looking to pair it with a brand new wheel, why don’t you check out our guide to the best Sim Racing wheels for PC in 2024?
DSD Hydraulic Handbrake
Derek Speare Designs (DSD) has two types of hydraulic handbrakes. The DSD Type 3 handbrake, an upgraded version of Type 2, is bigger, more robust, and has the DSD 12-bit controller included.
It’s built from high-end aluminium and has a further adjustable hydraulic kit, providing more precision than the DSD Type 2. Both are delivered with a USB cable and work directly plug and play. The DSD Hydraulic Handbrake Type 3 will be stretching your budget though. The price might be high, but the quality is very high.
If you are serious about your handbrakes and are looking for one of the best options on the market, the DSD Hydraulic Handbrake will certainly be worth it.
Simagic TB-RS Hydralic Handbrake
The Simagic TB-RS Handbrake is a premium hydraulic handbrake priced at 369 USD. While it may seem expensive, this handbrake offers a wealth of features that justify its cost, distinguishing it from simpler models like Simagic’s TV1 handbrake, which is about half the price and lacks the same level of sophistication.
A standout feature of the TB-RS is its hydraulic system that contributes to a slower, more controlled retraction, avoiding the springy feel of simpler, non-hydraulic models. In the world of sim racing, hydraulics bring a level of realism that’s hard to match.
Another aspect that sets the TB-RS apart is its elastomer setup. The handbrake features a compression chamber housing nine elastomers, which compress when you pull the handle, creating resistance. You can adjust the feel by swapping out elastomers of different densities, allowing you to customise the progression and pressure of the handbrake to suit your driving style.
The TB-RS also includes a vibration motor that provides tactile feedback when you lock up the rear wheels. While not essential, this feature adds an extra layer of immersion.
While the price may be steep for some, the features and performance make it well worth the investment for those who need a high-quality handbrake in their setup.
Simtag Hydraulic Simulator Handbrake
The Simtag Hydraulic Handbrake is made from aluminium and stainless steel. The handbrake is fully adjustable between 30 and 90 degrees, and an additional 20cm extension is available if you want more height and precision in adjusting the angle.
This handbrake gives you the best feeling in the simulator with the Wilwood Master and Slave cylinders from real-life motorsport. A USB cable comes with the handbrake, and it is plug-and-play.
This high-end handbrake does come with a hefty price tag, though. However, just like the DSD option, the hydraulic system will make a huge difference and is a solid option for the more serious racers.
If you are a more serious Sim Racer and are into iRacing, look at the best wheel options for iRacing right now.
As you can see, there are many different handbrakes that you can use for sim racing. They may not make you quicker, but the feeling and immersion that come with using a handbrake are amazing.
