What Are the Best Sim Racing Pedals
A sim racing pedal set is an essential part of any sim racing setup. However, the world of pedals can be as confusing as finding a racing wheel or sim rig, and there are huge price differences and different technologies available for each pedal set.
All of the pedals listed feature load cell technology, so going with a set without a load cell will significantly improve performance.
What Are the Best Sim Racing Pedals?
1. Thrustmaster T-LCM
Thrustmaster T-LCM is the best sim racing pedal you can get at an affordable price. Thrustmaster’s best-seller features premium pedal features that have come down in price over time. There are still some plastic parts, but most of the important components are made of metal.
Long-term reliability is still unknown, but this model appears to be well-designed, featuring a 100kg load cell, a magnetic sensor, and a very simple arrangement of elements that allows for easy adjustment of hardness. Comes with a range of accessories for customisation and adjustment in the cockpit.
2. Heusinkveld Engineering Ultimate+
The Heusinkveld Ultimate+ Sim Racing Pedals are a testament to outstanding engineering for sim racing enthusiasts who seek the pinnacle of performance.
Utilising advanced design techniques such as CAD, FEA, CNC precision laser cutting, these pedals are manufactured with the utmost precision and durability, ensuring an authentic look and feel.
In particular, the load cell technology provides unrivalled accuracy and longevity, eliminating the wear and tear seen in traditional rotary potentiometers.
The most notable feature is the custom adjustable hydraulic damping, which perfectly replicates the feel of real brakes, clutch and throttle, enhancing control and engagement without the need for hoses and master cylinders.
These pedals offer adjustable pedal travel, customizable soft pedal end stops, and a smart controller for software mapping and tuning. With the ability to configure each pedal as brake, throttle or clutch, and the option of two or three pedal sets, the Heusinkveld Ultimate+ pedals cater to a wide range of preferences.
Virtually maintenance-free and backed by meticulous attention to detail, it guarantees precise and consistent performance. This pedal takes the simulation racing experience to a new level, promising confidence and uncompromising performance to the racer who demands the best.
3. MOZA CRP pedals
MOZA Racing, a rising brand in the sim racing market, has created a highly adjustable 3-pedal solution that offers a taste of what the latest direct drive wheelbase manufacturers have to offer in the field.
The CRP pedals are designed to resemble modern supercars or hypercars, and this can be felt in aesthetic choices such as the organ-shaped throttle pedal and the technical features of the pedals themselves.
Above the load cell brakes is a three-stage clutch designed to mimic the feel of a real clutch pedal. After the first stage, which is low resistance, the second stage features a “bite point” where the car usually stops. The last stage has decreasing resistance, which is again designed to mimic how a real clutch would behave when starting off.
In addition to this, the resistance of each pedal can be adjusted using the springs and damping blocks included with the purchase. Further customization is possible in the MOZA Pit House app, where you can configure the linearity of each pedal. This means that 50% pedal force can mean 25% throttle in-game, or you can make it 75% throttle in-game, whatever you want.
The CRP pedals connect to your PC via a USB connector, allowing you to try out MOZA’s ecosystem without investing in a new wheel. This can be helpful for anyone looking to take their first wheel to the next level but unsure of which brand to invest in long term.
4. Heusinkveld Engineering Sprint
The Heusinkveld Engineering Sprint Sim Pedals surpass their acclaimed predecessor, the Sim Pedals Pro, with a comprehensive overhaul. These pedals deliver up to 64kg/141lbs of braking force via custom load cells, complemented by SmartControl software for precise customization.
The lightweight, compact design makes them compatible with a wide range of simulators, while custom throttle and clutch springs enhance pedal feel and stability. The brake pedal features a two-stage system that simulates the pad-to-disc gap of a real race car, and offers adjustable rubber for a variety of stiffness settings.
The clutch pedal’s custom springs provide a realistic concave feel. The bearing and pivot system have been redesigned for greater stability, while the sealed electronics simplify setup.
The SmartControl software allows for non-linear pedal output curves, deadzone adjustments, and brake pedal force configuration, and allows for the creation of multiple profiles. These Sprint Sim Pedals are available as a 3-pedal or 2-pedal set, and are the ultimate option when it comes to sim racing pedals.
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5. Thrustmaster T-LCM Load Cell Pedal
The T-LCM pedal is Thrustmaster's first entry into the load cell pedal market. However, it still offers a reasonable price and a high-quality design.
The pedal uses a metal structure in the pedal head and arm, which ensures limited flexibility in the main stress areas of the pedal. It also features a textured metal base plate that you can use to rest your feet on, providing a high-quality look and feel.
The most interesting feature in terms of functionality is the addition of a load cell to the brake pedal. The load cell can withstand up to 100kg of force, allowing you to apply a ton of force to the pedal set, just like a real brake pedal.
The load cell allows you to swap out six different springs to get the pedal feel that best suits your pedal-equipped sim rig and is ideal for you.
The throttle and clutch feature magnetic Hall effect sensors, ensuring the pedals last longer and maintain high-resolution input measurements.
One major advantage these pedals have over many others is that they are compatible with virtually any device from consoles to PCs, pairing them with wheels from the extensive Thrustmaster ecosystem. So if you’re looking for an entry-level pedal set without losing the great feel of the load cell, there’s no better choice than the T-LCM pedals.
6. Fanatec CSL LC
The CSL LC (load cell) pedal, which celebrated its 8th birthday in August, still holds its place in the budget category of the pedal market. The newer and much more luxurious counterparts are more advanced and have more options, but you can’t go wrong with the CSL LC as your first set of load cell pedals.
This product allows you to easily adjust the amount of braking force you need via the Fanatec Tuning Menu (or the Fanatec Control Panel on your PC). You also get all three pedals for a set price, so you don’t have to pay extra for the clutch. A nice bonus: you can change the positions of all three pedals.
The throttle and clutch pedals feature non-contact Hall sensors, but the load cell brakes are what really make this pedal stand out at this price point.
7. SIMSONN NEW PRO Pedals Sim Racing Pedals
This is the pedal set I had on my rig before the Conspits arrived. Great product. Overall meticulous CNC machining, Vishay potentiometers, custom electronics and 200kg load cell with dampers. Most of the manufacturing is done in-house at Simtrecs in Budapest, Hungary.
Their roots in RC cars allowed them to make their own dampers and a calibration software package similar to Smartcontrol called SmartDrive.
In addition to the detailed and beautiful presentation, the pedal feel is also really good. The throttle is smooth and it is very easy to control oversteer and rear traction. The brakes are great and benefit from a set of highly adjustable elastomers and a 1-way hydraulic damper. I have had these pedals for almost 2 years now and they are as good as new when I opened the box.
8. Fanatec Clubsport Pedals V3
The Fanatec Clubsport pedals are now in their third generation. The evolution and development of these pedals is evident in the new design and internal changes.
For example, the electronics have been completely revised, and the magnetic Hall sensors in the throttle and clutch pedals offer four times the resolution of the previous generation V2 pedals.
The custom load cells are definitely more durable and much more precise than the previous generation. You can apply relatively strong pressure and precisely control the brakes with muscle memory, just like in a real car when driving. Again, considering the price point, this set is a great value, especially when you get a used set.
Conclusion
In the world of sim racing, pedal choice can make a huge difference to your racing experience. Many of the top brands of Sim Racing Pedals offer a variety of pedal sets, each with their own unique features and benefits.
Each pedal set has its own strengths and characteristics, making them ideal for a variety of budgets and levels of commitment to sim racing. Whether you’re just starting out on your sim racing journey or a seasoned pro seeking the ultimate in realism, Fanatec’s pedal options offer a wide range of choices to suit your needs.
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