If you’re looking for one upgrade that can completely transform your sim racing experience without breaking the bank, this might be it.
After testing countless immersion upgrades—from bass shakers to hydraulic pedals—I finally pulled the trigger on the Simagic HPR Haptic Pedal Reactor system… and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how big of a difference it would make.
This is a sub-$200 upgrade that doesn’t just add immersion—it actually helps you drive faster.
Let’s break down exactly why.
Why I Bought the Simagic HPR Reactors
Before installing these, my setup already included:
- Hydraulic pedals (for better braking realism)
- A seat-mounted bass shaker (ButtKicker)
While both helped, something was still missing.
The pedals still felt… dead.
There was no real feedback telling me:
- When ABS was activating
- When I was locking up
- How much grip I had
After seeing these consistently sell out and hearing the hype, I decided to try them myself.
Verdict: I should’ve done this sooner.
What Are Haptic Pedal Reactors?
The Simagic HPR system adds localized vibration motors directly to your pedals, giving you real-time feedback based on telemetry from your sim.
Instead of feeling vibrations through your seat, you now feel them exactly where they matter:
- Brake pedal → ABS feedback
- Throttle → RPM + traction
- All pedals → road texture & curbs
This creates a much more realistic and informative driving experience.
SimHub Setup (Step-by-Step Overview)
Getting these working is actually straightforward using SimHub.
1. Install SimHub
- Download and install the latest version (I’m using 9.11.10)
2. Connect the HPR Controller
- Plug in the device
- It should auto-detect in SimHub
- If not → click “Add Device”
3. Verify Pedal Mapping
- Middle port = Brake
- Right port = Throttle (based on orientation)
4. Test Each Pedal
Use the Test Channel feature to confirm:
- Each motor is working
- Pedals are mapped correctly
5. IMPORTANT (iRacing Users)
Disable built-in vibration in iRacing:
- Go to Misc Settings
- Turn off “Vibrate pedals and wheels”
This ensures SimHub has full control.
My Recommended SimHub Settings
One of the biggest mistakes people make:
Running everything at 100%
These motors are strong. If you max everything out, it becomes noise instead of useful feedback.
Here’s what I found works best:
Core Settings
- Main Volume: 80%
- Less is more — focus on clarity, not intensity
ABS Feedback (Brake Only)
- Frequency: 20 Hz
- Strength: 100%
- Applied only to brake pedal
This is critical.
You feel a distinct “clicking” sensation when ABS activates—just like real life.
Gear Shift Feedback
- Strength: 80%
- Frequency: 15 Hz
Gives a satisfying “thunk” on each shift.
Road Rumble
- Strength: ~60%
- Includes progressive fade-out
This helps simulate:
- Grass
- Gravel
- Off-track surfaces
Road Vibration (Constant Feedback)
- Strength: 28%
- Low and high frequency tuned
This is subtle—but essential.
It mimics:
- Road texture
- Surface changes
- General tire contact feel
RPM Feedback (Throttle Only)
- Strength: 30%
- Linear response curve
You can actually feel the engine through the throttle.
What It Feels Like On Track (Spa Example)
Driving a lap at Spa with these enabled completely changes how you interact with the car.
Curbs
You feel each individual bump:
- “Boom, boom, boom” across the pedal
- Helps you position the car precisely
ABS Activation
When braking hard:
- You feel distinct pulses
- Instantly know you’re at the limit
Instead of guessing, you adjust braking pressure in real-time.
Wheel Lockups
- Clear vibration feedback when locking up
- Encourages proper brake modulation
Surface Changes
- Grass = heavier, rough vibration
- Gravel = lighter, higher frequency
You don’t just see it—you feel it.
Does It Actually Make You Faster?
Short answer: Yes.
Why?
Because it adds real-time sensory input that you don’t get otherwise.
You gain:
- Better braking control
- Improved consistency
- More awareness of grip
It’s not just immersion—it’s performance.
Who Should Buy This?
This upgrade is perfect if you:
- Already have a mid-to-high-end rig
- Want more immersion without spending thousands
- Struggle with brake modulation or consistency
- Play iRacing, ACC, or similar sims
Final Verdict
The Simagic HPR pedal reactors are easily one of the best value upgrades in sim racing right now.
For under $200, you get:
- Real pedal feedback
- Better driving awareness
- Increased immersion
- Potential lap time gains
This is one of those rare upgrades that delivers on hype.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re on the fence:
Yes. 100%.
This is one of the few upgrades where you’ll notice the difference within the first lap.
If you’re interested in purchasing and want to support Moore Podiums, you can use this TrakRacer Affiliate Link to purchase: trakracer.com/?ref=Cz6onwhhGnMcd8
Full Setup + Driving Breakdown
This article is based on the full walkthrough and lap demonstration here: