Simnet Hydro-link Pro Kit for SP Pedal and SHB handbrake

The Simnet Hydro-Link is a

"The Simnet Hydro-Link is a great addition to the Simnet pedals. It’s affordable, well made, and very easy to install. I was looking for a softer setting than I was using with the spring stack (I had 2 yellow 1 blue elastomer before switching), so I went with the black 54 kg spring(55mm). I tried a few different combos but that was the one I stuck with. Also pro tip, if you get it and it feels like its sticky you have to spin the part that connects to your pedal arm to push the pedal further away. Go to the simnet discord and you'll find a video, very simple, takes 2 seconds and the stickiness is gone. Overall if you want more immersion, and a hydraulic feeling brake, try this."

— Kara J. (5/5)

The Next Step

"Apex gets 5 stars. Great service, prices, and availability. The Hydro-link Pro is an extravagance not a necessity. It does provide a more natural hydraulic brake feel and endless combinations of springs and elastomers to play around with, but, for me, SimNet's elastomer and spring set accessory is a much better value. If you have the money to spend, it's is a great add on. Don't expect it to be a game changer. I'm keeping it on my rig and I'm enjoying trying to find the right spring and elastomer combination for me. I'm only giving 4 stars because the Pro lacks a manual and troubleshooting tips (support is handled on Discord). They provide an assembly video on their site that is very helpful. Be sure to watch all of it because you can trash the unit by depressing the piston without a spring in it. Once assembled, there was play in the mechanism where the brake was floppy until the play was taken up with foot pressure. Nothing on their website addresses this. I corrected the slop by extending the piston arm (see picture). Once the slop was corrected the brake would stick on initial pressure and did not provide a smooth action. This was corrected by extending the piston arm further so that there was slight pressure on it at all times. I am unsure if this remedy is a good idea or not. I have posted a support ticket on Discord citing my remedy, but have not heard back. So, would I buy it again? Yes. This is a new product and the issues I've had are just teething problems and will likely be solved by the customer base or SimNet in the near future."

— RAP38 (4/5)

I love it. The feel

"I love it. The feel of a real hydraulic brake is a game changer. At least for me."

— Jacob B. (5/5)

"Using it without dampener and brake pressure feels more like real car than Loadcell. Lightest single spring feels like normal car. Havent tried other combinations yet but using 2x short springs might be the best setup."

— blu3 (5/5)

Finally, Perfection

"I am revising my previous 4 star review to 5. SimNet support has confirmed that extending the piston arm rotating the locking bolt and eye coupler is the accepted way to remove slop in the mechanism and correct stickiness on initial pressure. It seems they designed it with the slop to make assembly easier. I have found my combination for the brake: the Red 80A elastomer with the Black 54kg 25mm spring. That combination with the SimNet calibration software have given me the perfect brake feel. It does feel like a real hydraulic brake, and it allows you to moderate your brake force more accurately that just elastomers and springs alone. A great add on."

— RAP38 (5/5)

"Quick order processing and delivery time."

— Jay (4/5)

Seems like a solid product.

"Seems like a solid product. Easy to install just make sure to pay attention to the adjustment instructions to prevent stiction when first pressing the pedal. I tried with the softer springs. You can feel the hydraulic action. I however like braking with the stiffer spring. With the stiffer spring the feel of the hydraulic is muted but still there. I also removed the damper when installing the hydraulic kit."

— Alex K. (4/5)