Simnet Announces New Hydro-Link Pro Kit

Introduction

Yesterday, Simnet announced the newest addition to its sim racing lineup: the Hydro-Link Pro Kit designed for SP Pedals and SHB Handbrakes. Co-founder Cooper Cheng explained that the goal of the upgrade is to enhance realism by giving the SP Pro Pedals and SHB Handbrake a more authentic hydraulic feel for sim racing. Additionally, it allows users to fine-tune their braking feel by mixing and matching springs and elastomers to create their ideal pedal resistance curve.

The A-HPK is now available for preorder via Simnet's official website and can be combined with the discount code SIMNET for an extra 8% off. Customers who prefer domestic shipping can also wait for the product to arrive at U.S. distributors, including Apex Sim Racing, shortly after.

About the A-HPK

Simnet's new Hydro-Link Pro Kit is a real hydraulic brake that allows sim racers to feel the authentic resistance of hydraulic fluid once pressure is applied. Included in the system is a master cylinder and a slave cylinder, which work together to deliver a smooth, progressive braking force that closely mirrors the sensation of a real motorsport braking system.

As pressure builds through the hydraulic line, drivers experience natural pedal stiffness and modulation, making threshold braking and trail braking far more intuitive. This results in greater consistency, improved muscle memory, and a more immersive connection between driver and car. The hydraulic brake allows users to mix and match springs and elastometers to their liking. 

Designed for compatibility with Simnet’s ecosystem, the Hydro-Link Pro Kit adds an affordable, professional-grade upgrade path for racers looking to move beyond traditional load cell setups and into actual hydraulic performance.

Compatibility

The Hydro-Link Pro Kit is fully compatible with the Simnet SP Pro Pedals and SHB Handbrake. It integrates directly with these components to add a hydraulic-style feel to braking and handbrake inputs, enhancing realism without requiring custom fabrication or complex modifications.

At this time, the kit is intended only for these Simnet models and is not listed as compatible with pedals or handbrakes from other brands. The system is built around the existing Simnet design to ensure proper fit, performance, and fluid-based resistance characteristics.

Stacking Components

The Hydro-Link Pro Kit includes a wide selection of springs, elastomers, and spacers that work together to shape pedal resistance and braking feel. These components allow racers to build a customized resistance curve that better mimics the progressive pressure of a real hydraulic braking system.

The included springs control the initial phase of pedal travel. Lighter silver springs provide a softer start, while stiffer black springs increase early resistance. Different spring lengths further adjust how much movement occurs before firmer elements engage, giving drivers control over how quickly the pedal begins to load up.

Elastomers are responsible for the progressive, pressure based resistance that defines the core braking sensation. The 70A elastomers deliver a slightly softer compression feel, while the 80A versions offer a firmer, more race oriented response. Mixing elastomer strengths allows users to fine tune how sharply resistance increases as pedal force rises.

A range of spacers in different shapes is also included to refine stack height, alignment, and force transfer. These spacers help seat the springs and elastomers properly and influence how resistance builds through the pedal stroke. By experimenting with different combinations, sim racers can achieve a brake feel that matches their preferred driving style and vehicle type.

Included Items

Included in the kit are multiple metal mounting plates for both pedal and handbrake configurations, allowing secure installation and proper alignment within supported Simnet hardware. A range of elastomers in different firmness ratings is provided to adjust how progressively resistance builds under load, while several spring options in varying stiffness and lengths fine tune the initial pedal travel and engagement point.

The kit also comes with the necessary installation hardware, including mounting bolts, spacers, and tools required for assembly and adjustment. This ensures users have everything needed to install the system and experiment with different stack configurations to achieve their preferred pedal feel.

Conclusion

The new Simnet A-HPK is a meaningful upgrade for sim racers who want more than stiff pedals. By introducing a hydraulic element and a fully tunable internal stack, it brings a smoother, more realistic braking and handbrake experience that better reflects the feel of real world performance cars.

With multiple springs, elastomers, and spacers included, drivers can fine tune everything from initial pedal travel to peak resistance. Whether you prefer a softer, more progressive curve or a firm, race style pedal, the kit gives you the flexibility to dial in a setup that matches your driving style!

The A-HPK is now available for preorder through Simnet’s official website, and shoppers can use code SIMNET for an additional 8 percent discount. Those who would rather order from within the United States can also wait for inventory to reach domestic distributors, including Apex Sim Racing, soon after launch!