First Look: Simnet SHB Load Cell Handbrake
Introduction
Simnet recently announced the new SHB Loadcell Handbrake, and thanks to our strong partnership with the brand, we were fortunate enough to get our hands on it! With its full metal construction, 100 kg load cell sensor, and variety of adjustable angles, I feel confident that Simnet’s latest release stands out as one of the most impressive handbrakes to hit the market this year.
In this blog post, I’ll be discussing my first impressions, unboxing experience, mounting, and calibration process. My goal is to give sim racers who are considering the SHB Loadcell Handbrake a clear idea of what to expect in terms of build quality, setup, and performance.
Unboxing
The SHB Handbrake comes with a standard USB cable, CNC aluminum hand grip, mounting tools and screws, two blue elastomers, two springs, three spacers, and the handbrake itself. Simnet was also kind enough to supply us with three handbrake lever extensions, which are usually considered add-ons.
The unboxing experience was simple enough, as each component was easy to identify and piece together. The general appearance of the handbrake itself was nice. I didn't notice any scratching or blemishes on the metal surfaces. The overall finish felt premium, with the handbrake boasting a sleek, all-black look with a subtle logo placement towards the base.
Build Quality and Design Overview
Every part of the assembly feels solid and well-thought out. The entire unit is constructed from metal, giving it a good weight and sense of durability that stands out compared to other handbrakes at this price range. The machining is clean, the edges are smooth, and there’s a noticeable level of attention to detail throughout the build.
I messed around with the lever extensions, and found that I actually prefer gripping the handbrake without any; the lever extensions are ideal for sim racers with lower rigs or those who prefer to mount their handbrake in a lower position.
The grip feels awesome. It has a textured finish that’s comfortable to hold and provides just enough resistance to keep your hand secure during a quick pull. It feels sturdy without being overly stiff, and the lever action has a smooth, mechanical feel that gives confidence even before calibration. You can tell the materials were chosen with function in mind rather than just looks, and that gives it a really refined, purpose-built character.
Mounting and Setup
Depending on your rig, you may already have everything you need to mount the SHB Loadcell Handbrake. I installed it on our Sabelt rig in the front room, and it fit right in. The mounting process was also simple and didn’t require any modifications. The holes on the base plate lined up well with our 8020 profile, and the included hardware made it easy to get a secure fit. Once installed, the handbrake felt sturdy with no flex or movement, even when applying more pressure to the lever.
The adjustable angles also made it easy to put it in a comfortable position. Whether you prefer your handbrake tilted closer to the wheel or mounted slightly lower on the rig, there’s enough range to fine-tune it to your preference. Overall, the install process was smooth, and the handbrake feels like a permanent part of the setup rather than an add-on.
Calibration
With Simnet's software, you can easily adjust the dead zone, curve response, and noise reduction to fine-tune the handbrake to suit your needs. The interface is straightforward and gives you control over how the SHB responds to input pressure. You can make quick adjustments to soften or sharpen the feel depending on your driving style, whether you prefer a gradual engagement for rally stages or a more immediate response for drifting.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Overall, the Simnet SHB Loadcell Handbrake makes a strong first impression. The build quality, attention to detail, and sleek design prove that Simnet continues to refine their approach to high-performance sim racing hardware. The full metal construction feels durable, the lever action is smooth, and the range of adjustability makes it easy to tailor to any setup.
I’m very happy with how the shifter turned out along with the level of craftsmanship that went into it. Simnet clearly put a lot of thought into both the engineering and overall presentation, and I look forward to reviewing more of their products in the future!
The Simnet SHB Load Cell Handbrake is estimated to start shipping in November. You can pre-order it here!
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