I REFUSE to take these off my rig | Simagic DS-8X and TB-1 | First Impressions

At just under €700 for the pair, could I see myself buying these if I was in the market? It's a sequential and h-pattern combo, as well as a handbrake that aims to be better than all other handbrakes on the market. I give you all of my day 1 impressions across multiple sims, circuit racing, rally and even drifting.

Start: 0:00
Unboxing - Simagic DS-8X: 0:26
Unboxing - Simagic TB-1: 5:02
Mounting options: 6:20
Installation Timelapse: 8:02
In The Rig: 9:00
Software: 14:12
Assetto Corsa: 17:21
Drifting: 20:51
Rally: 23:10
Summary: 25:46

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[asawyer]

I love the DS-8X, one solution for H pattern and sq. It feels great, absolutely no regrets with that purchase!

[SeyePhi]

We appreciate your enthusiasm and professionalism. Your reviews are a must watch. Thank you.

[Wiserone]

I love my DS-8X BUT a fair warning to people who drift VDC drift cars or rally and are aggresive with there equipment the internal spring will eventually break in sequential mode. I have broken my spring twice now but it breaks right where you wopuld expect it. I have since ordered a custom heavy duty spring for the sequential mode. I will not be using my sequential mode anymore on the DS-8X after this fix unless someone else is using my rig lol. I also picked up a Simagic Q1S just for sequential driving and it's worth the money. FYI the spring breaking does not mess up the H-Pattern shifter so I have been using the H pattern shifter and I can set that thing to some really good resistances. It almost imitates my custom T56 magnum on the racecar. The TB1 also feels awesome in the stock configuration. Again I beat the shit out of my equipment and the TB1 does not break a sweat.

[jacksawyer]

Great first impressions LD, my own first impressions of the DS-8X were about the same as yours. I found that using the long handle from Q1 made the sequential nicer to use. I also felt the ball gear knob was a little too big for me, but luckily, Simagic sells a much nicer teardrop style gear knob and it feels much nicer to use for me.
They're only 20 quid each as well, so we'll worth the buy. I believe they're both M12 x1.5 for the thread pitch

[YBFocus]

Monday evening release, you are spoiling us

[g.s.]

Handbrake closer to wheel or shifter closer to wheel comes down to what discipline you do mostly. Rally drivers try to put shifter closer because that is what they are doing more (shifting way more often than using handbrake). Drifters dont have to shift as much on a run but use the handbrake a lot so its closer to the wheel.

[rjcraft]

Fantastic review and a very polite reviewer subbed!

[heetfromlv]

Seeing you drive my home track Biķernieki, made this review awesome 😎

[Mathias-RetroFutureTech]

I recently switched from the VNM Shifter, which I had for about 2 months until it started to develop serious issues, to the DS-8X and I'm absolutely in love! Was able to get it used, in mint condition, for about the same price as the VNM Shifter cost new. This is lightyears ahead! The convenience to just switch between H-pattern and sequential, as well as the 'non gated' H-pattern makes this a no brainer in my opinion. The only thing that felt a bit better with the VNM, was the sequential mode though.

[Benedict_MankoMuncher]

Thank you. I just ordered the handbrake! Using it as a standalone with my g29.

[ClickoZen]

Great job on the review, but, I have to say the price on the shifter for me personally its completely absurd.
I like your reviews a lot Laurence keep'm'coming

[adhdturtle]

Hey Laurence, not sure if you're still using the handbrake or what its factory diameter is, but you might slip a bicycle grip over it. You could also wrap it in athletic tape such as what a bat handle would be wrapped with. Cheers from across the pond

[TugboatTony]

You're making me want that shifter😂. I think I will stick with my VNM. Even tho the look of the shifts do look more precise then the VNM. It took a while before I could shift fast that fast in the VNM. Great review as always. These products are 🥔 Nation approved. 😊

[dtrain-uwu]

Just wanted to point out WRC/Rally cars. The shifter is on the inside aka between the wheel and hand brake.

[GreenBlueWalkthrough]

The shiofter looks and sounds really nice and they have a good price too!

[drenon]

Love my DS-8X, however I did not get the stickers! Lucky!

[darwinLee]

Honestly about the 2.0 Software. I wanna know if it's gonna Nurf the older Alpha Mini to

[bfife]

I ended up with the shifter to the left of the handbrake, and the handbrake angled towards me, so I pull it in towards my body. Gives clearance for the switch and is actually more comfortable that way

Agreed on the sequential, throw is slightly too long IMO, and the feel isn’t perfect, but being able to swap in a second to H-Pattern is worth the trade off. With the shifter set to almost the stiffest setting, the H-Pattern feels fantastic and the Sequential feels pretty good. It’s definitely too light out of the box

[Smartie.]

PSP is fantastic. Finally getting mine where I want it. Got a profile with a nice little trick if you interested for the assumed future review😉

[badgeud]

What is better between the MECA EVO Handbrake and the TB-1?