SimJack Load Cell Pedals: The Test (long term)

After more than 6 months with the SimJack Pro Load Cell, it’s time for a review. Does the Chinese manufacturer with ULTRA competitive prices manage to compete with the big names in the sector, or is it a pedals of questionnable quality? Answer in this test!

The packaging: classic, simple, efficient.

Let’s save our time: it arrived quickly (8 days after shipping), well packaged, not damaged. Next.

Let’s note in passing: many people ask me questions about customs fees: for some time now, Aliexpress has been collecting the VAT when ordering, making it unnecessary to go through customs. However, some carriers may re-invoice the VAT. Don’t panic: once you have paid the carrier (twice therefore…), you contact Aliexpress with an invoice and proof of payment and they will reimburse you.

Assembly and configuration.

The pedalset is delivered without a plate, as is often the case (but they offer a very good one). You will have no trouble mounting it on Heusinkveld plates, or even directly on profiles, even if you have to order a simple steel plate to rest the feet.

The pedalset is delivered with M6 screws for assembly which is not very long.

The configuration is provided by DiView. It is simple, not ultra user-friendly but we have access to the essentials: min and max adjustment. We can also make the curve non-linear.

The pedalset is delivered with a metal control box which alone answers our question: SimJack has put the means where we need them:

simjack pedals control box

Indeed, to find a control box of this good quality, you will really have to aim for the top of the range! You will ask me: a metal control box, what is it for? Well, the problem with load cell pedals is sensitivity to EMI. Understand the problem: a load cell is a sensor that captures voltage differences of the order of mV (one thousandth of a Volt), when you can have motors (flywheel, cylinders, etc.) that operate at 24V/48V at high amperages next to it. These components therefore have no problem disturbing the load cell signal, this is what we call EMI (electromagnetic interference). We do not encounter this problem with hydraulic pedals for example because the sensors operate on wider ranges, between 0V and 5V in general. The use of a metal box acts as a Faraday cage and reduces the disturbances. I can therefore use my many actuators without disturbing the signal coming from the pedals: a must!

Adjusting the geometry.

There are many possible settings:

  • start/end of travel
  • pedal resistance
  • preload
  • relative position of the pedals in depth
  • height adjustment of the accelerator plate

The axles are machined with an imprint that allows them to be blocked in the end joints: so the settings do not move. It’s perfect.

Simjack brake load cell 200kg

Accelerator pedal

Let’s start with the most exciting: the accelerator. Obviously not much to say. The size of the plate is appreciable. The force of the spring seems balanced to me.

It uses a 20kg Load Cell.

simjack throttle pedal

Brake pedal

I don’t have much to say about the brake pedal: it’s sturdy, it doesn’t move. On the other hand, we would have appreciated not having only one type of elastomer or spring… it’s easy to correct and we already have a lot of different solutions. As for me, I applied a strong pre-stress and removed an elastomer to be more quickly in the very hard.

The brake uses a 200kg load cell… it’s a bit too much but it works, especially because the control box is of excellent quality.

On the brake and clutch the plate is curved and comfortable.

smjack brake pedal

Clutch pedal

The clutch pedal has a hard point. As for me, this is not a feature to which I attach much importance, especially since it makes the adjustment of the geometry more delicate in order to “position” the hard point. But otherwise the pedal is perfectly designed.

simjack pedale embrayage

Conclusion

We can already answer our question: this SimJack pedal is a BANGER!!! You really have to be very picky to find faults with it, and the price is just mind-boggling. You will not gain in performance by looking for another brand, that’s for sure. It plays neck and neck with the Simsonn which offers more spring in the basic kit.

SimJack Pedals

The faultless?

Ideal if you are looking for a reliable, simple, efficient crankset.

Final evaluation:

Final evaluation:
4 5 0 1
4/5
Total Score
  • MANUFACTURING QUALITY
    4/5 Good
    The pedal board loses a point on the screws and on the play in the accelerator pedal (problem corrected recently)
  • CONTROL BOX/SOFTWARE
    5/5 Amazing
    We would have liked dedicated software, but the control box is of such quality that we forgive it.
  • FEELING
    4/5 Good
    You can get whatever you want... as long as you order other elastomers if necessary.

Advantages

  • Sturdy
  • Reliable
  • Adjustements

Disadvantages

  • Limited Screws
  • Aesthetics a little outdated
I've been passionate about cars since I was a kid! I learned the multiple variations of the Skyline R34 through the Gran Tursimo series, until I discovered GTR2 at the wheel of a keyboard. A few years later, I plunged back into Sim Racing with a G27 which made me enter the DIY world. Always looking for an immersion out of reach in reality, I develop projects that I take care to make accessible to any 3D printer owner!
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