Pedals are the most underrated upgrade in sim racing. A better wheel makes the experience more immersive, but a better brake makes you more consistent. That is why many fast drivers say: if you can only upgrade one thing, upgrade the pedals.
This guide explains the three main pedal technologies: load cell, hydraulic and active pedals. We also cover what you need from your cockpit so the pedals perform as intended.
Load cell pedals (the modern default)
Load cell brakes measure pressure, not travel. That is important because humans repeat pressure more reliably than distance. Load cell pedals are the best value choice for most sim racers.
- Best for: beginners to advanced, sprint and endurance racing
- Strengths: consistent braking, predictable trail braking
- Needs: a rigid mounting surface so the pedal plate does not flex
Example load cell option on SIMGASM: Moza CRP2 load cell pedals.
Hydraulic pedals (feel and realism)
Hydraulic pedals use fluid pressure for a more “real” feel and can be very satisfying. They can also require more maintenance and careful tuning.
- Best for: drivers who value feel and realism, and enjoy tuning
- Strengths: smooth pressure ramp, realistic resistance
- Needs: very rigid mounting and good ergonomics (high forces)
Active pedals (the future)
Active pedals use a motor to generate programmable pedal forces. That means one pedal can mimic many cars, and you can feel ABS, traction and even tyre lock signals directly in the pedal.
- Best for: advanced drivers, coaches, and sim racers who want maximum feedback
- Strengths: adjustable feel profiles, high information, training potential
- Needs: a very stable cockpit, clean cable routing, and careful setup
Example active pedal on SIMGASM: Moza mBooster active pedal.
Mounting and cockpit requirements (where most setups fail)
If your pedals move, your braking changes. Period. For high force pedals (hydraulic or stiff load cell), the cockpit matters just as much as the pedal set.
- Pedal mounting: use a stiff surface like the universal peripheral deck.
- Foot reference: add a heel plate so your feet land in the same place every lap.
- Recommended cockpit tier: Club for most load cell setups, Sport or Pro for high force or active pedals.
Which pedal type should you choose?
| If you want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Best value and fastest improvement | Load cell pedals |
| Most realistic “pressure feel” | Hydraulic pedals |
| Maximum feedback and tunability | Active pedal |
Recommended SIMGASM gear
- Universal peripheral deck (rigid pedal mounting)
- Heel plate 400 mm (repeatable foot reference)
- SIMGASM Club simulator (strong base for most pedals)
- SIMGASM Sport simulator (more adjustability and routing)
- Moza CRP2 load cell pedals
- Moza mBooster active pedal
Continue reading
- Load cell pedal setup guide: brake calibration, force and feel
- Brake pedal elastomer tuning: travel, stiffness and consistency for faster laps
- A weekly sim racing practice plan: get faster in iRacing and ACC without grinding
- Endurance sim racing setup: comfort, hydration and a rig checklist that matters
- Sim racing cable routing guide: service loops, strain relief and clean upgrades
