Top-Rated Best Test Drive: A Look At The New Heusinkveld Ultimate+ Sim Pedals Tested by Our Team

Introduction

The Heusinkveld Ultimate+ Pedals are widely regarded as one of the most premium sim racing pedal sets available, designed to deliver professional-grade force feedback, adjustability, and realism. They consist of three fully adjustable pedals—throttle, brake, and clutch—each built with hydraulic damping and load cell sensors capable of simulating forces comparable to real racing cars. These pedals are often used by serious sim racers, esports drivers, and professional training rigs thanks to their precision and consistency.

Unboxing & First Impressions

At first glance, the Ultimate+ set impresses with its solid stainless-steel construction and purposeful industrial design. Each pedal module arrives as a standalone unit that you can mount individually or on an optional baseplate, providing flexibility in how you position them within your rig. The materials feel durable, heavy, and professional—a clear departure from typical consumer-grade pedals.

Design & Build Quality

The Ultimate+ pedals are engineered with precision and endurance in mind:

• Stainless steel laser-cut structure: Provides rigidity and eliminates unwanted flex under heavy use.
• Hydraulic damping on all pedals: Simulates real mechanical resistance, making throttle, brake, and clutch feel more life-like.
• Load cell sensors: Ensure true linear force measurement—especially on the brake, which can handle up to 140 kg (200 kg rated) of force.
• Adjustable components: Pedal angle, pedal plate height, travel, and resistance are fully adjustable.

The industrial construction and comprehensive adjustment range make these pedals feel built for endurance and precision, suitable for competitions or long sim sessions.

Features & Adjustability

Brake Pedal

The hydraulic-assisted load cell brake is the star of the Ultimate+ set:

• Adjustable resistance settings: Up to nine configurations let you dial in the exact brake feel you want.
• Progressive spring packs and elastomers: Give a realistic feel of resistance building as pedal force increases.
• Hydraulic damping: Smooths out motion and creates a premium brake feel.

Testers report that once configured, the brake pedal delivers smooth and highly controllable progressive resistance, allowing subtle brake modulation and strong force when required.

Throttle & Clutch Pedals

– Throttle: Linear load cell response with adjustable spring preload and pedal travel gives precise control over acceleration input.
– Clutch: Equipped with its own load cell and adjustable force curve, offering a realistic engagement feel.

Hydraulic damping is applied across all pedals, which reduces harshness, improves fluidity, and helps the pedals return smoothly after use.

SmartControl Software

The Ultimate+ pedals work with Heusinkveld SmartControl software, allowing you to:

• Calibrate deadzones and response curves.
• Tune brake force curves and override default behaviour.
• Store multiple profiles for different cars or drivers.

This software integration makes fine-tuning accessible and repeatable across sessions.

Installation & Compatibility

The pedals connect via USB and are recognized as standard input devices on Windows 10 or newer PCs. Due to their heavy-duty mechanical action, they are best mounted to a solid sim rig or use the optional baseplate rather than being used on lightweight pedal boards. Console support is not available, which is an important consideration for potential buyers.

Performance & Driving Experience

On track, the Heusinkveld Ultimate+ pedals deliver exceptional feel and fidelity:

• Brake control: Exceptionally smooth and progressive, especially during trail braking into corners—a key advantage in competitive sims.
• Throttle response: Remains linear and predictable, making car balance adjustments feel intuitive.
• Clutch feel: Realistic with smooth engagement, particularly beneficial in manual-gear driving scenarios.

Many sim racers consider these among the most realistic passive pedal sets available, with a level of sensation and control unmatched by typical load-cell or potentiometer rigs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• ✔ Professional-grade construction: Stainless steel and hydraulic damping feel extremely robust.
• ✔ Highly adjustable: Multiple tuning points let you create an ideal pedal feel for every car type.
• ✔ SmartControl software: Enables in-depth calibration and profiling.
• ✔ Realistic brake force curve: Mimics the feel of real car brakes for maximum immersion.

Cons

• ✘ Premium price point: Designed for enthusiasts and pros—not budget builds.
• ✘ Requires solid rig: Not ideal on flimsy pedal boards; best with a full simulator frame.
• ✘ PC-only: No native console support.

Conclusion

The Heusinkveld Ultimate+ Pedals are a benchmark pedal set for sim racing enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum realism, adjustability, and performance. With their hydraulic damping, high-force load cell sensors, and comprehensive tuning options, they deliver an exceptionally authentic pedal feel that appeals to competitive racers and simulator trainers alike. While their premium nature makes them a significant investment, the combination of mechanical fidelity, adjustability, and software control firmly positions them as a top-tier choice for serious sim racers.