Simpson Pro Sim Racing Pedals Review: Budget-Friendly Performance That Surprises

Introduction

The Simpson Pro sim racing pedals arrive at a crossroads: they carry a professional name and impressive build quality, yet cost around $230, placing them directly alongside the Thrustmaster T-LCM, a well-established budget option. This review examines whether Simpson’s entry into the sim racing pedal market delivers genuine value or simply rides on brand ambition.

Build Quality and Construction

Simpson has engineered the Pro pedals entirely from steel, with all components laser-cut to 3mm thickness. This approach prioritizes rigidity and durability over lightweight design. In practice, the pedals feel solid underfoot with no unwanted flex, side-to-side movement, or squeaking during use.

One practical consideration: the pedal faces are flat and only 3mm thick with firm, unrounded edges. Without shoes, heel-toe downshifting becomes uncomfortable as your foot contacts the throttle’s sharp edge. Wearing racing shoes eliminates this issue entirely. The powder coating is functional but noticeably less refined than competitors at higher price points, a reasonable trade-off given the cost.

Adjustability and Customization

The Simpson Pro pedals shine in their adjustability. All three pedals—throttle, brake, and clutch—allow independent tuning of spring angle, travel distance, and damper position. This flexibility means you can drastically alter resistance and overall feel without replacing components.

Out of the box, the throttle felt too stiff and the clutch bite point too abrupt. After modest tinkering with the adjustable springs and elastomers, both improved significantly. The pedal set includes optional dampers on all three pedals, adding friction and texture. I found dampers beneficial on the brake and clutch but removed the throttle damper to preserve a softer, more responsive feel. Simpson provides multiple interchangeable elastomers and springs, enabling near-unlimited variation in pedal character. This depth of customization means nearly every driver can dial in a setup that matches their preference.

Setup and Connectivity

The pedals connect to a USB control hub that routes a single USB cord to your PC. A grounding wire is included and recommended if pedal signals interfere with other components—Fanatec wheelbases are commonly reported to cause signal issues. Currently, no dedicated software exists; instead, you receive a calibration program requiring independent calibration of all three pedals before use. This is functional but less polished than competitors offering full software suites.

On-Track Performance

Equipped with a load cell sensor capable of reading up to 200kg of force, the Simpson Pro pedals deliver impressive braking precision. After setting a resistance level to preference, it took only minutes to feel at home under braking, and lap times matched my usual pace quickly. The optional damper adds subtle depth and texture when pressing down, enhancing the overall feel without compromising responsiveness.

The clutch pedal attempts to emulate real clutch behavior with a bite point, though it does not achieve the absolute best emulation in the market. Still, the adjustable bite point feels convincing after tuning, and the Hall effect sensor ensures responsive, problem-free operation on track. The throttle, once adjusted from its stiff factory setting, proved equally responsive and never caused issues during racing.

Conclusion

The Simpson Pro pedals represent strong value for sim racers prioritizing affordability without sacrificing quality. Build quality, adjustability, and on-track performance all exceed expectations at this price point. Minor downsides—the unrounded pedal edges and basic calibration software—are easily overshadowed by the numerous strengths. Whether you are beginning sim racing or upgrading from entry-level gear, these pedals offer solid construction, high customization potential, and reliable performance that justifies their modest cost.