Next Level Racing HF8 - Haptic Feedback Gaming Pad (NLR-G001)

You can feel the vibration motors digging in to your butt, legs, and back. It’s very uncomfortable and causes a bunch of pressure points. Not sure how this passed QA testing. The vibration is actually really cool. But the pain makes it so distracting.

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I have limited space and so I've been sim racing from my couch in front of my TV. I decided to purchase this for the haptic feedback (obviously), but also in hopes that it would improve my seating position on the couch. I am happy to report that the HF8 has exceed my expectations. The haptic feedback, provided that you use SimHub, really adds to the immersion and is much stronger than I expected. Although it was designed to fit in a racing seat, this thing actually works really well when thrown on a couch. It is slightly stiffer than my couch, so it has improved my seating position, without negatively impacting comfort. Also, since I don't have to attach it to a chair, it is very easy for me to just remove it and just throw it on top of my wheel stand when I am not sim racing.Pros:- Haptic feedback is legit and fully customizable (with SimHub)- Can potentially help improve your seating position when not using a proper sim rig (great for couch racers!)- Low noise levels, even at max strength.- Very light and easy to put away (when not attached)- Not exactly cheap, but I actually think it is a pretty good deal considering what it can do and how much the alternatives can cost.Cons:- Stock software is kind of pointless compared to Sim Hub. They really should just ditch their software give people a free full license of Sim Hub instead lol.- Your mileage may vary in terms of comfort and seating positioning. It works great for me since I am starting from a suboptimal seating position to begin with.- The material, coupled with the motors running, can get a bit hot.

For PC gaming users this thing is as cool as you'd expect. Works and feels GREAT! On console, not so much. A lot of work and poor results, as it only uses sound, not telemetry, on console(Not really a NLR issue). And you have to hook up several wires a d have multiple controllers. There are certain games that do use UDP that can be used with console AND PC running together. Works GREAT then as well. Personally, I waited till it was on sale and am glad I did as the extra cost would have made this almost not worth it on console.

This is a game-changer for any flight sim or racing simulator enthusiast. The HF8 is surprisingly comfortable to sit on, with a soft and breathable fabric that keeps you cool. The haptic feedback is powerful and immersive, making you feel every bump, turn, and acceleration. It really adds a new dimension to your simulation setup.The only downside is that the software setup is a bit complicated. I decided to use a third-party software called SimShaker for Aviators, which I found to have more options and features than the default one. However, it took a little time to follow the online tutorials and configure everything correctly. Once I did, though, it was totally worth it.Also, the HF8 compliments my Respawn 900 recliner. Even when I am not sim-ing, the HF8 adds comfort and support to the right areas. The HF8 is an amazing product that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a realistic and fun simulation experience.

You wont be able to drive anymore without it ones you try it! Adds another layer of immersion, it's like an extension of the FFB received from the Wheel.I strongly suggest to also add feedback to your pedals along this mat, if not your feet will be

The product is great but to download their software, first they make you enter the serial number. They wouldn't want just anyone downloading something they are without a doubt going to uninstall anyway. Then they make you enter your email address just to run it! Very hacky, very unprofessional, and will prevent most from using this product. If it wasn't for simhub I would have returned it. Just download simhub from the beginning and thank me later. Better yet, buy something else. These guys don't deserve your money.

Lieferung hat leider diesmal außerordentlich lange gedauert (bestellt am 12. Januar, geliefert am 09. Februar), was aber der hohen Nachfrage eines neuen Produkts geschuldet ist. Ansonsten verpackungs- und zustellungstechnisch alles einwandfrei.Zum Pad selber. Mit dabei ist praktisch nur das notwendigste, die dicke Anleitung offenbart keine relevanten Informationen, diese aber in gefühlt 250 verschiedenen Sprachen. Kann man also getrost ignorieren. Von der Materialbeschaffenheit her wirkt das Pad solide und optisch unaufdringlich. Es ist nicht größer wie es sein muss und passt zu so ziemlich jeder Körperform.Ansonsten ist der Rest ziemlich selbsterklärend. Die Matte wird wahlweise per USB (PC) oder Klinkenstecker (Konsolen) angeschlossen. Da ich das Pad am PC benutze, kann ich auch nur diese Variante beurteilen. Von mir benutzte Simulationen sind ACC sowie Dirt Rally 2.Bei der ersten Inbetriebnahme wollte ich auf die vom Hersteller zur Verfügung gestellte Software zurückgreifen. Leider entspricht der Inhalt sowie die letztliche Funktion des Pads genau der Beschreibung der Software: "Beta". Mit dem Programm von Next Level Racing konnte ich das Teil nicht zum funktionieren bringen.Glücklicherweise gibt es das Programm "Simhub". Hier wird das Pad direkt erkannt und kann nach belieben konfiguriert werden. Ich selber hatte dieses Programm selber bereits installiert, da ich noch einige andere Sachen in Benutzung habe, wofür die Software relevant ist. Allen die bei null starten, dürfte dieser Hinweis womöglich eher sauer aufstoßen, aber, dass sei in aller Deutlichkeit gesagt, Simhub lohnt sich definitiv!Die Konfiguration geht leicht von der Hand, man kann sich einfach nach und nach durcharbeiten und das Pad auf seine eigenen Empfindungen einstellen. Wenn die Grundeinrichtung erst mal erledigt ist, kann man wortwörtlich "spüren" was auf der Strecke los ist. Unebenheiten, Curbs, Schotter, Schaltvorgänge, Zusammenstöße, etc. etc. werden durch die verbauten Vibrationsmotoren mit einer doch eher überraschenden Stärke wiedergegeben. Für ein haptisches Feedback im Einstiegsbereich wirklich sehr sehr ordentlich!Ich benutze das Pad auf einem Sparco R100 Halbschalensitz und hatte keine Probleme das Pad korrekt zu installieren. Da ich ein Alu-Rig benutze, war das Einstellen der Sitztiefe und Sitzhöhe kein Problem, da alles individuell einstellbar ist. Wer jedoch eine Vollschale besitzt, sollte die Dicke des Pads mit rund 5-6 cm berücksichtigen.Alles in Allem kann ich das Pad definitiv empfehlen, auch wenn der Hersteller an der Software definitiv nachbessern muss. Hätte ich nicht die Möglichkeit, das Pad wie erwähnt mit Simhub zu betreiben, würde ich nur 3 Sterne oder weniger vergeben, da es nach derzeitigem Stand einem Glücksspiel ähnelt, die Matte "plug&play" zu betreiben.

Next Level Racing HF8 is an excellent product. The only painful thing about this product is Next Level Racing's software. It is horrible. Fear not though, because there is a software that you can download free and use with no limits (and please support the developer by donating) that is one million times better than Next Level's software. Go to Simhub and download their SimHub software. Simhub is a simulator peripheral/accessory software that powers many of today's simulator peripherals, including the HF8 Haptic Pad. And yes, SimHub is well-known and used globally by simulator enthusiasts. Once you have SimHub installed, HF8 will take you to another level of immersion.The problem I have with Next Level Racing's software is that it fails to detect my games that are installed in another drive. It seems Next Level Racing's software only detects games in your C: default drive. When I downloaded SimHub's software, it detected all my simulators, and with a press of a button, configured the simulators to function with my HF8 Haptic Pad...one press and SimHub configured it, plus it offers all types of haptic feedback options, from sending a pulse on the haptic pad whenever you change gears, to experiencing rumble effects when you hit a kerb., grass, dirt, rock. So...to save you the headache and pain...get SimHub's software and use it to run your HF8 Haptic. If you really want to use Next Level Racing's software, good luck and I hope it works for you. I am writing my review based on SimHub's software and HF8's pad so I cannot comment on how Next Level Racing's software works. I feel Next Level Racing's software still needs more work... a lot of work.With the SimHub software installed, you can now truly enjoy HF8 Haptic. I've tested HF8 on the following simulators that I use and they all WORK.Automobilista 2Assetto CorsaAssetto Corsa CompetizioneProject Cars 1Project Cars 2RFactor 2Euro Truck Simulator 2American Truck SimulatorF1 2022Nascar Heat 4The key to truly experiencing this HF8 is to get a good racing seat. The HF8 comes with three sections of straps to keep your haptic pad in place on your racing seat. The HF8 works best via USB to connect to your PC. You can also connect HF8 to your console via your consoles headphone jack where the feedback relies on audio to generate the haptic effect at a much lower weaker effect- HF8 comes with a input jack to connect your console and an output jack to connect your headphones. PC- USB is the only way to really experience HF8's haptic feedback- it's stronger, more powerful, and yes...MORE immersive. The HF8 comes with a small controller that you use to raise or lower the feedback effect- the LED changes colour depending on your setting -green means light effect, red means POW!!! HF8 comes with its own power supply adapter and has a long USB cable. I use a USB extension cable because I have a large Next Level racing simulator cockpit so I have to run the USB cable all the way around the cockpit to my PC.The HF8 has several haptic pads- two on your shoulders, two on your back, one your bottom, one on your thighs and two on leg area right under near your knees. Using the SimHub software, you can choose which type of effect to experience HF8's power, and how strong the feedback should be. Next Level Racing's software does offer the same feature but as I said, I never got it to work on my setup. Before using HF8 I decided to go out and drive a real vehicle first. I have been driving for 46 years but I still decided to go out and drive my vehicle to get a real-life sense on what I feel when I drive. I started taking mental notes how strong the feedback was when I hit the many potholes we have on our street. I drove on the highway, got a feel of the road impact at a good speed. I tried to feel the rumble of the engine. I did some basic cornering on this road that we have where it has some really good sharp turns. I tried to feel the pulse of the gears when it changed from 1st to second to third to fourth and so on. As soon as I had collected all these mental notes, I went home and then started working on my HF8 settings. I was surprised to see that in reality, I really don't feel the engine rumble on my back, so I decided to dial down the engine rumble on my HF8. I raised the settings on my HF8 for road impacts. So, all these preparations really helped me dial down or up what is close to reality. HF8 is able to give me a close representation of real life feedback when I drive my simulators.The HF8 is a gear that you want to have if you are serious with racing simulators. It pairs well if you have a motion platform installed on your simulator cockpit. Overall, I like Next Level Racing's Haptic Pad. It definitely raised my immersion level to another level. The only challenge with this product is its software, but there is an option you can use. Thank you Next Level Racing.

This product is amazing! Note that it's very useful not only for wheel setups but also for regular old gamepad - it still provides you with the same information on what the car is doingPretty easy to setup:1. Download simhub immediately2. Find the device in the "ShakeIt Motors" section on the left3. Create a profile for the game you want to use and you can start making adjustments4. Personally I only have "Wheels lock" and "Wheels slip" turned on5. Wheels lock - if it's vibrating under braking it means that wheels are locking up. Seat motors are for front wheels, back motors are for rear wheels, this way I know which wheels are locking up first and can adjust break bias.5. Wheels slip - if it's vibrating under acceleration it means either understeer if front wheels are slipping/vibrating, or oversteer if rear wheels are slipping/vibrating. Again, seat motors are for front wheels, back motors are for rear wheels - this way I know if I need to add throttle or a countersteerI also just have it constantly attached to my office chair and either play with a gamepad when I want to get a quick racing sesh in, or attach the wheel stand. In both cases the HF8 is very useful.

Justo lo que esperaba de Next Level Racing con este producto, cumple perfectamente con la funciones prometidas y la calidad que es excelente como en todos sus productos! Lo recomiendo muchísimo, especialmente si hacen simracing, agrega sensaciones increíbles a la hora de correr! Yo lo utilizo en PC que es mucho más configurable que en consola.En cuanto al montaje, las correas que tiene se adaptaron muy bien a mi cockpit (también NLR), aunque la forma de ajustarlas y bloquearlas no es tan amigable, pero cumplen perfectamente con su función!