HAPTIC FEEDBACK ON A BUDGET? | Next Level Racing HF8 Haptic Gaming Pad Review

[@BL00MYB0Y]

I was close to buying the HF8 as it’s less expensive but in the end after thinking about it for about a year I decided to plunge for a Buttkicker Pro. I absolutely love it, still playing with the settings at the moment but I love the gear change kick and engine rpm. Got road and rpm’s low but the gear change at 100% 👌

[@RingoFreakingStarr]

I have something similar to this called a "SubPac". I ended up liking it way more than a buttkicker setup because it felt so much more precise with its subs than what the buttkicker was doing to my entire rig.

[@NesterowiczRacing]

i`m running 4x transducers, mounted to the rig i can adjust frequenzy and lots more using simhub - really nice. I dont want to drive without it no more, it adds so much feeling/ immmersion :) A little trick! in windows you can *RENAME* the soundcard, so in iracing and all other programs you will know its the output for the haptic feedback. (i call mine bootyshakers, so i never mix it up in discord ect ;) ) Great Vid DAN.

[@GregoryShtevensh]

Same. I added 1/on each corner, then one on seat and two exciters on pedals (gas and brake). The one on the seat is home made out of an old speaker

[@syntheee]

Any update about the simultaneous use of Iracing's LFE output and the different effects?

[@BigMeanyVids]

Oh man, super helpful as always. I had ignored these vids everyone had put on on the HF8 until yours. I have bass shakers with sim vibe already but have never used the LFE channel like that but will now. Also might buy this pad since it’s a reasonable price.

[@noname2031-w5r]

like how honest you are

[@grayzedynamics]

As always great review and you take the time to give the technical reason one is better over the other. Awesome stuff.

[@moschopssaurier6528]

Hallo! It does not connect! There is no picture of the HF8 on the left side. Can anybody help me please!

[@gvnthomas]

Looks like a rebrand of the Realteus Forcefeel, even has the same cable controller/connector but now it's £100 more expensive. I'm amazed how not one review or article so far has mentioned the obvious comparison between them given they are essentially the same product.

[@Haulinbassracing]

That was a scam, are you implying the same people are involved or that they are stealing from the scammers

[@gvnthomas]

@@Haulinbassracing Yes I'm implying the resemblance is uncanny, especially given an identical controller in use. I actually owned the Realteus Forcefeel, it stopped working after a few months but was an ok bit of kit prior to that. I'm not saying Realteus were 100% legit as I'm well aware a lot of people didn't get their order, I'd say it's more likely they had a dodgy partner or something because they initially started shipping products and that to me doesn't scream scam or the initial R&D wouldn't have happened.

[@DanMendez-q7j]

Next Level bought the patent, and their ceo said “improved the design”

[@harald2101]

i love it when i look into topics and hardware and then you make a review about it! I was about to order the buttkicker last week, but then It wasn't in stock and cost almost 400 €. that put me really off. but this pad looks very promising. just ordered it from caseking. Thanks for the review, DAn. Best quality Sim racing content out there!

[@weekendthreat5576]

Great breakdown and analysis. This is a product I'll start keeping an eye on

[@rod272727]

best review ive seen....you frequently use your analytical thinking like an engineer. I received mine and started using it yesterday and it is just too much vague vibration. I thought brakes and acceleration would be more useful, but you explained why it isnt. Ill tweak my settings to hopefully get more detail out of it.

[@OkiDingo]

I don't think the delay is fixable. They are essentially using controller motors which take a little bit to spin up to speed. Can it be used with simhub?

[@PlayJasch]

The delay is hardcoded by Iracing, the dev found out you can easily write scripts if you have it without delay.

[@R.I.D.E]

NLR says this works with SimHub, can you please do a video using that instead and see if you can combine the effects that way?

[@alonelysnakeinvr587]

how can i buy one these it says out of stock

[@madmart627]

Hi just FYI you forgot to change your time stamp info for the video I think you use the previous video one.

[@nathanexplosion878]

We are fortunate in the US to have Micro Center which sells the ButtKicker for $199. How would you rank a ButtKicker vs the HF8 at that price point?

[@B-SybrZaku-ThendHaloAirsofting]

They both have there pros and cons, I’d recommend both tbh, the pad being cheaper id sag get first then save for the buttkicker. The buttkicker will enhance what the hf8 displays for you and vice versa. Hf8 has separate vibration areas for different things functions and the buttkicker will enhance thd overall feeling of the more bassy impactful things like gear shifting.

[@JBVXR]

So it's a cheaper version of the SRS U-Shake 6 then. But using vibration motors instead of transducers, with all the downsides that brings (frequency and latency restrictions). I use the U-Shake-6 with a single Butt-Kicker and it's great.

[@cjsawinski]

For even more budget I have two DaytonAudio shakers on my rig and the full set up cost me about $50 (4 years ago or so). I got one right under my butt and the other right under my pedals. Love them!

[@PageCrowes]

I got a 1dayton bst2 and 1 puck with 100 watt 50x2 channel amp coming tomorrow. Going to put the bst2 under the seat and the puck under the pedals. Any tips you can give me my friend? Im going to be running thru simhub for gt7 on ps5. I already using nlr hf8 haptic pad running thru simhub for gt7 and its pretty damn good.

[@cjsawinski]

@@PageCrowesnot really any tips, it’s pretty easy and since you already know simhub it should be a breeze, just wore them up with speaker wire, plug in your amp and set up simhub

[@steveybiggunzgaming8118]

I got this haptic pad today and it works pretty good. I used an optical splitter (one to sound system, one to audio extracter, which goes to the pad) and this makes it work with ps5 good enough. Nothing would beat the usb audio on pc tho

[@steveybiggunzgaming8118]

One note. I had to turn off Dolby on my PlayStation and turn off bitstream on the tv, change to the linear setting. Nothing would output until I did this (with my setup, audio extracter from optical split out with my sound system. )

[@PageCrowes]

Im running my hf8 thru simhub usb for gt7 ps5 with real time haptics. Just got to have your pc and ps5 on the same network and the right ports open and its awesome.

[@BrianK04]

the vibration mapped to brake position actually sounds interesting for me with CSL pedals. I'm thinking while driving that I don't really have "feel" of brakes like I do with FFB wheel, and this may address that. I tried the load cell and was way too stiff for me and didn't want to play with swapping the inserts. Playing ACC I don't need threshold braking (just smash with ABS) as much as trail braking feel.

[@KinGLeeuk]

Has Next Level Racing been in touch with you yet on your suggestions ?

[@wilmajacki]

Unbelievably good content as always Dan! This could be a gamechanger for me If they implement the changes you suggested

[@arminleeds4186]

If the software is able to activate each of the 8 vibration pads separately why is NLR not using simhub with the pad as a virtual sound card and 8 outputs? This way you would be able to configurate wheel slip, TC, ABS etc. Must be a Licence thing or they want to keep it simple. Great video 👍🏻

[@arminleeds4186]

Ok just saw a post on Insta. It’s possible to use it with Simhub. Maybe you told us already and I just missed it.

[@vincenzopiccolo90]

Does simhub reads 8 outputs?

[@harrys8600]

@@arminleeds4186 did you see anything on how to make it work with sim hub . I downloaded sim hub it looks super complicated and I couldn’t work out how to make the HF8 work with it

[@arminleeds4186]

@@harrys8600 Hey I don’t have that Pad. Was just wondering. But NLR confirmed it works with Simhub.

[@harrys8600]

@@arminleeds4186 hi yeah works better with Simhub. It’s fantastic.

[@ceeezeeee]

Question: Did you happen to try this with a GO-XLR? Wondering if the complexity of the sound settings is compatible. On another note, same question with the Buttkicker.

[@zzmadd]

It sounds like an easier device to get and setup than building a 2 or 4 ways butt kickers with amplifiers... I'm not sure if it would feel transparent once fitted to the seat or you'd be aware of the mat on your back. Also can it be used with SimHub and with ACC?

[@MrNeilRoberts]

Yes

[@leokaravasili9649]

Can/should you put it underneath the seat cushions?

[@mr.episouls]

Thanks for the review. Looks like a good deal for the price!

[@VaughnG71]

I don't see anybody that reviewed this still using it. do you still think it's worth a buy?

[@seb1989]

Would you recommend for a cockpit with no haptic feedback yet?

[@falklude7787]

Thanks Dan! Once again you add some useful tricks other reviewers don’t do. Love your content. The pad doesn’t support rf2, right?

[@DanSuzuki]

I haven't tried, but it's not in the list of games so I assume it's not supported :(

[@cuypers1984]

Damn... That's a deal breaker there. Was ready to go for it, but now I'm not that sure anymore. 😐

[@falklude7787]

Lets hope they will add it later with a software update

[@harrys8600]

Hi I got and have been using it. But can’t get it to work on AC and ACC. I am in touch with NLR. But have you been able to try it on those?

[@falcowerks1044]

@@harrys8600 mine works with AC, but not with iracing for some reason… too bad I only race in iracing. Im also in contact with customer support

[@alec7568]

I want one of these so bad, if I can get myself a decent vr headset, one of these and a deeper bucket seat my rig would be such a beast

[@rod272727]

update.....they made a software update. The process is a PITA because you need to again confirm serial number and log in from scratch. Of course it didnt recognize or i forgot my password so needed to jump through a few hoops. I raced once last night and didnt notice anything new....but i havent raced in a week, so there's that.

[@Dave062YT]

When I built my rig [Logitech G Pro in a GT Omega Prime cockpit]the idea was to switch from ps4 pro to my new gaming pc but I had so much hassle getting my mew wheel to work on pc games I switched back to GT7 all the time now .Have you or any of your viewers tried it on ps4/5 ?I'm guessing it wont be anywhere as good as using usb and the software ?

[@Jmab-rv7jc]

If you can work pc. I highly suggest pc. Just so much better when it comes to ffb, and accessories.

[@falcowerks1044]

Has anyone had problems getting it to work with iracing? Just got mine today and it wont work. Works with AC, but not iracing.

[@racingwithryan214]

Great Video and Congrats on the 30K subs !

[@DanSuzuki]

Thanks 😊

[@exponentialbet6292]

Hi Dan, thanks for the useful video. Would this combine well with a Buttkicker Gamer Plus, but splitting the effects felt mostly through the seat with the HF8, and external car effects with the Buttkicker. I know you said about info overload, but splitting them I think would be a good combo. What are your thoughts please, and any setting ideas for this?

[@danielhass4812]

This is what I’m thinking of doing exactly. RPMs, rev limiter, AND TIRE SLIP on buttkicker. Ground effects, suspension on HF8. Then play around with speed and gear change to see which works best. Throw in the pedal rumble kit from SIM 3D for brakes and ABS.

[@BRANDON.MUSTANG]

Do this work in Richard burns rally? And is that loudy/big voice?

[@harald2101]

Do you still use the mat? Is there now a way to listen to the lfe channel while still have the other functions? I like the usb vibrations and don‘t want to race without them.

[@DanSuzuki]

No, I prefer my buttkicker setup :)

[@cuypers1984]

Can you sit in it for hours without the 8 points start to get painful?

[@thelondoncraftsmanworkshop]

Another fantastic vid Cheers!!

[@joanesteveigarcia]

In terms of sensations, which is better? Your current bodyshaker system or the NLR HF8? Thanks a lot.

[@DanSuzuki]

My current system, but that's 5 buttkickers :)

[@joanesteveigarcia]

@@DanSuzuki Thanks for de reply!

[@joanesteveigarcia]

@@DanSuzuki Do you have a video showing it?

[@AshKnight]

How does this thing work with your o-rouge seat and does it interfere with the cooling? Do you still use this device? Thanks for the review!!

[@DanSuzuki]

No I only used it for the review :)

[@stephaneleduc7934]

Whta headphones do you use? Thanks! :)

[@kretzsh]

Creator code doesn’t work on the give away site

[@amigoz3201]

I got U shake-6 from friend, with their software i did not liked it at all, later i ran ushake from simhub and it was better, but after this i switched off simhub and turned on LFE in iRacing, tweaked lit bit, man now it is great, and i wanted to do 4 bass shakers on my rig, but now i dont think i need them! Maybe will put one on brake pedals base ;) be sure to setup for iR as i mentioned, it transformed u shake-6!!!

[@lulan051]

Is that ushake6 any loud? Suitable for appartment?

[@srxshadow]

I have been using the SRS seat vibration kit (w/ six transducers) and it uses SimHub. It also is a cushion that sits preferably on top of your sim race seat. Very customizable, including frequency adjustments and any effect you can think off, directly from the game's telemetry. While it may not be as visually appealing, it may have the same or better utility. Their proprietary software is also so and so... stick to SimHub. I cannot sim race without this haptic feedback!

[@Dave062YT]

Nice, watching Karl Gosling 's reviews on both you have the much better system for £80 more and I might get an SRS myself

[@JBVXR]

@@Dave062YT I have the SRS U-Shake6 too, though I'm currently using it through the SRS App, which is sub-par. I should really set it up via SimHub when I can be bothered. It's pricey but pretty fun.

[@joanesteveigarcia]

@@Dave062YT could you give me a link to the comparison? Thanks.

[@Dave062YT]

@@joanesteveigarcia kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_Yc5Kth95qpZI&ab_channel=KarlGosling kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnytnWeqfalnb5o&ab_channel=KarlGosling its 2 separate videos

[@joanesteveigarcia]

@@Dave062YT Thanks a lot!

[@zzmadd]

Also, Dan can you test the HF8 using SimHub? Next Level Racing says it runs using the USB via SimHub. Maybe you can tell us if it performs better compared to their own software. Thanks...

[@MrNeilRoberts]

It works perfectly with Simhub … the next level software is a waste of time in its current state … there are no delays in the effects using Simhub … I have the HF8 as well as Dayton exciters on my pedals and everything is in sync works like a charm.

[@zzmadd]

@@MrNeilRoberts Thanks for your help, this really helps!

[@b.s.7693]

You confused something with USB / audio mode: If the LED is continuous: USB mode. If the LED flashes ---> audio source.

[@hank10111111]

They could utilize asio software based sound drivers. It’s what musicians use with DAW software to lower latency

[@DanSuzuki]

The problem is the latency of the motor, not the latency of the audio

[@hank10111111]

@@DanSuzuki ahhh I gotcha my bad

[@lukasweiss4506]

Great video Dan, can you try using it with Sim Hub? Next Level Racing said it would work in some comment on another review.

[@xXxBo5sANaCxXx]

But a good question is...will this pad stay on your rig?

[@DanSuzuki]

No, I have 5 buttkickers on my rig and it blocks the cooling of my seat 😅

[@arek4181]

@@DanSuzuki Please tell us about your setup! :)

[@logo8009]

@@DanSuzuki I"m in the process of buying and setting up butt kickers on my Rig. Can you please share your setup with us.

[@PovilasDuchovskis]

@@DanSuzuki are you using all 5 transducers on a single channel for iRacing LFE? Or Having for ex. 1 for iRacing LFE and other 4 on simhub for directional effects?

[@DanSuzuki]

@@PovilasDuchovskis exactly that :) The one on the seat is iRacing LFE and the other 4 are directional effects via Simhub

[@Meister_Roerig]

Mit der Matte hat sich die Kühlung des Sotz erledigt oder. ?

[@DanSuzuki]

Jupp

[@R4M_Black_Forest]

I don't think I woujd put such a carpet in an ergonomic race seat...

[@SammyHendrix507]

@dan Love the content. Always excited to see and hear your reviews. Been using my Densu flags for a while now and I love them. Thank you! P.S. Do you have a favorite H-Shifter you might recommend?

[@huguesmeyrath3204]

Much better experience using Simhub (ShakeIt Motors, ForceFeel Pad). However, the latency is still there...

[@BBRacing_oNE1]

Hi Dan, vielen dank für deine informativen Videos :) Habe ein SingleMoni setUp mit nem 32zoll curved AOC moni, jetzt hab ich aber noch nen LG 55zoll oled hier rumstehen, meinst du das wäre zu groß mit dem 55zoll oled? Hab ein P1X mit dem integrated Single Monitor Mount, vielen dank und noch ein schönes Wochenende :D

[@DanSuzuki]

Ich hab bis vor kurzem ein triple 55“ oled setup genutzt 😅 das geht aug jeden Fall :)

[@BBRacing_oNE1]

@@DanSuzuki danke danke 🙏 habe mir auch nachdem ich dein Video gesehen habe nen njMotion mover geholt, echt nice 👍🏼 Aber meinst du nicht das wäre n bissl groß auf die entfernung…? Andere frage wäre ob der integrated Single Monitor Mount vom P1X das auch aushält 🤣

[@rickthomas9894]

Hi Dan! Great review. Thank you! I've had a Buttkicker Gamer Plus for a couple years. Love it. However - the wife frequently asks me to turn the d^mn thing off cause it rattles the rig and vibrates the floor. We share office / play space. I'm thinking this is a really workable solution. Have actually ordered one. Looking forward to it's arrival. Thanks for the tips for LFE and adjustmerts!

[@DanSuzuki]

Yeah that definitely could work well for you, it is significantly quieter and still feels great :)

[@nuu3085]

Does it work well with ACC?

[@harrys8600]

It says it does in the menu ie there is a profile for it. But I can’t get it to work. But a really important point. Iracing has many more functions. So ACC for example doesn’t have ground effect or suspension. Not all games output the same data so the effects differ from game to game. Iracing has the most effects.

[@marcoe01]

yes

[@HugoVanArt]

I forgot for a moment this is a SimRacing channel. Was hoping for the Egoshooters 😂

[@scuderiabazzane6064]

tried it for two days, it's of little use and it's really really uncomfortable! returned...

[@AnthonyRobson-tl6zs]

mine does not work software failer

[@HugoVanArt]

Let’s go 🎉

[@alanpitkin411]

Love it

[@faker_abc]

But how does it actually look on the seat/fit in? Would be nice for future, Berry superior Kappa

[@codeREDsim]

I get the impression that this is the equivalent of a big rugby player getting a massage from a mouse. Is the experience of this gadget simply too light weight to have a significant enhancement?

[@starvr]

In my case, it's useless, just a £200 seat cover. It's extremely limit on what games it is compatible with and I haven't managed to get it to work through the audio either. And still waiting for the company to get back to me.

[@DanSuzuki]

Try using it with simhub - supports basically any game like this :)

[@starvr]

@@DanSuzuki OK! I'll try that, thanks.

[@starvr]

@@DanSuzuki WOW! That is some fantastic software, puts Next Level's effort to shame. It's a shame I can afford to give them as much money as I gave Next Level.

[@DanSuzuki]

I know right? I need to make an update to this review since it's so much better with Simhub. When I made the review the Simhub implementation wasn't available yet@@starvr

[@starvr]

@@DanSuzuki That would be great! You have yourself another subscriber.

[@sbspassion]

Hol' up... Back up a minute... Haptic feedback?? In your racing seat??!!? Why in the seven hells am I just learning about this now!

[@_pjd]

Simhub?

[@ISMAELPLAY1]

PS5????????????😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬

[@dawtcalm]

@dansuzuki you're creator code doesn't seem to work

[@BMarques803]

Seems like SimHub gives everything you were asking for in the end of the video, you're still up for trying it out? :)

[@DanSuzuki]

no, simhub cant control the individual pads