Heusinkveld Handbrake v2 | Long Term Review | High End Sim Racing Drifting and Rally Handbrake

[@doug_vickers]

Excellent review video. I recently bought the HE V2 handbrake from a UK based reseller and it was faulty on arrival. I contacted HE Customer Support and they shipped out a replacement unit from the factory which arrived within a week of the original delivery. (which included a long Bank Holiday weeked) Amazing Customer Service. As for the handbrake itself, it has plenty of adjustment available and fits my needs perfectly so I am glad I bought it.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Heusinkveld are a different level of customer service. the competition would love to be at their level

[@non8652]

Great video, plenty of info. I bought the Heusinkveld v2 near enough when came out and have it mounted vertically, mainly play rally and can not fault it, really strong compared to the Fanatec I replaced it with. U can't really go wrong with anything from Heusinkveld got the sprint pedals a few weeks back and absolutely love them.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yep it’s miles ahead of the fanatec. Maybe I should have stressed that more but I’m mainly comparing it to the Meca handbrake and the VNM handbrake.

[@TugboatTony]

I like the look... Might look into it being that I'm getting into drift more and more. Great review as usual LD.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Thanks man and thanks for the comment!

[@dewimccar9780]

Got the V1 a few years ago, along with their sequential shifter, great products.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Very reliable and functional. I’m yet to meet an unhappy owner

[@Jpilgrim30]

I love my Heusinkveld sprint pedals so I’ll probably give the handbrake a try as well

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Nice one! :)

[@Chuggnuts]

If youve ever owned a fanatec handbrake (and watched it constantly destroy itself) this handbrake is a bargain, at least it doesnt come loose, have massive lateral play (that registers handbrake use) get set off by vibrations even with a 25%+ dead zone and not last a stage without needing an assault by allen key (i actually bought a Heusinkveld v1 handbrake for about the same price as the fanatec cost when the v2 came out, and im extremely happy, its solid, hasnt needed any attention whatsoever and works exactly how it should)

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

nice one

[@Leynad778]

I own the v1 and switched the elastmer with one leftover of my Ultimate. You can reduce the rig-flex quite a bit by reinforcing your steering-column with some L- or I-shape steelplates you should find as optional accessories of aluminium profile dealers. I've bought mine at Motedis for very cheap and they did the trick.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Thanks! I have no rig flex now. It was just in that video because as I was messing with different options I wasn’t fastening stuff properly :) the one flexing wasn’t my steering upright. It was a small piece of spare profile that wasn’t attached properly :)

[@blackmac1970]

I ended up getting the VNM which I love, apart from the cable exit point.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

yeah cable exits are always a bit of a pain! I love my VNM too

[@pmacnz]

Several real life drifters and rally drivers have tried this and said it feels just right and like a real handbrake after changing pre load

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yep, I know. But trying something out when you’re expecting a game controller vs buying something and using it as a training tool are very different. It’s definitely a good handbrake as I said several times in this video. I just think that it could be better, especially for the price.

[@lukebraddford3287]

I wonder what preload settings these use

[@Scarfliotti]

I´d say you have given them some pointers for v3, although I imagine that being several years from now.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Who knows :) it’s still a decent product. I just wasn’t as fond of it as I thought I would be

[@Scarfliotti]

@@LaurenceDusoswa It's indeed a decent product. A rig for me is sadly a few years in the future, but as a Dutchman they even more have that x-factor for me, build quality and customer support being reasons to choose for them. I'm 100% sure that any constructive critisism, like yours in this video, is taken into account for a future version. Love your content, keep up the good work !

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Great review which you can also use a handbreak to get more oversteer in a race which can be a life savor atleast for me.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yep that’s what I meant by the first point: rotating the car to point it in the right direction. Definitely very handy :)

[@jonboy2950]

Some nice observations here of this handbrake. I think if the handle was shaped like a potato it would be perfect. Jokes aside thank you for this very informative review.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

bahahahahaha

[@Scarfliotti]

¨Niels Heusinkveld grumbling in sad noises.¨

[@Eskoxo]

I got the same one a few weeks ago you are right about the handle not being the comfiest (I will probably wrap it with tape that they put on bike handlebars), but what I don't like most is actually the cheap USB cable included for such a high price product as myn is mounted in up position to the right of me and it's just sticking out so I had to buy a right angle cable I think the port could be hidden better and perhaps USB C. Overall I think its a good brake but I still need to mess with elastomers more to find a better sweet spot.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

O-Rouge makes a round handle which looks a lot more ergonomic. It’s a good handbrake for sure. I can’t see anyone being disappointed unless you’re used to real life handbrakes. Even then, it’s very functional and still a good product.

[@mikhialbobb5274]

you can adjust the handle for the hand brake

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

You can change it. But there’s no adjustment of the handle to deal with the issues I have

[@EpicFatLip]

Great review! So, question. How would you compare it to the VNM or Fanatec handbrake? Which one would you definitely buy?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Usually questions like this are difficult. But for me the VNM shifter is the best value and best feel. Not cheap either, but the Fanatec has quality issues.

[@EpicFatLip]

@@LaurenceDusoswa I agree! Fanatec has indeed quality issues. I personally use the VNM and I wouldn't want another one. Which was a purchase after watching your review on it btw

[@Chuggnuts]

I own the fanatec handbrake and it's without doubt the worst bit of hardware I've bought, it's design is no better than a no name eBay handbrake and it's build quality is appalling (see my other comment for more detail)

[@markus_anton]

Nice review, wondering how it compares to the Meca Evo HB? If this was available in black it would be higher on my wishlist.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

For me, the Meca is better

[@markus_anton]

Cheers, good to know

[@DaveMcRee]

Maybe, but entertainingly, we don't flinch over what a DD wheel is, essentially an over priced brushless drill motor wth a forward reverse R/C ESC strapped to it. :-)

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

A DD is exponentially more complex and important than a handbrake :) but yes, for those with the money, it won’t be the deciding factor

[@Tachikoma36]

Might just be me but intro music was very quiet just FYI. I've got the v1 handbrake and I agree, the handle is prob the most comfortable I've used. New looks cool, but doesn't look as comfy

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

It was very quiet yeah 😂 I only noticed after I had it all uploaded and ready to go. Thanks for the comment! Yeah I wonder why they went for this handle design over a standard round one

[@Tachikoma36]

@@LaurenceDusoswa unusually for Heus, it seems like a bit of a misstep! Solving problems that the v1 doesn't have. I think I'd buy the v1 over this, although I've only seen it on sale for second hand recently

[@MrJoppashoppa]

i think the looks are way better then when it would be meanly black.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah lots of people like it this colour but I can only give my own opinions

[@MD-hk8rp]

What is your go-to handbrake then? Thanks

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I like the moza handbrake for value for money. Simagic handbrake is nice. So is the VNM. So is the Meca evo

[@RabbitConfirmed]

This or the SimLab handbrake? (Or any other recommondation?)

[@pmacnz]

I NEED a handbrake. So I bought this one

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

It’s a good piece of kit. 99% of people will be delighted with it.

[@rickylah69]

using this handbrake at the moment. mainly for dirt rally. should i just sell and go with VNM handbrake? Using VNM shifter at the moment.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Unless you have specific issues with it, no need to sell. It’s a good handbrake, I just prefer the VNM

[@rickylah69]

@@LaurenceDusoswa didn't like the feel of the handle. Odd shape. Vnm handle is round and seems more comfortable.

[@f.f.7013]

does anyone know if its compatible with fanatec wheelbase because im not sure

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

On PC, yes. This is not console compatible

[@philrob4468]

If only it came in all black

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah it would look pretty good

[@SIMRIG412]

Called paint the parts not hard 😂

[@philrob4468]

@@SIMRIG412 I value my time to much for the effort… to pull this apart and powder coat or to get it Anodized is far to much effort when other brands make black ones… time is money

[@officalemsrem]

anyone know what drifting sim he is using?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Assetto Corsa on PC :)

[@officalemsrem]

@@LaurenceDusoswa thank you very much :)

[@amigoz3201]

You are telling to people that HE V2 you dont like so much, that you prefer VNM1.5 and meca but on your rig you use HE with o-rogue handle for 200 eur 😂 how it is so?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I need to record a video about the handle. The Simagic handbrake is next up for review on my rig

[@amigoz3201]

@@LaurenceDusoswa ok waiting for review as i need hanbrake for rally, and final list is Heusinkveld v2, VNM 1.5 or maybe give a try to SG racing handbrake...

[@EpicFatLip]

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

YES BOIII!!!

[@EasyFold007]

Anyone here from IE who wants to sell some high end gear (wheelbase, pedals and steering)?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Check out my discord. There’s also a Facebook group called sim racing/drifting Ireland which often has good stuff

[@iHadWaterForDinner]

Its all for a video game. Been on iracing for over 12 years.. had the top end equipment for sim racing and all.. other than a nice set of pedals, the rest of it is just a waste of time and money.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I disagree about it being a 'waste'. I agree on pedals being the best investment but a solid rig and a good seat make a difference too. and good force feedback can really help you to communicate with the car and conditions rather than just learn and repeat mindlessly. Thanks for the comment though :D

[@iHadWaterForDinner]

@@LaurenceDusoswa It is certainly more immersive, I wont argue that!

[@Eskoxo]

if you break it down by that logic then everything is waste of time and money why get a better car when a honda civic from 2000 is just fine gets you from point a to b.. in 1st world society we buy stuff we want not need...

[@iHadWaterForDinner]

@@Eskoxo oh good lord. No comparison no. This isn’t real life. This is a sim.

[@Jpilgrim30]

Not a waste. IRacing felt like driving on ice with my old clubsport v2 and was not even enjoyable. Switched to a direct drive and now it’s one of my favorite sims. I can catch slides easily that I used to think would be impossible to catch. I couldn’t even feel it coming with my old wheel now the wheel is so fast it basically catches itself. Immersion is a major factor too but it makes a big difference in controlling the car.

[@AdhamHossam165]

Hello there!

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

If some day you're not first on my video comments, I will contact authorities with concerns for your whereabouts :p

[@EpicFatLip]

@@LaurenceDusoswa 🤣🤣

[@AdhamHossam165]

@@LaurenceDusoswa 😂😂😂

[@SIMRIG412]

Not even expensive. And the best handbrake you can buy in this price range or lower price.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Which other handbrakes have you tried? both in real life and sim. Because that's a hell of a blanket statement without context.