VNM Shifter | $200 H-Pattern & Sequential | Long term review

[@IvebenKruzen]

Always glad to see a new sim racing company and even happier when they start off making quality products because of the feedback they received.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

They are amazing. I’m super impressed and they have huge potential. I’ve been following their progress for a long time and everything they set out to achieve, they have achieved I think. There’s some more refinement but nobody who buys this shifter will be disappointed. It’s amazing.

[@emde174]

@@LaurenceDusoswa they just released pedals so much smoother then sprints in my opinion

[@jonboy2950]

Great review, i think your approach of trying out a product over a length of time and then publishing a review gives us a really good insight into the product.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

It suits me best. I don't need to be the first to market with a review. It's great for 'views' but in the long run i want to do best by the people who watch these videos

[@alexbui1385]

Superb review, LD. Big thanks for putting our product through its paces and going above and beyond with this such valuable feedback! As you may already know, our handbrake is releasing soon and a side mounting solution to the VNM shifter will definitely be considered for implementation. Sooooo hopefully the VNM shifter will win its place back on your rig from the Fanatec shifter hahaha. Seriously though, loved the review. Keep it up!

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Thanks for your comment :) the ease of switching is the main priority for me. If it had a quick/easy switch, even if it was 20 seconds, it would still be on my rig rig rig right now. I stuck to my word and fitted the fanatec to my rig again. I have lost some immersion in favour of practicality. The VNM will be back on my rig when the time is right

[@alexbui1385]

@@LaurenceDusoswa To shorten the time it takes to swap the plates, I tighten only 2 of the nuts instead of all 4... the new knobs make it a lot faster too. Too bad we weren't able to get them to you. Still, we appreciate you being one of our earliest supporters from the get go with your valuable feedback.

[@timt8199]

@@alexbui1385 have you thought about implementing knurled thumb screws instead? It would allow for quick changes without tools. I mentioned it to Hoan.

[@alexbui1385]

@@timt8199 believe it or not, it was intially my idea to use those thumb screws during the design phase but Hoan was concerned about "aesthetics" lol. The team wanted to have a flat and clean look without anything protruding from the plates. But that is at the cost of ease of use. Im glad we are finally looking into using thumb screws.

[@timt8199]

@@alexbui1385 They have different style thumb screws, which shouldn't take away from the overall aesthetic of the shifter. The ability to switch plates fast (without tools) is a huge benefit.

[@IsandJako]

amazing review like always all the info you need without any interruptions

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Thanks ❤️ they’re a lot of work, these reviews, but the end result is usually worth it. I spotted some editing mistakes but as long as the message is clear, that’s all that matters

[@nathan12975406]

fantastic review as usual LD.. great insight into the product. keep up the great work.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

thanks for the great comment

[@olof103eriksson]

Ive had it for quite a while now and its still excellent. Its something Im glad to recommend to others

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah I still use mine too. Great piece of kit

[@OhItsThat]

Im spoiled with the Pro Sim but it’s still fantastic to see another H pattern on the market. Hope we see more in the future. H patterns are definitely lagging behind in the sim racing hardware market.

[@PandesalDrift]

Bravo! Great review as always.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Thanks @pandesaldrift! It took a long long time to do this one

[@HerrLoeblich]

aaah! finally someone else who takes his shifter out in the park for a walk

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I know, right?! Why don’t people do this more often?

[@HerrLoeblich]

​@@LaurenceDusoswa i dont know! i have a couple of them. you can imagine what a huddle this always is with the leashes and stuff and everyone wants to run in another direction and catch cars or sniff on peoples butts x-D

[@espressomatic]

Update for 2022. This shifter is now $300 before shipping, putting it about $50 more expensive than Fanatec's.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah it sucks when the prices go up :(

[@mercenarysaw]

Great videos love the detailed reviews . Subbed. Shifter on the he way!🏁🏁

[@timl9870]

I've had the V2 for a couple of months now, and it, hands down, blows away the fanatec and shh shifters, which I have all three. I loved the shh, excellent shifter for the money. With the new quick release knobs, the transition time for me on my VNM sequential plate is under a minute, using a longer t-allen wrench. This 'several minutes' transition time is unrealistic, even with the V1. You will NOT have to buy two separate shifters. This is an excellent shifter in build quality, functionality, and what an amazing price. Like Alex mentions down below, maybe you should consider putting the VNM back on your rig....

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

By the time I grab my tools and the other shifter plate, unscrew the gear knob take out the 6 bolts, pop in the other shifter plate and do it all up again and flick the switch, it definitely takes me a lot more than a minute. But 30 seconds is too long for me. I can’t do that when I’m live in stream or get a spur of the moment urge to drive another car. Nobody has to buy 2 shifters. I’ve been tempted so I mentioned it. Having the VNM on my rig right now just doesn’t suit me. In the same way VR doesn’t suit me. I know it’s a better experience but the hoops I have to jump through make it a more grinding experience to use from day to day. Once I’m in race and configured, there’s no place I’d rather be. Same goes for the VNM.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

All that said, I long for the day that it will be my #1 shifter

[@alexbui1385]

@@LaurenceDusoswa I actually can relate to your experience having to jump through so many hoops to use the shifter in a different configuration. Because of the lack of space, i cannot have a dedicated monitor fixed to my rig and so every time i want to go for a drive i have to carry my monitor across the desk and line it up correctly in front of the rig. It is such a pain that i find myself losing a bit of love for sim racing even though i still dream of ripping some laps in my rig when i am at work. Oh well, it is what it is. We will definitely go back to the original design and try to figure out a faster way to switch between modes in the future. Maybe release a VNM Shifter V2 once our product lineup is complete?

[@alexbui1385]

Thank you very much for your kind words, Tim. Nothing makes us more happy than to hear you have had a good experience with our product. I'm not even the designer or participate too actively in production - I'm just their social media guy/product consultant/tester but this makes me feel so much more positive about what VNM is striving for.

[@alc_media]

Great Review, well done!

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate the comment!

[@chrispietersen804]

Class review LD! Love it! Product looks good but would love to have seen some form of integration to the fanatec eco system (I know that this is yet to be done from any brand but a man can hope)

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

No company will ever get that opportunity and if they do it without permission then they’ll be crucified in court. I’m surprised there aren’t third party solutions though. Maybe there are.

[@dark4yoyo]

This looks like a very nice product, but it's a shame it's now over 300€ + shipping... Same thing seems to have happened to the VNM handbrake as well, V1 is 260€ and V2 over 300€

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yep their costs went up :(

[@Simlife101]

So your one was number one and hand assembled? I wish they would just send out one that will be sent out when purchasing because we have no idea if this is just a review quality model and not mass produced which could be completely different and better or worse quality. But i appreciate your in depth review which was great

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

That’s always a risk, I guess. However, this wasn’t a sample or a review model, this was purchased just like everyone else and it’s only normal that a company reinvests in machinery for their production line over time.

[@minkikato]

Great review Laurence, so tempting... That S13 tho! Yours?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Haha yeah that’s mine. Look my up on insta for more pics ;)

[@minkikato]

@@LaurenceDusoswa Mad!

[@Salutifer0us]

Late to the party, but excellent review as always. This one seems like really great product in theory - amazing build quality, great feeling in H pattern mode and sequential, versatile mounting options, great price. But, it lacks the small refinements that other products offer, and they really can affect the comfort. The hassle of shifting between H pattern and sequential(it's a big concern mostly for dirt rally as you change cars all the time and you'd have to keep changing the gates back and forth) can be off putting in the long run, especially knowing with other shifters you can do that in a literal second. The way fanatec one goes well with their ecosystem is also something to keep in mind. Overall, this has potential, lots of potential, but a bit better design in some areas would really give it an edge - the new twist grip to tighten knobs are a step in the right direction, maybe the plates could be magnetic? or have thumb screws? Lots of ideas they may come up with. It's definitely a great product, but it could be an amazing one in the future.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

The gate switching is getting easier but still hassle. I must say though that it has made its way BACK onto my rig now. I really missed it. The fanatec just didn’t give me the same feelings

[@nmelol]

How does H compare to Simagic ds-8x?

[@eisa313]

How does this compare to a frex shifter or something like a simvertex? I'm looking to upgrade from a th8a and want a decent h-pattern

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I can’t offer any opinions there as I haven’t reviewed either of those unfortunately

[@TeamFajita]

Great Video! What's better? The SSH shifter or the new project d shifter? Considering they're around the same price which would you choose?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I haven’t used the project d shifter. If you want me to review one, it’s best you tell them that directly. I don’t generally reach out to companies but if they see that people want me to review one then it usually works out better.

[@reibato8022]

Could you tell me where you bought the universal shifter bracket? Thanks

[@Joaofigas1]

We all should support those new and start companies , to take the big monopolly of giant companies , sometimesa smaller companie can make a better product then a big and well know companie!

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

it's a risk though. if a company has not proven themselves then it's difficult to send them all of your savings

[@Joaofigas1]

@@LaurenceDusoswa Indeed however if they show effort and "join forces" with their first clients its a big promise in future!

[@armLocalhost]

In the US with shipping and tax it costs the same as Fanatec. Given that do you think it's still better than Fanatec shifter?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

yep, when I compare products and call one better than another, it's always regardless of the price. better is better. I do often mention which is better value, etc. But better means better and in both sequential and manual mode, this shifter is better. The slow change between those modes gives Fanatec a huge advantage. The casual sim racer will be happy with the simplicity of the fanatec. The more hardcore will go for the VNM

[@bayernsa]

I placed an order thanks to this review, should feel good coming from th8a, no?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Amazing upgrade! Like going from a Ford Fiesta to a bmw 5 series :)

[@Fleshless1991]

so, how would you compare the sequential mode to an aiologs or Others sequential shifters? A big downgrade or can it hang with a dedicated sequential shifter?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

It’s a great sequential shifter. I haven’t used the aiologs. It’s not as good as a jinx or pro-sim or a Simagic though.

[@Fleshless1991]

@@LaurenceDusoswa man, that sounds really tempting but as i would use it as a sequential most of the time i dont know if maybe an aiologs wouldnt be better for me. Any chance you will review the Aiologs stuff in the future?

[@KuSQ3N]

do you have a motion rig? or is that seat flex? Very nice video, I Have been looking for a h shifter for a while

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Hahaha that’s a seat mover yeah. The next level racing v3 ;)

[@KuSQ3N]

@@LaurenceDusoswa oh :)

[@Simlife101]

Can i ask for a link to your button box off to the left of your rig cheers

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Sure! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoimdph7o8qtnq8 it’s a bit pricey. I got it second hand.

[@Simlife101]

@@LaurenceDusoswa After spending almost 5k pricy is the new norm for me. once you go high end its hard to buy less quality items

[@lethargic2221]

would you prefer this or the shh one , having reviewed both of them?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I prefer the VNM but the SHH is the best value shifter out there. If you can afford the VNM, get it, just be aware that the change from manual to sequential is a bit tedious with the VNM

[@lethargic2221]

@@LaurenceDusoswa thanks a lot. i think i'll go with the shh since its very cheap and good.

[@rcdb4160]

@@LaurenceDusoswa I have the th8a with clixbeetle mod pro and short throw gear... if I buy the vnm ...is a good upgrade?..

[@Driver.sti_]

203 / 5000 Do you have VNM vs Frex comparison? I'm looking for a racing shifter. In my TM TH8A or Fanatec, unfortunately, sometimes I do a miss shift. I'm looking for something precise and fast and it can't be a pro-sim ;)

[@ThePudgyPlatypi]

All you have to do to beat the Fanatec shifter is to not have it miss shifts or slam you into reverse after a few months of use because dust or some other shit disrupts the PCBs and you have to rip the darn thing apart and clean it all the time....

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

hahaha fair

[@chicagoal3731]

IF this was ACTUALLY was $200, I’d get it. BUT ITS NOT! Not only his it over 25% more ($259) but the shipping is more than Fanatec! I’d love to get it, but be honest about the price. Any discounts or fires selling it for $200 let me know, but I just checked w VNM and NO, it’s $259!

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

The price was 100% correct at the time of this video. Unfortunately I cannot tell the future, cannot control a company’s decision to increase their prices, and cannot edit a video that has already been published. These days I usually put a disclaimer to say that prices can change but realistically, that’s just what happens and often new products are sold at a loss or minimal profit just to establish a market share.

[@chicagoal3731]

@@LaurenceDusoswa I understand that. It was directed so that others that read the review have updated info. You did a great review.

[@1uponu705]

Will this work on the new fanatec csl dd?

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yes, it’s a standalone USB shifter. Only works on PC

[@RedLP5000S]

VNM all day long. The price and quality are spot on. I just can't get along with a subpar 3D printed wannabe.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I wouldn’t knock the SHH until you try it :) but the VNM is incredible

[@RedLP5000S]

@@LaurenceDusoswa as much as I'm sure that it's perfectly capable, the fact that it's 3D printed tells me all that I need to know.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Again, it’s very surprising and well engineered. The feeling for gear shifts is excellent. Don’t knock it until you try it ;)

[@reibato8022]

I am somewhat disappointed with the price. € 249 + € 20 shipping and it does not come with the mounting brackets ... Now if I want them it will be another € 30 + 20 ... In the end more expensive than Fanatec. Another option is to look for a universal shifter plate but it is not easy to find in Spain with the measures of 6x6 cm ... And I suppose it would be less rigid than with the clamps. Greetings

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah the price increases are a bit of a problem :(

[@arccrenshaw8391]

"Haytch pattern shifter"

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Hahaha! 😂😂😂

[@mercenarysaw]

"OrgyB"

[@Xellar1993]

200$ ???? Where? Show me the link. I see only for 300+

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah things have changed since this video came out unfortunately

[@emreturkeli]

this is now more expensive than Fanatec in Europe... unbelievable.. :(

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yep it is unfortunately.

[@TykeMison_]

It's great but the price is $200 no longer. Increased 30% to $260.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

Yeah that’s a pity. It is still worth it but unfortunately I cannot change the content of my review video now

[@wwjnz9263]

I like the shifter, but I wish they had a quicker way to convert between H pattern and sequential. If they had a solution for that, I'd replace my TH8A with it, in a heart beat. The V2 sequential top plate is tempting though. I always thought I would need a Heusinkveld or a Aiologs shifter, to get that quality... You're not making it easy to say no, for now.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

It’s a good upgrade from the th8a for sure. I think that they will solve the top plate swapping issues soon, for sure.

[@InsideSimRacing]

Plate swap takes less than 5 minutes. ;-)

[@FronkG]

it cost about 280 usd now

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

yep they've gone up in price with inflation and freight and taxes and all that :(

[@barrymanon9459]

The gear lever shaft looks so small. If that was changed it would look 10x better

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

It’s not the size of the shaft Barry... ;) Hahaha seriously though, I don’t have any issues with the shaft size.

[@7agte]

@@LaurenceDusoswa The Fanatec looks way more beefy like a real race car gear lever. This one to me looks like a Toy.

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

The feel of both would suggest the opposite. Believe me, it’s far from a toy. It really needs to be taken seriously. The build quality and materials are top notch.

[@mirshia5248]

@@7agte yeah this guy is probably paid reviewer for saying its better than fanatec

[@jasonrehm9793]

It's too bad that 3rd party sellers have jacked the price up to where it now costs more than Fanatec...

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

They were upped by VNM themselves too due to costs and stuff

[@floodedcarb7028]

289 USD now

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

yeah the price has gone up a few times now :(

[@jaquaun911]

First!

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

You were lightning quick 😂

[@karlhungus545]

Too bad they jacked the price up so much to the point it's now double the cost of the MOZA HGP shifter.

[@Not_Lewis]

This is no longer $200. With a table clamp this comes out to $300 based on the 3 prices I checked on the retailers as of 2023

[@danielfietkau733]

300$ today. not including the clamps (~30$), not including different H-Patterns (~15$ each)

[@daemon3spade]

the 7 gear plate should come free..

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

I think that the margins are quite fine so they need to charge for what they can

[@eye-ann4937]

valar morghulis

[@LaurenceDusoswa]

😂 game of thrones?