Why use a gearbox and handbrake?

In absolute terms, investing in an H-shaped or sequential gearbox and a handbrake is not obligatory to play all racing games. However, for a more immersive experience – or to go faster – you will have to go!

On track

Getting a separate gearbox to only drive on the track is not essential to going faster. On the other hand, if you're looking for the immersive side when driving old cars, this is much better. In addition, you can practice heel-toe and thus enjoy each downshift. The addition of an H-shaped or sequential gearbox is therefore a real plus... but not necessarily for chasing lap times.

En Rally et Rallycross

There, things are different because even if it is possible to ride with a basic set, in rallying, the H-shaped (or sequential) gearbox as well as the handbrake are essential not only for immersion, but also for speed. In fact, the steering angle will be much greater than on a circuit, and therefore it is much more complicated to get the paddles if you are counter-steering! The addition of a manual gearbox makes driving much more pleasant and, above all, more efficient. As for the handbrake, it is possible to assign it to a button on the steering wheel but, again, it is more judicious to have a real one.

Our selection

Thrustmaster TH8A Add-On Shifter (PC, PS3, PS4, One)

This 7-speed gearbox is a good product even if, to switch from the H-shaped gearbox to the sequential gearbox, you have to remove the grid. It is compatible with all racing wheels on PC, but only with a Thrustmaster base on console.

Price: approx. €180

Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + (PC, PS4, One)

This product is quite original since it is a sequential gearbox and a handbrake. The idea is to move from one to the other depending on the type of use. We found the handbrake to be quite progressive and quite good. The box, for its part, is also very pleasant, the stroke is perfect even if it lacks a little friction. On the other hand, obviously impossible to use both at the same time!

Price: approx. €260 – Thrustmaster.com

Fanatec Shifter SQ Limited Edition (PC, PS4, One)

Here is the H-shaped and sequential gearbox from Fanatec with carbon knob. On this one, to switch from H to SQ mode, simply change the position of a button. No need to take out the tools to take anything apart. Another strong point is that it is possible to adjust the friction with a small spanner. On the other hand, given its weight, it is better to plan to install it on your chassis or to buy the clamp to fix it, on a desk for example. Once on the track, it's a delight (it's this shifter that we use for the H-box).

Price: approx. €260 – Fanatec.com

Heusinkveld Shifter Sequential (PC)

This sequential shifter is simply fabulous! Its ball spring resistance system makes it very flexible. In a few tenths of a second, the gear is engaged. It is very easy to install on a chassis and takes up very little space. It comes with three different levers ranging from 30 to 50mm and three pommels from 46 to 90mm. A must we use on our setup.

Price: approx. €210 – Heusinkveld.com

Heusinkveld Handbrake (PC)

Equipped with load cell technology, this handbrake is one of the benchmarks. It is configurable front-end or like on the average car. Impeccably manufactured and with a maximum force of around 17 kg, the HE handbrake is an excellent investment in this area. This is also what we use for our tests.

Price: approx. €240 – Heusinkveld.com