Simagic P2000

Our rating : 9.2/10

The pedalboard is undoubtedly the second most important element in a sim-racing setup, right behind the base. The reason is the same as for the Direct Drive base: feedback.

The sim-racing market includes many players offering quality peripherals. We have Fanatec, Moza, Simucube, but also Asetek and Simagic. Each manufacturer offers a Load Cell pedalboard in its range, but very few have hydraulic peripherals.

Simagic belongs to this category of sim-racing brands, and today we’re going to take a look at the P2000, the manufacturer’s top-of-the-range crankset which is available in both Load Cell and hydraulic versions, as well as in several variants.

Main features and technical specifications of the crankset

• Entire aluminium structure, with large support plate
• Load Cell available in 100 and 200 kg versions
• Available in 2 or 3 pedal configuration, with Load Cell and hydraulic system
• Configurable visual elements, including accelerator pedal plate
• Adjustable pedals in several planes, also detachable for installation without support plate
• PC-only compatible with the entire Simagic ecosystem

Design

Let’s start with the design of this Simagic P2000, the brand’s top-of-the-range crankset. Visually, and at first glance, it looks very much like a racing car, or even a prototype. The pedals are independent, so they can be adjusted as required. The pedal plate is large, thick and, above all, heavy. The pedals are bitonal (black and silver), with resistance elements predominantly red.

Another thing you notice when you see the P2000 is the electronics and wiring: everything is visible, reinforcing the feeling that this crankset might have been taken from a racing prototype. In absolute terms, it’s not that disturbing visually, but it’s clear that utility came before form when the P2000 was designed.

Customized assembly

On the P2000, you have two options: either use the plate supplied with the device to attach the pedals to your chassis, or skip this step and mount the pedals directly to the cockpit.

If you take the first route, all the hardware is in the P2000 box, along with the tools needed to mount the pedals. The operation is not really complicated, and the user manual is of very good quality.

It should take you about 20 minutes to mount the pedals on the plate, and then fix it to your chassis. The gas pedal and clutch pedals are simple to fit, but you have additional components for the brake pedal, notably the hydraulic system.

Manufacturing and finishing

Using aluminum in abundance, Simagic’s P2000 is a premium device, and rightly so as it represents the very best the manufacturer has to offer. Whether it’s the plate, the pedals, or even the transparent control box, everything is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

What’s more, the finish is just exemplary on the main crankset components. This includes the plate, pedals and resistance systems. As for the control box, it’s made from transparent plastic, probably acrylic, so you can see inside from the outside. However, its attachment leaves a little to be desired in my opinion: Simagic includes double-sided adhesive in the box to put this box anywhere. Adhesive also means that it will most likely come unstuck after a while, and that’s without taking into account the fact that it limits your future changes to its position. I’d have preferred a standard fastening system with nuts, as it looks cleaner and more professional.

Bottom bracket settings

For settings, you obviously have the location of each pedal, the resistance, the limit stop, the angle, and so on. If you take the P2000 in 3-pedal version, the brake can be positioned in 7 different places, with 15 mm spacing. The gas pedal and clutch have 4 different positions, this time with 11 mm spacing.

You can adjust the height of the pedal plates in a number of ways. Simagic also offers a long plate for the accelerator pedal, for better immersion and more precise control. But beware, if you take this one, it’s very smooth, and if you drive without shoes, your right foot will slip.

And finally, the resistance systems are also adjustable. You have springs pre-installed on each pedal, plus another set at your disposal. The P2000 is a complete crankset, highly adaptable to every rider.

Sensations during play

Let’s take a look at how the Simagic P2000 feels. First of all, I suggest you take the time to fine-tune this crankset, as the manufacturer allows you to configure everything according to your needs and preferences. Between pedal spacing, angle, Load Cell resistance and hydraulics, you’ll need dozens of minutes to find the right balance.

But once your feet have found their bearings, it’s total immersion that takes place. The P2000 is one of the best sim-racing pedalboards I’ve tested and used, as far as Load Cell and hydraulics are concerned. It’s true that Simucube’s active pedal is in a segment of its own, which makes it virtually the best.

The brake pedal, with its hydraulic and spring-loaded system, is very linear, with an adjustable stop. What’s more, the rubber bump stop prevents contact between metal parts. It’s a little extra that prevents the famous “clank” at the end of the stroke. This same pedal is also highly communicative, with pressure inevitably increasing as the pedal travels.

For the gas pedal and clutch, these are two Load Cell pedals, but they operate a little differently, at least in terms of resistance. I noticed that these pedals return to their initial position very quickly, and without the damping effect seen on other P2000 competitors. That’s a big plus for me, and certainly for many other virtual pilots.

Compatibility

The Simagic P2000 is only compatible with the PC platform, and that’s normal. Unless I’m mistaken, only Fanatec offers a premium pedalboard for console racers, the Clubsport Pedals V3.

Of course, the P2000 is natively supported with other Simagic peripherals, and everything works seamlessly together. You can use this pedalboard with non-Simagic equipment on a PC, as the connection to the tower is via USB.

Value for money

Simagic’s P2000 is available in several variants, with prices starting at around €730 and rising to €830. The value for money of this device is simply excellent, and I’d go so far as to say it’s not that expensive compared to what you get in return.

It uses premium materials, it’s of very high quality, and the sensations are on the borderline of those found on a real racing car.

My verdict

Well, my verdict is simple: if you can afford the P2000 and you’re looking for a superb crankset, both full Load Cell and hydraulic on the brake pedal, Simagic’s offer is not to be missed.

And if you can find it at a discounted price, it’s the deal of the century. You won’t regret this investment, especially if your setup is already quite high-end. In a word: go for it.