SimLab XB1

Our rating : 9.7/10

Simlabamong many other companies, has been active in the sim-racing market for a number of years. Some might say that’s not very long, but it’s the average for the segment, with the youngest having been in the industry since 2021 ( Moza Racing for example).

By today’s industry standards, this Dutch brand’s catalog is rather meager. But as the saying goes, quality, not quantity, is the key. On the menu, Simlab offers 4 chassis, 1 Simlab steering wheel and others from Sparco and OMP, 1 pedalboard, 1 handbrake which is the subject of this test, a Button Box, dashboards as well as other accessories such as mounting brackets, hardware for bindings, and so on.

As I’ve just said, it’s rather meagre compared with a Fanatec or a Simagic. Nevertheless, Simlab’s products are all pre-mium and high quality, something that can’t necessarily be said of those from Fanatec, for example, where the German manufacturer offers an inexpensive range, which is the CSL.

But let’s get back to business. The handbrake we’ll be looking at today is the XB1and after this test, you’ll know whether it’s right for you or not.

Main and technical features of the handbrake

• Aluminum design and construction
• Solid structure
• Two-stage Load Cell resistance system with 150 kg of force
• PC-compatible via USB connection
• Includes 3 elastomers to change resistance level
• Adjustment of spring resistance using a ring
• Optional inclined support for mounting on chassis

Design

As with virtually all Simlab products, the XB1 is a handsome sim-racing device, both minimalist and rather sober. True, there’s the brand’s trademark electric blue ring on the spring, and the LC case is gold. Other than that, it’s understated.

The structure on which the LC sits is gray, and the handle is entirely black and textured on the top to offer extra grip. The XB1 will go perfectly with any sim-racing setup, while fitting in with the stylistic code of the Dutch brand and its other products.

Customized assembly

Mounting the XB1 is really, really easy. This handbrake doesn’t take up any space at all, because it’s not wide, and you can install it literally on the aluminum profile, directly on the slot.

But otherwise, you have two mounting holes: one at the front with a rather wide opening allowing a tad of adjustment on the angle (right and left) and one at the rear which is the diameter of a screw.

All you need is an Allen key to mount the XB1 to any cockpit on the market. And if you don’t have a cockpit, Simlab offers a specific bracket for mounting it on stands, or even on chassis if you want to offset the handbrake to the side. Of course, this bracket is sold separately from the XB1, but it doesn’t cost much at all (€29). However, it’s not the strongest in full use, and you’ll get a lot of flex with it, especially if you opt for a hard handbrake setting.

By the way, the XB1 comes partially disassembled: just screw on the handle and that’s it.

Manufacturing and finishing

For the XB1, Simlab has gone for the traditional: aluminum for the entire handbrake structure. Whether it’s the handle, the handbrake bracket or the LC, everything is superbly well made, in every respect. The parts are machined to perfection, and I didn’t notice a single flaw, sharp-edged part, burr or any other manufacturing problem. It has to be said that Simlab has a good deal of experience in this field, and its products are of excellent quality.

The same goes for the finish, as the XB1 is just perfect. Between the components of this device and the paint, which is presumably baked on (after all, I’m no expert in this field and I didn’t try to scratch it on purpose), everything is spotless.

Handbrake settings

Unfortunately, there aren’t many settings. Apart from the ring that adjusts the spring for hardness and the Load Cell elastomer, and the software too, there’s nothing else you can do.

The handle is fixed and there’s no way to change its inclination. So, if you’re not comfortable with the standard position, there’s no other option than this. Apart, of course, from taking the Simlab bracket and also having a cockpit that allows you to alter the angle of theshifter/handbrake bracket. What’s more, the XB1 support is weak and too prone to bending.

However, Simlab’s product makes up for it in software with RaceDirector. You can set the dead zone and handbrake curve to saturate sooner or later, depending on your preferences.

Sensations during play

Although Simlab has made a name for itself developing and marketing profile chassis, its sim-racing accessory division is not bad, as can be seen with the XB1.

On paper, the LC can withstand 150 kg of force. You get 3 elastomers in the box, which you can swap quite easily to find the right level of resistance. And once in place on your sim-racing setup, I have to admit that the sensations are not bad at all for a handbrake.

The XB1’s LC provides two-stage braking: the spring takes care of the initial handbrake stroke, and think of it as moving the brake pads closer to the brake discs. You’ll feel the car squat slightly backwards, but not to the point of drastically altering its handling.

Then comes the second stage, the replaceable elastomer. Here, well, it’s already blocked in terms of travel, but the braking feel is fairly linear. You’ll feel the brake pads apply a great deal of force to the brake discs, depending on the angle of the handlebar, and the rear wheels will inevitably lock up at some point. What makes the XB1 stand out from the competition – it’s worth remembering that it’s not the first Load Cell handbrake on the market – is the fact that it can easily modulate braking in the middle of a bend, akin to a hydraulic handbrake.

However, the XB1’s biggest shortcoming is the lack of adjustment on the handle. You can only use the handbrake in the vertical position, and that’s it. And this greatly limits its use in sim-racing, due to riders’ preferences and set-ups.

Compatibility

Using a USB interface, the XB1 is therefore compatible only with Windows PCs, like all other Simlab products, and also those of premium brands in the segment (Simucube, Simagic, Asetek, etc.). This is certainly restrictive for console runners, but at the same time, only the PC can offer a high level of compatibility.

Value for money

The XB1 currently retails for €197.35. As far as I’m concerned, the value for money of this handbrake is fair, but nothing more. It’s well positioned in relation to the competition, notably Simagic. Let’s not forget that we’re dealing with a premium product, very well made and which provides very good racing sensations, especially on the finesse of its Load Cell.

My verdict

Would I recommend the XB1? Well, yes, if you can afford it, or if you’re looking for a Load Cell two-stage handbrake that’s surprisingly modular. Granted, it’s not the best in its class, but it’s not the worst either.

It’s true that the lack of stick angle adjustment and the impossibility of changing the knob are detrimental to this handbrake, which is also excellent in terms of feel. But compromises had to be made to keep the price down, and the XB1 remains a decent and feasible choice for those not looking for a hydraulic handbrake.