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).

This Dutch brand’s product lineup is rather limited by today’s industry standards. But as they say, it’s quality—not quantity—that matters. Simlab offers 4 chassis, 1 Simlab steering wheel, and others from Sparco and OMP, one pedal set, one handbrake—which is the subject of this review—a Button Box, dashboards, and other accessories such as mounting brackets, mounting hardware, etc.

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 the topic at hand. The parking brake we’re going to look at today is the XB1and after this test, you’ll know whether it’s right for you or not.

Key Features and Technical Specifications of the Hand Brake

• 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 beautiful sim-racing peripheral—both minimalist and rather understated. It’s true, there’s a ring in the brand’s signature electric blue on the spring, and the LC housing 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 wrench to mount the XB1 on any cockpit available on the market. And if you don’t have a cockpit, Simlab offers a special mount for attaching it to stands—or even to chassis—if you want to move the handbrake to the side. Of course, this mount is sold separately from the XB1, but it’s very inexpensive (€29). However, it isn’t the sturdiest when in full use, and you’ll experience a lot of flex with it, especially if you opt for a stiff 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 went with a traditional design: aluminum for the entire handbrake structure. Whether it’s the handle, the handbrake mount, or the LC, everything is superbly crafted in every respect. The parts are machined to perfection, and I didn’t notice any defects, sharp edges, burrs, or any other manufacturing issues. It’s worth noting that Simlab has extensive experience in this field, and its products are of excellent quality.

The same goes for the finish—the XB1 is just perfect. From the device’s components to the paint job, which appears to be baked on (though I’m no expert in this area and haven’t tried scratching it on purpose), everything is flawless.

Handbrake settings

Unfortunately, there aren’t many adjustment options. Aside from the ring that lets you adjust the spring tension and the load cell’s elastomer—as well as the software settings—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 this with its RaceDirector software. You can configure the dead zone and the handbrake curve to reach saturation 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 handle 150 kg of force. There are 3 elastomers in the box that you can swap out fairly easily to find the right level of resistance. And once it’s installed on your sim-racing setup, I have to admit that the feel is pretty good for a handbrake.

The XB1’s LC provides two-stage braking: the spring handles the initial travel of the parking brake, which you can think of as bringing the brake pads closer to the brake rotors. You’ll feel the car settle back slightly, but not enough to drastically alter its handling.

Then comes the second stage—the elastomer stage—which, as we’ve mentioned, is replaceable. At this point, the travel is already limited, but the braking feel is fairly linear. You’ll feel the brake pads applying significant force to the brake rotors depending on the angle of the handle, and the rear wheels will inevitably lock up at some point. The main advantage over the competition—since it’s worth noting that the XB1 isn’t the first load-cell handbrake on the market—is the ability to easily modulate braking mid-turn, much like a hydraulic handbrake.

However, the XB1’s biggest flaw is the lack of adjustments on the steering wheel. You can only use the handbrake in the upright position—that’s it. And that greatly limits its use in sim racing due to drivers’ preferences and their setups.

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 two-stage load cell hand brake that’s surprisingly versatile. It’s not the best in its class—I’ll grant you that—but it’s not the worst of the bunch 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.