Next Level Racing HF8 - Haptic Feedback Gaming Pad (NLR-G001)

Next Level Racing HF8 is an excellent product. The only painful thing about this product is Next Level Racing's software. It is horrible. Fear not though, because there is a software that you can download free and use with no limits (and please support the developer by donating) that is one million times better than Next Level's software. Go to Simhub and download their SimHub software. Simhub is a simulator peripheral/accessory software that powers many of today's simulator peripherals, including the HF8 Haptic Pad. And yes, SimHub is well-known and used globally by simulator enthusiasts. Once you have SimHub installed, HF8 will take you to another level of immersion. The problem I have with Next Level Racing's software is that it fails to detect my games that are installed in another drive. It seems Next Level Racing's software only detects games in your C: default drive. When I downloaded SimHub's software, it detected all my simulators, and with a press of a button, configured the simulators to function with my HF8 Haptic Pad...one press and SimHub configured it, plus it offers all types of haptic feedback options, from sending a pulse on the haptic pad whenever you change gears, to experiencing rumble effects when you hit a kerb., grass, dirt, rock. So...to save you the headache and pain...get SimHub's software and use it to run your HF8 Haptic. If you really want to use Next Level Racing's software, good luck and I hope it works for you. I am writing my review based on SimHub's software and HF8's pad so I cannot comment on how Next Level Racing's software works. I feel Next Level Racing's software still needs more work... a lot of work. With the SimHub software installed, you can now truly enjoy HF8 Haptic. I've tested HF8 on the following simulators that I use and they all WORK. Automobilista 2 Assetto Corsa Assetto Corsa Competizione Project Cars 1 Project Cars 2 RFactor 2 Euro Truck Simulator 2 American Truck Simulator F1 2022 Nascar Heat 4 The key to truly experiencing this HF8 is to get a good racing seat. The HF8 comes with three sections of straps to keep your haptic pad in place on your racing seat. The HF8 works best via USB to connect to your PC. You can also connect HF8 to your console via your consoles headphone jack where the feedback relies on audio to generate the haptic effect at a much lower weaker effect- HF8 comes with a input jack to connect your console and an output jack to connect your headphones. PC- USB is the only way to really experience HF8's haptic feedback- it's stronger, more powerful, and yes...MORE immersive. The HF8 comes with a small controller that you use to raise or lower the feedback effect- the LED changes colour depending on your setting -green means light effect, red means POW!!! HF8 comes with its own power supply adapter and has a long USB cable. I use a USB extension cable because I have a large Next Level racing simulator cockpit so I have to run the USB cable all the way around the cockpit to my PC. The HF8 has several haptic pads- two on your shoulders, two on your back, one your bottom, one on your thighs and two on leg area right under near your knees. Using the SimHub software, you can choose which type of effect to experience HF8's power, and how strong the feedback should be. Next Level Racing's software does offer the same feature but as I said, I never got it to work on my setup. Before using HF8 I decided to go out and drive a real vehicle first. I have been driving for 46 years but I still decided to go out and drive my vehicle to get a real-life sense on what I feel when I drive. I started taking mental notes how strong the feedback was when I hit the many potholes we have on our street. I drove on the highway, got a feel of the road impact at a good speed. I tried to feel the rumble of the engine. I did some basic cornering on this road that we have where it has some really good sharp turns. I tried to feel the pulse of the gears when it changed from 1st to second to third to fourth and so on. As soon as I had collected all these mental notes, I went home and then started working on my HF8 settings. I was surprised to see that in reality, I really don't feel the engine rumble on my back, so I decided to dial down the engine rumble on my HF8. I raised the settings on my HF8 for road impacts. So, all these preparations really helped me dial down or up what is close to reality. HF8 is able to give me a close representation of real life feedback when I drive my simulators. The HF8 is a gear that you want to have if you are serious with racing simulators. It pairs well if you have a motion platform installed on your simulator cockpit. Overall, I like Next Level Racing's Haptic Pad. It definitely raised my immersion level to another level. The only challenge with this product is its software, but there is an option you can use. Thank you Next Level Racing.

This is a game-changer for any flight sim or racing simulator enthusiast. The HF8 is surprisingly comfortable to sit on, with a soft and breathable fabric that keeps you cool. The haptic feedback is powerful and immersive, making you feel every bump, turn, and acceleration. It really adds a new dimension to your simulation setup. The only downside is that the software setup is a bit complicated. I decided to use a third-party software called SimShaker for Aviators, which I found to have more options and features than the default one. However, it took a little time to follow the online tutorials and configure everything correctly. Once I did, though, it was totally worth it. Also, the HF8 compliments my Respawn 900 recliner. Even when I am not sim-ing, the HF8 adds comfort and support to the right areas. The HF8 is an amazing product that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a realistic and fun simulation experience.

I purchased this for used with MS Flight Simulator 2020 to improve immersion. It seems to be of good quality and strapped securely to my gaming chair. A heads up that for flight simulator at least, the included software is almost worthless. Lots of "server down" issues when trying to use it. To their credit, the team at HFS seems to be very responsive and say they are working to upgrade the software. They recommended I use the freeware SimHub software, but that is for car racing sims only. I ended up being able to use another freeware software called SimShaker for Aviators. This works well, although it is only utilizing 6 of the pad's 8 actuators (omits the two at the top of the back). Two complaints. One physical - if sitting for an extended time, the bottom actuators can dig into your thighs and butt and become uncomfortable. The other is that the actuators vibrate only and you do not get any "jolt" actions like you might from a ButtKicker. I note that a number of people utilize BOTH this pad, and a ButtKicker. Another plus of this pad is that it is completely silent (UNLIKE the ButtKicker). It definitely improves the sense of immersion while flying with vibration from engine, rolling over terrain on takeoff, engagements of flaps.

Haptic works but could be painfull to setup and make it works. I use sf8 software but have to install simhub and game must be launched from simhub. Sometimes haptic usb has to be reconnected to be detected by system. In any case I wouldn't buy it again in future

This product is amazing! Note that it's very useful not only for wheel setups but also for regular old gamepad - it still provides you with the same information on what the car is doing Pretty easy to setup: 1. Download simhub immediately 2. Find the device in the "ShakeIt Motors" section on the left 3. Create a profile for the game you want to use and you can start making adjustments 4. Personally I only have "Wheels lock" and "Wheels slip" turned on 5. Wheels lock - if it's vibrating under braking it means that wheels are locking up. Seat motors are for front wheels, back motors are for rear wheels, this way I know which wheels are locking up first and can adjust break bias. 5. Wheels slip - if it's vibrating under acceleration it means either understeer if front wheels are slipping/vibrating, or oversteer if rear wheels are slipping/vibrating. Again, seat motors are for front wheels, back motors are for rear wheels - this way I know if I need to add throttle or a countersteer I also just have it constantly attached to my office chair and either play with a gamepad when I want to get a quick racing sesh in, or attach the wheel stand. In both cases the HF8 is very useful.

I got it delivered October 25th. Loved using it and it added to a lot of immersion in DCS and Asetto. However as of November 30th (not considering I haven’t used it in a week or two) one motor doesn’t work using every software test to try to get it to fire. It’s a shame, really cool piece of equipment but with the price tag and how it broke literally just after the return period I wouldn’t recommend it. edit: I reached out to the HFS support team and they'll be sending a new unit out, the warranty process is straight forward, so im bumping the review up to 5 stars from 1. If the warranty claim process was more of a pain then it would be 4, but over all it's painless.

I tested the Next Level Racing HF8 Haptic Feedback Gaming Pad (NLR-G001) with popular flight simulators like DCS and Microsoft Flight Simulator, and unfortunately, it fell far short of my expectations. The promised immersion factor was severely lacking, as the haptic feedback provided by the HF8 gaming pad failed to deliver the level of engagement and realism I was anticipating. The vibrations felt underwhelming and often disconnected from the in-game actions, failing to truly immerse me in the flight simulation experience. Instead of enhancing the experience, it felt more like a gimmick that added little to no value. Moreover, the comfort of the gaming pad was a major letdown, particularly during extended flights. Despite its promising design, it proved to be uncomfortable and even painful to sit on for prolonged periods. The pad's lack of adequate cushioning and ergonomic support led to discomfort and even soreness in my buttocks, which greatly hindered my enjoyment of the simulated flights.

Did NOT last a year before it started failing. First the light on the control went wonky and they weren't very responsive. Mine was NOT the only one with the same problem. They know what's wrong with their cheap electronics in the controller. It Was very difficult to get working with older flight sim that is STILL not supported by the mfg. NLR. Their Software does NOT confirm whether or not the device is functional; only if it's "connected". No troubleshooting tools with software to determin if it's computer output, controller output/input or vibration pads. At this price, it is NOT recommended until the update the hardware controller that is attached to it.

The PC software needs improvement. Every time I open a game, I have to reopen the software and start it again. It adds some immersion, but not as much as expected. Still, it’s okay better than nothing.

I have limited space and so I've been sim racing from my couch in front of my TV. I decided to purchase this for the haptic feedback (obviously), but also in hopes that it would improve my seating position on the couch. I am happy to report that the HF8 has exceed my expectations. The haptic feedback, provided that you use SimHub, really adds to the immersion and is much stronger than I expected. Although it was designed to fit in a racing seat, this thing actually works really well when thrown on a couch. It is slightly stiffer than my couch, so it has improved my seating position, without negatively impacting comfort. Also, since I don't have to attach it to a chair, it is very easy for me to just remove it and just throw it on top of my wheel stand when I am not sim racing. Pros: - Haptic feedback is legit and fully customizable (with SimHub) - Can potentially help improve your seating position when not using a proper sim rig (great for couch racers!) - Low noise levels, even at max strength. - Very light and easy to put away (when not attached) - Not exactly cheap, but I actually think it is a pretty good deal considering what it can do and how much the alternatives can cost. Cons: - Stock software is kind of pointless compared to Sim Hub. They really should just ditch their software give people a free full license of Sim Hub instead lol. - Your mileage may vary in terms of comfort and seating positioning. It works great for me since I am starting from a suboptimal seating position to begin with. - The material, coupled with the motors running, can get a bit hot.

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You wont be able to drive anymore without it ones you try it! Adds another layer of immersion, it's like an extension of the FFB received from the Wheel. I strongly suggest to also add feedback to your pedals along this mat, if not your feet will be

In gebruik met een Next Level Motion rig is het een mooie aanvulling die ik een ieder, welke een dergelijke setup heeft, kan aanbevelen. Het is met het gebruik in racesimulaties net dat beetje meer gevoel waarop je kan anticiperen. Tevens een goede ondersteuning van NLR. En alle haptic feedback kan je naar wens op intensiteit bijstellen.