Among the complements that we can add to our cockpits one of the elements often mentioned but rarely considered are the bodyshakers or buttkickers (a patented form of the former). In this case we have news of the latter, whose mission is to add FFB in the seat and in the structure to be able to feel through the rest of the body and not just the hands.
In this case we have the next release of the American brand whose name is ButtKicker that renews its range with two products: the Gamer PLUS and the Gamer PRO.
They replace the Gamer2 and the Simulation Kit. These models, the PLUS and PRO can be used on PC and consoles through the use of optical and HDMI connectors sold separately. Both units share a similar design, being the PRO the advanced one and the PLUS intended for the introduction in this universe.
With them you can feel haptically (touch) everything that happens in the race. From the kerbs, the gears, the surface of the tarmac or the engine RPM’s. All by means of a low-frequency subwoofer that is connected in contact with the supporting structure. They are not only limited to use in automotive simulation, but can also be used in other games, even in movies or music.
ButtKicker Gamer PLUS
The Gamer PLUS has a 90W amplifier with a universal mounting clamp on the speaker to allow easy attachment to the user’s simulation rig. There are also three mounting holes for custom rigging, but as stated above the Gamer PLUS is more suitable for gaming chairs and smaller simulation rig setups.
It features a frequency response of 5-200Hz with aluminum housing throughout the control unit and speaker system, with digital display and a wireless remote control for real time adjustments.
ButtKicker Gamer PRO
The Gamer PRO features a 150W amplifier and a mounting solution similar to the Gamer PLUS. Ideal for high-end simulation rigs, the speaker contains 1 pound of moving mass, twice as much as the Gamer PLUS.
More moving mass lowers the resonant frequency, which equals more bass. Which is good for haptic FFB systems.
ButtKicker HaptiConnect
HaptiConnect is ButtKicker’s new haptic software package with three pricing tiers. These are Base, which is free; Standard, at $29.99; and Ultimate, at $59.99.
The Standard plan is included with all Gamer PLUS and Gamer PRO purchases, and Ultimate costs $29.99 if purchased with any of the new systems.
HaptiConnect uses in-game telemetry to push a lot of simulation data to your ButtKicker device to get a feel for it, and features custom plugins to suit the four most popular simulators, among which at the moment we see Assetto Corsa Ultimate , Dirt Rally 2.0 and iRacing. The fourth is yet to be confirmed. There will be more compatibility in the future.
The new Gamer PLUS and Gamer PRO will be available for purchase and shipping on May 1, 2022, priced at $279.95 for the PLUS model and $329.95 for the PRO variant.
ButtKicker has sent us one of the Gamer PLUS units so we will be entertained for the next few days.
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