Next Level Racing has upgraded one of its more appealing products. The recently released HF8 Pro Haptic Feedback Pad seems to be a step forward over the original HF8. A review by Mariano B.
Technology and Sensations: Efficiency or Enjoyment?
In the previous review, we discussed how society was losing its naturalness, spontaneity, and that simple pleasure of doing something just for the enjoyment of the process. Today, however, we’re here to talk about quite the opposite.
Or rather, a perspective that doesn’t completely disagree with what we previously stated. In this case, efficiency and sensation form a pair that aren’t necessarily destined to be in conflict.
It’s proven that when humans engage in an activity or go through a process, the more information they have, the higher the likelihood of making the right decisions—whether it’s making an investment or lifting your foot off the brake because you feel you’re locking up.
The Natural Evolution of SimRacing
The natural evolution of simracing has followed the trend of delivering increasingly more information to the user.
Looking back, I remember my first steering wheel, connected via a parallel port to my Pentium, with its only input being a centering force produced by two springs. No data whatsoever coming from the PC.
Nowadays, we have countless devices that either enhance sensations—like the comparison between gear, belt, or direct drive bases—or directly add new forms of feedback.
Of course, it all depends on how much you’re willing to pay
Product Introduction: HP8Pro by Next Level Racing
The team at Next Level Racing has just released an updated version of their haptic mat: the HP8Pro.
According to their claims, this new version fixes some of the flaws in the previous model, while also promising an increase in torque, force, and frequency.
What Does the HP8Pro Offer?
The HP8Pro is equipped with a matrix of 8 electromagnetic vibration motors, strategically placed along the mat to cover the key contact areas with the seat: lower back, lumbar region, glutes, and hamstrings.
This layout allows for localized and directional feedback depending on the type of stimulus (such as cornering, braking, acceleration, or impacts).
Notable improvements over the previous model include:
- Over 200% more torque and 400% increased motor power
- Expanded frequency range, capable of simulating everything from road textures to curbs and oversteer.
- Greater detail in feedback nuances, especially when used with advanced software like SimHub.
This technical leap is yet another step toward a more immersive simracing experience—one in which we’re not just chasing speed or precision, but also aiming to feel what the car is doing, sometimes even before visuals or sounds indicate it.
A couple of years ago, our colleague Óscar published a review of the earlier version, the HP8. We won’t delve into the technical details of the haptic motors here, as Óscar did an excellent job. We highly recommend reading his article if you’re not yet familiar with this technology.
First Impressions and Setup
There are several ways to use the HP8Pro. Some provide more information; others, just basic feedback.
The packaging is simple: the mat comes wrapped in a plastic bag, along with a small box containing all the necessary plugs and adapters for your region.
We place the mat on the seat, looping the straps behind each side and fastening them properly. It fits well on an OMP Eco bucket seat, although the hamstring section may feel a bit long.
We make sure to keep the controller accessible to our right in case we need to stop everything quickly, and we plug in the USB. Next to the USB port are also jack connectors, useful if you want to use the mat with a console or via your PC’s audio input.
Testing with HFS Software
We first tested the mat with Next Level Racing’s HFS software. We downloaded it from their website, installed it, and used the code on the controller to activate and adjust the force. This allows the system to fully recognize the mat.
There’s not much complexity: you can test the motors from within the software and lightly configure effects per game. While the game list isn’t extensive, it does include the main titles.
It’s quite intuitive, although within the sim, we felt the need to tweak the presets, since the default settings tend to overlap effects.
We also tested the included controller, both to adjust intensity and to fully power off the system.
Once properly tuned, you begin to feel some sensations. However, over time it seems that the information being transmitted still lacks clarity and detail.
The Quality Leap: SimHub
At this point, we switched to SimHub. Without changing any settings, we activated the following:
- ABS
- G-force accelerations
- Gear shifts
- Impacts
- Lateral G-forces
- Road impacts
- Simulated road texture
And this was the turning point: the difference was dramatic.
Even so, it’s possible to add more inputs, such as RPM, grip, and others.
We tested it with Assetto Corsa, Automobilista 2, and BeamNG Drive, and the experience is genuinely immersive.
Console Limitations
For console users, the only way to receive feedback is through the simulator’s audio signal, using a female jack integrated into the mat. We assume it adjusts vibration intensity and frequency based on sound frequency and panning.
While functional, it’s clearly not as precise as the USB connection.
Conclusion
In short, the HP8Pro is one of many devices available to enhance the sensory experience of simracing.
Considering its price and the quality of information it delivers, it should be among the top options when looking to upgrade your simulator—provided that the core components are already in place.
We’d like to thank Next Level Racing for letting us test their new product and enjoy this experience.
The Next Level Racing® HF8 Pro Haptic Feedback Gaming Pad is available from May 2025 through global retailers at the following prices: $249.00 USD, €279 (VAT included), £249 (VAT included), $399.00 AUD, ¥48,000.
Click here to find out more: https://nextlevelracing.com/products/hf8-pro-haptic-feedback-pad/.
Also, you can use our discount code and get 5% OFF over that price. The code is BOXTHISLAP24.
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