Great first impressions LD, my own first impressions of the DS-8X were about the same as yours. I found that using the long handle from Q1 made the sequential nicer to use. I also felt the ball gear knob was a little too big for me, but luckily, Simagic sells a much nicer teardrop style gear knob and it feels much nicer to use for me. They're only 20 quid each as well, so we'll worth the buy. I believe they're both M12 x1.5 for the thread pitch
I love my DS-8X BUT a fair warning to people who drift VDC drift cars or rally and are aggresive with there equipment the internal spring will eventually break in sequential mode. I have broken my spring twice now but it breaks right where you wopuld expect it. I have since ordered a custom heavy duty spring for the sequential mode. I will not be using my sequential mode anymore on the DS-8X after this fix unless someone else is using my rig lol. I also picked up a Simagic Q1S just for sequential driving and it's worth the money. FYI the spring breaking does not mess up the H-Pattern shifter so I have been using the H pattern shifter and I can set that thing to some really good resistances. It almost imitates my custom T56 magnum on the racecar. The TB1 also feels awesome in the stock configuration. Again I beat the shit out of my equipment and the TB1 does not break a sweat.
underrated comment and exactly why i tell people not to use h pattern combo shifters in sequential. Its not just a weakness of simagics design. Sequentials get beat and need to be less complicated/less moving parts and super solid. Dedicated sequential and h pattern is the only way to go imho.
@@user-mb4zf9hc8r That's why I don't have a sequential shifter at all though. I play a variety games and I'm not unmounting and remounting my h pattern every time I switch games. Obviously less satisfying, but I'll stick with paddles shifters.
I recently switched from the VNM Shifter, which I had for about 2 months until it started to develop serious issues, to the DS-8X and I'm absolutely in love! Was able to get it used, in mint condition, for about the same price as the VNM Shifter cost new. This is lightyears ahead! The convenience to just switch between H-pattern and sequential, as well as the 'non gated' H-pattern makes this a no brainer in my opinion. The only thing that felt a bit better with the VNM, was the sequential mode though.
You're making me want that shifter😂. I think I will stick with my VNM. Even tho the look of the shifts do look more precise then the VNM. It took a while before I could shift fast that fast in the VNM. Great review as always. These products are 🥔 Nation approved. 😊
Great job on the review, but, I have to say the price on the shifter for me personally its completely absurd. I like your reviews a lot Laurence keep'm'coming
Handbrake closer to wheel or shifter closer to wheel comes down to what discipline you do mostly. Rally drivers try to put shifter closer because that is what they are doing more (shifting way more often than using handbrake). Drifters dont have to shift as much on a run but use the handbrake a lot so its closer to the wheel.
I've nearly pulled the trigger on the simagic ds 8x shifter but I'm wondering about the handbrake and about what you think after 10 months of use ? Thanks for making such great and informative videos !
Hey Laurence, not sure if you're still using the handbrake or what its factory diameter is, but you might slip a bicycle grip over it. You could also wrap it in athletic tape such as what a bat handle would be wrapped with. Cheers from across the pond
Noise is the only downside of this shifter. ( downside of all shifters ) , hopefully one day someone will make a quiet shifter that still has a solid feel .
I ended up with the shifter to the left of the handbrake, and the handbrake angled towards me, so I pull it in towards my body. Gives clearance for the switch and is actually more comfortable that way Agreed on the sequential, throw is slightly too long IMO, and the feel isn’t perfect, but being able to swap in a second to H-Pattern is worth the trade off. With the shifter set to almost the stiffest setting, the H-Pattern feels fantastic and the Sequential feels pretty good. It’s definitely too light out of the box
sold my ds8x went back to vnm shifter. haha. stiffer and more natural. ds8x enter gear feels too fake to me. But gotta say simagic ds8x quality is superior. like full metal solid piece of equipment. Hope they make a adjustable throw like vnm, and a stiffer h shifter. (ds8x stiffest is not that stiff)
Sorry Laurence, but how did you change the H Pattern Gear Shift inputs over, so it's upside down i.e. the correct way even though your shifter is mounted the wrong way on your rig? (I didn't see you change any settings in the software). Thanks in advance, Don, Perth W.Australia (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
Thanks man. Have you had a chance to try the VNM 1.5? I can't find much comparing the version 1 to version 1.5. Checking out your review, version 1 already sounds bloody great
Nice review - how is the sequential compared to the Heusinkveld Sequential (if you've used that?). Was thinking of adding the Moza H-Shifter to my setup but maybe best to sell my HE Shifter and just get the DS-8x instead as would be a neater setup and the switching looks so easy...
8:34 - Can you use a single parralel 40120 or 40160 profile instead of two 4080 perpendicular ones? I wonder if the different mounting slots on both handles would fit well with multtiple 40mm slots. Would love to hear your input on that one.
How does the dx8 compare to Moza's hgp shifter as far as shift quality for it feel better worse similar im interested in this if it shifts as good a the moza shifter it feels the best imo its gotta require some effort to shift and not be like the th8a that shifts like a fancy Logitech so it can not feel like a toy for a 9 year old
the shifter or the handbrake? The shifter is more versatile than the VNM. the handbrake, there's not much in it. I love the way I can mount the handbrake to the shifter with the VNM. but the Simagic pair is my choice
Great review! I am critical of the software ( Got my P1000's for a week). The software looks like something from Gran Turismo, i.e., not "Pro" level. I would like to see more fine detail in the brake setup. I am coming from Heusinkveld. There software had some significant problems, now fixed, but Heusinkveld did a great job of enabling fine detail changes, to include dead zone etc.
Hi how did you mount the two alu profiles one horizontal and the two vertical? is it like a up and down t nut situation? Im looking to do the same for my rig thanks great vid!!
I love the DS-8X, one solution for H pattern and sq. It feels great, absolutely no regrets with that purchase!
Yeah it's great so far. loving it
Great first impressions LD, my own first impressions of the DS-8X were about the same as yours. I found that using the long handle from Q1 made the sequential nicer to use. I also felt the ball gear knob was a little too big for me, but luckily, Simagic sells a much nicer teardrop style gear knob and it feels much nicer to use for me.
They're only 20 quid each as well, so we'll worth the buy. I believe they're both M12 x1.5 for the thread pitch
Nice one great comment. Thanks!
We appreciate your enthusiasm and professionalism. Your reviews are a must watch. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words
I love my DS-8X BUT a fair warning to people who drift VDC drift cars or rally and are aggresive with there equipment the internal spring will eventually break in sequential mode. I have broken my spring twice now but it breaks right where you wopuld expect it. I have since ordered a custom heavy duty spring for the sequential mode. I will not be using my sequential mode anymore on the DS-8X after this fix unless someone else is using my rig lol. I also picked up a Simagic Q1S just for sequential driving and it's worth the money. FYI the spring breaking does not mess up the H-Pattern shifter so I have been using the H pattern shifter and I can set that thing to some really good resistances. It almost imitates my custom T56 magnum on the racecar. The TB1 also feels awesome in the stock configuration. Again I beat the shit out of my equipment and the TB1 does not break a sweat.
Interesting thanks for the great comment!
underrated comment and exactly why i tell people not to use h pattern combo shifters in sequential.
Its not just a weakness of simagics design. Sequentials get beat and need to be less complicated/less moving parts and super solid. Dedicated sequential and h pattern is the only way to go imho.
@@user-mb4zf9hc8r That's why I don't have a sequential shifter at all though. I play a variety games and I'm not unmounting and remounting my h pattern every time I switch games. Obviously less satisfying, but I'll stick with paddles shifters.
Monday evening release, you are spoiling us
Haha thanks for the support. It's usually monday afternoons but the evening seems to have suited a lot of people too
I recently switched from the VNM Shifter, which I had for about 2 months until it started to develop serious issues, to the DS-8X and I'm absolutely in love! Was able to get it used, in mint condition, for about the same price as the VNM Shifter cost new. This is lightyears ahead! The convenience to just switch between H-pattern and sequential, as well as the 'non gated' H-pattern makes this a no brainer in my opinion. The only thing that felt a bit better with the VNM, was the sequential mode though.
Yeah the usability is better with Simagic for sure
Seeing you drive my home track Biķernieki , made this review awesome 😎
Haha yeah I love that track for testing cars
Thank you. I just ordered the handbrake! Using it as a standalone with my g29.
Nice!
You're making me want that shifter😂. I think I will stick with my VNM. Even tho the look of the shifts do look more precise then the VNM. It took a while before I could shift fast that fast in the VNM. Great review as always. These products are 🥔 Nation approved. 😊
i go from vnm, to ds8x, back to vnm. ds8x is better, but ds8x is too soft even at the stiffest, and the throw is too long for me.
Just wanted to point out WRC/Rally cars. The shifter is on the inside aka between the wheel and hand brake.
Great job on the review, but, I have to say the price on the shifter for me personally its completely absurd.
I like your reviews a lot Laurence keep'm'coming
Handbrake closer to wheel or shifter closer to wheel comes down to what discipline you do mostly. Rally drivers try to put shifter closer because that is what they are doing more (shifting way more often than using handbrake). Drifters dont have to shift as much on a run but use the handbrake a lot so its closer to the wheel.
Fantastic review and a very polite reviewer subbed!
Thanks so much for the kinds words ❤️ delighted to have you here. Feel free to join my discord too
The shiofter looks and sounds really nice and they have a good price too!
yeah it's a good piece of kit
I've nearly pulled the trigger on the simagic ds 8x shifter but I'm wondering about the handbrake and about what you think after 10 months of use ? Thanks for making such great and informative videos !
The handbrake is great. The handle is a bit small on the tb-1 but it feels good. The hydraulic handbrake is nice too but quite expensive.
Hey Laurence, not sure if you're still using the handbrake or what its factory diameter is, but you might slip a bicycle grip over it. You could also wrap it in athletic tape such as what a bat handle would be wrapped with. Cheers from across the pond
I threw some Nykeproof grips on my fanatec hb and it was a massive improvement. I'm hoping to do the same on this when I get it.
PSP is fantastic. Finally getting mine where I want it. Got a profile with a nice little trick if you interested for the assumed future review😉
yeah send me the profile in discord ;)
Noise is the only downside of this shifter. ( downside of all shifters ) , hopefully one day someone will make a quiet shifter that still has a solid feel .
AMS2 is a pain in the ass for configurations. That's probably the main reason you never see me play it on my streams or videos
Love my DS-8X, however I did not get the stickers! Lucky!
ah pity :(
I ended up with the shifter to the left of the handbrake, and the handbrake angled towards me, so I pull it in towards my body. Gives clearance for the switch and is actually more comfortable that way
Agreed on the sequential, throw is slightly too long IMO, and the feel isn’t perfect, but being able to swap in a second to H-Pattern is worth the trade off. With the shifter set to almost the stiffest setting, the H-Pattern feels fantastic and the Sequential feels pretty good. It’s definitely too light out of the box
What track did you drive first? The bridge was cool. I love the open world type maps
It looked like Glencoe
Yep Glencoe
yes please
yeah they're pretty good :D
mmm nice very tempting
It's good stuff
What is better between the MECA EVO Handbrake and the TB-1?
sold my ds8x went back to vnm shifter.
haha. stiffer and more natural. ds8x enter gear feels too fake to me.
But gotta say simagic ds8x quality is superior. like full metal solid piece of equipment.
Hope they make a adjustable throw like vnm, and a stiffer h shifter. (ds8x stiffest is not that stiff)
Honestly about the 2.0 Software. I wanna know if it's gonna Nurf the older Alpha Mini to 10Nm.....🥴🥴
I think newer ones have been nerfed slightly anyways
I have an Alpha Mini, I can tell that I don't really feel that much noticable difference between the 2.0 and the Beta Software.
We aren't awkward, we are just...right!
Will you ever review frex shifter? Would love to see youe comparison with it!
I don’t have any intentions of it right now
Sorry Laurence, but how did you change the H Pattern Gear Shift inputs over, so it's upside down i.e. the correct way even though your shifter is mounted the wrong way on your rig? (I didn't see you change any settings in the software). Thanks in advance, Don, Perth W.Australia (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
I just map them in the sim itself.
Any chance we could get a look at the new load cell brake offering from cammus? Pretty pls w cherry on top from all the budget bois😅
They haven't sent me any products since i reviewed their DD wheelbase
@@LaurenceDusoswa darn , unfortunately not a good look in them :/
Great review! Are there any other shifters on the market that can switch between H and Seq with the flick of a switch?
Fanatec. BDH have just launched one. The best value one is the SHH shifter. I love it! The SRT shifter is worth a look too if you like DIY.
@@LaurenceDusoswa Awesome thanks, just watched your SHH review!
Hey man great video. Would you pick the Simagic TB-1 over the VNM handbrake? Looking at getting one of the two
For me the VNM just wins out. But it comes down to the size of the handle and nothing else really.
Thanks man. Have you had a chance to try the VNM 1.5? I can't find much comparing the version 1 to version 1.5. Checking out your review, version 1 already sounds bloody great
@@LaurenceDusoswa the real question though is VNM shifter, or simagic?
DS = Dual Shift ( H pattern + Seq) 8X = 8 positions.
That's a good explanation. Still a horrible name though :p
я ручной тормоз установил на педаль сцепления- очень удобно - руки всегда на руле)
Im struggling to mount on my 80/20 rig. I am not smarter than the average sim rig apparently
Very nice review
thanks!
How would you compare the Simagic DS-8X with the VMN Shifter? I'm still debating between the two
The Simagic wins from a usability point of view. Easy switch between modes too
Nice review - how is the sequential compared to the Heusinkveld Sequential (if you've used that?). Was thinking of adding the Moza H-Shifter to my setup but maybe best to sell my HE Shifter and just get the DS-8x instead as would be a neater setup and the switching looks so easy...
When you don't have a clutch can you use the H shifter in Asetto Corsa or Dirt 2.0 as well?
There are ways to auto clutch but it takes a lot of the fun away
8:34 - Can you use a single parralel 40120 or 40160 profile instead of two 4080 perpendicular ones?
I wonder if the different mounting slots on both handles would fit well with multtiple 40mm slots.
Would love to hear your input on that one.
How does the dx8 compare to Moza's hgp shifter as far as shift quality for it feel better worse similar im interested in this if it shifts as good a the moza shifter it feels the best imo its gotta require some effort to shift and not be like the th8a that shifts like a fancy Logitech so it can not feel like a toy for a 9 year old
The DS-8X is a different league to the HGP. simagic definitely wins that fight
Hey Laurence great video. What are the best pedals you’ve ever used?
good question. There are lots of good sets though. none are perfect. there's very little difference between the high end pedal sets usually
You are looking quite buff these days, is this from all the SIM racing?
How does it compare to the VNM unit?
the shifter or the handbrake? The shifter is more versatile than the VNM. the handbrake, there's not much in it. I love the way I can mount the handbrake to the shifter with the VNM. but the Simagic pair is my choice
Lol you blew up your fiat i thought you where gonna be better at sim racing than me but no not really we are on a similar level
I'm just another sim racer :D I'll never be amazing at it
Have you adjusted the resistance yet on the 8x? If so, is it better?
Yes, better. It's not super heavy but it's very rewarding.
Hi! how wide is the setup from monitor to monitor? I'm thinking about doing this, but have very limited space.
"I'd like it if that handle was a bit bigger"
Wouldn't we all
@31:10 you're welcome
hahaha sorry not sorry
Hello would you take the sim magic over the fanatec
Yes
Great review! I am critical of the software ( Got my P1000's for a week). The software looks like something from Gran Turismo, i.e., not "Pro" level. I would like to see more fine detail in the brake setup. I am coming from Heusinkveld. There software had some significant problems, now fixed, but Heusinkveld did a great job of enabling fine detail changes, to include dead zone etc.
Hi how did you mount the two alu profiles one horizontal and the two vertical? is it like a up and down t nut situation? Im looking to do the same for my rig thanks great vid!!
just used 90 degree brackets with the tabs popped out. allows me to rotate them and get them really rigid.
there is no FX Pro sticker in my FX Pro box, but they come with the shifter :/
you can have mine. they sent me a ton and i bought the gts wheel lol
Have you tried adjusting the shift hardness yet?
I’m drooling 😂😂😂
Hmmm simmagic software works and behaves like the Moza software
they're definitely trying to play catchup
Can the throw be adjusted or a short shifter installed?
Not that I know of.
What’s the panel under the gear shifter?
I mention it in the video :D The Precision Sim Engineering PSP
@@LaurenceDusoswa my bad as soon as I typed it, you said it lol, ty for the reply tho
way too long throw.. shame they don't let you adjust it
First😅
Legend! I've been testing you lately :p you're always ready it seems
dual.shift.8 gears