Deciding between the simucube active pedal pro vs ultimate is a first class problem to have got, but it's one that needs a bit of digging to obtain right before you drop a significant chunk of modification. If you're with this stage of your sim race journey, you probably currently know that Simucube changed the game when they shifted away from traditional springs, rubbers, in addition to hydraulics in favor of a mechanized actuator. But today there are two versions on the market, the selection isn't quite as "one-size-fits-all" because it used to be.
The idea behind these types of pedals is fairly wild when you think it through. Rather of relying on physical materials to create resistance, a powerful motor grips everything. This means you may make a brake pedal feel like a 1970s method car one minute and a modern GT3 car the next, all with a few clicks in a software menu. But when we go through the Pro versus the original (now called the Ultimate), where does that extra money actually go?
The particular Core Technology: What's the best Deal?
Before we obtain into the nitty-gritty of the differences, it's worth bringing up what they reveal. Both the Pro and the Ultimate make use of the same fundamental technology. We're referring to a linear actuator that provides instantaneous feedback. This isn't just about how hard the pedal is usually to push; it's about the "active" part.
The pedal may vibrate to replicate ABS, it may "kick" when you strike a traction handle limit, also it may even simulate the feeling of a clutch biting point in the event that you configure it that way. Each pedals use the particular Simucube Tuner software, which is usually honestly one of the most intuitive stuff I've utilized in the sim world. You obtain a graph, a person move some points around, as well as the actual physical feel of the pedal changes instantly. There's no taking issues apart or getting grease on your fingers.
Wearing down the Force: 110kg vs 150kg
The most obvious difference you'll see upon the spec bed sheet is the maximum brake force. The Simucube Active Pedal Pro surfaces out at 110kg, while the Ultimate (the flagship) goes all the particular way up to 150kg.
Now, let's be real for the second. 150kg is definitely an insane amount of pressure. Most informal sim racers—and even many pros—rarely arranged their load cellular pedals above 60kg or 80kg. Pushing 150kg requires a very specific rig setup, a really sturdy seat, and honestly, some pretty strong legs.
So, will the Pro's 110kg limit seem like the compromise? For 95% of people, the solution is a hard no. 110kg is still sufficient to make your left lower-leg shake following a lengthy stint. However, the particular Ultimate isn't simply about that peak number. Because this includes a beefier electric motor to reach those higher forces, it in theory handles the decrease forces with even less effort, which some purists declare leads to the "smoother" or more "detailed" feeling, even though that's highly very subjective.
Build High quality and Physical Presence
Whenever you place them side by side, they look almost identical. Simucube didn't cut sides on the Pro's construction to make it cheaper. It's still a container. It's made from high-grade aluminum, it's large, and it seems like it belongs inside a professional flight simulator or a true race car.
The main physical distinction is internal. The particular Ultimate has a more powerful electric motor and slightly different internal gearing to deal with that extra load. Interestingly, some customers have noted that this Pro is in fact a bit less busy because the electric motor isn't quite because massive, though neither pedal is exactly what I'd call "loud. " They both make a distinct mechanised hum when the particular active feedback (like ABS) kicks in, but that's simply part of the immersion.
The "Feel" Factor
When you're in fact driving, the distinction in "feel" in between the simucube active pedal pro vs ultimate is definitely incredibly subtle. If you set both in order to 80kg of power and turn away from all of the haptic results, you would be hard-pressed in order to tell them aside in a blind test.
Where the Ultimate might pull ahead is in the "granularity" from the effects at quite high pressures. In the event that you're a monster who actually likes a 130kg brake pedal, the Ultimate is going to feel more composed at that limit. The Pro is working the bit harder at its ceiling, whereas the Ultimate is definitely just getting began.
Software and Features: Is There a Gap?
The short reply is no. Simucube has been extremely cool about keeping the software experience identical across each products. You aren't getting a "lite" version of the particular software using the Pro.
A person get access in order to: * Full ABS opinions tuning: You can change the frequency as well as the "clatter" of the AB MUSCLES. * Traction Control effects: Experience the pedal buzz when the rear tires spin is a game-changer regarding consistency. * Custom Power Curves: You can make the start of the traveling soft and the end rock-hard, or even vice versa. * Simucube Ecosystem: If you have a Simucube wheel base, it all lives below one roof.
Among the coolest things about these two throtle is that these people are "multipurpose. " You can purchase one plus set it since a brake. Then, if you choose you wish to try an active throttle or even clutch later, you just replace the user profile in the software. You don't require a specific "throttle" edition of the active pedal.
The cost Gap: Is usually the Ultimate Worth the Premium?
This is where the rubber fulfills the street. The Ultimate is significantly more expensive compared to Pro. When the initial ActivePedal first launched, the cost made a lot of people's eyes water. The Pro was presented specifically to bring that tech straight down to a somewhat more "reasonable" (though still very premium) price point.
If you're developing a "no-budget" fantasy rig, you go for the Ultimate. It's the particular flagship. It's the best they make. You purchase it so you not have in order to wonder "what in case? "
But if you're trying to end up being somewhat sensible with your spending, the particular Pro is arguably the better worth. You're getting about 98% of the particular experience for a much lower price. That extra cash you save by going with the Pro might be spent on a better hydraulic handbrake, a higher-end rim, or actually just a couple more many years of an iRacing subscription.
That Should Buy the particular Pro?
The particular Simucube Active Pedal Pro will be the "everyman's" high-end pedal. I use that will term loosely since it's still a luxury item, yet it's targeted at typically the serious sim racing who wants the particular active technology without having to pay for overhead they'll never use.
If you: * Rarely use over 100kg associated with brake force. * Want the absolute best haptic opinions (ABS/TC). * Prefer a slightly even more compact power offer situation. * Worth a better price-to-performance ratio.
then your Pro is certainly the approach to take.
Who Ought to Buy the Ultimate?
The Ultimate remains the choice for that elite. It's for that person who else wants the maximum achievable headroom.
Choose the Ultimate if: * You really train at 120kg+ brake pressures. * You want the highest possible rpm and response acceleration. * You have got a professional-grade movement rig that needs the sturdiest components feasible. * You simply would like the flagship item because you don't want to upgrade ever again.
Last Thoughts
Comparing the simucube active pedal pro vs ultimate actually comes down to how much "leg" you've got. If you're a human being with regular hamstrings, the Pro is going to feel such as magic. It provides all the tactile info you need to find the limit of the car, also it does this with a build quality that should last ten years.
The Ultimate is an animal, and it's nevertheless the gold regular for any reason. Yet for the majority of all of us, the Pro isn't a "downgrade"—it's just a more concentrated version of the same incredible technologies. Either way, when you go active, it's really, really hard to return to a standard load cell. The ability in order to feel the car's consumer electronics throughout your foot will be a massive advantage that goes further than just "cool factor"—it actually makes you a faster, more consistent driver.