Is not the best shifter, is the best pilot. But what would a great pilot do without a great shifter?
That’s a good question that many pilots and sim racers ask every day, and to answer it, today we decided to take a look at the latest shifters in the market, where we will try to pick our favorite as long as review some of the features they have.
Every shifter we bring in here has a great quality and are recommended by amateurs and professional sim racers who are looking to feel the machine closer to their hands!
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5
For starters, this thing is built like a tank. It’s full metal construction means that it’s going to last forever—and look good doing it!
The SQ V1.5 shifter has two modes—sequential and H-pattern—and can be switched between them easily. The sequential mode has very strong haptic feedback, so you know exactly when to shift gears, but if you want more of a challenge (or just prefer the feel of the H-pattern), that’s easily accessible as well!
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5
With the 7 gear H-Pattern mode and reverse gear with inhibitor to prevent accidental shifts and make handling it more realistic. The amount of resistance when you shift gears can be adjusted, as well as how long it takes for your car to move forward after you’ve shifted gears in sequential mode.
There are multiple mounting options on all four sides and at the bottom of the shifter, so you can get your Clubsport SQ V1.5 exactly where you want it in your car or sim rig.
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5
| Features | Fanatec ClubSport SQ V 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Shifter Mode | H-Pattern and Sequential Modes |
| Materials | Metal and Aluminum construction |
| Mounting | Side and bottom mounting options |
| Knobs | Polished Aluminum exchangeable knobs |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility | Fanatec bases working with XBOX, PS and PC systems |
Where to buy the Fanatec ClubSport SQ V 1.5?
- Buy at Fanatec ClubSport SQ V 1.5
Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module
Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module
For those who already have a Fanatec Racing Wheel, this is a serious upgrade to look after!
This module gives you two sets of paddle plates: one small and one large. That way, you can use it on any steering wheel that supports this feature. The paddle plates are made of real carbon fiber, 3 mm thick for maximum strength and stability, also the cage is made of CNC machined aluminum, which provides a solid base for the paddles.
Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module
With the Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module, you can choose from 4 modes on your steering wheel that support this feature: F1 clutch bite-point mode which can be adjusted and saved in Tuning menu; Clutch/handbrake mode; Brake/throttle mode; Mappable analogue axis mode.
This module is made of strong magnets instead of steel springs, just like in real race cars. That means there’s no spring to wear out or break (which also means greater durability). You’ll notice how sensational the “click” feels when shifting gears—it’s solid metal construction at its best!
Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module
| Features | Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module |
|---|---|
| Shifter Mode | Sequential Mode |
| Materials | CNC Aluminum and metal |
| Mounting | Fanatec Wheel Bases |
| Plates | CNC Machined Plates |
| Color | Carbon Fiber and Gold |
| Compatibility | Some Fanatec Wheel bases and Steering Wheels |
Where to buy the Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module?
Buy at Fanatec Podium Advanced Paddle Module
Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter Add-On
Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter Add-On
Thrustmaster could not be outside this list. The famous racing brand brings us the TH8A Shifter Add-On, which for some users, is the best you can buy in relation to the price!
It’s a beautiful, high-quality piece of equipment with an internal mechanism that is 100% metal and uses contactless magnetic sensors to make sure you get the right shift every time.
The stick itself is 13 centimeters tall, so you can use it comfortably for hours on end. And the H-pattern or sequential modes mean you can choose which type of shifting makes sense for your particular games.
Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter Add-On
The best thing about the TH8A Shifter is its versatility. You can use it in any position—upright, laid back, or even upside down! This means that no matter what kind of game you’re playing, there will be a way for you to get comfortable with your new shifter and have fun on the track.
If you’re looking for an authentic racing experience at home, this is definitely one piece of gear worth having.
| Features | Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter Add-On |
|---|---|
| Shifter Mode | H-Pattern and Sequential Modes |
| Materials | 100% metal mechanism and construction |
| Mounting | 360º adjustable position |
| Knobs | Interchangeable knobs |
| Color | Black and Metal |
| Compatibility | Thurstmaster bases and compatible PC, PS or XBOX systems |
Where to buy the Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter Add-On?
- Buy on Thrustmaster
- Buy on Amazon
Logitech Driving Force Shifter
Logitech Driving Force Shifter
It can’t be a Sim Racing article without mention any of the Logitech equipment, and this Driving Force Shifter is the perfect match if you already own a Logitech Racing Wheel at home and would like to try a more immersive experience.
Designed to work with G923, G29 and G920 Racing Wheels, the Driving Force Shifter is made from steel and leather, which offer a sensation of security and great quality.
Logitech Driving Force Shifter
The Logitech has six speeds plus push-down reverse gear, to make sure you don’t make any unwanted shift! It mounts securely to a racing rig and provides the comfort of a real shifter.
| Features | Logitech Driving Force Shifter |
|---|---|
| Shifter Mode | H-Pattern mode |
| Materials | Leather and steel construction |
| Mounting | Different mounting options |
| Knob | Leather and steel grip |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility | Works with G923, G29 and G920 Racing Wheels |
Where to buy the Logitech Driving Force Shifter?
Simagic Sequential Shifter Q1S
Simagic Sequential Shifter Q1S
Simagic also has a piece of the cake when we talk about shifters, and the Q1S is the main character in their catalog.
It’s powered by a planetary gear set, so there are no belts or chains to worry about—just pure mechanical action. And it features sharp and clean mechanical feedback, like shifting in a real race car.
Simagic Sequential Shifter Q1S
That’s not all the Q1S has to offer. It allows you to adjust for a desired shifting damper that suits you best, and there’s even a crystal socket reserved for 3rd party devices. You can also use the button as an N gear button or bind it with other controls according to your in-game settings.
The best part? The Q1S has a softer feedback while maintaining the iconic mechanical feeling of the Q1 family. Made all in aluminum alloy, this shifter will last you through years of hard racing!
Simagic Sequential Shifter Q1S
| Features | Simagic Sequential Shifter Q1S |
|---|---|
| Shifter Mode | Sequential Mode |
| Materials | Aluminum Alloy |
| Mounting | M6 bolt with thread-hole*4 |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility | PC and Simagic Wheel Bases |
Where to buy the Simagic Sequential Shifter Q1S?
Our Thoughts
Depending on your needs, you will have to choose between a shifter style model, for most of us it is more comfortable to have sequential shifters behind the wheel but not every wheel base will offer the necessary compatibility to buy one, at least you own a Fanatec wheel base and have plenty of options.
But if you are like most of the people who have to buy a shifter and use it as a stand-alone device with your PC, the market also offers a wide range of shifters with different compatibilities between brands and devices.
Our personal election of the list is the Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5, this shifter not only have a sober look and sleek look, but also is full of features, has a solid construction and the latest Fanatec technology inside.
If you want a second thought, the TH8A Shifter from Thrustmaster is another great choice that remember the classic American car style with the possibility to change between the H-pattern and the Sequential Mode too! Which is something you can take advantage depending on the car or race you are driving on!