Simagic TB-NEO Review – Hydraulic vs Non-Hydraulic: Which Upgrades Are Worth It?
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The review covers the TB-NEO's modular design, which starts at ~$139 and allows users to add elastomer pucks, hydraulic cylinders, and haptic motors. Dusoswa tests all major configurations and concludes that the standard non-hydraulic model with the right springs may be all most users need, suggesting expensive upgrades aren't always worth it. The handbrake features a 100 kg load cell, works over USB or CAN-FD, and offers flexible mounting. The piece emphasizes that starting small and upgrading later is a key selling point of Simagic's NEO platform approach.
Excerpt from Laurence Dusoswa
Simagic already had the TB-1 and the hydraulic TB-RS, so why introduce another handbrake? After spending a couple of weeks testing the TB-NEO in its standard, elastomer and hydraulic configurations, I think the answer is flexibility. This is a handbrake that starts at around $139/€139–€169 depending on your market, but can be upgraded considerably. The question is whether you should actually spend the money on those upgrades.
I’ve enjoyed using the TB-NEO in all sorts of configurations, and my favourite isn’t the most expensive. In fact, the standard non-hydraulic model with the right springs might be all the handbrake you’ll ever need.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLslCTJn9eo
1. What Is the Simagic TB-NEO?
The TB-NEO takes Simagic’s increasingly modular NEO approach and applies it to a load-cell handbrake. You can start with a relatively affordable mechanical setup, change the resistance using springs or elastomer pucks, add a hydraulic cylinder and even attach a haptic motor.
It could effectively cover the territory occupied by both the TB-1 and TB-RS, although I haven’t had confirmation that either older model is being discontinued. The attraction here is being able to start small and upgrade later rather than committing to the most expensive configuration from day one.
2. Unboxing, Build and Specifications
The packaging is typical Simagic: tidy presentation, clear instructions, branded bags and stickers. The box includes the handbrake, handle, mounting hardware, tools, cables and alternative elastomers. One small omission is a dedicated container for the spare elastomers, so you’ll want to keep the box handy.
100 kg load cell USB connection for standalone PC use CAN-FD connection for compatible Simagic wheelbases Separate power and connection ports for the optional haptic motor Top/profile and bottom-up mounting options Swappable spring and elastomer resistance elements Optional hydraulic and haptic upgrades
The 100 kg load cell is more than enough for my handbrake use. A higher load-cell rating might sound impressive on paper, but I wouldn’t treat 200 kg as an automatic advantage in a simulator. The TB-NEO also works independently over USB, so you don’t need a complete Simagic ecosystem. My testing was on PC; this isn’t a plug-and-play PlayStation or Xbox handbrake.
3. Installation and Mounting
Mounting was straightforward. The TB-NEO accommodates bolts down into profile T-nuts as well as bolts from underneath. The supplied handle has a…
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