The Single Best Upgrade to Get Faster: Why You Need Load Cell Pedals

Ask any professional sim racer or esports champion: "If I can only buy ONE upgrade to make me faster, what should it be?"

The answer is almost never a steering wheel. It’s not a triple-screen setup. It’s the pedals. Specifically, the brake pedal.

If you are still using the standard pedals that came with your entry-level kit (like a Logitech G29 or older Thrustmaster sets), you are relying on technology that is physically preventing you from being consistent. Today, we’re going to explain why upgrading to Load Cell pedals is the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

The Old Tech: What is a Potentiometer?

Most entry-level pedals use potentiometers (or Hall effect sensors that mimic them). These measure distance or travel.

• To get 50% braking power, you must push the pedal down 50% of the way.
• To get 100% braking power, you must push it to the floor.

The Problem:

Human brains are terrible at memorizing precise distances with our feet. In the heat of a race, trying to move your foot exactly 3.5 centimeters to hit the perfect braking point is nearly impossible to repeat consistently lap after lap. This leads to lock-ups, missed apexes, and frustration.

The Revolution: What is a Load Cell?

Load Cell pedals (found in Simagic P1000, Moza CRP2, and others) work completely differently. They don't measure how far you push; they measure how hard you push.

This mimics a real race car. In a real car, the brake pedal becomes stiff. To stop faster, you apply more pressure.

• To get 50% braking, you apply 20kg of pressure.
• To get 100% braking, you apply 60kg of pressure (or whatever you tune it to).

Why Load Cell Makes You Faster: The Science of Muscle Memory

The magic word is Muscle Memory.

Your body is incredibly good at memorizing force. Think about jumping: you know exactly how hard to push off the ground to jump a specific height. You don't think about how far your knees bend.

By switching to a Load Cell:

Consistency Skyrockets: It is much easier to replicate "press hard" than "press down 40%". You will hit your braking marks lap after lap.

Trail Braking Mastery: Trail braking (slowly releasing the brake as you turn into a corner) is a critical advanced technique. With a Load Cell, you simply relax the pressure on your leg. With a potentiometer, you have to awkwardly lift your foot a specific distance. The difference in control is night and day.

Confidence: Knowing the car will stop exactly how you expect allows you to push harder and brake later.

Top Picks for Load Cell Upgrades in 2025

Ready to ditch the toys and start racing like a pro? Here are our top recommendations from the SimHub store:

1. The Modular King: Simagic P1000
   Currently one of the most popular sets on the market. They are fully hydraulic-ready, feature a 100kg load cell sensor, and offer haptic feedback motors (optional) that vibrate when your ABS kicks in. Shop Simagic P1000
2. The Value Beast: Moza CRP2
   Moza’s answer to high-end braking. Aerospace-grade aluminum, a 200kg load cell sensor for maximum stiffness, and incredible adjustability at a competitive price point. Shop Moza CRP2

Verdict: Stop guessing, start feeling

A Direct Drive wheel gives you immersion. Load Cell pedals give you lap times.

If you are serious about improving your driving standards, stop blaming your setup and start upgrading the part that actually connects you to the road. Your muscle memory will thank you.

Explore our full collection of professional sim racing pedals here. Browse All Pedals