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Looking for an upgrade over the existing Fanatec pedals? the Podium Pedals are coming soon but choices for Fanatec compatible pedals for use on console directly attached to the base also include one 3rd party option – the SimNet Pro Sp set
As a PS user running the V3 pedals for years then the V3i adding the dampers and brake performance kit, I was still looking for better braking performance. Early last year the podium pedals had long been rumored, but still unannounced so based on some other forum user recommendations I purchased a 3 pedal SimNet Pro set
So how do they compare on feature and costs?
Podium 3 pedals are listed at $699 w optional pedal plate and heel rest
SimNets are $259 for 3 pedals and $209 for a 2 pedal set (clutch can be purchased separately for $59) and an optional plate is $89. The optional spring kit is $20 so should be added to give similar tuning options to the Podiums
SimNet also offers an optional hydraulic unit for $158 which replaces the spring/elastomer stack
Construction and appearance
The SimNets are assembled from precision cut sheet steel and cap screws. Fit and finish is very good and the appearance is similar to other more high end sets from established manufacturers
The podiums are made from cast and forged parts with a very polished and attractive appearance, enhanced by the gold trim detailing if that appeals
The Podiums win on looks and overall construction but the SimNets are solid and functional
Pedal Features
Both offer typical tuning and adjustments capabilities but the Podium offers some extras in the unique brake cups, and the clutch bite point feature.
While the SimNet brake stack is pretty easy to tune, the quick adjustment features of the Podium is handy if you want to change setups often and the ability to preload each of the springs or elastomers separately with the cups should allow some very flexible and fine tuning of the brake feel and performance
The clutch on the SimNets has some additional adjustment, but not as good as even the V3’s which have a very nice clutch action. The Podiums look promising as Fanatec clearly cares about the clutch
The SimNets included dampers for every pedal however, each with a specific resistance for the particular pedal.
The optional spring kit should be added to the SimNets for comparison to the tuning available on the Podiums. The spring kit previously included both elastomers and springs but now only offers springs, not sure why. Optional stiffer springs for throttle and clutch are also available
A hydraulic kit is available for the SimNets which replaces the brake spring and elastomer stack. I’ve add this to my setup and really like it, finding more control in the initial 25% range of pressure and overall a more smoother feel. But if you prefer a stiffer setup with limited travel the hydraulic feel will not be very noticeable so pass on that
Haptics
SimNet offers 3 types of haptic motors compatible w Simhub. The Podiums have mounting holes for 3rd party offerings but nothing announced from Fanatec directly yet
If Fanatec offered Haptics integrated with Full Force that would be a game changer
Software and integration
Pedal calibration and tuning for the SimNets is through their own app. Setup is easy enough and calibration is recommended whenever changing the brake stack setup
Curve customization and presets are available for each pedal
The SimNet pedals can be connected to the PC and the wheelbase at the same time so the app can be opened while the base is active.
When connected to the wheelbase they are recognized as Fanatec LC pedals so will have just the basic functionality in the Fanatec app and wheel base. Games such as GT7 will see no difference
The podium pedals use the Fanatec App for tuning and curve management in similar fashion but the standout integration with the base is the ability to select pedal curve type, brake force from the tuning menu on the wheel while driving or managed by app for the PC
So which one?
Until people can drive the Podiums, can’t really do much more then compare price and features, but so far my impression is that the SimNets will offer a reasonably comparable experience at a much lower price
If the brake tuning or integration features or clutch action or the overall aesthetic is important then the Podiums are the clear favorite
If cost is important or the hydraulic feel is of interest then consider the SimNets as they offer the best value in Fanatec compatible pedals available now.
A 2 pedal set blows the LC pedals away for similar price and 3 pedal gives the Elites a run for the money
I’ve been very pleased with the SimNets and have gotten a lot of virtual miles from them
As a PS user running the V3 pedals for years then the V3i adding the dampers and brake performance kit, I was still looking for better braking performance. Early last year the podium pedals had long been rumored, but still unannounced so based on some other forum user recommendations I purchased a 3 pedal SimNet Pro set
So how do they compare on feature and costs?
Podium 3 pedals are listed at $699 w optional pedal plate and heel rest
SimNets are $259 for 3 pedals and $209 for a 2 pedal set (clutch can be purchased separately for $59) and an optional plate is $89. The optional spring kit is $20 so should be added to give similar tuning options to the Podiums
SimNet also offers an optional hydraulic unit for $158 which replaces the spring/elastomer stack
Construction and appearance
The SimNets are assembled from precision cut sheet steel and cap screws. Fit and finish is very good and the appearance is similar to other more high end sets from established manufacturers
The podiums are made from cast and forged parts with a very polished and attractive appearance, enhanced by the gold trim detailing if that appeals
The Podiums win on looks and overall construction but the SimNets are solid and functional
Pedal Features
Both offer typical tuning and adjustments capabilities but the Podium offers some extras in the unique brake cups, and the clutch bite point feature.
While the SimNet brake stack is pretty easy to tune, the quick adjustment features of the Podium is handy if you want to change setups often and the ability to preload each of the springs or elastomers separately with the cups should allow some very flexible and fine tuning of the brake feel and performance
The clutch on the SimNets has some additional adjustment, but not as good as even the V3’s which have a very nice clutch action. The Podiums look promising as Fanatec clearly cares about the clutch
The SimNets included dampers for every pedal however, each with a specific resistance for the particular pedal.
The optional spring kit should be added to the SimNets for comparison to the tuning available on the Podiums. The spring kit previously included both elastomers and springs but now only offers springs, not sure why. Optional stiffer springs for throttle and clutch are also available
A hydraulic kit is available for the SimNets which replaces the brake spring and elastomer stack. I’ve add this to my setup and really like it, finding more control in the initial 25% range of pressure and overall a more smoother feel. But if you prefer a stiffer setup with limited travel the hydraulic feel will not be very noticeable so pass on that
Haptics
SimNet offers 3 types of haptic motors compatible w Simhub. The Podiums have mounting holes for 3rd party offerings but nothing announced from Fanatec directly yet
If Fanatec offered Haptics integrated with Full Force that would be a game changer
Software and integration
Pedal calibration and tuning for the SimNets is through their own app. Setup is easy enough and calibration is recommended whenever changing the brake stack setup
Curve customization and presets are available for each pedal
The SimNet pedals can be connected to the PC and the wheelbase at the same time so the app can be opened while the base is active.
When connected to the wheelbase they are recognized as Fanatec LC pedals so will have just the basic functionality in the Fanatec app and wheel base. Games such as GT7 will see no difference
The podium pedals use the Fanatec App for tuning and curve management in similar fashion but the standout integration with the base is the ability to select pedal curve type, brake force from the tuning menu on the wheel while driving or managed by app for the PC
So which one?
Until people can drive the Podiums, can’t really do much more then compare price and features, but so far my impression is that the SimNets will offer a reasonably comparable experience at a much lower price
If the brake tuning or integration features or clutch action or the overall aesthetic is important then the Podiums are the clear favorite
If cost is important or the hydraulic feel is of interest then consider the SimNets as they offer the best value in Fanatec compatible pedals available now.
A 2 pedal set blows the LC pedals away for similar price and 3 pedal gives the Elites a run for the money
I’ve been very pleased with the SimNets and have gotten a lot of virtual miles from them
