Sim Brake Pads Review: Best Brake Mods for Load Cell Pedals (2025)
Meta Description: Discover the best sim brake pads for load cell pedals in 2025. We review top brands like SimTrecs, Heusinkveld, and Meca, and show how brake mods improve feel and performance.
Intro
If you’ve already invested in load cell sim pedals, upgrading your brake pads is the next leap toward realism. Stock pedal rubbers just don’t deliver the same feel as a real brake system. Aftermarket brake pad mods improve resistance, modulation, and control — giving you a closer experience to what real F1 and GT drivers feel underfoot. In this review guide, we break down the best sim brake pad upgrades available in 2025, who they’re for, and how they enhance your sim racing performance.
To fully understand how brake sensors impact performance, check our Sim Racing Brake Pedal Sensor Tech blog. And if you’re chasing an F1-style rig, don’t miss our cornerstone guide on F1 sensor systems.
Why Brake Pads Matter in Sim Racing
Just like in real cars, brake pedal feel comes down to more than the sensor. The material between your foot and the sensor — i.e., the brake pad — determines how realistic and responsive your braking is.
Benefits of High-End Brake Pad Mods:
- Improved stiffness and rebound
- More linear braking response
- Customizable pressure curves
- Closer feel to F1, GT3, and rally car braking
Best Sim Brake Pad Kits in 2025
Comparison Table
| Product | Compatibility | Feel & Tuning | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimTrecs Pro GT Brake Kit | SimTrecs Pro Pedal GT | Progressive elastomers | Formula & GT sim racers | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Heusinkveld Performance Kit | Sprint, Ultimate+ | Multi-density rubbers | Elite esports setups | $$$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| Meca CUP1 Elastomer Kit | Meca CUP1 | Tunable, good rebound | Mid-range rigs | $$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| AXC Sim Tech Universal Kit | Most load cell pedals | 3-stage compressible | DIY sim builders & tinkerers | $$ | ★★★☆☆ |
1. SimTrecs Pro GT Brake Elastomer Kit
- Designed for their Pro Pedal GT system
- Multiple elastomer stacks for tuning pressure and travel
- Progressive feel ideal for Formula-style rigs
- Easily replaceable and compatible with standard 120kg load cells
- ★★★★★ (Best for customisation)
2. Heusinkveld Brake Performance Kit
- Works with Ultimate+ and Sprint pedals
- 3 levels of compression with multi-density rubbers
- Extremely consistent under long sessions
- Mimics hydraulic brake pressure under load
- ★★★★☆ (Best for high-end setups)
3. Meca CUP1 Pedal Upgrade Elastomers
- Includes stiff and soft rubber inserts
- Offers granular tuning and silent operation
- Affordable upgrade for mid-range setups
- Compatible with most 16-bit load cell sensors
- ★★★★☆ (Best value option)
4. AXC Sim Tech Custom Brake Pad Kit (Universal)
- 3-stage progressive compression
- Can be cut and adjusted for custom pedal stacks
- Good for DIY sim builders and those on mixed hardware
- ★★★☆☆ (Best for tinkerers)
How to Choose the Right Brake Pad Kit
- Pedal Compatibility: Make sure the kit fits your brand and sensor type.
- Desired Feel: Want stiff Formula-style braking or softer rally feedback?
- Adjustability: Elastomer stacks let you tune brake curves.
- Build Quality: Avoid kits that compress or degrade too quickly.
Performance Gains: Real or Hype?
We tested each brake pad kit over 50+ laps across tracks like Silverstone and Suzuka in iRacing and ACC. The verdict?
✅ More consistent lap times
✅ Better trail braking confidence
✅ Reduced fatigue in long stints
These mods aren’t just feel-good upgrades — they actually help you go faster.
FAQs
Q: Can I use car brake pads in my sim rig?
A: No — sim brake pads are made for elastomer stacks and digital sensors. Real car pads won’t work.
Q: Will these work on potentiometer-based pedals?
A: Most upgrades are designed for load cell systems. Without pressure-based input, gains are minimal.
Q: How often should I replace sim brake pads?
A: Quality elastomer kits last 1–2 years depending on use. Signs of wear include sponginess or cracking.
Conclusion
Upgrading your sim brake pads is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your pedal feel and racecraft. Whether you’re running SimTrecs, Heusinkveld, or Meca pedals, investing in premium brake pad kits ensures consistent force feedback, better lap time control, and a more immersive experience.
👉 Need help finding the right sensor or elastomer kit? Browse our load cell systems and force measurement hardware or reach out to our sim tech team for personalised support.
📘 Also read: Best Sim Pedals for Formula Racing | Sim Racing vs F1 Sensor Tech