Handbrakes
What it is
Section titled “What it is”A handbrake is a lever-operated input device used for rally, drifting, and other driving styles that benefit from rear brake control.
Where it is used
Section titled “Where it is used”Handbrakes are primarily used in sim racing.
Main variants
Section titled “Main variants”- analog handbrakes
- switch-based handbrakes
- horizontal and vertical layouts
How it works
Section titled “How it works”The lever travel is converted into either an on/off signal or a variable analog brake axis.
What matters when choosing
Section titled “What matters when choosing”- analog control quality
- lever geometry
- stiffness and return feel
- mount stability
DIY/build considerations
Section titled “DIY/build considerations”- pivot quality affects smoothness and repeatability
- load path and stop design determine durability
- sensor mounting needs to resist side loads
Trade-offs and limitations
Section titled “Trade-offs and limitations”Handbrakes are very useful in the right disciplines, but they do very little for many circuit-racing workflows.