Heusinkveld Sim Pedals Sprint: My honest opinion of this 2024 Pedals

Sim-racing setups typically include peripherals such as a base, steering wheel (or wheel), and crankset. Of course, the sim-racing segment comprises several ranges for a straightforward reason: not all racers are equally committed to this magnificent discipline.

For the entry-level and part of the mid-range, you have brands like Logitech and Thrustmaster, who dominate the market with affordable, affordable bundles and provide decent sensations. As for the rest of the mid-to-high-end range, Fanatec has been reigning supreme for some time now with top-quality, premium, and competition-inspired products.

And then you have the very high-end, a segment typically reserved for motorsport professionals (drivers) who want to train in Simu and also fans who are very comfortable financially. Among the few players operating in this segment are Heusinkveld. Two Dutchmen founded the brand and focused exclusively on very premium sim-racing peripherals. In what follows, I will introduce you to one of its pedals, the Sprint. I’ll tell you about its strengths and a few weaknesses and give you my opinion.

Main features and technical specifications of the crankset

• Massive use of laser-cut steel to create the various parts of the crankset
• Available in 2 or 3-pedal configuration
• Load Cell technology on all Heusinkveld Sprint
• Brake pedal with 120 kg maximum pressure
• Compatible with Microsoft Windows platform
• All pedals are adjustable to accommodate the maximum number of sim-tractors
• The electronic part houses 12-bit sensors for transmitting information to the sinus
• The software SmartControl allows total configuration of dead zones on all pedals.

Design

So, the design of the Heusinkveld Sprint. Well, it’s sublime! Every part of this pedal is made of high-quality laser-cut steel. When you remove the pedals from their box, you feel this device is worth using on a Porsche Ferrari or a Lamborghini premium.

The structure is made entirely of steel plates cut to the millimeter and attached with brackets and screws. It’s simply magnificent, even if my judgment is slightly biased by the massive use of metal. The steel has a polished finish, giving it a very handsome and premium look.

Customized assembly

Mounting the Heusinkveld Sprint is made directly on a cockpit by fixing each pedal independently or on a plate or support of Heusinkveld sold separately. Before crying foul, it’s important to remember that this is a premium brand with a specific portfolio of customers who already own a top-of-the-range cockpit.

Apart from this minor “flaw,” the mounting of the Sprint is effortless, with four screws for each pedal, whatever mounting system you choose. However, this support choice has many advantages, such as positioning the pedals according to your preferences; frankly, few brands allow you to do this. What I would have preferred is the addition of the bracket with the pedals so that sim-racers would have the choice of attaching the pedals directly to a cockpit or not and not be limited by such a mounting system.

Manufacture and finish

When designing the Heusinkveld SprintThe watchword was premium quality, and I can tell you that this is reflected in every pedal. Using stainless steel for virtually everything, the build quality of the Sprint is just worthy of the world’s most premium racing cars.

The cut-outs are laser-cut for an unrivaled finish. Moreover, the brand’s quality control is exceptional, recalling any non-conforming parts. This pedal is an actual work of art, and I’ve seen quality peripherals like it in the past.

As for the finish, it’s on the same level as the build quality: exceptional. Everything is perfect, from the metal plates and screws to the brackets and springs. Everything is meticulous, showing when you pick up one of the pedals. Nothing moves; all parts are in their place and stay there.

Handling the pedals

The first impression you get when you take the pedals out of the Heusinkveld Sprint is quality and precision. Since this crankset is made of Load Cells on all pedals, these are tough compared with the competition, which uses this technology only on the brake. But then, given the toy’s price, we’re asking for the best.

Technically, you don’t have to assemble anything apart from attaching the pedals to a cockpit or bracket, which you must buy separately. But this operation is relatively easy, as you only have to position the pedals and screw them on. Very straightforward.

As for solidity, the pedals don’t move a millimeter. The use of stainless steel ensures an excellent structure on all pedals. You can feel the Heusinkveld Sprint is a quality device designed to last for many years, even if you drive in gruff mode on all your sim-racing sessions.

In-game sensations

Let’s move on to the most crucial part: sensations. This Heusinkveld Sprint is perfect for sim-racing, providing feelings worthy of a real racing car.

As mentioned above, the Heusinkveld Sprint is a Load Cell pedal in a two- or 3-pedal configuration. Data is interpreted according to the force applied to each pedal, like on a racing car, allowing total immersion in sim-racing. Of course, pedal force is different: on the brake, you have a pedal that can take up to 120 kg of pressure force, which is enormous. And for the other pedals, it’s up to 13 kg.

The pedal feel is surreal, especially with sessions on F1 21 or Assetto Corsa. The braking sensation is immediate, with a bite from the first millimeter of travel. Moreover, the software allows you to set the dead zone of each pedal so you can fine-tune your setup.

Compatibility

The Heusinkveld Sprint is a pedal compatible only with PCs and Windows 10 and above. Of course, you’ll tell me that most sim racers shopping in the Heusinkveld are already on the PC. Still, I would have preferred at least console support without the pedal configuration through the Heusinkveld. If this concerns you and you’re not on a PC, I recommend downloading Discover Other console-compatible pedals here.

Speaking of configuration, the Heusinkveld Sprint connects to the PC via a USB cable and is supported directly by Windows. If you wish to adjust the dead zones of the pedals, the Heusinkveld Heusinkveld is simply perfect for this, allowing you to have a dead zone if you want to.

Value for money

The Heusinkveld Sprint is sold for 536 € for the 2-pedal version and 710€ for the 3-pedal version. Even if this pedal remains the best in its category, i.e., Load Cell, it’s still expensive, but its value for money is justified and more or less unbeatable.

However, you should know that the bottom bracket is sold separately for €102 on the manufacturer’s website. If you have a cockpit that supports individual pedal mounting, the price of the Heusinkveld Sprint is superb. But if you have to buy the stand, the value for money is no longer outstanding.

My verdict

For those who have the means and are looking for the best Load Cell crankset on the market, the Heusinkveld Sprint is the only choice because the competition is far behind. The Heusinkveld Sprint is between a suitable crankset Load Cell and an active pedal like the Simucube ActivePedal.

I recommend this peripheral to all sim-racers who are hardcore fans of the discipline, at least those with a bank account, to buy it because €536 for two pedals is a lot to pay. For pro riders who want to train in sim racing, you have these pedals or the Simucube. In any case, for me, it’s by far the best pedals on the market. But if you’re not convinced I’d like a crankset with a lower price/performance ratio, I recommend you read my article on the 4 Best Cranksets for Sim Racing in 2023.

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