Two years ago, Next Level Racing launched the HF8 haptic feedback gaming pad, an affordable entry point for sim racers looking to add tactile immersion without the complexity and cost of a motion rig. It stood out for its eight vibration motors placed close to your body for direct and isolated haptic feedback, but it wasn’t without compromises. Many users, myself included, wished for a “Pro” version that built on this foundation with some more advanced features.
Fast forward to today and the HF8 Pro has arrived. It isn’t a complete reinvention of the concept, but rather an iteration that strengthens the hardware and makes some well-considered improvements. Stronger motors, revised materials, and improved comfort are the key upgrades here — but the underlying approach remains the same.
So the real question is: does the HF8 Pro deliver enough refinement to justify the step up, and is it the right haptic solution for your sim rig? Let’s find out.
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Next Level Racing HF8 PRO – Key Features
The HF8 Pro builds on the same core philosophy as the original HF8, offering haptic immersion through a pad that can be strapped into a racing seat or laid over a gaming chair. The fundamentals are unchanged, but several key areas have been upgraded:
- Eight vibration motors with more power – The Pro uses the same eight-motor layout as the original, but each motor is now rated as being up to four times stronger, with more torque and faster response times. This allows for sharper, more noticeable feedback cues across your back and legs.
- More comfortable, breathable materials – One of the criticisms of the original HF8 was the somewhat basic fabric. The Pro switches to a softer, more breathable textile, which is noticeably more comfortable for long sessions, even if it isn’t quite as easy to wipe clean.
- Improved cushioning – Some users reported being able to feel the motor housings under the padding in the original HF8. The Pro introduces better cushioning and refinement, making it feel more like a proper seat insert rather than a pad where you notice the motors beneath you.
- Wide compatibility – Like the original, the Pro works across PC, consoles, and even basic setups via audio input. Telemetry-driven feedback is supported through Next Level Racing’s HFS software or third-party solutions such as SimHub, while console users can fall back on audio-based haptics. This doesn’t come close to the fidelity of PC telemetry through USB, but it’s still a useful option.
- Simple installation – Straps on the back and bottom of the pad allow it to fit securely onto most sim seats and gaming chairs, keeping setup straightforward.
The result is a product that doesn’t reinvent the HF8 concept, but strengthens its core appeal as a compact, easy-to-use haptic system.
Conclusions
The HF8 Pro is very much what its name suggests — a refinement of the original HF8 rather than a completely new direction. The motors are stronger and more responsive, the materials are more comfortable, and the overall feel is more polished. These improvements make it a better option for long-term use, while still keeping the same strengths that made the original HF8 appealing: simplicity, affordability, and wide compatibility.
At the same time, some of the limitations remain. The HF8 Pro still uses vibration motors rather than true haptic transducers, which means the feedback can feel less nuanced and less impactful compared to higher-end tactile setups. Introducing a haptic transducer system would increase the cost significantly, however.
So who is the HF8 Pro for? If you enjoyed the concept of the original HF8 but wanted stronger effects and better comfort, this is the upgrade you were waiting for. It delivers a more immersive experience without stepping into the added complexity or high cost of a full transducer or motion system. On the other hand, if you’re chasing the most detailed and realistic haptics possible, a dedicated transducer setup will still take you further — albeit at a much higher cost.
The HF8 Pro doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Instead, it doubles down on accessibility and ease of use while addressing the most common criticisms of its predecessor head-on. For many sim racers, that’s exactly what was needed.
Pros
- Stronger and more responsive motors than the original HF8
- More comfortable, breathable material for long sessions
- Improved cushioning reduces the “lumpy” feel of the original
- Vibration motors are close to your body, so are not dampened by your cockpit as with the Buttkicker
- Simple to install on most sim seats or gaming chairs
- Quiet operation compared to traditional transducers or motion systems
- Great price for a big jump in immersion and feedback
Cons
- Still uses vibration motors, limiting fidelity compared to transducers (but much cheaper)
- New fabric is harder to clean than the original wipe-down surface
- Not a full step into true haptic transducer performance
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