Simagic TB-Neo Is Here: The Handbrake That Doesn't Make You Choose
We've mounted a lot of handbrakes on a lot of rigs, and up until now, buying a Simagic handbrake meant picking a lane. TB-1 if you wanted mechanical, load-cell feel. TB-RS if you wanted hydraulic. Two different feels, two different purchases, no way to change your mind later without buying a second unit.
The TB-Neo throws that out. It's a modular platform: same base handbrake, but the internals swap between mechanical, hydraulic, and haptic feedback depending on what you bolt on. Buy once, upgrade as your setup (or your budget) evolves. That's the kind of engineering decision that actually respects what it costs to build a rig one piece at a time, and it's why we're excited to get this one on the wall.
The TB-Neo is available for preorder now at Sim Motion for $139, with units expected to arrive the first week of September.
What makes it different
Out of the box, the TB-Neo runs on a rubber spring elastomer system, the same category of mechanical resistance that made the TB-1 a fan favorite for rally and drift. But the housing is built to accept Simagic's P-HYSi or P-HYS hydraulic modules, the same hydraulic tech behind the TB-RS, so when you're ready for that smoother, more progressive hydraulic pull, you're not buying a new handbrake to get it. You're upgrading the one you already have.
It doesn't stop at feel. The TB-Neo is also compatible with Simagic's P-HPR and P-HPR GT vibration modules, so you can add haptic feedback and actually feel tire lock or ABS kicking in through the lever itself. That's a level of immersion that used to require a completely different piece of hardware.
Worth knowing before you order: the $139 base unit ships mechanical, with the rubber spring elastomer system installed and ready to go. The hydraulic and haptic modules are sold separately as upgrades, not bundled in the box. That's the whole point of the modular design though. You're not paying for hardware you don't need yet, and the upgrade is there whenever you're ready for it.
On the spec side, you're getting a 12-bit high-precision pressure sensor rated to 100kg, four factory-tuned elastomer schemes ranging from a light, long-travel pull to a firm two-stage bite, and five-angle adjustability for horizontal or vertical mounting depending on how your rig is built. It runs through Simagic's SimPro Manager software for custom response curves, calibration, and vibration tuning, same ecosystem as the rest of your Simagic gear.
Bottom line: the choice between mechanical and hydraulic feel used to be permanent. Now it's a setting.
How it stacks up
| TB-1 | TB-RS | TB-Neo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Mechanical, load-cell, 2-stage | Hydraulic, elastomer-tunable | Modular: mechanical stock, upgradeable to hydraulic |
| Upgrade path | None, fixed feel | None, fixed feel | Add P-HYSi/P-HYS hydraulic module or P-HPR/P-HPR GT haptic module |
| Sensor | 100kg load cell | N/A (hydraulic resistance) | 100kg pressure sensor, 12-bit resolution |
| Mounting angles | Vertical, optional L-bracket | 4 angles, horizontal or vertical | 5 angles, horizontal or vertical |
| Connection | USB Type-C | USB, CAN cable | USB-C, CAN, or CANFD (Alpha EVO bases) |
| Price | $139 (reg. $169) | $239 (reg. $269) | $139, preorder now, arriving first week of Sept |
Which one should you buy?
- Want proven mechanical feel at the best price, and you're not chasing an upgrade path? The TB-1 is still a genuinely great load-cell handbrake for rally and drift, and it's the easiest entry point into the Simagic ecosystem.
- Want hydraulic feel today and don't need modularity? The TB-RS is a dedicated hydraulic unit with elastomer tuning that's earned its reputation.
- Want to start where you are and grow into hydraulic and haptic feedback without replacing hardware down the line? The TB-Neo is built for exactly that, and it's the most forward-thinking handbrake Simagic has released.
Preorders are open now at simmotion.com, with units expected to arrive the first week of September. Not sure which handbrake is right for your rig? Come test all three in person at our Spokane Valley showroom, or book a visit and we'll walk you through it.