Active Pedals vs Load Cell: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Active pedals represent the cutting edge of sim racing technology, promising force feedback in your brake and throttle. But with prices starting around $800 for a single pedal and reaching $2,400+ for complete systems, are they worth the massive premium over traditional load cell pedals? Let's dive deep into the technology, performance differences, and value proposition.

What Are Active Pedals?

Active pedals use servo motors to generate force feedback through the brake and throttle pedals, similar to how a direct drive wheelbase works. Instead of simply measuring the force you apply (like load cells), active pedals can:

• Adjust pedal resistance dynamically based on sim data
• Simulate ABS vibration and lockup through the brake pedal
• Change brake stiffness based on brake temperature or pad wear
• Provide throttle kickback during traction loss or gear changes
• Create completely customizable force curves for any car or preference

The technology is impressive, but does it translate to lap time improvements or just added immersion?

How Load Cell Pedals Work (Quick Refresher)

Load cell pedals measure the force (pressure) you apply to the brake pedal using an industrial-grade load cell sensor. They're passive systems—you provide all the resistance through elastomers or hydraulic dampers, and the sensor measures your input.

Modern high-end load cell systems like the Simagic P2000r ($557.10) or Cube Controls SP-01 ($950) deliver incredible precision and adjustability.

The Active Pedal Revolution

Available Active Pedal Systems in 2025

Simucube ActivePedal Pro - $1,799
The Simucube ActivePedal Pro pioneered consumer active pedal technology. It offers:

• Powerful servo motor with adjustable force feedback
• Real-time brake stiffness adjustment based on sim telemetry
• ABS vibration and lockup simulation
• Completely customizable force curves via software
• Premium Simucube build quality and support

Simucube ActivePedal Ultimate - $2,419
The ActivePedal Ultimate adds enhanced servo power and more advanced force feedback algorithms for the ultimate active braking experience.

Moza mBooster Active Pedal - $799
The Moza mBooster brings active pedal technology to a more accessible price point. At $799 for a single brake pedal, it delivers 200kg force capacity with dynamic force feedback. Pair it with the CRP2 throttle ($999 bundle) for a complete system under $1,000.

The Performance Question: Do Active Pedals Make You Faster?

This is the critical question. After testing and reviewing feedback from professional sim racers, here's what we've learned:

Potential Performance Benefits:

• ABS Feel: Feeling ABS activation through the pedal can help you threshold brake more consistently
• Lock-Up Awareness: Instant feedback when the brakes lock improves reaction time
• Consistency: Programmable force curves can be tuned to your exact preference
• Reduced Fatigue: The motor can provide resistance, reducing leg muscle demand

The Reality Check:

Top-tier esports drivers win championships on high-end load cell pedals like the Cube Controls SP-01 ($950). The performance gap between excellent load cells and active pedals is minimal for most drivers.

Active pedals enhance immersion significantly but provide only marginal lap time gains. If you're not already consistently running within a second of aliens on your sim of choice, upgrading from quality load cells to active pedals won't be the limiting factor.

Immersion: Where Active Pedals Excel

While lap time improvements are debatable, the immersion benefits are undeniable:

• Feeling ABS chatter through your foot creates visceral connection to the car
• Brake temperature fade simulation adds realism to endurance racing
• Throttle kickback during wheelspin or gear changes heightens engagement
• Dynamic pedal feel makes each car genuinely feel different

For racers who prioritize realism and immersion over pure performance, active pedals deliver transformative experiences.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Let's compare what you get at different price points:

$370-$560: Premium Load Cell Territory

• Moza CRP2 - $369: Excellent 200kg load cell with aluminum construction
• Simagic P1000 - $377.10: Adjustable load cell with premium feel
• Simagic P2000r - $557.10: Hydraulic load cell system with incredibly realistic feel

You get: 95% of the performance of active pedals, proven competition-grade hardware, durability, and adjustability.

$799-$999: Entry-Level Active

• Moza mBooster - $799 (brake only)
• mBooster + CRP2 Throttle - $999 (complete set)

You get: Active force feedback, ABS simulation, dynamic resistance, plus all the benefits of premium load cells.

$1,799-$2,419: Ultimate Active Systems

• Simucube ActivePedal Pro - $1,799 (single pedal)
• Simucube ActivePedal Ultimate - $2,419 (single pedal)

You get: The absolute pinnacle of pedal technology, uncompromising build quality, cutting-edge force feedback, and the best possible sim racing pedal experience.

Who Should Buy Active Pedals?

Active pedals make sense if you:

• Already have top-tier hardware everywhere else (high-torque wheelbase, motion rig, VR, etc.)
• Compete at the highest levels where marginal gains matter
• Prioritize immersion and realism above all else
• Have budget to spare and want the absolute best
• Race endurance events where tire/brake dynamics change significantly

Who Should Stick with Load Cells?

Premium load cell pedals remain the smart choice if you:

• Want proven, competition-tested hardware
• Prefer spending budget on other upgrades (better monitor, VR, motion, rig)
• Are satisfied with current pedal immersion levels
• Haven't maxed out your driving potential yet
• Value reliability and simplicity

Excellent options include the Simagic P2000r ($557.10) or Cube Controls SP-01 ($950).

The Middle Ground: Moza mBooster

If you're torn between load cell and active, the Moza mBooster at $799 offers the most accessible entry to active pedal technology. For the price of high-end load cell systems, you get genuine force feedback and future-proof technology.

The Verdict

Active pedals represent amazing technology and deliver transformative immersion. However, they're not essential for competitive performance. The best value remains premium load cell systems like the Simagic P2000r that offer 95% of the performance at a fraction of the cost.

If budget isn't a concern and you want the absolute best pedal experience, the Simucube ActivePedal Pro is worth the investment. For value-conscious performance seekers, stick with proven load cell technology.