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Next Level Racing HF8 Review — Haptic Feedback That Truly Changes How You Drive

ByNeo Sphinx

Today I have a fantastic review for you — or rather, a review of a fantastic product:
the Next Level Racing HF8.

This is one of those rare pieces of hardware that doesn’t just add a bit of immersion…
👉 it fundamentally changes how driving feels.

🪑 What Is the Next Level Racing HF8?

The HF8 is a haptic feedback mat that you place directly in your seat.
Inside the mat are 8 independent vibration motors that create localized feedback.

Instead of just vibrating your rig, the HF8 transmits physical sensations directly to your body.

Think of it as:

  • A vibration system
  • A tactile enhancer
  • And yes… sometimes even a massage mat 😄

🔌 Connectivity & Compatibility

The HF8 can be connected in two different ways:

🖥️ PC (USB Connection)

  • Uses game telemetry
  • Provides the best and most detailed experience
  • Full software control via Next Level Racing software
  • Compatible with SimHub for advanced customization

🎮 Console (Audio-Based)

  • Connected via 3.5mm jack into the controller
  • Driven by game sound
  • Loop-through design allows headset connection
  • Works on PlayStation (tested on PS4 Pro)

💡 Tip for Console Users:

  • Turn console volume to 100%
  • Increase in-game audio effects (engine, tire, shift sounds)
  • Experiment with sound profiles (e.g. GT7 enhanced audio)

🎮 Console Experience – Not spectacular

Let’s be honest: console is the weaker of the two experiences — and that’s expected.

Because the HF8 uses audio instead of telemetry:

  • Vibrations are less precise
  • Effects are more generalized

That said…

The feedback is:

  • ✅ Stronger than Thrustmaster T-DFB
  • ✅ Noticeable under acceleration
  • ✅ Directional left-to-right sensations are present

It feels like a T-DFB multiplied by eight, and that’s not an exaggeration.

For console racing, this already adds a very welcome extra layer of immersion.

Edit December 2025: You can also use Simhub for driving the HF8 on console with game-telemetry.

🖥️ PC Experience – Absolutely Incredible

And then… PC.

😳
🤯
😍

Friends… this is where the HF8 completely transforms.

  • Speed increases vibration intensity
  • Sensations build progressively
  • Long corners feel alive
  • The car feels connected to your body

I don’t say this often, but:

🟢 This hardware will change the way you drive.

With telemetry-based feedback, everything makes more sense.
The immersion level jumps massively compared to console.

Kerb feedback can be tuned
Road feel can be tuned
Engine vibration can be tuned

Everything can be tuned.

🛠️ Software & Customization

On PC, you gain access to:

  • ✅ Next Level Racing software
  • ✅ Per-effect adjustments
  • ✅ Intensity control
  • ✅ Different vibration modes

For unsupported games, SimHub integration opens even more doors:

  • More precise tuning
  • Additional effects
  • Possibility to even extract telemetry from GT7

This makes the HF8 far more flexible than it first appears.

🎵 Beyond Racing – More Than a One-Trick Pony

One thing I genuinely didn’t expect:

🎶 Music
🎬 Movies
🎮 Other games

The HF8 works for all of them.

The first evening I had it:

  • Put on some music
  • Leaned back in my seat
  • And enjoyed a surprisingly good vibration massage

This wider usability makes the HF8 feel like a multi-purpose entertainment upgrade, not just a sim-racing accessory.

🧱 Build Quality & Durability Concerns

This is a brand-new product, and honestly…
I do have one concern:

❓ Long-term durability

If you:

  • Play often
  • Run it at high intensity
  • Use it daily

How long will the motors last?

It’s early days, and only time will tell.
That said, Next Level Racing is known for solid engineering.

Edit December 2025 One motor failed after it ran out of warranty (2 years) and one of the straps tore off. Durability is not bad, but could be better.

💰 Price & Value

💸 Price: 250€

Is that cheap?
No.

Would I like to see it closer to 200€?
Absolutely.

Realistically, once availability improves, I expect prices to settle around:

  • 219€
  • Or even 199€

Still, compared to:

  • Buttkickers
  • Motion rigs
  • Complex installations

The HF8 delivers huge immersion at roughly half the cost — with almost no effort.

✅ Ease of Use – KISS Done Right

I’ve criticized Next Level Racing before for over-engineering.

Not this time.

Here, they fully embraced:

KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid

  • One rotary dial
  • Quick setup
  • Instant feedback
  • No complicated mounts
  • No heavy installation

You really can:
➡️ drop it in your seat
➡️ plug it in
➡️ start driving

🏁 Final Verdict

The Next Level Racing HF8 is:

  • ✅ Easy to use
  • ✅ Highly immersive
  • ✅ Fantastic on PC
  • ✅ Surprisingly good on console (but only while using game-telemetry to drive it)
  • ✅ Affordable compared to alternatives

It may not be aimed at:

  • Hardcore e-sports drivers
  • Competitive sim racers

But for pure fun and immersion?

🎉 This is one of the best purchases I’ve made since I started reviewing hardware.

I would enthusiastically recommend the HF8 to anyone looking to add excitement to their sim-driving setup.

If you find my reviews helpful and you’re planning to buy something, using my affiliate link really helps support the channel — at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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