I’ve actually never had any doubts about the Heusinkveld MagShift. From the very first time I tried it out on the exhibition floor, it really stuck in my mind. In Chicago, Dortmund and Maastricht, you get to try out so much sim racing hardware in such a short space of time that you’ve forgotten about many of the products within five minutes. Not this one, though.
Not because it clicked the loudest or felt the most spectacular, but because it felt just right straight away. Sturdy, no-nonsense and mechanically precise enough to stand out without being obtrusive.
Still, a good impression at a trade fair is no guarantee of success. It’s only at home that hardware really comes into its own. In my own setup, alongside the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 And after weeks of testing it alongside other high-performance shifters, it becomes clear whether that first impression still holds true. In my triple-monitor setup, I’m still using the Simagic Q1S Sequential Shifter, so the bar has now been raised beyond simply “it clicks nicely”.
Dat is de echte vraag in deze Heusinkveld MagShift review: blijft die eerste indruk overeind wanneer de nieuwigheid eraf is? Of is dit zo’n product dat op een beursvloer indruk maakt, maar thuis langzaam verdwijnt tussen andere goede hardware? De MagShift doet iets anders. Hij blijft terugkomen. Niet als de meest uitgesproken shifter of als de meest complexe, maar als een solide en betrouwbaar stuk hardware dat precies laat zien waarom less is more soms gewoon werkt.
Summary: Heusinkveld MagShift Review
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De Heusinkveld MagShift is een robuuste sequential shifter met een gepatenteerd magnetisch schakelmechanisme, een stevige metalen constructie en een klik die vooral overtuigt door consistentie. Hij maakt geen indruk met theater, maar met controle, bouwkwaliteit en een heel logisch gevoel naast de Heusinkveld Handbrake V2.
- Patented magnetic switching mechanism with a distinct physical click
- Adjustable shift force from 4.5 to 11 kg
- Upshift, downshift and overall force can be adjusted separately
- Particularly impressive alongside the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2
- Essential for rally, rallycross, drifting, touring cars and classic cars; less essential for paddle-shift cars
My test environment
Heusinkveld sent me the MagShift for review. But that doesn’t affect my opinion. If something isn’t up to scratch, I’ll say so. With a brand that has such a strong reputation, the bar is set even higher, and I’m happy to offer constructive criticism.
I tested this Heusinkveld MagShift review for over eight weeks on my Sim Lab P1X Ultimate, right next to the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2. This combination is important, because it is precisely next to the handbrake that much of the MagShift’s character comes to the fore. The same robust appearance, the same functional approach and the same no-nonsense choice of materials ensure that both products feel more like a single control cluster than two separate accessories. You can find my in-depth review of the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2’s review here: Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 review
I’ve mainly used the MagShift in Assetto Corsa Rally, where combining it with a handbrake immediately makes sense. I’ve also deliberately tested it in Automobilista 2 Rallycross and with more classic racing cars in games such as Assetto Corsa EVO and Automobilista 2. It is precisely with older GTs, touring cars and classic cars – where manual gear changes are part and parcel of the driving experience – that a good sequential shifter really shows whether it adds genuine value.
I’ve also used the MagShift in iRacing and RaceRoom to see how it performs outside its most natural environment. I like to mix things up: one day rally or classic content, the next day GTs, prototypes or modern cars with paddle shifters. That’s when you want to know whether a shifter is versatile enough, or whether it really shines in a specific niche.
For the purposes of comparison, I have drawn primarily on my long-standing experience with the Simagic Q1S Sequential Shifter, supplemented by more limited experience with other high-end sequential shifters at trade fairs and events. This is not a laboratory comparison, but a practical assessment based on a wide range of real-world experiences with the hardware.
Unboxing: practical and well-packaged, exactly as you’d expect from Heusinkveld
The unboxing of the Heusinkveld MagShift is typical of Heusinkveld: neat, functional and well put together. Don’t expect a lavish presentation as if you were unpacking a high-end steering wheel, but rather a box designed primarily to ensure the product arrives safely and in one piece. That suits the MagShift perfectly. This isn’t hardware that derives its value from its packaging, but from what happens next, right there in your cockpit.
Inside the box, you’ll find the MagShift itself, the USB cable, the U-shaped bracket, mounting materials, installation tools and the user manual. This basically gives you everything you need to mount the shifter on an aluminium profile rail and connect it to your PC via USB.
“As soon as you take the MagShift out of the box, you immediately realise where the money’s gone: into the steel, the weight and the mechanics.”
What struck me most when unpacking it was how immediately apparent the choice of materials is. The metal plates, the industrial finish and the compact design make it immediately clear what sort of product this is. No sleek exterior or plastic casing trying to hide the mechanics, but a robust shifter that looks as though it’s designed to be used a lot.
The included montag bracket is practical and sturdy enough for aluminium profile cockpits. If you’re only fitting the MagShift, the installation is fairly straightforward. If you want to combine it with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 on the same side of your cockpit, you’ll need to give some thought beforehand to space, height and accessibility. The box contains everything you need for the shifter itself, but not for a perfectly integrated MagShift and Handbrake setup.
What's in the box?
- Heusinkveld MagShift
- USB cable
- U-shaped montag bracket
- Mon1TP3Material
- Installation tools
- User guide / quick start guide
Heusinkveld MagShift Specifications
- Type: GT-style sequential gearshift
- Gear mechanism: Patented magnetic system
- Switching capacity: Adjustable from 4.5 to 11 kg
- Adjustability: Overall force, upshift force and downshift force can be adjusted individually
- Sensors: Opto-electronic
- Software: Heusinkveld SmartControl and SmartControl Live
- Outputs: Up to 10 custom outputs via the shifter and buttons
- Buttons: 3 integrated buttons
- Material: Powder-coated stainless steel
- Weight: 2.42 kg
- Base dimensions: 370 x 130 x 72 mm
- Height when mounted: 362 to 377 mm, depending on the position of montag
- Montage: U-shaped mounting bracket (montag) included
- Compatibility: PC, Windows 10 or later
- Connection: USB
- Guarantee: 2 years
- Price: €329 excl. VAT / €399 incl. VAT
De specificaties zijn sterk, maar bij een shifter zeggen ze niet alles. Daarom draait de MagShift uiteindelijk om één vraag: vertaalt die techniek zich naar een shifter die in de praktijk natuurlijk voelt? In mijn geval is het antwoord ja. Niet omdat iedere specificatie afzonderlijk indrukwekkend is, maar omdat het totaalgevoel klopt. De instelbare kracht geeft je ruimte om de shifter af te stemmen op verschillende disciplines. De metalen constructie geeft vertrouwen. De contactloze detectie voelt als een logische keuze voor duurzaamheid. En de compacte basis maakt montage relatief overzichtelijk, zolang je rig stevig genoeg is natuurlijk 😉
The price does lend that assessment a bit more weight. At €399 including VAT, the MagShift is clearly in the premium segment. This isn’t an accessory you buy simply because you want to “give sequential a go”. It’s a deliberate upgrade for sim racers who frequently drive cars where a sequential gear lever is a genuine part of the experience.
An eventful launch: why context matters
The MagShift did not get off to a completely smooth start. Around the time of its launch, there were reports that early models had less shifting power and a less distinct click than expected. Heusinkveld did not simply let that first production run continue unchallenged, but reviewed the product and refined the final version.
That’s relevant context. Not because every review has to keep focusing on the launch, but because it meant the MagShift had something to prove. Not just that the idea was a good one, but also that Heusinkveld still meets its own standards.
“Following a somewhat shaky launch, MagShift did not have to prove that the idea was sound, but rather that Heusinkveld still meets its own standards.”
In my own experience, it doesn’t feel like a product that’s still searching for its identity. The MagShift I tested feels fully realised. Straightforward, robust and reliable. A premium brand is allowed to make mistakes, as long as it takes those mistakes seriously and the end product is ultimately convincing. In this version, the MagShift delivers on that.
First impression: industrial, robust and exactly my sort of hardware
What immediately appeals to me about the MagShift is its look. This isn’t a shifter that tries to impress with shiny covers, futuristic lines or unnecessary visual details. It looks like functional sim racing hardware. Solid steel, exposed plates, a compact base and an industrial finish that, above all, inspires confidence. That might sound a bit dry, but that’s exactly what I love about it.
There’s something authentic about those robust metal plates. The MagShift doesn’t try to hide its mechanics behind a sleek design. Instead, it shows that it’s built to be used. That suits a sequential shifter. This is hardware you pull on, push against and sometimes treat more roughly than you originally intended.
The MagShift doesn’t try to look unnecessarily premium either. No carbon-fibre look, no RGB, no design that makes it look like a futuristic spaceship component. Just sturdy steel, a clean shape and a design that essentially says: go on, give it a good tug – I can take it.
“The MagShift doesn’t try to be attractive by drawing attention to itself. It’s attractive because you can see it’s built for practical use.”
The proportions are just right. The base is compact enough not to take up any more space than necessary, yet heavy and sturdy enough to feel substantial. The lever is positioned at a good height without being cumbersome. The three buttons on the base are neatly integrated and do not make the design look any busier than necessary.
Alongside a robust cockpit like the Sim Lab P1X Ultimate, the MagShift feels as though it belongs there. Not as an accessory added later, but as an integral part of the driving station. If you’re a fan of sleek, minimalist hardware, you might need a bit of time to get used to that visible industrial design. For me, that’s precisely what makes it so charming.
Montage and integration: a strong product, but Heusinkveld is missing an opportunity here
The Heusinkveld MagShift fits perfectly on its own. The U-shaped bracket supplied fits well with aluminium profile cockpits and provides a solid base for securing the shifter firmly in place. If you’re only using the MagShift, the installation process is fairly straightforward. You secure it, find the right position and can then get on with the rest relatively quickly.
Still, when positioning it precisely, you’ll notice that there’s still a bit of space left. That might sound like a minor point, but with a sequential shifter, position makes a big difference. A shifter that’s positioned just a little too far forward, too high or at an unnatural angle will constantly demand your attention. That’s exactly what you want to avoid. A good shifter should disappear from your mind once it’s fitted, so that all that remains is the action itself.
I eventually managed to position the MagShift correctly on my Sim Lab P1X Ultimate, though it did take a bit of ingenuity. The shifter is now firmly in place, the angle feels just right and the movement falls nicely alongside my seating position. Once everything is in place, it works just as you’d hope: you reach for the lever without thinking and the controls feel natural. It just took a bit longer to get there than I’d expect with hardware of this calibre.
The real complication arises when you combine the MagShift with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 on the same side of the cockpit. And let’s be honest: that’s exactly how many sim racers want to use these products. Rally, rallycross and drifting practically demand that combination. The shifter and handbrake side by side, within easy reach, securely mounted and without getting in each other’s way.
Both products have their own mounting solution, but they don’t feel as though they’ve been designed to work together as a single montagecluster. You have to work it out for yourself when it comes to space, height, accessibility and stability. Personally, I don’t mind that, as I actually enjoy setting up my cockpit as precisely as possible. But with two products from the same ecosystem, you’d actually expect a more logical combined solution.
“The combination with the Handbrake V2 is phenomenal once everything’s set up, but the process of getting there might feel a bit like a small cockpit project.”
That doesn’t mean the bracket is bad. On its own, it works perfectly well with the MagShift. But when used in combination with the Handbrake V2, it falls just short of allowing you to fully customise the set to your liking. Precisely because the hardware itself is so well-matched, it feels like a missed opportunity.
The gear-change feel: firm and distinct
With a sequential shifter, it’s all about the click. It’s that one moment when you move the lever and your hand senses: the shift is complete. That’s what sets a good shifter apart from an input device.
The MagShift does this brilliantly. The magnetic mechanism produces a short, distinct and consistent click. It’s neither excessively heavy nor unnaturally mechanical. I find that last point particularly important. Some shifters try to feel realistic by simply providing a lot of resistance. The MagShift feels realistic because the resistance is built up in a logical way.
You can feel the start, the point where the click occurs, and then a clear completion of the movement. That inspires confidence. Not just with a single shift, but particularly with rapid, successive gear changes.
The maximum setting of 11 kg is impressive, but I don’t think this is automatically the best setting. At maximum power, the MagShift feels wonderfully physical, especially during short sessions or ralliestages where you’re specifically looking for that raw, mechanical feel. But during longer sessions, it can become too overpowering. That’s when the shifter starts to demand too much attention. For me, the best setting is slightly lower: firm enough to feel authentic, but not so heavy that every shift feels like you’re trying to prove a point.
“The most extreme setting is impressive, but the best setting is the one that still feels natural after an hour’s driving.”
The great thing is that you can find that balance yourself. You can adjust the overall force, upshift and downshift settings individually. In rally and rallycross, I found it made sense to set the downshift slightly heavier than the upshift. Downshifting then feels more mechanical and deliberate, whilst upshifting remains quick enough not to disrupt the rhythm. For GT use or longer stints, I’d actually set it to be slightly more neutral and lighter.
What the MagShift does particularly well is that it doesn’t become tiring over time. You can still feel the click, but you don’t have to consciously focus on it. That balance feels just right.
In rally, rallycross and classic car racing, the MagShift really comes into its own
In Assetto Corsa Rally and rallycross in Automobilista 2, I immediately realised why MagShift works so well. Especially on fast hairpin bends and short technical sections, gear changes become part of a steady rhythm. Brake, downshift, apply the handbrake, let the car spin and get back on the throttle straight away.
With a lighter or less responsive shifter, it sometimes feels as though you’re just firing off random inputs. With the MagShift, it feels much more like a natural sequence. You don’t even think about it anymore. Your hand just knows what to do.
Rally driving in a simulator is always a compromise. You miss out on the real G-forces, the impacts felt through the bodywork and the physical risk of a real stage. But good hardware can help bridge that gap. A sturdy sequential shifter and a good handbrake give your hands something to do that matches what the car demands of you. As a result, it feels less like you’re operating controls and more like you’re physically putting the car to work.
In Automobilista 2 Rallycross, this hits you even harder. Everything is faster, shorter and more intense. The cars demand quick corrections, short gear changes and immediate reactions. That’s precisely when you don’t want to be left wondering whether a gear change has been registered correctly or whether the lever might feel just a little too light. The MagShift remains unfazed by all this. The click is distinct, the unit remains stable, and rapid successive gear changes don’t feel clunky.
Maar eerlijk: de MagShift is niet alleen leuk in rally of rallycross. In een oudere GT1 of klassieke raceauto komt hij ook geweldig tot zijn recht. Zeker in VR met mijn Pimax Crystal Super, in combinatie met het 3DOF motion systeem van Vero-Motion, wordt dat echt fenomenaal. Dan valt alles samen: beeld, beweging, force feedback, shifter, handrem en het gevoel dat je niet zomaar een moderne raceauto met paddles bestuurt, maar echt met een oudere machine aan het werk bent.
Moments like that are exactly why I love this sort of hardware so much. You’re in VR, the rig is moving beneath you, you can hear the car running, your right hand automatically reaches for the gear lever, and suddenly it just feels right. Then I’m literally sitting behind the wheel with a smile on my face. And to be honest, it’s hard to wipe that smile off my face.
What really sticks in my mind is that the MagShift never feels like you need to go easy on it. Some hardware feels premium, but at the same time a bit fragile. Not the MagShift. It invites you to use it. Hard, often and without holding back. Exactly how a sequential shifter should feel.
It’s only with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 that the picture really comes together
For me, the combination with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 is one of the main reasons why the MagShift works so well. On their own, they’re already great products, but together they feel much more natural. Not like a shifter and a handbrake that just happen to be next to each other, but like a single, robust control cluster next to your seat.
They speak the same language: sturdy steel, visibly mechanical, no frills and, above all, built to be used. That might sound like a minor detail, but in a cockpit it really makes a difference. Many setups end up being a mix of brands, materials and design choices. That’s not a problem – that’s how I build my own setups too. But sometimes, as a result, a cockpit feels like a collection of loose parts. With the MagShift and Handbrake V2, I don’t get that feeling at all.
In rally and drift, this combination really comes into its own. Your right hand has two distinct tasks: changing gear and applying the handbrake. And after a few sessions, you don’t really think about it anymore. You brake, shift down, pull the handbrake, let the car spin and hit the accelerator again. Everything is exactly where you’d expect it to be. Everything feels familiar. That makes the driving experience more relaxed – not because you’re doing less, but because the car’s controls don’t disrupt your rhythm.
“The MagShift and Heusinkveld Handbrake ”They don’t feel like two separate accessories. They feel like a single entity. An extension and a physical link between the virtual and the real.”
What I find particularly impressive is that the MagShift takes on greater significance alongside the Handbrake V2. It’s already good as a standalone shifter, but when used together, it becomes clearer why this hardware is such a perfect fit for rally, drift, rallycross and classic racing cars. It becomes part of the experience. You no longer think: ‘I’m using the shifter now and then the handbrake’. You just drive. Your hand instinctively finds the right input.
That, to me, is where the value of premium hardware lies. Not in more buttons, more functions or more flashy features, but in that moment when everything feels so familiar that it becomes second nature. As far as I’m concerned, the montage could be a bit smarter, but once everything’s set up, this combination feels absolutely spot on.
Design: industrial, honest and just raw enough
The design of the Heusinkveld MagShift is perhaps one of the reasons why I like it so much. This isn’t a shifter that tries to entice you with a sleek casing, subtle curves or some sort of premium lifestyle look. The MagShift looks like hardware. Just hardware. Metal plates, exposed construction, a sturdy lever and a base that looks, above all, functional.
And I mean that in a positive way. There’s something honest about the design. You can see straight away what the product is intended for. Not to look pretty on a desk, not to be hidden away under a cover, but to be used right next to your cockpit. Roughly, frequently and without any fuss. The metal construction gives it a raw, industrial look that suits this type of product perfectly. As far as I’m concerned, a sequential shifter can certainly look a bit mechanical. In fact, that’s part of its charm.
What I particularly like is that Heusinkveld hasn’t over-embellished the MagShift. No superfluous carbon-fibre look, no RGB lighting, no design that makes it look like a futuristic spaceship component. Just sturdy steel, a clean shape and a design that essentially says: go on, give it a good tug – I can take it. That also fits in well with the rest of the Heusinkveld ecosystem. Put it next to the Handbrake V2 and you’ll immediately see why that combination feels so right. They share the same no-nonsense design philosophy.
As a result, the MagShift isn’t necessarily “attractive” in the traditional sense. It isn’t elegant or refined in the way that some high-end steering wheels can be. But it certainly has character. And in my setup, I find that much more important. Particularly alongside a robust cockpit like the Sim Lab P1X Ultimate, the MagShift feels as though it belongs there. Not as an accessory added later, but as an integral part of the driving setup.
The proportions are spot on too. The base is compact enough not to take up any more space than necessary, yet heavy and sturdy enough to feel substantial. The lever is positioned at a good height, without feeling clunky. The three buttons on the base are neatly integrated and don’t make the design any busier than necessary. That’s impressive, because additions like this can all too easily feel as though someone had to squeeze in a few extra features at the last minute. Not here. They’re positioned logically, almost modestly.
As far as I’m concerned, this is exactly where the MagShift really shines visually: it doesn’t try to be anything more than it is. And that’s precisely why it feels all the more impressive. The MagShift isn’t a showpiece, but a piece of functional sim racing hardware. And to be honest, I find that much more appealing than a shifter that’s mainly trying to look good.
“Nearly four hundred euros for a single click sounds ridiculous. Until that click feels just right a hundred times in a row.”
If you’re a fan of sleek, minimalist hardware, you might need a bit of time to get used to that exposed industrial design. But for me, that’s precisely what gives it its charm. The MagShift has a tangible quality to it. You can see the steel, feel the weight and notice that the design is primarily driven by function. That’s what makes it authentic. And in a sim racing market where more and more products are trying to look premium, I find hardware that simply dares to be functional refreshing.
The three buttons: a small detail, but a practical one
The three buttons on the MagShift aren’t the reason you’d buy this shifter. Nobody sets aside nearly four hundred euros and thinks: “At last, three buttons.” That would be rather worrying. But to be fair: after a few sessions, I found them much more useful than I’d expected. At first, I mainly saw them as a nice extra. It’s nice that they’re there, but probably something I’d hardly ever use. It turned out that wasn’t quite right.
They’re actually positioned exactly where you’d expect them to be. Low on the base, close to your hand, but not annoyingly in the way when changing gear. This means you find yourself using them quite naturally for functions you don’t need all the time, but want to be able to access quickly. Think of neutral, camera view or a reset/tow function. This is surprisingly practical, especially in rally, touring car or classic cars, where you don’t always drive with a modern steering wheel full of buttons.
What I particularly like is that Heusinkveld hasn’t tried to turn it into some sort of half-baked button box. The MagShift remains simply a shifter. But it does add something positive. No extra layer of controls to make the design look cluttered or disrupted, just three buttons that are logical and practical.
You buy the MagShift for the feel of the gear changes, not for the buttons. But since they’re there anyway, it’s nice that they don’t feel like a mere tick on the features list. They’re actually quite useful. And that’s exactly what suits this shifter: no-nonsense, functional and smarter than it appears at first glance.
SmartControl: functionally strong, but less visually appealing
Heusinkveld SmartControl does exactly what it’s supposed to do. You can configure MagShift, set outputs and use profiles. Especially if you also have Heusinkveld pedals or the Handbrake V2, it’s great that everything forms part of the same ecosystem. In practice, it simply works well. For rally driving, I used a firmer profile with a slightly heavier downshift, whilst for GTs I’d tend to choose a lighter and more neutral setting. You can also conveniently map the three buttons to functions such as neutral, ignition, lights, reset or pit limiter.
Still, SmartControl feels less premium than the hardware itself. The software is functional, but looks a bit bland and dated. It’s not frustrating, but it is a bit of a shame for hardware of this calibre. A few presets for rally, GT, touring cars or longer sessions would go a long way. Not because you can’t tweak the settings yourself, but because a good starting point simply makes the setup quicker and more accessible.
Is the MagShift worth the price?
At €399, the Heusinkveld MagShift isn’t exactly a cheap shifter. There’s no point beating about the bush on that. Almost four hundred euros for a lever that clicks forwards and backwards sounds rather steep on paper. Especially if you mainly ride with paddles and that shifter probably spends more time sitting neatly next to your rig than you actually use it.
But that’s precisely the point: the value of the MagShift depends entirely on how often you use it. If you regularly take part in rally, rallycross, drifting, touring car racing or classic car events, then it’s a different story. In that case, it’s no longer an expensive extra, but an integral part of how you drive the car. Your right hand gets a look-in again. Changing gear becomes a physical act. And suddenly, that price makes a lot more sense.
“De Heusinkveld MagShift is een robuuste, betrouwbare en functioneel kloppende sequential shifter die vooral naast de Handbrake V2 laat zien waarom less is more soms precies genoeg is.”
I just wouldn’t buy it as your first major upgrade. If your rig still wobbles as if it’s afraid of load-cell pedals, start there. If your pedals aren’t up to scratch yet, buy better ones first. If your seating position isn’t right, sort that out first. The MagShift isn’t the foundation of your setup, but rather a refinement of a setup that’s already working well.
Nor does the value lie in a single spectacular feature. Not in the three buttons, the software or the magnetic click. It’s in the overall package: the robust metal construction, the direct shift, the adjustable force, the reliable registration and, above all, the feeling that this thing just feels right. Especially when paired with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2, the combination is truly impressive. If you use a sequential shifter frequently, the Heusinkveld MagShift is well worth the price. If you only use it now and then, it’s mainly a lovely way to convince yourself that your setup “almost finished” is. En we weten allebei dat dat toch nooit gebeurt 😉
What’s the problem?
The MagShift is rock-solid, but not flawless. For me, the biggest drawback isn’t in the driving itself, but in the montage when used in combination with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2. Once everything’s set up, that combination is fantastic! But before everything’s set up, you do have to spend a bit of time fiddling around. And not in the enjoyable “I’m just taking my time finishing off my cockpit” sort of way, but more in the “why doesn’t this fit quite as logically as I’d hoped” sort of way.
Both products feel, both functionally and visually, as though they belong together. That’s precisely why you’d actually expect Heusinkveld to take things a step further in this regard. A neat combined mounting solution would really make sense here. Not as an unnecessary luxury, but as an accessory that makes you think: yes, of course this exists. At the moment, you have to be a bit more creative yourself. Personally, I don’t mind that, as I love tailoring my cockpit exactly to my liking. But with hardware of this calibre, the path to that perfect position could certainly be a bit less fiddly.
See also: Heusinkveld Handbrake V2 Review
SmartControl is the second point. The software does what it’s supposed to do, but doesn’t feel quite as premium as the hardware itself. It works; you can configure everything and it’s perfectly functional. But visually and in terms of ease of use, it all feels a bit dated. Not drastically so, but it’s a bit as if the hardware was made in a modern workshop whilst the software seems to have come straight out of a slightly older toolbox.
The price is still an issue, but mainly because the MagShift is so specialised. I can certainly justify an expensive shifter that you use frequently. An expensive shifter that you only touch once a month because you mainly use paddles is a different matter. Then you have to be honest with yourself. And yes, that’s exactly the moment when sim racers usually become very good at lying to themselves.
Right, that’s a lot of positive things to say. So is there anything negative about the MagShift? Yes, but I have to be honest: I had to look quite hard to find it. Just as with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2, I would have preferred the montagebeugel to be powder-coated black. Especially on a black cockpit like my Sim Lab P1X Ultimate, the shifter would then blend in a bit more seamlessly with the overall look. As it is, the bracket stands out a bit more than necessary. It’s no disaster, mind you. Just one of those details where you think: this could have been done a bit more neatly.
Finally, it isn’t quiet. The clicking sound is part of the shifter’s character, and I personally love it. But if you’re driving late at night in a shared space, someone else might not find it quite so romantic. To you, it sounds like a mechanical experience. To someone on the sofa, it might not sound quite so good.
Other than that, I’ve got little to complain about. The MagShift is minimalist, but not bare-bones. Simple, but not cheap. It doesn’t do much, but what it does, it does convincingly well. And perhaps that’s exactly why it’s so strong.
Who is the Heusinkveld MagShift best suited for?
The MagShift makes particular sense for sim racers who enjoy physical controls. Not just steering, braking and accelerating, but also gear-changing and using the handbrake as part of the rhythm. If you do a lot of rally, rallycross, drifting, touring car racing or classic car racing, this shifter really does add something extra. Not because it suddenly saves you three tenths per lap, but because the car feels more authentic.
The MagShift isn’t the cheapest sequential shifter, but it is one of the most compelling options if you spend a lot of time driving cars where gear changes are a real part of the experience. When combined with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2, it becomes even more impressive.
It also makes perfect sense if you already own or are considering the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2. Together, the combination feels incredibly familiar. Visually, it’s spot on; mechanically, it’s spot on; and when you’re using it, it feels as though both components simply belong side by side. Particularly in rally or drift, that right-hand side of your cockpit suddenly becomes a sort of robust control unit that you no longer even think about. You just use it.
What’s more, the MagShift is ideal for sim racers who like hardware that looks as though it’s actually meant to do something. No sleek design for design’s sake, no unnecessary frills, no busy styling. Just metal, resistance, a solid click and a design that doesn’t try to pretend to be anything else. If that’s your sort of thing, you’ll probably get the MagShift straight away.
Dit is dus geen shifter voor iedereen. Maar voor de juiste setup voelt hij heel logisch. Misschien zelfs té logisch, want dat is precies hoe je jezelf na een paar sessies overtuigt dat de Handbrake er ook naast moet. Of andersom 😉
Who wouldn’t I buy it for?
I wouldn’t buy the MagShift if you mainly drive modern GT3s, prototypes or formula cars. In those cars, paddle shifters are usually more logical, realistic and practical. Of course, you can still use the MagShift in those cases, but you’d mainly be buying it because you enjoy it. That’s fine. But then just call it what it is.
I wouldn’t recommend it either if you’re still in the early stages of setting up your bike. If your cockpit isn’t sturdy enough yet, your pedals don’t feel quite right or your seating position isn’t quite right, there are better places to spend your money. The MagShift is a nice refinement for a fully-fledged setup, not a magic solution for a rig that isn’t quite right yet.
“The MagShift isn’t the sort of product that makes an impression when you unpack it. It makes an impression by the hundredth gear change, when you realise it still feels exactly the same as it did the first time.”
I’d also think twice about it for occasional use. If you only do a rally once a month and otherwise mainly use paddle shifters, this is probably overkill. There are cheaper shifters available that do the job just fine. Less stylish, less robust, less ‘Heusinkveld’, but certainly more sensible. And yes, being sensible can sometimes be a bit of a bore. But your bank balance usually thinks it’s a good idea.
So you don’t buy the MagShift because you “might do a bit more rally driving one day”. We’ve all heard that one. It’s in the same category as “I’m definitely going to sort out my cable management this winter”. Buy it if you know that sequential driving is a regular part of your sim racing routine. Then it’s the right choice. Otherwise, it’s mainly just a very nice shifter waiting for an excuse to be used.
Conclusion: the MagShift stands the test of time because it works as it should
The Heusinkveld MagShift isn’t the sort of shifter that had to win me over with flashy features. It didn’t do that from the very first impression. Instead, it won me over precisely because it felt intuitive straight away. After more than eight weeks of testing it on my own rig, that feeling has remained. In fact, the longer I used it, the clearer it became why this shifter stands out amongst all the hardware I’ve tested so far.
The strength of the MagShift lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t try to be everything. It’s not an H-pattern, not a showpiece, not a multifunctional gimmick, and not a product that seeks to impress with unnecessary complexity. It is a robust sequential shifter that does what it’s supposed to do, with a click that’s physical enough to inspire confidence yet subtle enough not to become irritating.
Combined with the Heusinkveld Handbrake V2, it becomes even more powerful. This combination feels phenomenal in rally and rallycross, because both products share the same industrial, functional and reliable design language. They belong together. Not just because they’re from the same brand, but because they work perfectly in tandem.
Is it for everyone? No. If you mainly drive modern cars with paddle shifters, I’d invest this money elsewhere. If your setup isn’t robust enough yet, I’d start there first. And if you only use sequential shifting now and then, you can find cheaper options. But if you spend a lot of time driving cars where a sequential shifter is a real part of the experience, then the MagShift is one of the most impressive options I’ve tested. Not because it’s the most spectacular, but because even after the hundredth shift, it still inspires exactly the same confidence as it did on the first. The MagShift is impressive. In every respect, really.
Fancy buying a Heusinkveld MagShift?
The Heusinkveld MagShift is particularly appealing if you’re serious about rally, rallycross, drifting, touring car racing or classic cars, and are looking for a sequential shifter that delivers mechanically without any unnecessary fuss. If you already own a Heusinkveld Handbrake V2, the choice becomes even more obvious. The combination feels like a single, robust control unit next to your seat.
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