In the world of simulation racing, precision in braking is key, and one of the fundamental components to achieve that precision is undoubtedly the pedals. Hoan from VNM Simulation has been kind enough to send me a set of their new VNM Lite Pedals to send. Thank you very much for that!

We had the honour of extensively testing and reviewing this pedal set - completely objectively. Among other things, these pedals stand out for their impressive 200kg load cell brake. In this article, I am happy to share my findings and explore how the VNM Lite Pedals compare in the competitive world of simulation racing. Let's dig deeper into it!

VNM Simulation

VNM Simulation is a still young Vietnamese manufacturer of sim racing hardware with a fast-growing reputation. They have made a name for themselves thanks to their high-quality products designed specifically for sim racing enthusiasts. The company stands out for their attention to detail and innovative approach to designing VNM Steering Wheel, VNM Motion System, VNM handbrake, VNM Pedals and other sim racing accessories. VNM Simulation strives to bring realism and top performance to sim racers, making them a reliable choice for anyone looking for high-quality hardware to enhance their virtual racing experience. With a growing community of enthusiastic users, VNM Simulation continues to raise the standard in the world of simulation racing.

Despite their modest size, they have built a strong reputation in the sim racing world in a short time, and they have achieved this through their focus on quality and innovation. This has enabled them to attract the attention and appreciation of sim racers. VNM Simulation has proven that they can compete with established brands and have become a reliable choice for sim racers looking for high-quality sim racing hardware. VNM Simulation's success is a compelling testament to their commitment to providing products that take the virtual racing experience to the next level.

VNM Lite Pedals Packaging & Contents

When unpacking the VNM Lite Pedals, one immediately notices that they were delivered in a simple but very careful packaging. The pedals were securely packed to prevent any damage during transport, which is obviously of great importance. Personally, however, I had hoped for a bit more detailed and eye-catching packaging, similar to what you see, for example, with the Conspit CPP Lite Pedals. While this is not a decisive factor, as the quality and ease of use of the pedals are ultimately what matters most, more attractive packaging can enhance the first impression. Although I understand that, especially from a cost-cutting perspective, this is not the primary focus right now.

Upon opening the box of the VNM Lite Pedals, you will find the following:

• The load cell brake pedal
• The accelerator
• The clutch pedal
• The controller box
• A set of Allen spanners
• An extra set of springs and elastomers
• A USB cable
• Fixing materials, including bolts and screws.

If you're a fan of unboxing videos and can't wait to see what comes out, I definitely recommend watching VNM Simulation's VNM Lite Pedals Unboxing video.

Price of the VNM Lite Pedals

The price of the VNM Lite Pedals is remarkably attractive. For this complete three-piece pedal set, you pay $370, excluding shipping and VAT. For this price, you receive high-quality pedals. Frankly, this is an extremely competitive price for a set of this quality. What makes it even more interesting is that the VNM Lite Pedals are slightly cheaper than their bigger brother, the VNM Pedals V1, which are priced at $550 (also excluding VAT and shipping) on VNM Simulation's official website. This makes the VNM Lite Pedals not only accessible to serious sim racers, but also attractive to those looking for quality without breaking the bank.

Design of the VNM Lite Pedals

The design of the VNM Lite Pedals is downright impressive. The pedals are completely black, which I personally find very cool and stylish looking. They exude a certain robustness and are truly breathtakingly beautiful. The aesthetic aspect has clearly not been overlooked. The VNM Lite Pedals not only look robust and durable, but are also pleasing to the eye. The overall look of their design adds to the overall appeal of this pedal set.

Robust metal construction

What immediately stands out about the VNM Lite Pedals is their robust metal construction. They are made of a combination of powder-coated steel and anodised aluminium. These materials not only ensure durability, but also give the pedals an impressive look.

VNM Lite Pedals: Attention to Details

Upon unpacking the VNM Lite Pedals, it quickly became clear that this pedal set showed promise. The specifications and high-quality construction spoke for themselves. But it is only when you see them in action that you realise the true power of these pedals.

Smooth pedal operation

What really sets these pedals apart is the use of ball bearings for all moving parts. This choice results in incredibly smooth pedal operation, a feature crucial for precision and consistency in the world of sim racing.

Fully customisable

Another notable feature of the VNM Lite Pedals is their full customisability. You have the freedom to adjust the angle and height of the pedals as you wish, allowing you to find the perfect position to suit your unique riding style. Whether you prefer aggressive sprint racing or longer endurance races, these pedals allow you to personalise your riding experience like never before. Comfort and control are paramount during long racing sessions, and these pedals offer both in abundance.

Advanced Sensor Technology & Impressive 200kg Load Cell

What further sets these pedals apart is the use of non-contact angle sensors in both the accelerator and clutch pedals. This results in unparalleled precision and durability, as no weartage occurs. In addition, the brake pedal features an impressive 200kg load cell, providing a very realistic braking experience.

Robust controller box

The attention to detail is also evident in the robust controller box where you connect the pedals and the USB cable. Made of high-quality materials, this box exudes quality and durability. It immediately creates the feeling that you are dealing with a pedal set of outstanding quality - and that is exactly the case. The advanced control software allows you to effortlessly calibrate, set deadzones and adjust travel curves, allowing you to perfectly tune the pedals to your personal preferences and the specific needs of your simulation races.

Easy Installation and Montage of the VNM Lite Pedals

Installing and attaching the VNM Lite Pedals proves to be a piece of cake. With just four screws, you can easily attach the pedals to your simulator. The only drawback I encountered was that the screws and bolts provided were not suitable for montage on my Sim Lab Pedal Slider. A minor setback, but fortunately I had enough fasteners lying around at home to get the job done without any problems.

Connecting the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals to the supplied controller box was particularly smooth. A pleasant bonus is that this controller box is supplied separately, allowing you to neatly hide and mount it in any location.

VNM Simulation Software

It's now time to test these pedals extensively, but before we do that, we're going to calibrate and test the free software download. It is important to install the right drivers and firmware beforehand and calibrate the pedals for an optimal racing experience. The software is pretty basic, but does exactly what it should do and what you can expect from it. Among other things, you can select different presets, as well as set deadzones completely to your liking and calibrate the pedals.

User experience

Over the past few weeks, I have been thoroughly testing the VNM Lite Pedals with various popular sim racing games, and my user experience has been very positive. These pedals offer unprecedented precision and responsiveness, bringing any virtual race to life. Whether it's dosing throttle and braking in a tight turn or feeling in full control at high speeds, the VNM Lite Pedals do not disappoint.

When transitioning to the VNM Lite Pedals, you quickly notice that it takes some time to get used to this new pedal set and adjust it to personal preferences, as is always the case with new pedals. Especially with the impressive 200 kg load cell pedal, I found myself unconsciously setting my braking point too early. This required some time and confidence to get used to, but once I found the right adjustment, I quickly became familiar and was even able to shift my braking point. The pedals proved to be very solid and reliable, making the overall riding experience very enjoyable. They are robust and durable and the pedal pads also feel extremely comfortable and ergonomic. I personally really like the fact that these are wider and is an aspect I missed in the CPP Lite Pedals which I tested recently.

In the standard configuration, the pedals are adjusted quite lightly, which is not ideal for everyone. Personally, I prefer more stiffness and resistance in the pedal, giving you less travel. Fortunately, this is easy to adjust by turning the resistance knobs and I made this adjustment for all three pedals. VNM offers plenty of customisation options to configure the pedals to your liking. In the coming weeks, I will also use the extra springs and elastomer to further optimise the brake pedal.

Despite the solid and robust construction, these pedals feel very refined and comfortable underfoot. The relatively large foot plates distribute pressure evenly across the bottom of your foot, making for an extremely comfortable experience. The throttle pedal performs excellently and offers precise feedback. Both the back pressure and the end stop feel extremely solid. As for the clutch pedal, I have used it relatively little so far but what was noticeable in the default settings is that the pedal does not really spring back when you release the pedal. Increasing the resistance of the spring has reduced this problem somewhat, but unfortunately not completely solved yet.

The user-friendliness of these pedals and the quick familiarity with them are remarkable. This sense of confidence is essential, not only for improving lap times, but also for more consistency on the track. Compared to my familiar Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals, which I had been racing with for several years, the VNM Lite Pedals are definitely not inferior. In fact, I am so satisfied and impressed with these new pedals that I will continue to use them as my primary pedals. And that only makes me all the more curious about how good the VNM Pedals are.

So are there any downsides or peculiarities to mention? Definitely, although I must admit that I really had to search for this. One small point I noticed is the scuffing and squeaking noise sometimes caused by the accelerator pedal's spring or end stop. Fortunately, this is less distracting when racing with a headset.

The Pros and Cons of VNM Lite Pedals

The VNM Lite Pedals have a lot to offer, but as with any product, there are strengths as well as some considerations. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of this pedal set.

The benefits:

1. Excellent value for money: The VNM Lite Pedals offer impressive performance and specifications at a very reasonable price, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced sim racers alike.
2. Ergonomic and Stylish Design: The VNM Lite Pedals are not only performance-oriented, but also have a beautiful and ergonomic design that is both visually and functionally appealing.
3. High-quality sensor technology: The use of non-contact angle sensors and a 200 kg load cell in the brake pedal ensures unparalleled precision and durability, resulting in a realistic racing experience.
4. Full adaptability: The pedals are fully adjustable, allowing you to adjust the angle and height to match your personal preferences, maximising comfort and control.
5. Smooth pedal operation: The use of ball bearings in all moving parts ensures smooth pedal operation, which is crucial for precise sim racing.

The drawbacks:

1. Fasteners: The fasteners provided may not be compatible with all simulation setups, requiring additional purchase.
2. Limited availability: The VNM Lite Pedals can be difficult to obtain due to limited sales channels.
3. Sound problems: I notice that the pedals can occasionally produce a squeaking and creaking sound, which can be a potential inconvenience.

Final verdict VNM Lite Pedals

My introduction to the VNM Lite Pedals exceeded all my expectations. The addition of 'Lite' to the name initially made me think that these pedals might perform less, but nothing could be further from the truth. These pedals have proven to excel in both quality and performance. They are manufactured with attention to detail and exude quality. The use of durable materials and thoughtful design contribute to the overall robustness of these pedals. Consequently, riding the VNM Lite Pedals was a real pleasure from the very first moment. The smooth movement and precise steering made for an enjoyable riding experience. Whether you are a novice simulation racer or a seasoned pro, these pedals are sure to please.

The VNM Lite Pedals offer an unrivalled simulation experience. With their solid construction, smooth operation, advanced sensor technology and customisability, they are an excellent choice for serious sim racers who are looking for top quality, but don't want to pay the top price. It is amazing to experience the braking power and precision with this 200 kg load cell technology.

Unexpectedly High Score

My rating for the VNM Lite Pedals is exceptionally high - an impressive 7.9! This score reflects the exceptional performance of these pedals during my use. Getting to know the VNM Lite Pedals makes me all the more curious about what else VNM Simulations has to offer. Because one thing is for sure; VNM Simulations is without a doubt a manufacturer to keep an eye on and consider.