MOZA HBP Handbrake – Review

MOZA HBP Handbrake – Review

The HBP Handbrake is the newest gadget from MOZA Racing and adds a handbrake to the rapidly expanding range of products by the Chinese manufacturer. For less than 150€, you get a handbrake that can be used standalone or in combination with MOZA’s Wheel Bases.

Ordering and shipping

The handbrake can be purchased directly from MOZA’s shop at a price of 109€. Shipping costs, taxes and customs duties are added here, resulting in a price of around 150€ for buyers from Europe. The handbrake will soon be available at a similar price from various European shops.

The handbrake tested here was provided by MOZA Racing for this review. No conditions were imposed and no influence was exerted at any time.

Scope of delivery

When it comes to the scope of delivery, the package around the HBP Handbrake stands out very positively. Not only are two springs of different hardness and an elastomer included in the scope of delivery, but you also get all the necessary tools, a replacement end stop and two connecting cables:

MOZA itself lists the following components:

• 8*25*30 mm Rubber Spring x1
• Die Spring x1
• 2mm Phillips Screwdriver x1
• Flathead Screwdriver x1
• Type A to Type B Wiring Harness x1
• Wiring Harness x1
• Handbrake User Guide x1
• 2mm L-shaped Wrench x1
• 10mm Open-end Wrench x1
• 4mm Allen Wrench x1
• 2.5mm Allen Wrench x1

Compatibility

MOZA’s handbrake is fully compatible even with third-party systems. It can either be connected directly to the PC with a USB cable (type A to type B) or connected to one of MOZA’s wheel bases. Both cables are included, making the handbrake very universal. Use on a console is not supported.

Software

The handbrake can be operated without additional software and is recognised directly as a game controller by Windows. During the review, a calibrated analogue axis was recognised immediately and, theoretically, it would have been possible to start directly.

However, in Pit House, MOZA’s in-house software, the handbrake can then be adapted to your own needs and various settings can be made. You have the choice between operation as an analogue axis and operation as a button (a few simulations only support the latter). In addition, you can select various predefined curves in the axle mode, which you can further customise.

You can also (re)calibrate the handbrake in the Pit House, which can be done in a few seconds. Here you can also shorten the range if necessary.

Materials

In terms of material selection, the HBP Handbrake surprises all along the line. Apart from the injection-moulded housing for the circuit board, aluminium was used, which MOZA itself describes like this:

The whole body is CNC machined using aviation-grade aluminum with an anodized finish. It is wear-resistant, sturdy, and durable.

MOZA Racing

In fact, it is very well made. There were no material defects on the review sample and the surface was also flawless throughout. MOZA uses a good portion of Loctite for the screws. It is important to be careful here, especially when loosening the small screws for the cover, to avoid damaging them.

Mounting and settings

MOZA has provided holes on the underside for mounting. There is a small hole at each corner, while a larger hole (maximum M6) is provided centrally at both ends for mounting. These are sufficient to easily attach the handbrake to an aluminium profile, for example.

Alternatively, and primarily intended for mounting on a desk, MOZA offers a Handbrake / Shifter Table Clamp (see photo), which ensures a secure hold with two screw clamps.

You can then choose between three different configurations to adjust the strength of the handbrake to your own needs. To do this, loosen the four screws on the cover and then remove the spring holder, which is also attached to the side with four screws. Then you can replace the yellow spring, which is installed at the beginning, with either the somewhat harder blue spring or the elastomer with spacers.

There are also various options for the lever and its replaceable handle (made of solid aluminium, threaded). Here you can adjust both the angle and the height in the upright position. Alternatively, the lever can be turned 90 degrees and installed like a classic handbrake.

Driving impression

The handbrake does its job absolutely reliably and without fuss. Due to the solid construction, there is very little flex and lateral play is also no problem. Of course, the angle sensor used does not match the feel of a hydraulic handbrake, but this is also in a completely different price range. Thanks to the various setting options, you can quickly find the right setup for you; here, the best results were achieved with the blue spring.

The angle sensor was also convincing in the test, a load cell was not missed in practical use.

— Video to follow —

Conclusion

The HBP Handbrake from MOZA is an absolute recommendation for handbrakes up to 200€. Everything about it is spot on: the design and materials are just as convincing as the scope of delivery and adjustment options. The simple and intuitive software and the good price/performance ratio complete the positive impression. For a price of less than 150€, you certainly won’t go wrong here and can purchase it without hesitation.